Woodbridge highlights student community projects and credits two-year Letters literacy program for sharp early-grade gains
June 18, 2026 | Colonia, Middlesex County, New Jersey
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The Woodbridge Township Board of Education on June 18 recognized student community-learning projects across the district and highlighted the impact of a two-year professional development program in early literacy.
Miss Camille Monaco, the district supervisor for reading and writing for K–5, told the board that teachers and academic coaches completed the LETTERS program (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and that the training had changed classroom instruction. "Letters, which stands for language essentials for teachers of reading and spelling, is one of the nation's leading professional development programs grounded in the science of reading," Monaco said.
Monaco presented district assessment outcomes she attributed to the program. "Districtwide Dibbles data now shows fewer students scoring below benchmark across all K–2 grade levels," she said, listing kindergarten at 66% at or above benchmark, first grade at 74% at or above, and second grade at 69% at or above. Monaco said the share of second graders leaving second grade below benchmark dropped from 76% at the end of the 2025 school year to 31% this year — "a 45 point reduction," she said.
Student representative Alexa Marcato read a summary of community-based learning projects that the board applauded. The report named individual school efforts — for example, Ros Street (School 11) described a greenhouse and reading initiatives; Claremont Avenue students collected 38 pounds of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House; Colonia High School students led mentoring groups focused on bullying prevention; and Woodbridge High School ran an "Inclusive PE Plus" program pairing adaptive PE students with peers. The presentations emphasized community service, multicultural exchange, and literacy supports.
Board members thanked the educators and students who participated. The board invited Alexa and principal Mr. Osborne to stay for the meeting but acknowledged scheduling constraints.
What happens next: the board transitioned from recognition to its regular business agenda, including committee reports and votes later in the meeting.
Miss Camille Monaco, the district supervisor for reading and writing for K–5, told the board that teachers and academic coaches completed the LETTERS program (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and that the training had changed classroom instruction. "Letters, which stands for language essentials for teachers of reading and spelling, is one of the nation's leading professional development programs grounded in the science of reading," Monaco said.
Monaco presented district assessment outcomes she attributed to the program. "Districtwide Dibbles data now shows fewer students scoring below benchmark across all K–2 grade levels," she said, listing kindergarten at 66% at or above benchmark, first grade at 74% at or above, and second grade at 69% at or above. Monaco said the share of second graders leaving second grade below benchmark dropped from 76% at the end of the 2025 school year to 31% this year — "a 45 point reduction," she said.
Student representative Alexa Marcato read a summary of community-based learning projects that the board applauded. The report named individual school efforts — for example, Ros Street (School 11) described a greenhouse and reading initiatives; Claremont Avenue students collected 38 pounds of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House; Colonia High School students led mentoring groups focused on bullying prevention; and Woodbridge High School ran an "Inclusive PE Plus" program pairing adaptive PE students with peers. The presentations emphasized community service, multicultural exchange, and literacy supports.
Board members thanked the educators and students who participated. The board invited Alexa and principal Mr. Osborne to stay for the meeting but acknowledged scheduling constraints.
What happens next: the board transitioned from recognition to its regular business agenda, including committee reports and votes later in the meeting.
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