MANASQUAN — The Manasquan Board of Education met for its final meeting of the school year on June 10 and honored several longtime staff members set to depart at the end of the school year.
Since 1980, James “Jim” Freda has taught at Manasquan High School and this coming Friday will call it a career and retire after 45 years of teaching. Throughout his tenure at Manasquan High School, Freda taught nearly every science course offered, Superintendent Robert Goodall said.
“His enthusiasm, humor and passion for the natural world created a dynamic classroom environment where students were encouraged to think critically, explore deeply and learn by doing,” Superintendent Goodall said.
Outside of the classroom, Freda was involved in student life throughout his tenure and served as an advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Fishing Club. Freda is a U.S. Coast Guard certified charter boat captain and serves as Sea Girt’s beach manager, in addition to authoring a weekly column in The Coast Star (see page 44).
“Mr. Freda has been more than a teacher – he has been a mentor, role model and trusted colleague. His presence in the science department, his steady leadership and his joyful spirit have made a lasting impact on Manasquan High School,” Superintendent Goodall added, “While he will be deeply missed, his legacy of curiosity, dedication and service will continue to influence both the school and the community for years to come.”
Freda was honored by the board of education with a plaque commemorating his 45 years of service to Manasquan High School and was invited to speak to the crowd at Tuesday night’s meeting.
“People asked me, ‘Are you counting the days down?’ No, I’m counting them up because every day was a blessing. Every day was a blessing, but one of the biggest was when I taught my three kids that came here, it was really so awesome to teach them,” Freda said tearfully.
After thanking the board for the recognition, meeting attendees applauded Freda’s emotional speech, looking back on 45 years of service to Manasquan High School.
Superintendent Robert Goodall then recognized Manasquan Elementary School paraprofessional Dorothy “Dotty” Gerlach, who began working in the school district in 2001.
“Sometimes when you perform your service to the district behind the scenes or off to the side, it sometimes goes unnoticed. I think all of us would agree (that) over her time here, Dottie Gerlach was a recognizable staff member who really helped children here,” Superintendent Goodall said.
Throughout her time at the elementary school, Superintendent Goodall said that Gerlach “could always be counted on to help out wherever she was needed.”
Working as a paraprofessional, Gerlach escorted students to and from the bus, assisted with hallway and cafeteria supervision and offered support in the elementary school media center, according to Superintendent Goodall.
After over 20 years of service to the school district, Gerlach was honored with a plaque ahead of her retirement at the end of the school year.
The board of education also honored Margaret Polak, who served in various capacities throughout her more than 35 years at Manasquan High School. Polak began her service in the district as the school psychologist in 1989, serving in an administrative role as an advocate for students and families, Superintendent Goodall said.
“Her calm presence, thoughtful guidance and deep dedication became cornerstones of student support services at Manasquan High School,” Superintendent Goodall said.
In 2014, Polak transition to Manasquan High School’s supervisor of special services. In this role, Polak continued to work with students and families, working to ensure that every student had the support they needed to succeed. Additionally, as supervisor of special services Polak was instrumental in establishing the center of learning and independence (CLI), a program still in palace today. Superintendent Goodall credited Polak’s “professionalism and empathy” that strengthened the district’s special education programs.
Most recently, Polak served as the supervisor of instruction for the humanities, where she shaped the academic experience at Manasquan High School. In this role, she launched the district’s seal of biliteracy program, while focusing on improving school curriculum.
“Her guidance, collaborative approach and sincere care for both students and staff have left a lasting impact on our school community,” Superintendent Goodall said.
After 35 years of service, Polak received a commemorative plaque and thanked her family and the board for supporting her throughout her professional endeavors at Manasquan High School.
“I really want to just say how grateful I’ve been to have had the opportunity to work in Manasquan alongside administrative colleagues that I adore, staff, everybody from paraprofessionals to our custodial staff. We are an amazing organization and one that I am extremely proud to be affiliated with and blessed to be a part of the warrior legacy here,” Polak said.
In addition to honoring three longtime staff members set to retire, the board of education recognized four of its longtime members for their commitment to the district. Thomas Pellegrino, Alfred Sorino and Eugene Cattani were all recognized with plaques for their over 10 years of service and dedication to sitting on the board.
Additionally, Donna Bossone, who has been serving on the board for over 10 years, announced her resignation from the board, after being honored by Superintendent Goodall. Bossone revealed that she will be moving out of town and that the June 10 meeting would be her last.
“I’ve been here 11 years, but I wanted to thank everybody. I have never ever enjoyed a volunteer position more than I have loved this job, so thank you everyone and it’s been a pleasure,” said Bossone.
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