March 16, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Details are sketchy but around 9:23 p.m. last night March 15, 2023, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS along with Police responded to 93 North Main Street in the Windsor section of the Township for a reported Carbon Monoxide Emergency. Upon arrival firefighters reported a carbon monoxide leak from a broken vent. It was reported that one person was transported to the hospital for evaluation but no word of condition. The Township Fire Official and Township Building Official were called to the scene to investigate.

This morning there were large red/orange signs posted at all the entrances that were visible from the street and once zoomed in it appeared that they read Unsafe Structure Notice with the date of 3/15/2023. There appeared to be yellow tape around the back of one of the buildings on the property. It was also reported a large amount of people were staying at the property and needed to find other places to stay once the building was closed.

Township Officials would not comment and referred all comments to the Robbinsville Township Police Department who would also not comment on the call last night.

If further details become available, the story will be updated.

Buildings at 93 North Main Street in the Windsor section of Robbinsville were posted with Unsafe Structure Notice. Yellow tape could be seen around the back of the building. All photos taken from across the street.

Annual Night of Nations Fundraiser Scheduled for March 27

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–

Autonomous weapons raise complicated questions that challenge even the most seasoned diplomats, legal scholars and war ethicists, but Allison Dera wasn’t fazed.

“It’s really balancing state sovereignty, countries’ security interests and humanitarian causes,” said Dera, explaining the geo-political nuances of the topic in a recent interview. “It’s a very difficult balancing act because you have to keep so many factors in mind.”

The Robbinsville High School senior confronted the issue as part of her work in Model UN, an international education program in which students simulate the United Nations General Assembly and debate world affairs.

Dera, vice president of Robbinsville High School’s Model UN club, was in Washington, D.C. in February for the North American Invitational Model United Nations, where she worked to get a resolution passed that outlined how countries can mitigate fully autonomous weapons systems. Her measure sought to codify into international humanitarian law limits on the capabilities of such weapons and when they can be used.

It’s just one example of the complex and urgent problems that Robbinsville students are addressing in Model UN — and their success with it.

Last month, the club brought home 10 awards from BosMUN XXII, Boston University’s Model United Nations Conference. Students won best position paper and outstanding delegate, in addition to verbal recognitions and honorable mentions. The awards highlighted students’ writing and arguments, communication, diplomacy and collaboration with others.

Before the Boston conference, students submitted papers identifying their chosen country’s positions on issues. Topics included global human trafficking, sustainability and the future of Congress. Students then debated the issues and voted on resolutions — policy documents detailing how countries can work together to solve the problem at hand.

The conference, held February 10-12, drew about 1,500 students from schools all over the nation and was the biggest competition the club has participated in since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For the past two years, Robbinsville’s Model UN club participated only in mock events within the school and in virtual competitions.

“It was a pretty big deal for us to do so well because we really hadn’t competed since COVID,” club adviser Mark Iannelli said.

Robbinsville’s team also earned six awards, including two first-place finishes, at the Rutgers Model United Nations conference in November. That competition drew about 800 students, mostly from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

To qualify for travel competitions, Robbinsville Model UN members must do well in mock events at the high school. These events entail writing position papers and debating with peers on various committees.

The experience has been life changing for Hammad Farooqi, the club’s president, who said Model UN has helped him grow as a student, leader and person.

“Model UN is a great club to build your public speaking skills and team-building skills by taking on the roles of different countries tackling important issues,” Farooqi said. “As a freshman I don’t think I was very confident, but through this role I was able to take on a new persona.”

The Robbinsville senior said although the work is demanding, he has enjoyed meeting people and forging new friendships. He plans to attend Princeton University in the fall to study computer science.

“The dream would be to have my own start-up and develop my own software, to be able to apply my love for computer science to the type of leadership roles in a team like we have at Model UN,” Farooqi said.

