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Introducing the MRA International Professional Development Center

The Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC) is proud to announce a new partnership with MRA International, a leading technology solutions provider, as the naming rights sponsor of our state-of-the-art Professional Development Center.

After a competitive bid process, MRA International was awarded the naming rights to this premier facility, which will now be known as The MRA International Professional Development Center. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone in MOESC’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and professional growth among educators and school staff across New Jersey.

Set to serve as a dynamic hub for training, workshops, and collaboration, the MRA International Professional Development Center will provide educators, administrators, and school leaders with access to high-quality learning experiences in a space designed for inspiration and impact. 

MRA International brings over 20 years of expertise as a top-ranked HP, HPE, and Samsung Partner, delivering hardware, software, and technical solutions to public agencies and schools throughout the region. Known for its client-first approach, MRA offers the benefits of a local, family-owned company while consistently providing cutting-edge service and support. Their alignment with MOESC’s mission makes them an ideal partner in this new chapter.

“MRA International’s investment demonstrates their belief in the transformative power of education and their dedication to supporting those who lead it,” said Dr. William O. George, MOESC Superintendent. “We’re thrilled to join forces with a company that understands the needs of schools and shares our vision for the future of professional development.”

To learn more about MRA International, visit www.MRAInternational.com.

Stay tuned for details about the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, currently planned for August 27th, 2025.

To inquire about use of the facilities, please contact Dr. Derek Tranchina at dtranchina@moesc.org

Now Enrolling: Expanded Classrooms Mean More Seats for Students in Need

Big news for school districts across New Jersey: MOESC’s expanded facilities are opening this fall – and we have room to welcome more students into two of the most specialized and supportive educational programs in the region.

With construction nearing completion on new wings at both the Regional Achievement Academy and The Shore Center, we’re inviting partner districts to secure placements now for the 2025–2026 school year. These state-of-the-art expansions allow us to serve more students than ever before – without compromising the personalized support that defines our programs.

Regional Achievement Academy (RAA): Seats Available for At-Risk Students in Grades 4–12

RAA provides a structured, therapeutic environment for students facing behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges – including those at risk of not graduating. Our team includes licensed social workers, a school psychologist, and starting this August, an on-site psychiatrist.

In addition to core academics, students benefit from:

  • Flexible scheduling designed for wellness and reengagement
  • Hands-on, interest-based courses in journalism, sociology, financial literacy, and life skills
  • Enrichment through music therapy, art therapy, greenhouse/hydroponics, STEM, and esports
  • Work-based learning, college and career exploration, and life-skills field trips

Both full-year and interim placements are available. With new classrooms ready this fall, now is the time to refer students who need a supportive setting to succeed.

Visit www.moesc.org/raa for more information.

The Shore Center: Expanding Our Impact for Students with Autism (Ages 3–21)

The Shore Center delivers specialized education grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis and Compassionate Care. Every student receives individualized support aimed at reducing barriers, encouraging independence, and mastering functional life skills.

Our on-campus facilities include a model apartment, school store, café, greenhouse, and esports lab. And in 2025–26, we’re launching a brand-new off-site transition program for 18–21-year-olds to gain real-world experience in community-based settings.

Our approved tuition rates remain among the most competitive in the region. Contact us now to review our rate sheet and reserve placements before seats fill up.

With expanded space, enhanced programming, and a renewed commitment to student-centered services, MOESC is ready to partner with your district.

Let’s work together to place more students in the right environment – right now.

Visit www.TheShoreCenter.org for more information.

Future Educator in the Making: MOESC Paraprofessional Earns NOYCE Scholarship

"I'm really grateful for my position at MOESC - it allows me to apply my scientific knowledge while working closely with students." - Emilia O’Hare

For over two years, Ms. O’Hare has served as a dedicated paraprofessional with the MOESC at Neptune School District, all while pursuing her degree at North Carolina State University. In her role, she provides essential support to students with disabilities within the Neptune Public Schools district in New Jersey. Serving a diverse population from pre-K through 12th grade, Neptune Public Schools relies on compassionate, skilled professionals like Ms. O’Hare to help meet the needs of its students.

Working primarily within preschool through first-grade special education classrooms, Ms. O’Hare brings patience, energy, and heart to her work every day. We are thrilled to share that she has been awarded the prestigious NOYCE Scholarship - a recognition of her outstanding service, dedication, and promise as a future educator.

Ms. O’Hare consistently demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive education. She makes learning engaging and accessible, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, feels supported and empowered. Her versatility is evident in her ability to assist across grade levels and content areas, always bringing enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom.

Though she has a particular passion for science instruction, Ms. O’Hare excels in supporting all areas of learning, making her a dynamic presence in any educational setting. Certified teachers who work alongside her deeply value her contributions!

With a strong foundation in STEM and a drive to serve high-need school communities, Ms. O’Hare is a deserving recipient of the NOYCE Scholarship.

MOESC Special Services Administration is incredibly proud of the impact Ms. O’Hare continues to make. We are confident this is just the beginning of a bright and meaningful career in education.

