The Falconaire is proud to present you tonight with our final issue of the 2008-2009 school year. As per tradition, the hard copy will be coming out tomorrow in color, with the entire middle section devoted to end of the year events. This year we’re including the special perks of our last issue online as well. This online issue contains three online exclusive stories, every story has a graphic (and most are in color), and is out one day before the hard copy. It’s been a long and at sometimes challenging year, but this last issue proves it was well worth it.

We hope you enjoy this final issue. From all of us at The Falconaire, we congratulate the Class of 2009 and wish everyone a safe, enjoyable summer. See you next year.

Jimmie King – Staff Writer

This year the United States welcomed their first black president and now the MRHS is welcoming their first black superintendent, Charles Ford.
Falconaire: “When you started college did you know you wanted to be a teacher?”
Mr. Charles Ford: No I did not know I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a family of educators; my mother, aunts, and uncles were teachers and administrators. I began my career as a counselor for emotionally disturbed kids. I was a case manager that carried a caseload of 66 kids from the Union and Essex area, Irvington, and Newark. I loved what I was doing but one weekend I was home and my mother gave me some grief about taking the teaching test. I thought if I did not study for it, I would not pass it, but good luck to me I passed it. Then I started teaching third grade in Irvington, were I worked for seven years as a teacher and administrator.
F: “When you became a teacher did you have the goal in mind of one day working in administration?”
CF: When I first started teaching, my goal was to become a principal because I did not like the way the principal at that time was running the school. So instead of complaining about it, I decided to become the principal. After becoming a principal, I worked for some very good superintendents, then I became very good friends with Dr. Robert Mazato, who is the superintendent in South Plainfield with whom I am still very good friends. He started talking to me about setting goals and how I had potential to become a good superintendent. But as a minority it would be hard for me to become a superintendent.  I just had to make sure I proved myself. He said my credibility would speak for itself. Then I set the goal for myself of being a superintendent by the time I was 45. I am 38!
F: “Why did you apply for the Superintendent position at Monmouth Regional?”
CF: I did my homework; I realized the school was very diverse, which I loved. Also I had a conversation with a friend of my wife’s who told me where he thought that MRHS has been successful and where they need to improve. From that conversation I decided to interview for the position.
F: “What has been your motivation?”
CF: “New opportunity. I like challenges. At my old school I was feeling stagnant, I have been there for four years. My school basically runs itself now. I could be gone for hours and no one would notice. It just got to the point where I needed a new challenge. My motivation to wake up in the morning is to have challenges and obstacles that I need to overcome.
F: “I know you have a lot on your plate, how do you plan on balancing your schedule, with getting a doctorate degree and with all your new responsibilities?”
CF: I will put it to you this way, the kids at my school, are “MY” kids. And when you are “MY” kid you will get 100% of me everyday. My doctorate will come, I’m what you call APD, I have done all the class work required. So my main objective is Monmouth Regional and keeping it moving in the direction it has been moving. We are successful in some areas and not as successful in others. We are going to keep being successful in the areas we are successful in and improve in the areas we need to improve.
F: “You mentioned you were married, How will your family life affect your position?”
CF: Yes. I have been married for three years and we have a 15 month old son. My wife is a teacher and she understands that I have to do what I have to do as a administrator. I have been in administration throughout my entire relationship with my wife, so she knows there will be times where I do not see her in the morning and I do not see her in the evening. She knows what my motivation is and what my goals are. We have discussed my goals as a family and what that entails. Do not get me wrong my family is a big part of my life, but my wife understands what needs to be accomplished in order for me to fulfill my duties to Monmouth Regional.”
F: “What are your hobbies?”
CF: “I play a lot of softball. I love softball.”
F: “What has been the highlight of your career this far?”
CF: I guess the highlight of my career was when my current elementary school made the end of the year progress test my first year. When I first came the school was not making it and now we have been for the last three years, hopefully four after this year. This is a huge accomplishment to me.
F: “How was your childhood, I mean growing up with all those teachers teaching you?”
CF: Very strict, very strict… I will put it in your terms, my mother did not play!
F: “What type of student were you?”
CF: I was a student who was bored in school. Academics came easily to me and they always have. I was a student the teachers gave extra work to because I get into everything. So I think that is why I can tell all my kids, “Been there done that.”
F: “Were you that way in high school as well?”
CF: Yes pretty much. I was the first one to be done with a test, but the one that never did my homework. I still manage to get A’s in class but my first year in college I found I did not know how to study. That hurt me my freshmen year and I did poorly because I never had to study for tests before. Now that I did, I did not know how to. College was a reality check and luckily I had some good friends who showed me how to study.”
F: “What are your plans for Monmouth Regional?”
CF: There are some areas that need to be improved and that I am going to look into. And I am not going to say which because that would be inappropriate to put some people on the spot like that. Do not get me wrong Mr. Cleary has done a wonderful job in pointing Monmouth Regional in the right direction, I just want to keep it going in that direction.
F: “Do you feel an pressure to fill Mr. Cleary’s shoes?”
CF: I am Charles Ford, Mr. Cleary is Mr. Cleary. I can never be Mr. Cleary. I will do the best Mr. Ford can do.
F: “Is there anything you would like to tell your future students and staff?”
CF: I am here for you, I am not above you. I am not too proud to pick up a phone, kick a kick ball, etc. I am just here to do everything I can do for the betterment of the school. Communication is key to our success.

