Teeple They say that once you get the sand between your toes, you simply can’t leave!

Or maybe it’s because education and teaching others has always been a part of his life growing up.

Or it could that even if he is ‘officially’ retired, he knew he can play an important temporary role to ensure the permanent principal expected to be retained within a year or two will live up to the high standards already set.

Whatever the reason, Andrew Teeple is back in town, this time as interim principal at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School.

Teeple is one of the new staff created by the Henry Hudson Regional school district with the recent naming of Dr. William Jacoutut as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the preK-12 year regional school district. As principal of Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Teeple will also be working with Eric Pritchard, new principal at the Highlands school, Malissa Garcia, in her new position as superintendent working with Jacoutot as superintendent, and Thomas Lynch as the new Henry Hudson Regional School Vice Principal/Athletic Director. Garcia has served the district for the last 15 years as a teacher and instructional coach.

“What makes this transition truly special is that all of these administrative advancements come from within our own talented team,” said School superintendent Dr. Tara Beams. “These proven leaders already know our students, staff, and community so we are ensuring both continuity and a fresh, enthusiastic energy for the upcoming school year.” The superintendent also said the internal growth reflects the strength of the district’s professional culture and shared commitment to excellence.

Teeple coming into the regional district as principal of one of its three school years comes after he has already served a couple of years in the district in an interim capacity. But that was also preceded by his own graduation from Henry Hudson High School in 1988, after his elementary school years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Highlands.

But even that background in education is preceded by the fact Andy’s father, the late Frank Teeple of Highlands, was a long-time beloved teacher at Henry Hudson and later served the district once again as a member of the Board of Education. And before the new principal was born, his mother, the late Judy Teeple, worked in the office of Henry Hudson Regional.

Frank Teeple, who died last January 5, was a history teacher at Henry Hudson for ten years before he became a guidance counselor at Red Bank Regional High School until he retired in 2002.

The new principal who lived in Highlands until he was 24 year old, now lives with his wife, Angela in Howell.

Teeple attended Rutgers University where he earned a degree in mathematics, then went to Kean University to earn his masters in Educational administration.  He worked in the field of education for 31 years, the last 20 years before his retirement, first as a Principal for 12 years and then Superintendent for eight years. After retirement, apparently still hungry to be involved in education and helping others at least on a temporary basis, he started to work as an interim administrator and as such has served in in four different districts and six different schools.

But even with all this Teeple thinks it was his background and home that started it all. “You can say that education is in my blood.  With my father an educator and Board member for as long as I can remember and he and my mom raising four of us children, the odds were pretty good that one of his kids would end up in education.”

Even with that, Teeple wasn’t positive he wanted to be an educator when he first started college. But when it had an opportunity to help another student, and did it successfully, it was like icing on the care of decision making and choosing education as his lifetime field. “  I have always liked to help people but was not sure what I really wanted to pursue as a career.,” he recalls. But during the summer after his sophomore year, at a time he was working at a law firm there was by a fellow worker who was taking a summer college course and Teeple agreed to help him with Calculus.  So it was that during their lunch break, the law firm employee would tutor another employee. And “it was those sessions that sparked the interest,” Teeple said.

It has been a rewarding and highly satisfying labor of love since then, Teeple continued. He candidly admits that while the most difficult part of his work has been learning and acclimating to each school’s culture , it has also helped him build up a background that now enables him to bring experience, leadership and “an unrelenting commitment to supporting and empowering teachers and students to be the best version of themselves “ in his new role working with Dr. Jacoutot and his team.

The new principal agreed to take on the interim position for a year, possibly two, ensuring ample time for the Board of Education to select a full-time principal for the Atlantic Highlands school . That will give the board ample time, he believes,,to secure a full time principal while at the same time continuing to provide consistency, support and leadership while administration conducts a comprehensive and thorough search for the permanent position.  During this time, the new principal said, “ I will assess programs and procedures and provide any recommendations to Dr. Beams.”

Sure there will be challenges, he said. “ Education and leadership bring a host of challenges on a daily basis.  It’s impossible to prepare for the unknown.  However, my experience has taught me the importance of being patient, reflective and empathetic in so many avenues in life.  The biggest challenge is remembering that before reacting.”

But at the same time, there is lots of fun in the work, he continued, especially “interacting with the students and teachers as they embark (or continue) on their educational journey.”

Even after his retirement, or perhaps especially since his retirement, Teeple said he has also learned a lot because of his work at both the elementary and high school level.

“Since retiring, I have had the opportunity to work in a few elementary schools.  I find that at the elementary level, most students still possess a pure love of learning and school.  I also find that elementary school teachers have more opportunities to address the social and emotional needs of the students.  There is so much more occurring within the walls of the classroom than just academics,” he said.

