The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - The New Providence school district is on a roll:  New Providence High School was recently ranked number one in the State of New Jersey and recently claimed the ShopRite Cup for the second year in a row.   While the students are the crowning achievement of the district, the staff and administration led by Superintendent Dave Miceli for the past seven years also deserves credit.

Miceli, who has been in the district for nine years, said his job is difficult, but he has enjoyed his time in New Providence very much.

He is extremely proud of the accolades the schools have received during his tenure.  He attributes the awards to an excellent faculty and dedicated students and parents. The district has also spent a great deal of time changing the curriculum so it focuses on events that are taking place nationally and in New Jersey.  

“I think we made sure that we’ve kept our eye on the ball in terms of our students,” he said.

The faculty members really make a difference in the students’ lives, he said. The teachers are loyal and are liked by the students and parents, Miceli said. A lot of the credit goes to the dedicated parents who work on the PTA, PTO, the Athletic Foundation and the Education Fund, he added.

“We are fortunate that our students come here ready to learn,” he said.

The continuity at the board of education has also contributed to the superb education in the district, he said. With long tenured members, they understand the needs of the students and the community, he explained.

The integration of technology into the district has been vital over the past few years, Miceli said. Beginning this year, seniors will receive iPads after they take their mid-terms. While each teacher will use discretion when using technology in the classroom, they were instructed on how to use it. Also, the school held a focus group with students to get their input on the issue, as well.

“It is just a tool,” he said.  “We recognize that. We recognize the importance of the teacher.”

Miceli feels the anti-bullying law that was passed last year has the right intentions, but carries a lot of baggage. It’s a complex issue that piles on extra work for teachers who already have full schedules, he said.

It’s important to protect children when they are in school, but the complaints now reach the board of education, which is a bit much, he said. He believes many students now do not report bullying incidents because they want the issue to stay within the school.

He said the goals of the district for the future are the implementation of the Ipads at the high school, preparing teachers for the new evaluation system, developing a budget and continuing to look to upgrade facilities in the district.

“We recognize that if you don’t maintain your facilities and don’t have a vibrant educational environment, it will certainly have implications over time with kids,” Miceli said.