As for Dera, she is scheduled to travel to Madrid, Spain, later this month to compete in the Harvard Model Congress Europe competition with the All-American Model UN team. After graduation this year, the 18-year-old plans to attend McGill University in Montreal and wants to work in international development.

“I would like to work in economically developing regions of the world, addressing economic systems, public infrastructure systems, maybe even for the World Bank or a non-profit organization,” Dera said.

Robbinsville High School Model UN will host its annual fundraiser, Night of Nations, on Monday, March 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Club members will give presentations about different countries and prepare authentic cuisine.

Robbinsville High School Model UN club members at BosMUN XXII, Boston University’s Model United Nations Conference, in February.

Robbinsville High School Model UN club members who won awards at BosMUN XXII, Boston University’s Model United Nations Conference.

Robbinsville High School Model UN club members at the Rutgers Model United Nations conference in November.

Robbinsville High School Model UN club’s executive team.

Robbinsville High School Model UN club’s fall mock event.

February 28, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Mandatory financial audits and a comprehensive review by the state Department of Education show the Robbinsville Public Schools are financially strong and operating a peak performance.

This is the third annual audit under Schools Superintendent Brian Betze and Business Administrator Nick Mackres, each year showing tight accounting practices and clean financial records. The independent audit was completed by Holt McNally & Associates of Medford, a certified public accounting firm, which presented its findings at the February school board meeting for public discussion.

“All school districts in New Jersey are required to undergo a detailed audit each year to ensure funds are accepted and disbursed properly,” Betze said. “Over the summer, auditors spent three weeks studying the school district’s accounting mechanisms. The final report was just released, showing for the third year in a row a clean audit, with absolutely no issues or concerns.”

As part of the detailed review of the 2021-22 budget, auditors matched up random samplings of purchase orders to ensure expenditures are in the correct budget lines. They also examine the funding stream for students’ sports and clubs, as well as ensure incoming funds are being properly transferred to the right places within the budget. There is also a compliance check to ensure the school district’s accounting practices meet all state guidelines.

Betze attributed the positive audit report to Mackres and his team in the school district’s business office, who handle all financial matters for the three district schools.

“The taxpayers of Robbinsville entrust the school district with managing an annual budget of $61.3 million, of which $45 million is generated by local property taxpayers,” said School Board President Richard Young. “It is critical that every dollar is wisely spent, in accordance with state guidelines, to ensure we are providing a thorough and efficient education to each and every student. That is why this audit result is so important. It shows our school administrators are right on task as financial stewards.”

School officials also received good news from the state Department of Education, which conducts the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) assessment every three years. The state reviews five different areas of the school district, including 55 curriculum documents and 189 indicators.

Under the leadership of the district’s new directors of curriculum/instruction, as well as their supervisors, the Robbinsville Public Schools are now 100% compliant in curriculum. It is expected the school district will be compliant in all areas when the state issues a final report in the beginning of April.

“The state wants to ensure full compliance within all of our operations,” the superintendent explained. “Auditors examine finances, operations, governance, procedures, curriculum, instruction and facilities. It is a very deep dive, to the point in which state inspectors ensure fire extinguishers are up to code. They even check to see if closet doors close properly and flush all the toilets.”

The state also looks at long-term planning as part of a comprehensive assessment. Betze is coordinating a strategic planning process through the winter and spring, which includes a community survey that residents are asked to submit by Monday, March 13. The survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete, is available at the school district website, http://www.Robbinsville.k12.nj.us

There are nearly 110 residents and other stakeholders who have volunteered for the strategic planning process this winter, in which monthly meetings are held to set a long-term direction for improving student achievement. Community recommendations will be incorporated in a draft Robbinsville Public Schools 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which the school board is expected to adopt at its June meeting.

“We have received tremendous input from all sectors of our community as we plan for the long-range success of our public schools,” Young said. “It is important that as many stakeholders as possible participate in the community survey, thus ensuring the final, approved plan truly reflects direction dictated by the people of Robbinsville.”

