We’re always thankful for our outstanding principals!
Since October is National Principals Month, it’s the perfect time to give a shout out to Mr. Mazzuca and Mr. Firetto! Your hard work and dedication to our students’ education makes all the difference!
#NationalPrincipalsMonth
Over the Columbus Day weekend our Central Regional Marching Eagles and JROTC Golden Eagle Battalion wowed the crowds with their performance in the parade on October 13.
Look at our young Golden Eagles soar in Seaside Heights!
T-Mobile Check at Homecoming Game
November may mark the season of giving, but this week Central is feeling the love from members of the community and beyond! At our recent homecoming football game, T-Mobile presented Superintendent CRY with a check for $1000! The T-Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights check is given out to districts across the country to help them empower their students and provide additional resources to their schools.
Q: How long have you served on the Board of Education?
A: I have served on the Central Regional School Board of Education since 2016.
Q: What do you do professionally?
A: I was a police officer for 32 years. I retired two years ago from the Berkeley Township Police Department as a Captain. I was also a past PBA and SOA President. I am currently working part-time for the Berkeley Township Police Department as an Emergency Response Specialist.
Q: Do you have children and what are their names and grades?
A: My wife Sherry and I have been married for 28 years. We have two children. They both graduated from Central, as did my wife and I. Our son Shawn is 26. He is an engineer for Amtrak. Our daughter Alexis is 24. She is an occupational therapist.
Q: Why did you run for the Board of Education?
A: While my children were still in school, I attended several School Board meetings. I felt that with my background and experiences, I could be an asset to the school district.
Q: What committees do you serve on?
A: Over the past eight years, I have been a part of the Finance/Special
Board of Education Member Profile October Spotlight: Board of Education
Vice President George Dohn
Initiatives, Building and Grounds, Policy and Security committees.
Q: How have you helped make a difference at CRSD?
A: While on the various committees and with the help of my fellow Board members, we have most recently improved our technology as well as provided one-to-one Chromebooks. We upgraded our fire alarm and phone systems and added new lighting to the football field. We also received a Rod grant to replace our HVAC roof units. Furthermore, we added additional security guards, security cameras, keyless entry, and installed 3M protective film on the first floor of both schools.
Q: What are your top priorities for the 2024-25 school year?
A: As a school board member, my priorities for the 2024-2025 school year are focused on continuing to make our district a safe and positive place for students and faculty. Ensuring safety is at the top of my list, in order to maintain a secure environment where everyone can thrive.
I'm also incredibly excited about the implementation of the Jostens Renaissance Framework, a key initiative our new Superintendent is spearheading. This program has the potential to truly transform the climate and culture in our schools, and I am proud to support its rollout. Creating a more positive, inclusive, and engaged environment for our students is a priority we all share, and I’m confident this initiative will make a meaningful difference.
Additionally, I’m proud that we have completed the District’s 5-year strategic plan, which
provides a clear roadmap for school improvement. These goals will guide our efforts and ensure we stay focused on driving progress and achieving success for our district. Together, with a focus on safety, culture, and strategic improvement, we are set to make significant strides in the coming year.
Q: What town do you live in?
A: My family moved to Bayville in 1971 so that I could begin kindergarten at the Bayville School. I have lived in Bayville ever since. I am a 1984 Central Regional graduate.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you?
A: I have a strong understanding, and I value the importance of volunteering within our community. I have devoted my life to serving the residents of Berkeley Township since I was 19 years old. In addition to my time spent on the School Board, I am in my 24th year as Chief of the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company. I have a total of 39 years of service with the fire department. I have also been a member of the Berkeley Township Emergency Response Haz Mat Team for 34 years. In addition, I joined the Office of Emergency Management back in 1986 and have held the positions of Radiological Officer and Deputy Coordinator. Currently, I am the acting Coordinator with the Office of Emergency Management. Ultimately, serving my community is my passion. I am enjoying my time and positions on the school board. I am very dedicated, and I will continue to devote my time to this town.