Taking the helm at the K-6 grade school in Atlantic Highlands July 1, Teeple said that since he’s been in the district before, “nothing truly surprised me.  I had already come to appreciate the teamwork and work ethic of everyone, regardless of their position or title.” He is slowly getting settled in, he said, recognizing every school is different, but in many ways “ every school is the same,” so it shouldn’t take much time to latch on to the procedures and programs at Atlantic Highlands.

Teeple

Carton Brewing is presenting its proposal to add a restaurant, three apartments, a third floor, and tasting room while also continuing its office space and brewery operations at the Carton Brewery location on First Avenue, Thursday night at 7 p.m. for a series of approvals for each of the variances required to carry out the plan.

The variance application also includes changes to its second two story building at 6 E Washington Ave to limit its use to a storage facility and eliminate the current tasting room approval.

In a nine page letter to the planning board, borough planning consultant Doug Rohmeyer outlined all the facts of the application, along with the series of more information he is expecting the applicant to explain during the meeting and public hearing.

Included in the variances needed for approval are how the firm will accommodate the borough ordinance which would require 80 parking spaces for all the mixed uses where 20 are currently provided at the site.

Carton Brewing has appeared before the planning board and received a number of variance approvals since its first application in 2010, seeking a use variance for the facility. Other variances were requested in 2012, 2014,and 2016, all approved.

The roof top deck would have a wall parapet and elevator towers to accommodate each of the uses.

Rohmeyer’s complete assessment of the application for Thursday’s meeting, together with his series of notices for areas where more information is needed, and the application for the changes requested for both the Carton Brewing building on First Avenue and the E Washington ave. facility are on the borough page at ahnj.com under Planning Board agenda and information for the meeting.

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Rainy day is loved by almost everyone I know. I especially am fond of rainy days. While I hold several special memories of rainy days and rainy season, there is one such memory that is very close to my heart. My Experience of a Rainy Day It was a cloudy morning. We could hear the sound of thunder and lightning since mid night and heavy rain was expected during the day. It was the kind of day we all long for and going to school is the last thing we would like to do on such a day. Playing in the rain with my siblings and friends from neighbours, rowing boats and eating yummy pakodas made by my mother is what I love to do on such a day. However, it was a week day and we had to go to the school. So, despite the beautiful cloudy sky and the cool breeze, we did what we did on a usual week day. We got ready, packed our school bags, had our breakfast and headed to the car with our mother who drops us to school every day. We witnessed slight drizzle from the car window. I so wanted to open the window but did not for the fear it would wet my uniform and school bag. As we drove, I noticed my mother taking a different route. It was not the one we usually took. I thought she may have taken this route to avoid water clogging or road block.However, I soon saw that we were going in a completely different direction and before I could ask my mother about it, I saw her parking the car near our preferred picnic spot. I looked at her and my siblings sitting at the back seat and a wide smile lit on our faces. We were super thrilled. This was the best thing to have happened to me in a long while.We got drenched in the rain, rowed boats and played football. When it began to rain heavily, we took shelter in the beautiful gazebo located at the picnic spot. We also had delicious foods that were being sold there. The view from the gazebo was simply awesome. We sat there looking at the rain-drenched flowers and trees as we sipped hot coffee and ate delicious foods. Conclusion It was one of the best days of my life. I thank my mom for giving us such a wonderful rainy day memory to cherish forever Rainy day is loved by almost everyone I know. I especially am fond of rainy days. While I hold several special memories of rainy days and rainy season, there is one such memory that is very close to my heart. My Experience of a Rainy Day It was a cloudy morning. We could hear the sound of thunder and lightning since mid night and heavy rain was expected during the day. It was the kind of day we all long for and going to school is the last thing we would like to do on such a day. Playing in the rain with my siblings and friends from neighbours, rowing boats and eating yummy pakodas made by my mother is what I love to do on such a day. However, it was a week day and we had to go to the school. So, despite the beautiful cloudy sky and the cool breeze, we did what we did on a usual week day. We got ready, packed our school bags, had our breakfast and headed to the car with our mother who drops us to school every day. We witnessed slight drizzle from the car window. I so wanted to open the window but did not for the fear it would wet my uniform and school bag. As we drove, I noticed my mother taking a different route. It was not the one we usually took. I thought she may have taken this route to avoid water clogging or road block.However, I soon saw that we were going in a completely different direction and before I could ask my mother about it, I saw her parking the car near our preferred picnic spot. I looked at her and my siblings sitting at the back seat and a wide smile lit on our faces. We were super thrilled. This was the best thing to have happened to me in a long while.We got drenched in the rain, rowed boats and played football. When it began to rain heavily, we took shelter in the beautiful gazebo located at the picnic spot. We also had delicious foods that were being sold there. The view from the gazebo was simply awesome. We sat there looking at the rain-drenched flowers and trees as we sipped hot coffee and ate delicious foods. Conclusion It was one of the best days of my life. I thank my mom for giving us such a wonderful rainy day memory to cherish forever

Making What is a monetary bargain for parents and a joy and recipe for excitement, fun and fond memories for children this summer thrives and continues to offer innovative programs as the Atlantic Highlands Recreation’s summer camp continues its five day a week program through mid-August.

