It’s Friday the 13th, but hopefully not a scary day for everyone!

Enjoy the long weekend as schools will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents Day.

It’s Valentine's Day on Saturday, February 14th, time to spend with a special someone and family and friends!

Thank you to the Dunellen PTO for inviting myself (Paul Lynch, DHS Principal) and LMS Principal Cuyler Tobin to their monthly meeting. After the eventful day on Thursday, we were able to have a productive conversation with a group of caring and committed parents. We as administrators were able to share about what occurred and how the school will look to move forward. Instead of entering the proverbial ‘lion’s den’, we were posed thoughtful, considerate questions that we answered to the best of our ability, knowing we will never make everyone happy with our decisions. It gave us a chance to reflect upon several aspects of the event, as we do with any situation that occurs. Instead of dealing with social media posts, emails, and phone calls, we appreciate the chance to talk in person. And most importantly, we always want to be able to brag about the wonderful students of Dunellen High School and the incredible work that they do on a daily basis. 

Students in the Leadership 4 Life class took their learning beyond the classroom walls yesterday, spending the morning volunteering at Elijah's Promise in New Brunswick. What began as a service trip quickly turned into a powerful lesson in teamwork, organization, and community impact.

Working side by side in the kitchen, Ms. Powell and students helped prepare 68 full trays of mini meatball pasta, which will be distributed to individuals and families across Middlesex County. From measuring seasonings, mixing ingredients, and assembling trays, every student played an important role in ensuring the meals were prepared with care and efficiency.

In addition to sharpening their collaboration and communication skills, students gained a firsthand understanding of food insecurity and the importance of community partnerships. Staff members at Elijah’s Promise shared insights about their mission, the logistics of serving large populations, and how small acts of service can create meaningful change.

The experience reinforced that leadership is not just about directing others, it is about serving, stepping up when needed, and contributing to something larger than yourself. The staff were so impressed with our students and said we are welcome back any time! We are incredibly proud of our students for representing our school with compassion, professionalism, and a true spirit of service. The students had a fun, rewarding experience and can not wait to return! If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about Elijah's Promise, you can visit their website here.