Community Middle School was recently recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as one of the 52 New Jersey schools that demonstrated exceptional growth in student performance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These schools were selected to participate in a research project to identify innovative practices that other districts can model to improve learning in response to the pandemic. 

The Promising Practices Project is a partnership with the New Jersey State Policy Lab and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, which are both at Rutgers University. The researchers identified schools that demonstrated exceptional growth in student performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics. In addition to these areas of improvement, Community Middle School was recognized for having low rates of chronic absenteeism. 

Community Middle School Principal Joseph Santicerma said this recognition demonstrates the incredible efforts of the teachers and staff who helped students succeed during the challenging pandemic years.  

“The teachers and staff at Community Middle School went above and beyond to ensure there was no learning loss from the pandemic,” he said. “I’m so proud of how they rose to the challenge and are now being recognized statewide as a model for bolstering student learning. I especially want to thank the four teachers – Mr. Andrew Heiser, Ms. Maria Amendoeira, Ms. Kim Kredatus, and Ms. Kait Diaz – who spoke with the investigators from Rutgers to share best practices that can benefit other schools.” 

Through interviews with school leaders and educators at each of the 52 schools, the research team identified the most successful strategies that were implemented to help students overcome learning losses during the pandemic. The findings from the study will be presented in a formal report, with the goal of sharing the innovative learning approaches with schools throughout the state via presentations, resources, and convenings, so other educators can effectively replicate the successful programs and initiatives. 

The research focuses on promising practices in curriculum, and may include other metrics such as school climate, summertime and after-school programs, and unique approaches to meet the needs of student populations. The state allocated $1 million for the research initiative. 

“The New Jersey Department of Education has confirmed what we have always believed: Community Middle School is a special place where students strive to do their best and teachers build meaningful connections that motivate them to succeed,” said Superintendent Alvin Freeman, Ed.D. “Congratulations to Mr. Santicerma and the entire Community Middle School community for this outstanding achievement and for exemplifying excellence on a statewide level!”

Maria Amendoeira, a math teacher at Community Middle School, talked with the Rutgers investigators about how she often encourages her students to set personal goals and self-reflect on how they can improve and learn from each other. 

“Even though we are in a math class, I ask the students to write about what they did to achieve a certain result and how they can improve for the next time,” she explained. “Even if they got a 100 on a test, they could reflect on what preparation helped them receive that score. And, if they didn’t get 100, I let them know that I’m not looking for perfection – I’m looking for improvement and realistic goals.” 

Amendoeira said she was very proud of her students when she heard that Community Middle School was part of the Promising Practices Project, as well as when she received their recent state test scores. “I’m always here to cheer them on,” she said. “Their hard work is paying off, and that is amazing to see.” 

Kim Kredatus, a science teacher at the middle school, agreed. She said a key reason the middle school is exceeding is because of the collaboration between the leadership and teachers of Bound Brook School District and Community Middle School. 

“I was pleasantly surprised and excited when I found out that Community Middle School was recognized,” she said. “This truly shows that the middle school years can be a time of learning and growth in preparation for high school. The students see us teachers collaborating and encouraging each other, which then helps them develop trust and leads to positive outcomes.”