Montclair Public Schools - NJ

09/03/2026

Ready for the start of school! 🎉 Montclair Public Schools celebrated the opening of the Montclair Early Learning Academy (MELA) this summer- a new school structure created specifically for its youngest learners!

“This moment represents much more than the opening of a new school,” Superintendent Ruth B. Turner said. “It represents our commitment to investing in children from the very beginning of their educational journey.”

State Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos, Board Vice President Holly Shaw, Board member Jada Roman, Director of Early Childhood Education Carla Perez, district leaders, families and community partners joined the celebration.

The former middle school was transformed in just six weeks and will welcome more than 60 staff members and our youngest students.

Welcome to MELA, Mini Mounties! 💙

08/31/2026

🎭 Montclair Public Schools celebrated the reopening of the renovated Montclair High School auditorium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month!

The renovation, funded through the voter-approved 2022 referendum, includes new seating, upgraded lighting and production systems, accessibility improvements, and more functional spaces for students and staff.

Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joined Board President Yvonne Bouknight, Board Vice President Holly Shaw, Montclair High School Principal Jeffrey Freeman, district administrators, architects, builders, and project partners to mark the occasion.

The renewed auditorium is ready to welcome student performances, assemblies, ceremonies, and community events for years to come. ✂️🎀

06/22/2026

We want to wish all the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, god fathers, mentors and father figures a Happy Father’s Day. You all play such an important role in the lives of our students.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Sixteen Montclair Public Schools teachers and one school counselor were named winners of the 2026 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, selected from nominations submitted by MPS parents/caregivers, students, and colleagues.

During a standing room only ceremony, this years honorees were recognized and celebrated by family, friends, colleagues and students.

2026 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching Honorees

Inspired Counseling Award: Amillah Williamson, Nishuane Elementary School
Inspiring Peer Award: Ashley Dorian Storfer, Montclair High School
Luke Fess, Special Education Award, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
Catherine Bangs, Bradford Elementary School
Shannon Becker-Fyfe, Montclair High School
Christen Berman-Schiralli, Watchung Elementary School
Michele Campbell Kinnas, Buzz Aldrin Middle School
Elizabeth Cario, Glenfield Middle School
Jenna De Pasquale, Nishuane Elementary School
Christian Hart, Hillside Elementary School
Lei Haiting Liang, Montclair High School
Jessica Little, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
Miosotty Martinez, Montclair High School
Max Mellman, Edgemont Montessori Elementary School
Jessica Michaud, Bradford Elementary School
Karyn Mosca, Northeast Elementary School
Dana Spagnuolo, Renaissance at Rand Middle School
#

06/05/2026

Today was a big day for the 2nd graders at Nishuane! They toured Hillside today and now families are enjoying the Nishuane to Hillside Transition Picnic. Thank you !!!

06/02/2026

Dear Montclair Community,

As we begin LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Montclair Public Schools proudly joins communities across the nation in recognizing and celebrating the contributions, achievements, resilience, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Throughout our district, LGBTQ+ students, staff members, families, alumni, and community members help make Montclair a stronger, more vibrant, and more compassionate place to learn, work, and grow. Their talents, leadership, creativity, and advocacy enrich our schools and contribute meaningfully to the culture of belonging we strive to foster every day.

At Montclair Public Schools, we believe that every person deserves to be seen, valued, respected, and affirmed for who they are. We remain committed to creating learning environments where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. We also recognize the importance of ensuring that every staff member, family, and community member feels welcomed and respected within our school communities.

Pride Month is both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection. It reminds us of the importance of truly embracing diversity, honoring authenticity, and continuing the work of building inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Our schools are strongest when every individual feels they can show up as their authentic self, living openly, proudly, and unapologetically as who they are.

As we celebrate Pride Month, I encourage our students, staff, families, and community members to learn from one another, engage in meaningful conversations, and continue fostering understanding, empathy, and respect across our district.

Please be sure to review communications from your individual schools regarding upcoming Pride Month activities, educational opportunities, and events for students and families throughout the month of June.

Thank you for helping make Montclair Public Schools a community where every individual belongs and every voice matters.

Happy Pride Month!

Sincerely,
Ruth B. Turner
Superintendent of Schools
Montclair Public Schools

06/01/2026

Three Watchung Fourth graders were Winners in the “My Essex County” Poster Contest. They attended a ceremony to honor the winner(s) in the lobby of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Building in Newark. Essex County Clerk Christopher J. Durkin presented an award to each student. CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS!!

05/30/2026

Two exciting events happening TODAY! Come out and enjoy some family fun activities. Both of these events provide an opportunity to have fun hands-on experiences, enjoy entertainment, access resources and information and more. #

05/29/2026

This Superintendent Spotlight highlights the Mental Health Fair at Glenfield Middle School. This was one of several activities and programs planned for the month of May focused on Mental Health Awareness.