FAIR HAVEN: ‘TRANSITION’ CUSTOM ROLLS ON

Sep 4, 2020

Delayed three months by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fair Haven’s ‘Transition Day’ rolled down Third Street Thursday afternoon.

As per custom in the borough, where an estimated 75 percent of kids regularly bike to school, a group of rising fifth-graders and teachers from the Knollwood Middle School rode across town to Viola Sickles elementary. There, they picked up the incoming fourth-grade class and rode back, parade-style, for an orientation.

Along the way, the riders – including a suit-wearing Superintendent Sean McNeil – were cheered and showered with streamers and confetti.

“It’s the best,” McNeil told redbankgreen. “I think this was exactly what we needed right now, because everybody’s got these tricky school openings, and so it’s nice to get to a place of normalcy and remember what we’re doing this for.”

See more photos below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

September 4, 2020 - 6:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN: KNOLLWOOD’S ROLLING SEND-OFF

Jun 3, 2020

Rory Buckley, a member of the eighth-grade class at Fair Haven’s Knollwood School, received her diploma at home Wednesday as part of a multi-day, rolling graduating ceremony.

June 3, 2020 - 2:30 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: KNOLLWOOD HONORS VETERANS

Nov 11, 2019

Knollwood School students line the hallway to welcome special Veterans Day honorees. Ray Taylor, World War II veteran, stops to say thank you. (Fair Haven Public Schools)

(Fair Haven schools press release)

Current students were not enrolled when Knollwood School in Fair Havenb established the Wall of Honor as a way to recognize alumni who joined the Armed Forces. None were alive when the Gulf War broke out. Few students know the origin of the common peace sign, understand the war-related significance of poppies, or deeply appreciate the way “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” evolved to become Veterans Day.

November 11, 2019 - 6:22 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: VOTERS APPROVE SCHOOLS PLAN

Sep 24, 2019

An addition to the Sickles School will create room for all-day kindergarten. (Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Fair Haven voters overwhelmingly approved a $15.6 million plan to create classrooms and improve security at the borough’s two schools in a special election Tuesday.

September 24, 2019 - 8:46 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: VOTERS TO DECIDE $15.6M PLAN

Sep 24, 2019

Architectural renderings of the proposed additions to the Knollwood School (above) and Sickles School. (Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Fair Haven residents are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a $15.6 million plan to create classrooms and improve security at the borough’s two schools.

But first, they’ve got to go to the right polling station.

September 24, 2019 - 6:20 am |

FAIR HAVEN: $15.6M SCHOOLS PLAN UNVEILED

May 22, 2019

New classroom space and other facilities, shown in blue, would be built on a vacant lot adjoining the Sickles School, said Superintendent Sean McNeil, below. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

By JOHN T. WARD

Fair Haven residents would get classrooms to allow for full-day kindergarten as well as improved security under a $15.6 million plan officials unveiled Wednesday.

The typical homeowner would also get a tax increase of as much as $566 per year if a public referendum on the plan passes muster with voters in September.

May 22, 2019 - 12:00 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: BOY ON BIKE STRUCK BY VEHICLE

Oct 25, 2018

The accident occurred on Hance Road near Forman Street, just a few blocks north of the Knollwood School, according to a passerby. (Image from Google Maps. Click to enlarge.)

A Fair Haven child on a bicycle suffered “significant” but non-life-threatening injuries when struck by a vehicle shortly after dismissal from school Thursday, officials said.

The unidentified nine-year-old boy, a student at the Knollwood School on Hance Road, appeared to have been hit by a van that remained at the scene of crash, on Hance near Forman Street, a passerby told redbankgreen.

October 25, 2018 - 9:04 pm |

FAIR HAVEN: A GALLERY OF FUTURE ARTISTS

May 4, 2017

A large crowd of visitors admired an array of art created by students in grades K through 8 at Sickles and Knollwood Schools at the April 25 Fair Haven School District Art Show.

The event was organized by borough art teachers RoseAnn LaBrocca, Jessica Data and Chris Dudick.

Above, Sickles School first-grader Jude Burkhardt and third-grader Brody Burkhardt with Brody’s mixed-media painting. At right, Sickles School third-grader Celia Cope and her mom Carolyn admire Celia’s “Kitty Kitty Love” papier-mâché creation.

May 4, 2017 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN KIDS MEET THE AUTHOR

Apr 11, 2017

Children’s author Patricia Polacco with Sickles School third graders during her recent visit to the Fair Haven School District.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

She is the writer and illustrator of over 115 books, including Keeping Quilt, Babushka’s Doll, The Dream Keeper, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, Chicken Sunday (a 1994 President’s Commendation Medal winner), and Welcome Comfort. Her Thank You Mr. Falker was awarded the 1999 Best Book Award by the Association of Dyslexic and Learning Disabled Readers — and in 2013, the Library of Congress and the President of the United States recognized her book Pink and Say as one of the best books written for children in the past 100 years.