Camp Director Meg Fisher is taking Summer Camp by storm as she serves as Camp Director for the borough program for the first time. But she comes into the position well-armed with both experience and education, both of which are obvious in the daily schedules for the children in the program ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. The program, held both indoors and outdoors at the Elementary School plus off premises outings runs Monday through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon for six weeks, with registration $200 per child for Atlantic Highlands residents.

Meg has been involved with summer camps for most of her life, she laughs. Recalling she started as a Counselor-in-training and worked her way up through a variety of leadership roles over the years. She also holds an undergraduate degree in education and psychology and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Meg also completed additional post master’s training in educational therapy. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, an educational therapist and a camp leader before coming into this program. Meg serves on the Borough’s Recreation Department as a resident of the borough.

As Director, Meg oversee all aspects of the camp, from planning activities, supervising staff, communicating with families to ensuring camper safety, coordinating special events, and managing the day-to-day operation of the program.

She’s confident she can handle it all with the same professionalism she has always given to her work, she said. As an example, as Director of Staff for a camp in Washington, D.C, she had more than 3,000 campers. She has also worked with Girl Scouts of Greater New York helping support eight Urban Day Camp sites throughout the city. But she was more excited to head the program hers since she is a resident of the borough, and with fewer than 175 youngsters, she gets to know every child by name and treat them as the neighbors they are.

“We can create a close-knit camp community and offer experiences that simply aren’t possible in a very large program,” the director said. “ Just last weekend, I ran into several camp families while walking around town with my son. That’s something really special.”

The program includes ten counselors and another seven Counselors-in-Training (CITs), ranging from rising high school freshmen through college students. Counselors are paid Borough employees, while CITs receive a weekly stipend. Before camp begins, every one of the staff completes orientation, CPR and First Aid training, safety training, and background checks for staff who are 18 and older.

Meg heads the full team of 19 employees who work with the children during Summer Camp including Assistant Director Casey Forbes whom Meg describes as “ fantastic.” Casey has been a staff member for camp for six years, the second in her family to hold the position, and she had been a camper herself before that . “She is truly an invaluable resource for our community,” Meg brags, “ she is studying Education at the University of Delaware. The team work extremely closely in heading the team of counselors and in-training co9unsellors ensuring a program which enables every student to be guaranteed of all the assistance or additional help they may need.

“We spend a lot of time helping our staff become leaders, not just counselors.,” Peg explained,, as reasons for the success of Summer Camp. “ I hope to be a reference and mentor for them as they continue their education and careers. If they leave camp with stronger leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills—and they had fun doing it—then I feel we’ve been successful.”

While a lot of her ideas for the varieties of offerings the camp has comes from her background in education, Meg credits “some of the best ideas come from the campers themselves.” But because she also loves I also love partnering with local businesses and community members so the children can have additional experiences, she also has set another goal for herself and the program: My goal is for everyone—campers, staff, parents, and the community—to wake up thinking, “I wonder what my favorite part of camp is going to be today?”  It’s the “weird, silly, “campy” moments that are as important as the structured activities. “ Camp gives children permission to be playful in ways they might not experience during the school year, and I think those unexpected moments often become the memories they keep forever,” she said.

As an example,. Just this week during this Summer Camp there was a trip to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters on W. Garfield Avenue, …which also involves the Atlantic Highlands Police helping the groups cross the street safely in their walk….. to see how coffee beans are ground, and the different types of beans used in making coffees. Owner of Julio’s Restaurant is making two visits to the school to help the campers and explain what it takes to own their own business as well as how to make pizza dough. “they’ll be able to take home the dough they’ve made,” Meg says with fervor,” It’s been wonderful seeing the community embrace the camp this summer. Highlander Bicycle Co is also coming in to let the children know what they do, perhaps ensure their know all the safety habits of having bikes, and so much more. We are trying to have something “cool” every day!

In talking with Meg, it’s hard to tell who enjoys the summer program the most. She especially likes watching campers build confidence, make new friends, and discover new interests. She also loves creating opportunities where we can say “yes.” to a camper’s idea—as long as it’s safe, moments she believes the campers remember most. Her biggest challenge is balancing all the logistics while making sure every single child feels seen, included, and has a great experience.