February 20, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Dr. Leonidas Harris Berry was a Black physician who pioneered gastroenterology, the branch of medicine concerned with the digestive system, whose tireless work has inspired generations of African American students.

Christian Wright, a Robbinsville High School senior, is one example.

Wright spoke about Berry during a research presentation at the school’s Black History Month Festival, noting Berry’s significant contributions to public health and civil rights in the 20th century.

The 18-year-old was among numerous students who showcased their research on Black historical figures in the fields of education, politics, art, music, business and medicine.

Wright said the school’s festival, held Feb. 2, shined light on Black culture for the broader Robbinsville community.

“Black culture is excellence. Black culture is intelligence. Black culture is power,” Wright said. “There’s so many definitions to Black culture. It’s hard to define it as just one thing. I think that’s really the beauty of Black culture.”

Held every February, Black History Month is an annual opportunity to reflect on the history of the African American experience and to celebrate the achievements and promise of Black people throughout the country.

Members of the school’s Black Culture Club organized the festival. The club is an open space for Black and non-Black students to learn about Black culture and its history.

In addition to the research presentations, local and regional Black-owned businesses sold arts and crafts and served soul food like collard greens, candied yams, chicken and macaroni and cheese. There was also a DJ and the school’s jazz band performed.

Club members helped decorate the festival space and served as greeters, while Wright sold products from his own clothing brand, “Stay True.”

The club provides educational opportunities for all students to explore Black culture and its history throughout the year. Last year, club members traveled to Montclair State University to see an art exhibit and visited the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The club plans to visit the Apollo Theater in New York City later this year.

The club’s 75 members also held a day of service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by inviting kids served through the HomeFront social services agency to the school, where group members and their guests ate pizza and played games.

This was the festival’s first year and organizers say they intend to make it an annual event.

“Black History Month is important because it highlights the significance of Black culture, contributions by Black people, inventors and creators,” Black Culture Club co-advisor Donald Estrada said. “It’s a very important part of the year for us.”

Students who attended the festival said they appreciated how it fostered a sense of togetherness. Senior Sahil Patil, who is of Indian ethnicity, said he was drawn to the gathering to learn about another culture and to spend time with friends.

“It’s a really good learning experience to diversify myself,” Patil said. “Going to these events, you can understand your friends more and connect with them at a deeper level.”

To be sure, the festival has pedagogical utility: Teacher Cameron Williams, who co-advises the club, said the process of organizing the event shows students the value of planning, following that plan and seeing it come to fruition.

But more importantly, Williams said, the festival was simply a way to celebrate community.

“It was an event of love, showing how we love each other,” Williams said.

Presenters Christian Wright, Jordan Baker, Gabe Gomez, Nana Appiah and Yaw Appiah.

Black Culture Club Co-Advisor Donald Estrada, vendor Treats by Tahj, Nana Appiah and Black Culture Club President Lebron Rose.

Jordan Baker, Lebron Rose and Nana Appiah.

February 13, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Fire Department responded to the New Jersey Turnpike mile post 63.6 north bound inner roadway for a vehicle fire at 8:24 a.m. Upon arrival firefighters found a well involved car fire and quickly knocked down the flames. Firefighters remained on scene for a short time for overhaul. No other details were available.

https://www.youtube.com/live/gbYk7MqeN3o?feature=share

February 7, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The “State of the Schools” is strong, reports Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Brian Betze during a recent report to the community about the school district’s priorities and focus for the future.

Betze detailed the ongoing growth of the suburban school district, which had only served students in grades K-8 prior to 2004.  The district’s population now includes pre-kindergarten students through 12^th grade, as the three Robbinsville schools continue to grow and evolve, reflecting the changing demographics of the township.

Over the past 12 years, total enrollment has increased by 310 students to 3,092 for the 2022-23 school year. The largest class size is the Class of ’23, with 273 students. The lowest class is kindergarten, with 144 students.