A wish came true last week, when New York Times bestselling children’s book author Patricia Polacco paid a special two-day visit to the Fair Haven school district.

Students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at Knollwood School spent quality time with the author during presentations on April 3, while Polacco’s visit to Viola L. Sickles School on April 4 included lunch with two students chosen by lottery from each third grade class, along with their teachers.

April 11, 2017 - 5:00 am |

YA AUTHOR VISITS FAIR HAVEN SCHOOL

Apr 7, 2017

Press release from Fair Haven School District

On March 27, award-winning Young Adult fiction author Jordan Sonnenblick visited Knollwood School, and made presentations to students in sixth through eighth grades.

Sonnenblick is well-known for exploring the complicated themes of friendship, family, and real- life tragedy while still managing to be hilariously funny. His books convey a genuine understanding of life as a teenager. Titles include Zen and the Art of Faking It, Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip, Are You Experienced? and Falling Over Sideways.

After Ever After, the sequel to Sonnenblick’s Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, was the 2011 Middle Grades winner of the American Library Association’s Children’s Literature Award.

April 7, 2017 - 5:01 am |

FAIR HAVEN 7TH GRADER SPELLS VICTORY

Feb 10, 2017

Knollwood School Spelling Bee winner PJ Rawlins is pictured with Superintendent Sean McNeil and Principal Amy Romano.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

PJ Rawlins has been announced as winner of the Annual Spelling Bee held at Knollwood School in Fair Haven on January 31. The seventh grader correctly spelled the word “feckless” to claim first place in the school-wide competition for students in fourth through eighth grade.

Competing along with PJ were eighth grader Alex Fratto, sixth grader Will Ross, fifth grader Michael DeFazio, and fourth grader Kate Cusick.

February 10, 2017 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN: BE OUR GUEST AT SCHOOL SHOW

Feb 6, 2017

Press release from Fair Haven School District

On the evening of Thursday, March 2, the All Purpose Room at Fair Haven’s Knollwood School will be the setting for a special one-night-only production of the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Designed for middle-school aged performers, the 60-minute musical is based on the 1994 Broadway production, and Disney’s 1991 animated feature film. The sixth, seventh, and eighth grade cast contains approximately forty students.

February 6, 2017 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN: STOP-IT COP STOPS AT SCHOOL

Dec 6, 2016

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Sergeant Tom Rich, an internationally recognized internet safety expert known as the STOPit Cop,” shared his message with students and parents at Knollwood School on November 29.

At two daytime rallies for students (in grades 4 and 5, and grades 6 through 8) – as well as an evening session aimed at adults – Sergeant Rich (pictured) shared the consequences of misusing technology, social media, and popular apps such as Snapchat and Yik Yak. Using his own cell phone and an interactive presentation, he demonstrated how students can make their devices safer, during the presentations that were made possible by the Fair Haven PTA.

December 6, 2016 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN KIDS INSPIRED BY ‘LEAD U’ VETS

Nov 16, 2016

Knollwood School students learned about leadership and the sacrifices made by U.S. veterans at the Lead U assembly featuring (left to right) Bill Gaskins, JD Wilson, and Dan Effenberger.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Recently, grade 4-8 students at Knollwood School in Fair Haven got a first-person perspective on life as a member of the U.S. armed forces, during a “Lead U” assembly in the school auditorium.

Created earlier this year by JD Wilson — an Air Force veteran and former classroom teacher — the “Lead U” program is designed to empower students to embrace their leadership potential. The assembly at Knollwood featured Wilson and fellow Air Force veteran Bill Gaskins, as well as Lead U co- founder Dan Effenberger. Held a few days in advance of the Veteran’s Day holiday, the presentation focused on qualities of leadership, respect for veterans, and the many sacrifices associated with deployment.

November 16, 2016 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN MARINE MAKES WALL OF HONOR

Oct 5, 2016

Knollwood School graduate Joseph McGovern Jr.,USMC is pictured with his parents Joseph Sr. and Theresa, after the ceremonial unveiling of his photo on the school’s “Wall of Honor.”

Press release from Fair Haven School District

A ceremony was held on September 26 to honor Joseph (Joe) McGovern Jr., who graduated eighth grade at Knollwood School in Fair Haven in 2012. Joe’s photo has been added to the school’s “Wall of Honor” display featuring graduates who are proudly serving their country in the armed forces.

October 5, 2016 - 5:00 am |

CLEAN WATER EVENTS IN FAIR HAVEN, RUMSON

Oct 3, 2016

Cindy Zipf is pictured addressing a crowd at Rumson’s Bingham Hall on recent pollution issues in the Navesink River. The Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action returns to the borough on October 18, for a free public lecture event sponsored by the Rumson Garden Club.