 

Spotlight on Our Dedicated Paraprofessionals

Our team of paraprofessionals in the Aides Placed in Public School Program bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to their roles, supporting students and shaping their own futures in education. Here’s a closer look at their backgrounds and how their time with MOESC is influencing their career paths.

Megan Kane - Freehold Learning Center

  • College/University: Charter Oak State College
  • Degree: Child Studies
  • Experience with MOESC: "My experience with MOESC has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of child development and effective educational practices."

Gianna Petrone - Freehold Regional High School District

  • College/University: Southern New Hampshire University
  • Degree: English Literature
  • Experience with MOESC: "My job as a paraprofessional is giving me invaluable hands-on experience in the classroom, helping me refine my teaching skills."

Emilia O’Hare - Neptune

  • College/University: North Carolina State University
  • Degree: Science Education and Biology
  • Experience with MOESC: "I'm really grateful for my position at MOESC as it allows me to apply my scientific knowledge while working closely with students."

Madeline Borras - Manalapan High School/FRHSD

  • College/University: Kean University
  • Degree: Graduate School Dual Program for School Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC has enabled me to work hands-on with students, giving me practical experience that aligns perfectly with my studies."

Amirah Morreale - Neptune Township School District

  • College/University: Rutgers University
  • Degree: Graduate School Counseling
  • Experience with MOESC: "Being employed through MOESC and placed in Neptune Township has given me incredible exposure to school counseling and student support services."

Madison Donahue - Point Pleasant Boro/Ocean Road Elementary School

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC has not only given me an opportunity to accrue hours towards my BCBA certification, but has also supported me through working in a public school by answering any of my questions and providing nonstop assistance."

Shari Squeo - Marlboro High School

  • College/University: Brookdale Community College
  • Degree: AA Education
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC was very supportive with coordinating with FRHSD on the observation class that I had to take. Annemarie came to my school to meet with me to fully understand the class requirement."

Luke Meli - Freehold Boro

  • College/University: Brookdale and Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC has been crucial in helping me develop the skills I need to become a successful teacher in the future. I have gained invaluable experience with the guidance of my supervisor as I am also working toward my BCBA certification. Her observations and feedback have played a key role in my growth, and I am grateful for all that I have learned and continue to learn."

Karissa Angellella - Neptune Township

  • College/University: Kean University and Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC has supported my future career goals by providing me with fieldwork experience and a true understanding of the day-to-day role of becoming a BCBA."

Madelyn Panuska - MOESC RAA

  • College/University: University of Delaware
  • Degree: Criminal Justice / Psychology
  • Experience with MOESC: "MOESC gave me an amazing opportunity to work with some of the best people and helped me navigate my future career goals and aspirations. I learned the importance of helping those who are struggling, and I can’t wait to see where all the knowledge I gained takes me."

Gianna Nater - Ocean Road Elementary School

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Early Childhood Education/ Special Education
  • Experience with MOESC: "Working for MOESC has furthered my passion for wanting to be a teacher. I have learned so much from all of the people I have worked with and cannot wait to further my knowledge by working with all the amazing students."

Samantha Myers - FLC

  • College/University: Brookdale
  • Degree: Alternate Route to Teaching - Elementary Education
  • Experience with MOESC: "My experience is supporting my future career because being in a classroom all day is allowing me to learn how to be a successful teacher. I am learning new things every day that will help me with my teaching career."

Sarah Cotter - Ocean Road Elementary/Point Pleasant Borough

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Master of Arts in Teaching with Dual Certification in General and Special Education
  • Experience with MOESC: "Being a paraprofessional has helped me maintain A’s in my classes as I am able to directly use my experiences. There is only so much learning that can take place in a classroom. Being able to apply what professors have taught me has helped maximize my knowledge and love for becoming a teacher."

Casey Wyckoff - FRHSD Howell High School

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: BA in Exercise Science Sports & Wellness / MA in Education / Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification
  • Experience with MOESC: "Working with MOESC as a paraprofessional at Howell High School is supporting my future career goals of becoming a K-8 Physical Education Teacher by providing me an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge working alongside children in a classroom environment. Moreover, working in the autism program at Howell High School as a part of MOESC has given me an opportunity I would not have had otherwise and is one of the reasons why I am working towards a student with disabilities certification. Through this job, I have learned the importance of implementing a growth mindset with each student and that such a mindset is key to developing their confidence and ability to succeed in the classroom and in life."

Lisa Colaco - Midtown Community Elementary

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Post Graduate Certificate in ABA
  • Experience with MOESC: "My opportunity with MOESC is allowing me to get hands-on experience in the field and meld the coursework with the real world. It is an opportunity to use my skills and learning to make a positive impact in the lives of the students I work with."

Bianca Van Berkle - Midtown Community Elementary 

  • College/University: Ocean County College
  • Degree: Associate’s Degree
  • Experience with MOESC: “MOESC is supporting my future career to become a teacher. Working closely with the students has given me firsthand insight into their diverse needs and challenges. I’ve learned how to adapt my communication and teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles, which is crucial for effective teaching. Being able to collaborate with certified teachers has provided me with a deeper understanding of classroom management techniques and lesson learning. I’ve observed how they engage students and create inclusive environments, which has inspired me. 