The Robbinsville schools now have 430 employees, of whom 296 are certified staff, 41 are instructional assistants and the remainder comprise the administration, assistants and other individuals who make the district run efficiently, such as bus drivers and maintenance staff.

Betze said school officials are most pleased with student performance, as the Robbinsville schools rank among the top 20% in the state in terms of standardized testing. The high school has a 97.5% graduation rate, with 96% of students enrolling in college, while others are attending technical school or entering the workforce.

“The focus of the Robbinsville schools is all about college and career readiness,” Betze said, noting the high school features 17 advanced placement courses, robotics and technology offerings and a dual enrollment program with Mercer County Community College, where Robbinsville has the only high school students on the West Windsor campus.

Per-pupil spending for the 2021-22 school year was $14,836 for the Robbinsville schools, compared with the state average of $18,208.

Betze said the school district also offers a nurturing staff, with counselors and clinicians focused on social and emotional learning, mental health and a gifted and talented program. There are also numerous educational and transitional services for students with disabilities, such as the SOAR program that provides real-life job training both on and offsite.

“Extracurricular activities also provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom,” Betze said. “We offer students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, which is all part of a well-rounded education.”

He noted that 677 students participate in high school clubs, such as the robotics program that is hosting a national competition in March, extensive performing arts and visual arts offerings and athletic programs that continually win league and state championships.

Looking forward, the school district has launched a five-year strategic plan process, to be completed by June, involving 109 community volunteers in a series of meetings. The first meeting, comprising parents, residents, school staff and 10 students, held its first meeting on January 31.

There are also capital improvement needs that will be addressed, such as classroom upgrades, new security features, parking lot paving, energy-efficient upgrades, HVAC repairs, high school auditorium updates and even changing the logo on the high school football field.

“In closing, I am very proud to say the state of our schools is very, very strong,” Betze said. “By continuing to work together, we will make the Robbinsville Public Schools the preeminent school system our children – and this community – deserves.”

During the “State of the Schools,” the superintendent also highlighted the recipients of the Superintendent’s Leadership Awards, presented at school board meetings to students, staff and community leaders who continually serve as role models. In addition, student council and executive council leaders were celebrated.

January 31, 2023

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–As a child, Srinand Tanakala found fun in numbers.

There were weekends spent solving puzzles like Sudoku with his sister, in addition to more imaginative games, such as calculating the time between lightning strikes and the ensuing boom of thunder.

Today, Tanakala is president of the Robbinsville High School Math League, a growing student organization that has notched recent wins at mathematics competitions around the community, Mercer County and the entire state.

“Math is incredibly thoughtful and trying to think out processes and working together to find solutions to difficult problems is what I have found most rewarding,” Tanakala said. “Working with minds truly interested in mathematics and solving problems that stretch beyond the classroom that have real-world connections is what I find most endearing about this club.”

About 30 students are involved in the student organization at Robbinsville High, ranging from freshmen to seniors. The middle school has a similar club that is also known for its competitive success.

Most of the contests are individual-based; students take written tests and work through complex problems from basic algebra to geometry and pre-calculus.

The competitions are not just about solving equations. Students must apply logic and creative reasoning to find innovative solutions, according to math teacher Alison Rodriguez, who advises the Math League.

This school year has been one of the most successful yet, she said.

“Students are working so hard and they’re putting in the time necessary to be successful and really recognizing that these problems aren’t easy,” said Rodriguez, a veteran educator of 14 years. “They are very, very difficult problems. It has been amazing to watch these students.”

The Math League has finished on top in several recent local competitions, earning first place on December 13 in the Delaware Valley Math League and first place on November 15 and January 17 in the Colonial Valley Math League. Among comparable high schools throughout New Jersey, Robbinsville is consistently landing in the top 15 to 30 schools.