Science Students Spruce Up Campus
Central Regional students in Ms. Christine Ryan’s Cleanup Crew (or first and second period science classes) took some time earlier this month to take pride in the appearance of our campus by picking up trash and recyclables. Ms. Ryan praised her students’ efforts and said that many staff noticed the difference.
Central Regional High School JROTC Honors Local Veterans at Run For The Fallen
On September 28, Central Regional Golden Eagle Battalion JROTC cadets participated in the 17th Annual New Jersey Run For The Fallen to honor and remember all those who have paid for our nation's Freedom with the ultimate sacrifice.
Class of 1974 Donation
The Class of 1974, represented by Jeffrey Connell, presented an almost $1030 check to CRHS Principal Angello Mazzuca to be used towards the Week of Respect.
Cadets lined the Central Regional High School walkway near the campus flagpole and memorial, saluting the runners when they arrived with the American Flag. They listened as the runners gathered around the flagpole and performed a small ceremony for their fallen comrades.
After the ceremony, the cadets listened to a story from a family of CRHS alumni who had fallen in war and were thanked by other attendees. It was an unforgettable moment, as the cadets recognized the sacrifice made by our military and their families.
“There's
no place like Central…..”
After September’s newsletter looked at many of our Central Regional staffulty and their charity work, we asked some of them what it is about Central’s environment that supports such a giving and supportive climate.
“There is no place like Central” is the theme for the 2024-25 school year at the Central Regional School District, which is reflected in the district’s culture that encourages and supports volunteerism.
While many Central Regional staff spend their hours outside of school coaching sports, advising clubs and grading papers, some staff also spend their remaining free time by volunteering or working with various charities.
“Central Regional is a very special place,” noted Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder. “Many of our staff and faculty spend their time trying to improve the lives of other people. This culture created by our staff is also handed down to our students, to our clubs and sports teams, which also host fundraisers and spend time helping others.”
"Central Regional has always asked me, 'What can we do to support you?'; whether it be hosting jeans days in the high school, allowing me to visit the kids during the school year, or donating clothing and medical supplies,” said CRHS teacher Dan Torsiello, who started the Kivu Foundation which helps school children and their families in one of the poorest regions in the Democratic Republic of Congo in
Africa. “The kids even get involved by buying bags of chips and snacks that serve as donations."
Football and winter and spring track coach Bill Kvalheim, who started Tackle Depression with his wife Ciara Kvalheim, Central’s head lacrosse coach, said Central goes out of its way to support others. “The Central Regional School District is committed to providing a comprehensive and enriching learning environment for students,” Kvalheim said. “CRSD strives to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world. The district prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages student engagement, community and volunteerism.”
“There's no place like…..CRMS!”
By Gabby Z.
If you didn't know already, each hall was given a team! Specifically, a character from the Wizard of Oz.
DOROTHY - CITIZENSHIP AND FAMILY
SCARECROW - KNOWLEDGE
LION - COURAGE
TIN MAN - COMPASSION
Hopefully, you've seen the movie The Wizard of Oz . Though, it's an older movie, so it's understandable if you haven't watched it. Here's a little summary of it:
Dorothy and her dog, Toto, end up being swept away by a twister into the Land of Oz. As they venture through the unfamiliar land to try and get home, they learn that she cannot leave unless she defeats the Wicked Witch of
the West. Along the journey the two meet new friends. Scarecrow, wanting a brain. Tinman, who wants a heart, and the Lion, who wants to have bravery. But basically the lesson of the whole movie is that 'there's no place like home'. Each character learns a lot when on their adventure to get Dorothy home. Dorothy learns how much she should value her family and friends. The Scarecrow figures out he's able to be smart, even if he thinks he doesn't have a brain. Tinman learns how to love and care for others, using his heart. And the Lion becomes brave and finds courage in himself. Which is why each character stands for what they do.