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Mr. Ford received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Rutgers, The State University in May 1994. He then went on and received his Master Degree in Administration and Supervision from Saint Peters College. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University with a projected graduation date of May 2010. He has been employed as the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in South Plainfield, NJ. Before that he served as the Vice Principal of South Plainfield High School, Assistant Principal at Union Ave. Middle School, Irvington, NJ), 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Chancellor Ave School, Irvington, NJ and as a Case Manager at Sery Centers of NJ located in Essex and Union County.”

The Monmouth Regional Student Council wants to know what students want them to do next year. To share your feedback, opinions, ideas, or whatever else you have, just leave a comment to this post by clicking the comments link below.

Jimmie King – Staff Writer

“The party is over, and it is time to call it a day…..” This party is over for Mr. Cleary, Mr. Liebenberg, Mr. Goode, and Mrs. Greenstein as they retire from Monmouth Regional. However, as you know, when you leave a party it is polite to say goodbye, but Mrs. Greenstein and Mr. Goode have yet to. So here are a collection of memories and dreams from Beverly Greenstein and David Goode.

Mrs. Greenstein

Falconaire: “What subject did you teach and how long have you  been working at MRHS?”

Mrs. Beverly Greenstein: “I have taught Math (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Pre- calculus, and Math lab) over 16 years at MRHS. I also taught in the NYC school system at LD Braudeis High School for 11 years.”

F: “Why have you decided to retire?”

BG: “I would like to take time for “ME”. I seem to live and breathe MRHS 24/7. I would like to have my thoughts to myself for a change.”

F: “What are your plans after you retire?”

BG: “I plan to travel to Buenos Aires to visit my cousins. I would like to climb the pyramids in Egypt and return to Hawaii if my pockets allow. I will also volunteer at the SPCA, read more leisurely, and enjoy “MY” time.”

F: “Favorite memory from working at MRHS?”

BG: “That first 5am call to cancel school because of snow. More seriously…. my memories will always be of my friends in the math department, some of whom I have shared special times with. And of course all the “food” and laughs we have had. Also, the special students whose lives I have influenced and the students who have enriched mine.”

F: “Any last words you would like to say?”

BG: “Good-bye, I will miss you, please keep in touch.”

Mr. Goode

Falconaire: “What subject/subjects did you teach and how long have you’ve been working at MRHS?”

Mr. David Goode: “I have been at MRHS 30 years, 38 years in total as a teacher. I have taught AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology.”

F: “Why have you decided to retire?”

DG: “I am turning 62 in July and after 38 years; it is time to move on.”

F: “What are your plans after you retire?”

DG: “To travel as much as I can, play as much golf as I can, continue my job at Lakewood Country Club, and I would also like to do some volunteer work. Lastly, I would like to get back into fishing.”

F: “Favorite memory from working at MRHS?”

DG: “Teaching AP Biology for the last 15 years. It was a lot of fun and very rewarding.”

F: “Any last words you like to say?”

DG: “Best of luck and health to everyone! I will always feel that I am a part of MRHS in the years ahead.”

Stephen Weber – Technology Editor

The final Principal’s Student Advisory Committee meeting for the 2008-2009 met at 7:15 in the conference room on June 10. Mr. Teeple asked the students in attendance if they had any final concerns.

Important dates to remember:

• End of 4^th Marking Period – June 11
• Exams:
  1. Friday June 12 – Periods 1 & 2
  2. Monday June 15 – 3 & 4
  3. Tuesday June 16 – 6 & 8
  4. Wednesday June 17 – 10 & 11 (Last day of school for students)
• Times: 7:30 – 9:35 and 9:45 – 11:40
• Make-up exams are by appointment only
• Graduation is Friday June 19 at 5pm at Brookdale Community College – Congratulations to the class of 2009!
• Senior portraits are June 22 – June 25

Student concerns:

• Parking will work the same way next year. Mr. Teeple said students will get at least one warning before their car is towed for parking in the wrong lot.
• Condiments will be back in the lunches next year.