Once the summer program ends next month, Meg she will return to her educational therapy practice, EduMindedLearning. In that program, she works one-on-one and in small groups with students with learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges. She also runs a “Back to School Jumpstart” program that helps students get organized, complete summer work, build study strategies, and begin the school year feeling confident and prepared before school opens in September. Throughout the school year she still maintains her own private practice full time,, helping students become more confident, independent learners by teaching them how to learn—not just what to learn. “Watching students realize they can succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of my work,” she said.

On the home front, in spite of hectic and busy schedules, Meg thrives of the love and attention of husband Patrick and son Cal and candidly admits she could not do it with them. She and her husband both own their own businesses, she laughs, adding” that’s a blessing, but does come with challenges for sure!” Still, she continues, “We have a lot of fun as a family.”

“One of my goals has been to make camp about more than just keeping children busy,” this busy and zealous educator said. “I want campers to leave each day having learned something new, built confidence, made friends, and felt connected to the Atlantic Highlands community. That’s why we’ve partnered with local businesses, invited community experts and created experiences that campers will remember long after summer ends. I hope children leave camp with new skills, great memories, and an even greater appreciation for the town they call home.”

There’s every indication she has accomplished all of that and so much more.

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Just when you thought the Atlantic Highlands summer camp couldn’t get any better, the kids took a short walk to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters and learned more than they thought possible about coffee.

It was a joint venture of local businessman Steven Almante, owner of Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters , on First Avenue, the local Police Department who ensured a safe walking journey from the elementary school to the West Garfield Avenue entrance to Coffee Roasters, and Camp Director Meg Fisher and her staff who escorted the youngsters in groups of 20 to 30 to learn from Almonte, an expert on coffee as well as an animated teacher of the science behind growing.

The youngsters got to see and hold the actual coffee beans used in roasting, and see and hear the huge spotlessly clean ovens in which they’re ground and roasted. They learned the process of why the little green seeds that are the coffee beans turn brown, sniffed how they smell, and viewed the massive map on the wall that showed where the coffees come from, places ranging from Central and South America Africa and Indonesia where the name Java for coffee originated honoring the island from whence coffee has been grown.

Almante pointed out on the map the areas from where the many varieties of high-quality coffee beans are exported for Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters, highlighting not only the distance the beans have come but also their means of transportation by ship and truck. The campers saw the live coffee tree in the shop which Almante said gets red blossoms that can also be eaten, but stressed it is the seeds of the tree that make coffee.

In response to animated questions from the campers, the shop owner cited the similarities between tea bags and loose coffee in creating taste and color, displayed the barrels in which the ground coffee is kept before being packed in the white bags for purchase by the pound, and pointed out the green leaves of the coffee plant are from the energy of the sun.

Almante also let the campers select one of four different black and white pictures he had made of people and places relative to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters and encouraged them each to take them home and color them. Once finished, he told them they could come back with their colored picture and their parent and guardian and give him back the coloring. In return, he promised them, he would treat their parent to a cup of coffee and the youngster to a cup of the shop’s very special hot chocolate.

coffee

Rainy day is loved by almost everyone I know. I especially am fond of rainy days. While I hold several special memories of rainy days and rainy season, there is one such memory that is very close to my heart. My Experience of a Rainy Day It was a cloudy morning. We could hear the sound of thunder and lightning since mid night and heavy rain was expected during the day. It was the kind of day we all long for and going to school is the last thing we would like to do on such a day. Playing in the rain with my siblings and friends from neighbours, rowing boats and eating yummy pakodas made by my mother is what I love to do on such a day. However, it was a week day and we had to go to the school. So, despite the beautiful cloudy sky and the cool breeze, we did what we did on a usual week day. We got ready, packed our school bags, had our breakfast and headed to the car with our mother who drops us to school every day. We witnessed slight drizzle from the car window. I so wanted to open the window but did not for the fear it would wet my uniform and school bag. As we drove, I noticed my mother taking a different route. It was not the one we usually took. I thought she may have taken this route to avoid water clogging or road block.However, I soon saw that we were going in a completely different direction and before I could ask my mother about it, I saw her parking the car near our preferred picnic spot. I looked at her and my siblings sitting at the back seat and a wide smile lit on our faces. We were super thrilled. This was the best thing to have happened to me in a long while.We got drenched in the rain, rowed boats and played football. When it began to rain heavily, we took shelter in the beautiful gazebo located at the picnic spot. We also had delicious foods that were being sold there. The view from the gazebo was simply awesome. We sat there looking at the rain-drenched flowers and trees as we sipped hot coffee and ate delicious foods. Conclusion It was one of the best days of my life. I thank my mom for giving us such a wonderful rainy day memory to cherish forever