Sarthak Mohapatra, a Robbinsville senior and a member of the Math League since his freshman year, also scored among the top 2.5 percent of competitors in the national American Mathematics Competition. Mohapatra has qualified to take the next round of tests called the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), a 15-question, three-hour examination. Students who earn a top score on the AIME can then take the United States Math Olympiad or United States Junior Math Olympiad exams, among the most prestigious mathematics contests in the country.

Some students also have earned perfect scores at competitions, such as Aarush Mane. The 14-year-old freshman said he’s been interested in math since he was a child fascinated by rockets.

Mane said his involvement in the program has helped him in more ways than one. Math League, he said, has made him a better problem-solver.

“It’s definitely improving my work ethic in many classes,” said Mane, who dreams of becoming an astronaut. “For me, Math League has not just introduced me to more complex math, but in other areas I’ve learned how you can approach problems in unique ways. It has improved my critical thinking skills, viewing certain situations in different ways.”

Likewise, even though students take individual tests, Tanakala emphasized that teamwork has been central to the club’s success.

“Collaboration is key,” Tanakala said. “We heavily emphasize working together and keeping up sportsmanship. We help each other. We give each other moral support. Any time a person wins a medal, we feel that the whole club has won it.”

After graduation, the 18-year-old senior plans to double major in pre-medicine and computer science in college with the goal of becoming a surgeon.

It is a career path, he said, that illustrates the wide application of mathematical knowledge.

“Math is something that people should not view as restricted to purely a math major,” Tanakala said. “It’s something that stretches to many aspects of the world and society.”

Above Photo: Aarush Mane, teacher Alison Rodriguez and Srinand Tanakala. Photo provided

January 27, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–A month-long investigation into narcotics distribution in the Mercer County area has culminated with one arrest and the seizure of $25,500 in heroin, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Robbinsville Township Police Department initiated surveillance in a warehouse parking lot on New Cayton Way in Robbinsville based on information received during the investigation.  At approximately 6:40 p.m., officers observed the target of the investigation, Melvin Leonard, in the driver’s seat of a black Nissan Altima.  He was detained without incident.  Sgt. Tom Paglione utilized his K-9 partner, Indy, to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, which resulted in Indy alerting to the scent of narcotics on the passenger side door.  A search warrant was executed and, inside of the Altima, officers located a reusable shopping bag with a shoe box inside containing approximately 150 bricks of heroin.

Leonard, 34, of East Orange, NJ, was charged with multiple narcotics offense.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. 

According to Prosecutor Onofri, the street value of the confiscated heroin is approximately $25,500.

Despite having been charged, all persons are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Melvin Leonard, 34, of East Orange, NJ, was charged with multiple narcotics offense.  The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain him pending trial. 

School Board to Receive Plan by July ’23 for Adoption

December 21, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–As is the standard practice among high-performing school systems, the Robbinsville Public School District is developing a five-year strategic plan with direct guidance from the community.

Nearly 60 volunteers have already signed up to participate in the detailed process, facilitated by the New Jersey Schools Boards Association (NJSBA).

“We are conducting a robust, collaborative, stakeholder-engaged strategic planning process,” explained Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Brian Betze. “A critical aspect of the strategic planning process is the involvement of a cross-section of district stakeholders. They will share their unique perspective about where they want the school district headed over the next five years.”

This “Strategic Plan Working Group” will develop long-term goals and objectives for the school district, focusing on the many strengths of the Robbinsville schools, the challenges they face and the ideas and hopes the community has for its students. A key goal: enhancing college and career readiness for all Robbinsville students. 

The working group comprises the superintendent, as well as district teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, community members and students. The group will meet in-person four times: Tuesday, January 31 from 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 15 from 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Monday, April 3 from 6-7 p.m. The meetings will take place at various schools in the district.

Those interested in volunteering for this important work are urged to complete a form by 5 p.m. by Wednesday, January 25. The Office of the Superintendent will contact everyone selected for the committee.