Guitar Hero Tournament

Max Vandervliet – Sports Editor

Among the many end of the year activities held at Monmouth Regional, the 2nd Annual Guitar Hero competition took place May 19.  Mrs. Liebenberg’s and Mr. Evan’s A.P. Humanities class sponsored the event in an effort to raise money for their “Humanities Scholarship” which is open to all students at Monmouth who are not enrolled in the class.  The scholarship is for $ 1,000 and is funded completely by the competition as well as the MRHS Idol which took place in the PAC on Friday May 29.  Mark Rupert won the tournament for the second consecutive year.  “I did not really know what the competition would be this year.  But I thought I would do well,” said the two time champion.

Mr. Monmouth

Lizzie Kurau – Staff Writer

Mr. Monmouth was a fundraiser put on by the class of 2009. Six male members of MRHS signed up for the chance to be crowned “Mr. Monmouth” 2009. The boys went through three contests including a swimsuit competition, talent competition, and three individual questions. In the end, Jesse Mueller got first, Kerry Fagen got second, and Kevin Steinburger got third. Jesse Mueller sang opera. Kerry Fagen sang “I Want to Grow Old With You”, and Kevin Steinburger danced.

Jazz Night

Sarah Cobuzzi – Staff Writer

On Friday, May 8, the Monmouth Regional Jazz Band hosted its annual Jazz Night fundraiser.  The Jazz Band played from 6 pm to 9 pm.  While enjoying the music, attendees were served dinner and dessert by other members of the band and marching band.  As the music played, a silent auction and 50/50 took place in the back of the room offering nice prizes for the band’s audience.  The night was a success in raising over $2,700.  Music fed their souls, dinner fed their stomachs, and the silent auction fed the band’s wallet.

Gong Show

Lizzie Kurau – Staff Writer

Monmouth Regional 2009 Gong Show was hosted by Mr.Teeple, Mr. Nappi, and Mrs. Mindas. The winning acts included senior Anthoney Notte and the Notte Boys, senior Christina Fernandas and, and senior Myah Major and freshman Tyler Major who did a dance routine. Senior Tara De’Angelis is pictured doing a flip in her gymnastics performance.

Senior Week

Senior Breakfast

Cara Mullin – Staff Writer

On June 4, the seniors were taken to Branches Banquet Hall in Long Branch for the annual senior breakfast. Some senior boys smile for the camera while awaiting to eat their senior breakfast.

Rude Awakening

Tannu Singh – Staff Writer

On June 4 the Tinton Falls Police Department conducted the Rude Awakening program for the Senior class. The program is designed to educate students about life-changing repercussions as a result of the misuse of alcohol. The program consisted of three parts. The first presented speakers from Jersey Shore Trauma center, therapists from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, and a Municipal Court Judge. The second part consisted of the students driving golf carts in the junior parking lot with “fatal vision” glasses on. Finally, the program ended with a life like car crash on the football field where EMS, firefighters, a helicopter and police officers responded to the scene the help save the victims. It showed how long it actually took to get the victims out of the car.

Academic Awards Night

Tannu Singh – Staff Writer

On June 3rd Monmouth Regional held its Annual Academic Awards Programs. Seniors and underclassman were awarded for their academic achievement and recognized for leadership qualities. Over 30 scholarships and almost $143,750 were also awarded. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian were also announced.  The valedictorian of the Senior class was declared Rithu Raman while Robert Morengo was recognized as the salutatorian.

Senior Trip

Lindsey Ahern – Staff Writer

On Tuesday, June 9, the seniors enjoyed their dinner cruise on the Cornucopia Majesty out of Hoboken. There were many activities to choose from such as playing card games, playing DDR, getting an airbrush tattoo, dancing, and having a caricature drawn. Shown here is the class of 2009 partying on the dance floor.

Max Vanderviet, Elizabeth Kurau and Sarah Cobuzzi – Sports Editor and Staff Writers

Stephanie Skove: Sophomore, Pole Volt

“Breaking the school record was exciting, but the fact that it was my sister’s record is what made it most exciting to me.  Next season I hope to clear 12 feet and make it to the Penn Relays.”

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Tiffani Lee: Junior, High Jump

“Tying the record was cool because I did not expect it since I am new at it.  I plan to definitely break it next year and hopefully get a scholarship.” I was happy at first because it is always nice to jump a new height, but the fact that I tied the record instead of breaking it is just frustrating.  It doesn’t help that my loving homeroom 510 doesn’t let me forget that three other people also have the record.”

Megan Tursi: Junior, Distance (3200m)

“It has been my goal since Freshman year to break the two mile record.  I hope to improve it even more next year.  My new goal is to break the mile record.”

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Cat Luick: Freshman, Most goals scored for a freshman

“Breaking the record is really a happy feeling.  I am proud of myself for getting there-it took a lot of hard work.  I plan to break more records in the upcoming years.”