From press materials furnished by Rumson Garden Club; Monmouth Conservation Foundation

The middle of October will see two free public-welcome discussions — one in Rumson, one in Fair Haven — that aim to furnish the public with updated information on the effort to address the pollution problem in the Navesink River, as well as provide tips on ways that individual residents and business owners can pitch in to help improve the quality of our area’s waterways.

On the morning of Tuesday, October 18, the Rumson Country Club is the setting for a special lecture entitled “Watershed Mindfulness: We Are All Connected to the Sea;” presented by Rumson Garden Club and featuring as guest speaker Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of the Sandy Hook-based nonprofit Clean Ocean Action (COA).

October 3, 2016 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN KIDS CELEBRATE TRANSITION DAY

Jun 17, 2016

It’s an “enduring and endearing tradition” that scores of Fair Haven students have participated in throughout the years — and this past Monday, the third graders at Viola L. Sickles School hopped onto their bicycles or boarded the “big red trolley” as they celebrated their move to nearby Knollwood School during Transition Day. A song and memory-filled Parent Show, an informative tour of their new school, and a special performance by members of the Knollwood glee club, band and orchestra were enjoyed by the incoming fourth graders, with the highlight of the day the traditional rolling journey that saw the kids cheered on by district administrators, eighth grade peer leaders and teachers from both schools.

June 17, 2016 - 5:01 am |

1ST PLACE SPELL FOR FAIR HAVEN 5TH GRADER

Feb 3, 2016

Knollwood School fifth-grader Jacob Brown, claimed first place in the school’s Annual Spelling Bee on January 26, with his correct spelling of the word “nonplus.” The ten year old son of Melanie and Jason Brown competed against grade-level spelling champs Aaron Bernstein (8th grade), Alex Fratto (7th grade), PJ Rawlins (6th grade), and Sammi Samuels (4th grade). Next up for Jacob is county-level competition in the Regional Spelldown, held March 14 at Monmouth University.

February 3, 2016 - 5:01 am |

FAIR HAVEN SOLDIER MAKES WALL OF HONOR

Dec 21, 2015

From left, Joe Perrotto and Denise, Stefani, and Charlie Sciametta at the ceremony marking the unveiling of Anthony Sciametta’s photo (top center) on the Knollwood School “Wall of Honor.”

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Anthony Sciametta, a 2011 graduate of Knollwood School in Fair Haven, has joined the special “ranks” of those commemorated with a photo on the “Wall of Honor.”

Commissioned and designed in 2011 to honor graduates serving their country in the armed forces, the “Wall of Honor” is featured in a main hallway at Knollwood School. Anthony’s photo was unveiled at a ceremony held on the afternoon of December 16.

A 2015 graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, where he ran four seasons of Cross Country track and was named Captain of the team as a senior, Anthony received the “U.S. Army Top Future Soldier Award” as Central Jersey’s most outstanding recruit. Anthony enlisted in the Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in 2015 during his senior year at RFH, and graduated from Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA on December 11, in the presence of his parents Denise and Charlie and his twin sister Stefani. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, First Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Drum, NY and traveled there immediately after his graduation.

December 21, 2015 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN ENVISIONS FUTURE OF SCHOOLS

Dec 8, 2015

Fair Haven Police Sergeant Jesse Dykstra, Knollwood School eighth grader Joey Laughinghouse and Sickles School Library Media Services Specialist June Sustick discuss goals for the future of the school district.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Fair Haven community members collaborated in a unique way at a recent Strategic Planning Workshop tied to the future success of the school district. The workshop entitled “Defining Action Steps” was held on December 1 at Knollwood School, and facilitated by Dr. Charles Ivory and Dr. Gerard Woehr of the nonprofit Education Information and Resource Center (EIRC).

December 8, 2015 - 5:00 am |

AN EXPEDITION FOR FAIR HAVEN KIDS

Nov 27, 2015

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Thanks to a partnership between Google and the Fair Haven School District, students from Viola L. Sickles and Knollwood Schools enjoyed a recent a “virtual reality” field trip experience, courtesy of an event showcasing Google Expeditions. The schools were among the first chosen for beta testing, from a wait list of approximately 6,500 schools.

Google Expeditions associates visited both schools on November 17 to introduce Expeditions to students in grades one through eight. Expeditions is a program that Google has created — using a cardboard viewing device, smartphones, and the Google Expeditions app — to create a virtual experience of places and activities. Google views Expeditions as the “next level” in learning, since students can actively engage in the lesson.