Pretty cool, right? Have you seen all the decorations around the school? They revolve around the movie, which was probably obvious by now. I hope this gave you an idea of what our theme is this year, and maybe make you interested in watching the movie for yourself!
Marine Science students dive into ocean plastic problem
Students in Marine Science teacher Jen Haines’ class are learning about the problem of plastic in the ocean. They recently visited Seaside Heights to collect plastic debris on the beach. This picture shows them analyzing the rubbish by size and color. Afterward, they added their data to a shared spreadsheet and discussed the trends they observed.
Central Regional Athletics
Baseball Team Supports Berkeley Little League
The Central Regional Baseball Program is hitting it out of the park with their latest community service initiative at the Berkeley Little League complex!
Players and coaches have come together to spruce up the fields, fix up some landscaping, and help reorganize the indoor practice facility, said Coach Michael Puglisi. “This initiative not only enhances the facilities for future generations of Berkeley ballplayers but also fosters a spirit of teamwork and community pride,” he said. “With a shared love for the game, the Central Regional Baseball Program is making a positive impact, showing that baseball is about more than just winning—it's about giving back!"
Central Regional Clubs
Enjoy Play60 program at
Special Olympics
The high school and middle school Unified Clubs had the opportunity to travel to Special Olympics New Jersey for the NFL Play60 program where they played football with Eli Manning. They ran plays, caught touchdown passes with him, and participated in a variety of football drills. Then they had the opportunity to meet Eli, take pictures with him, and get his autograph. It was an awesome experience for our students.
For all things athletics, remember to subscribe to Channel 21 on YouTube!
100th Career victory for Coach Erin Leonard (Girls Tennis)
On Monday September 30, Girls Tennis Coach Erin Leonard picked up her 100th career win as the team defeated Triton in the first round of the NJSIAA girls tennis tournament. This win was extra special as we also celebrated our five seniors on Senior Day.
During Coach Leonard’s tenure, her teams won their division and the Ocean County team tournament in 2019 and reclaimed the division title again in 2020.
Rescue Team Visits CRMS
The Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Squad 86 (known as BTUSAR) made an educational presentation to Central Regional Middle School students on October 18.
The volunteer organization partners with K9 units, EMS and other community service groups to enhance public safety in New Jersey. The team specializes in underwater search and rescue operations and has been serving the community for more than 45 years.
“Hold On, I’m Coming” helped Hurricane Helene victims
CRHS wilderness teacher Mark Haug, who also coaches the girls’ volleyball team and lost his home in Ocean Gate to Hurricane Sandy, recently returned from several days in Vidalia, Georgia, where he helped those affected by Hurricane Helene with his charity “Hold On, I’m Coming.”
Haug took a trailer full of supplies including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and hand sanitizer to Vidalia and distributed them. He also served hotdogs, potato chips, cookies, granola bars, and other non-perishables, and offered hot coffee and cold water to those in need. When he ran out of supplies, he quickly replenished and served more people. His efforts in Georgia helped more than 3,500 people and were recently featured in the Asbury Park Press on October 1 and October 7, on News12 New Jersey and NJ Spotlight/PBS News.
Haug said he cannot believe how many friends he has made all over the country and thanks the district for supporting him and his charity. “The support and donations have been overwhelming and amazing,” he said. “After this trip we will have aided over 7,500 people.”
Soon after Haug returned from his trip, Hurricane Milton hit, but an exhausted Haug said he would support a friend traveling down to Florida to help others and would try to make the next one.
Golden eaGle of the Month - october: Patrick florek
Let’s hear it for Golden Eagle of the Month, Patrick Florek! Patrick is an accomplished student athlete and captain of the ice hockey team whose sportsmanship on the ice and charitable giving off it, demonstrates why he’s one of our October Golden Eagles.
Beyond sports, Patrick has actively contributed to various charitable events, including building oyster beds through Rink2Reef, skating with special needs children, and delivering Christmas gifts to children at the Battered Women’s Shelter.