Betze, who has undertaken similar strategic plans in other school districts, expects the plan will have plenty of specifics in the first year. But then, over the course of the following years, the plan is intentionally designed to be much more flexible, with the ability to easily adjust to new opportunities and challenges.  If the plan is too rigid for too long, Betze noted, then it could no longer be applicable and could lose its usefulness.

The superintendent noted the Robbinsville schools underwent a similar process before the pandemic. But because of remote learning and other challenges that COVID caused, the school district was eager to start fresh with a new five-year plan. The plan is expected to be before the school board by its July meeting for review and adoption.

November 8, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Sgt. Philip Curry from the New Jersey State Police, Public Information Unit told MidJersey.news that a crash occurred at 3:54 p.m. on the NJ Turnpike southbound on the inner roadway at mile post 61.9 in Robbinsville.  Preliminary information revealed that a Chevy Trailblazer lost control, struck the guardrail, then struck a Toyota Rav4 and overturned.  Both drivers sustained minor injuries. Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene.

October 20, 2022

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)-When the first pitch is thrown at 7:37 p.m. Friday, as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the San Diego Padres in the National League Championship Series, you can bet that Kelly Fleck will have a great view at Citizens Bank Park.

Fleck, an AP history teacher for the past two years at Robbinsville High School, also happens to be finishing her stint as a Phillies Ballgirl, a part-time job she has had on plenty of summer nights and weekends over the last two baseball seasons.

“Friday night is going to be awesome; I can’t wait for the hometown crowd,” Fleck said. “The excitement of playoff baseball is just incredible. It’s something I’ve been waiting to experience.”

Fleck, 23, will be in left field for Saturday night’s game to grab foul balls and toss them into the crowd. During the rest of the homestand, Fleck will be in the stands, serving as an ambassador for the Ballgirls and helping out with the stadium’s recycling efforts.

“The fans have been great; they are always nice to me because they want me to throw them a foul ball,” Fleck said. “Every once in a while, I’ll hear `Ms. Fleck! Ms. Fleck!’ and I’ll know instantly that some of my students from Robbinsville came to see the Phillies play.”

Fleck even has her own baseball card, which she signs and hands out to fans during the game. She also distributes “rally towels” to fans, while also selling 50-50 raffles to raise money for Philadelphia-based charities.

There are 19 Phillies Ballgirls, all of whom are eager to rotate onto the field during a big weekend of playoff baseball in Philly.

During the season, in which the Phillies played 81 home games and then defeated the Atlanta Braves in the wild-card playoffs, Fleck would take the 80-minute drive from her home in Ocean Gate to serve as a Ballgirl for the Philly fans.

So how did this history teacher become a Phillies Ballgirl?

The Phillies advertise on college campuses. Her two older sisters, Joanna and Jenna, became Ballgirls. So, when it was time for Fleck to try out in 2020, she was ready. She competed with about 100 candidates who submitted videos. She went through an on-camera interview, as well as tests in fielding, throwing and batting. Some of the women even played college ball, so competition was fierce.

“Over the past two seasons, I’ve made some good plays out there,” Fleck said. “Usually, I let the foul ball hit the wall first because, as you can imagine, the players hit the ball really hard. It can get a little scary out there. I once got a bruise.”

Fleck said she will be retiring as a BallGirl this season, as the Phillies only allow two seasons, based on the high demand.

Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Brian Betze said the school community will be cheering on the history and global studies teacher this weekend.

“Robbinsville may have its Mets, Phillies and Yankee fans, but we are all certainly Kelly Fleck fans,” Betze said. “What a tremendous opportunity for her. We are all very proud.”

Fleck said she is squarely focused on the best-of-seven series against the Padres, but can’t help but dream what would happen if the Phillies win the whole thing. “The Ballgirls would certainly be in the parade,” she said. “And, who knows, maybe we will get a World Series ring!”

It all depends, this teacher notes, if the Phillies make some history.