Dear Somerville Family,
🏫 Somerville Schools: Building on Progress
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come — and where we’re heading together. This year’s district goals are focused and one year in scope.
Academic Achievement Goal: By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, we will increase student proficiency of meeting or exceeding expectations on NJSLA by 3%.
Tier 1 Data-Based Decision Making: By the end of the 2025-2026 school year all staff will build their capacity to implement high-quality tier 1 framework.
Culture and Climate Goal: To implement an empirically supported third party assessment that will provide information leading to continuous enhancement of school climate and culture.
The Board of Education will begin a process to select a facilitator for a 2026–2027 strategic planning initiative, which will result in a long-range plan for our district. This work will bring students, staff, families, and community members together to create a shared vision for Somerville’s future.
📚 Keeping You Informed: Academic Progress and Next Steps
As shared in my last newsletter, we remain committed to keeping our community informed about student learning and progress. At the October 14th Board of Education meeting, we reviewed our district’s performance on the 2024–2025 NJSLA assessments administered last spring. While we continue working toward our ultimate goal of ensuring all students perform on grade level, this year’s results are encouraging—Somerville students are narrowing achievement gaps and surpassing state averages in academic growth. To build on this momentum and advance our district goals, each school is focusing on targeted strategies:
VDV: Academic coaching and universal literacy screening for all K–5 students.
SMS: Expanded intervention lab periods, a morning writing lab, and increased interdisciplinary co-planning.
SHS: New lab classes in Math and ELA, continued after-school support, and additional in-school core support.
Districtwide: Teacher training in early literacy development, the use of data teams to guide instruction, and targeted professional development opportunities.
♥️ Week of Respect Recap
Our district recently celebrated the Week of Respect with a range of meaningful, age-appropriate activities across all schools. Additionally Dr. Tanya McDonald, Mrs. Ashley Joshi, Dr. Helena “Ellie” Sroczynski, and Ms. Lauren Robson presented Somerville Schools Anti-Bullying & Self Assessment Report at our most recent Board of Education Meeting.
Students participated in initiatives centered on social and emotional learning (SEL), emphasizing kindness, empathy, and inclusivity.
These activities aim to create a positive school environment and help prevent bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
By focusing on SEL, we’re reinforcing key values that contribute to a more supportive and respectful community for all students.
🏅 Stay Updated
Check out our website for the latest on school events and programs. You can also find our sports schedules and follow us on social media for real-time updates:
District Website
Referendum Updates
Sports Schedules
Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram
Looking forward to more great weeks ahead!
Warm regards,
Gary Lubisco, Jr.
Superintendent