Nicole Bonilla - Midtown Community Elementary

  • College/University: Georgian Court University
  • Degree: Master’s Degree
  • Experience with MOESC: “MOESC is supporting my future career in ways I didn’t know were possible. Working in the field has provided me with realistic experiences as well as supervision by Annemarie on data collections, research, and advice on day to day observations. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity MOESC has given me. “

Alexa De Los Santos - Manchester Regional Day School

  • College/University: Syracuse University
  • Degree: Bachelor’s Degree - Political Science and International Relations
  • Experience with MOESC: “I loved having this opportunity to meet with the staff at Manchester Regional Day a few weeks ago, seeing the school and the kind staff with all the wonderful students. I have established a better idea of what this school means for the children and how they too love the programs and I can't wait to work with them all in the near future.”

Each of these dedicated professionals plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience for students while simultaneously growing in their own careers. We are proud to support their journey and celebrate their contributions to education. Thank you for being a part of the MOESC Team!

 

New Jersey Virtual School Gets an Upgrade

New Jersey Virtual School (NJVS) is pleased to share a major system upgrade aimed at enhancing the user experience and streamlining student data management. On May 19th, NJVS officially transitioned from the Maestro Student Information System (SIS) to Genius SIS – a more robust and user-friendly platform. Visitors can access Genius at launch.njvs.org.

This upgrade reflected NJVS’s ongoing commitment to providing an optimal online learning environment. The new Genius SIS platform introduced several important improvements, including:

  • Enhanced User Interface: Users reported easier navigation and improved access to important information.
  • Advanced Data Tracking and Reporting: Students, parents/guardians, counselors, and school district partners now benefit from more detailed data, such as login activity and communication records, offering deeper insights into student progress and engagement.
  • Expanded Site Coordinator Capabilities: Partner school districts gained enhanced administrative control features, allowing for more streamlined processes.

The transition did not affect the existing courseware platform, Edmentum, which remained unchanged. All necessary historical data was also securely transferred to Genius.

To support the transition, NJVS will continue to distribute informational resources and training materials via email and on njvs.org. Users from partner districts can expect to receive login information via email in the near future.

Should questions or technical issues arise, users are still encouraged to submit a support ticket at help.njvs.org.

The launch of Genius SIS marked another step forward in NJVS’s mission to serve students and school districts with excellence, innovation, and integrity.

 

Sincerely,

Derek Tranchina

Director, New Jersey Virtual School (NJVS)

 

MOESC Honors our Dedicated Team with 10+ Years of Service

MOESC would like to honor the following employees for having 10 or more years of service:

Name Number of Years
Eva Brown 31 years
Heather Vanbergen 26 years
Joseph Chiarello 26 years
Mary Butz 24 years
Stuart Veeder 24 years
Jodi Balestrieri 23 years
Kenneth Shine 22 years
Joan Defalcon 21 years
Kelly Iasparro 21 years
Frances Frietsch 20 years
Sally Potter 20 years
Sandra Vitale 20 years
Debbie Siciliano 19 years
Terri Ruchalski 19 years
Jelena Komitas 18 years
Kathleen Todaro 18 years
Kristine Bolish 18 years
Brett Fingerman 17 years
Danielle Ungemah 17 years
Janet Molzon 17 years
Sara Winchell 17 years
Suzanne Zirin 17 years
Jonathan Harrington 16 years
Marirose Sparber 16 years
Jeff Herkimer 15 years
Kristen Waldron 15 years
Nena Ciambotti 15 years
Terry Buob 15 years
Daniel Van Antwerp 14 years
Erin Anders 14 years
Michele Tomchak 14 years
Brett Taylor 13 years
Danielle Genovese 13 years
Melinda Alongi 13 years
C. Adam Voehl 12 years
Caryl Florio 12 years
Christopher Sullivan 12 years
Debora Ann Toto 12 years
Maryanne Menendez 12 years
Rita Maccloud 12 years
Shiela Glover 12 years
Toinette Spitz 12 years
Chrissa Bacovin 11 years
Dayna Angelozzi 11 years
Donna Dougherty 11 years
Helen Bettman 11 years
Jennifer Lipari 11 years
Jill Margolias 11 years
Joyce Johnson 11 years
Katlyn Swayze 11 years
Krystina Ozello 11 years
Lauren Kelly 11 years
Megan Heerwagen 11 years
Randi Divino 11 years
Robert Castro 11 years
Samantha Clayton 11 years
Stephanie Diperi 11 years
Tracy Ziemba 11 years
Christina Kalkias 10 years
Jennifer O'Neill 10 years
Jerilyn Taranto 10 years
Joseph Romayo 10 years
Kelly Mullen Clark 10 years
Lilibeth Arias 10 years
Margaret Colasanti 10 years
Maria Triolo 10 years
Marianne Zupanc 10 years
Maryann Adams 10 years
Nili Gabay 10 years
Robertha Walters 10 years
Susan Ryerson 10 years
Susan Spreen 10 years

 

Thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and dedication!

Sincerely,
The MOESC Team