To top it all off he’s an academic ace with the highest GPA on the team for two years running. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars.
He plans on using his smarts and leadership skills to open his own electrical company one day after an apprenticeship and attending school for business management and finance. We can’t wait to see you soar, Patrick!
Central Regional School District
As part of its plan to improve safety for all students and staff at Central Regional School District, Survival+ For Schools staff trained about 150 faculty and staff on the use of the wound kits at the district earlier this month.
The staff had already completed the first portion of the training online before taking the class on October 18. Training participants will receive their Certificates of Completion from the program developed by the American College of Surgeons in the next few weeks.
The special 45-minute training course was scheduled for small groups both at the high school and at the middle school. The wound kits and training are part of the district’s partnership with Survival+ For Schools, a not-forprofit.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder, who has made student and staff safety a top priority since starting in the district in January, said she wanted to train staff on how to use the 40 kits that have been purchased so far and placed throughout the district’s two schools. Her goal is to raise enough money to purchase a kit for every classroom and high traffic areas including gymnasiums and auditoriums, she said.
“My goal is to make sure that all of our faculty are properly trained on the use of the supplies in the kit in the event of an emergency,” she said. “I want to get as many of our staff trained as soon as possible.”
To raise the remaining $38,000 to purchase more kits, the district is asking parents and supporters to donate on a secure page of the district's website: https://www.centralreg.k12.nj.us/article/1559322
Trained Staff on Safety Kit Use
Survival+ For Schools Founder Stewart Krentzman said that first responder and a member of the Survival+ team, Robert Baran, Director of Emergency Services in Manchester, and his team donated their time to train the staff at Central Regional. All monies raised by Survival+ as part of the fundraiser will go directly to Central Regional for the safety kits.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder for her unwavering determination to advance the program,” Krentzman said. “I also want to thank Bobby Baran and his team for generously volunteering their time on a Friday to conduct the training. We all hope they never have to use their new skills and kits, but they now have them just in case the unthinkable happens!”
So far, Make Our Schools Safe, founded by the family
of Alyssa Alhadeff following her death in the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, donated $10,000 to purchase safety kits and Baran has offered to donate his time for the training.
“The largest benefit is knowing that all teachers, administrators, support staff, and students will be trained in these lifesaving techniques, which allow victims to have the best overall chance at survival prior to the arrival of emergency services,” Baran said. "Placing the equipment and training for the whole school district is not only setting a new standard for educational facilities but pushing the boundaries on the advancement of school safety.”
The safety kits can be thrown across a hallway if needed.
For more information, please visit the Survival+ for Schools website: https://survivalplusforschools.org.
Staffulty of the Month: Charles “C.J.” Bauer
Q: What is your current position at Central Regional?
A: I am a Special Education English teacher.
Q: How long have you worked in the district, and have you worked in other roles?
A: This is my seventh year at CRHS.
Q: Do you coach any sports or advise any clubs or groups?
A: I coach Boys Cross Country as well as Winter and Spring Track.
Q: What is your favorite
thing about working at Central Regional?
A: Giving back to the school I went to and working alongside people who have had a major impact on my life both as teachers and colleagues.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about your position?
A: I am just grateful for the opportunity to be here every day!
Q: Can you share something fun about yourself?
A: I am training for my first marathon!
Staffulty of the Month: Assaf Langer
Q: What is your current position at Central Regional?
A: I am a history teacher at CRHS.
Q: How long have you worked in the district, and have you worked in other roles?
A: This is my 21st year teaching at Central Regional High School and I have not taught anywhere else.
Q: Do you coach any sports or advise any clubs or groups?
A: I am the Head Coach of the Girls' Cross Country
Team and assistant coach of the Boys' Tennis team.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Central Regional?
A: The students and my fellow faculty members.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about your position?
A: Getting students to love history as much as I do.
Q: Can you share something fun about yourself?
A: I am a huge Manchester United and San Francisco 49ers fan as well as an avid runner and tennis player.