November 27, 2015 - 5:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN KIDS TAKE PART IN MAKER FAIRE

Nov 16, 2015

Fair Haven School District EdTech Coach Chris Aviles joined students from Knollwood School in a “Maker Faire” event at Barnes and Noble in Eatontown.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Recently, a group of eight students from Knollwood School joined Chris Aviles, EdTech Coach for the Fair Haven School District, in a special “Maker Faire” event that allowed participants an opportunity to experience some of the latest trends in 3D printing, robotics, coding, and more.

The event, held at the Barnes and Noble Booksellers location in Eatontown, took place between November 6-8. Event sponsors included such tech companies as Ozobot, SPRK, and Protocol.

Barnes and Noble representatives invited Aviles and his students to participate during an “Innovation Lab” program offered to fifth and sixth graders at Knollwood School. The EdTech Coach agreed, and on November 7 the eight Knollwood students helped facilitate two hands-on workshops — a “Little Makers” session for ages 5 and up, and “Junior Makers” for ages 8 and up — that allowed youngsters to explore the creation of structures using Lego brand building materials.

November 16, 2015 - 5:01 am |

FAIR HAVEN MARKS A WEEK OF RESPECT

Oct 15, 2015

Laraine Gaunt holds up the letter “R” for respect while addressing Sickles School students, as Principal Cheryl Cuddihy looks on.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

During the week of october 5 through 9, Fair Haven schools marked a state-mandated “Week of Respect” with meaningful activities and new initiatives designed to encourage kindness and acceptance.

Sickles School welcomed Laraine Gaunt on Monday for an official kickoff of the new yearlong campaign, “It’s OK 2B Different.” Gaunt, an educator whose grown children had attended Sickles School, helped to create the program. She spoke to students in Pre-Kindergarten through third grade classes about the importance of respect.

“Treat others the way you want to be treated,” Gaunt told the students. “Be a buddy, not a bully, and you will soon learn everything it takes to be a good friend.”

“It’s OK 2B Different” is based on the premise that teaching young children respect for individuals (even the bully) will promote understanding and tolerance before bias, hate, and prejudice can occur. “The color of love is always the same in the eyes of a child …” is the philosophy behind the program, which received its official start at Sickles School in 1978, when it was written and introduced by the school’s administration, teachers, and parents.

October 15, 2015 - 6:00 am |

FAIR HAVEN HARVEST FEST A SUCCESS

Oct 9, 2015

From left, Harvest Fest Co-Chairs Christine Hayden and Kim Kennedy and Sickles School Nurse Nora Navarro and her daughter Sophie display information and ideas for the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Saturday, October 3 came in on a wave of coastal flood warnings and hurricane trackings — but despite having to relocate from its usual out-of-doors venue to the All Purpose Room of Knollwood School, The Fair Haven School District’s annual “Harvest Fest” was once again a resounding success. And on an autumn afternoon more soggy than crisp, the inclement weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of volunteers or attendees at the fundraiser for the Fair Haven Parent Teacher Association.

Harvest Fest 2015 featured a plethora of games, a pumpkin decorating contest, and exciting live performances. Refreshments available for purchase included soup and sandwiches from BFF Market in Fair Haven. Seed to Sprout, a new Fair Haven eatery, generously donated cookies to the bake sale, which also featured homemade baked goods.

Approximately 100 parent and school-age volunteers (from seventh grade through high school) kept the action going for the large crowd. PTA Co-Chairs for this year’s Harvest Fest were Christine Hayden and Kim Kennedy.

October 9, 2015 - 6:01 am |

FAIR HAVEN TO HOST PLANNING WORKSHOPS

Sep 25, 2015

Knollwood School is the place, and October 7 the date for “Fair Haven Pride,” the first of four public-welcome workshops in the borough’s Vision 2020 strategic planning initiative.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

The Fair Haven School District will host a series of four workshops to elicit suggestions from the community as it embarks on “Fair Haven Vision 2020,” a 2015-2020 strategic planning initiative. The first workshop, “Fair Haven Pride,” is scheduled for October 7 from 7 to 8:30 pm, and will be hosted in the all-purpose room at Knollwood School All-Purpose Room.

Additional 7 pm workshops are scheduled to take place at Knollwood School on November 11 at 7 pm (“The Vision”), on December 1 (“Defining Action Steps”), and on January 21, 2016 (“Data Night”). Each will adhere to a strict 90-minute time-frame, and those wishing to participate are not required to attend all four workshops.

“Our district’s goal is to engage school employees, parents, students, community members, business owners, and government leaders in the plans being made for the future of our school system,” said Fair Haven School District Superintendent Nelson Ribon. “I encourage attendance at any or all of these workshops, where we hope to engage the entire community in an important conversation about the needs and expectations of our schools.”

September 25, 2015 - 6:00 am |

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