Superintendent Highlights Student Achievements, Holiday Traditions at Dec. 16 Board Meeting

December 28, 2025

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY — At the December 16 Montgomery Township Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Mary McLoughlin used her report to both thank outgoing board members and highlight academic, arts, athletic, and service activities taking place across the district as winter break approaches.

McLoughlin opened by extending “sincere gratitude” on behalf of the Montgomery Township School District to outgoing board members Michelle Dowling, Joanna Filak, and Ania Woleck-Jernigan as they complete their terms.

She acknowledged their “time, energy, and thoughtful leadership and service” to students, staff, and the community, noting their commitment to making informed decisions and guiding the district.

“Your contributions have helped shape the direction of our schools and strengthen our educational community,” McLoughlin said, adding that while their terms are ending, “the positive impact of your work will continue.” She wished each of them “the very best in your future” and thanked them again for their service.

Winter concerts, homework-free break, and sports
Turning to current district activities, McLoughlin said the schools are “excited to embark on our annual winter traditions” as the break nears.

At Montgomery High School, she noted:

“World-class instrumental and music concerts” were scheduled for that night and the following evening at 7 p.m.
On Monday, the chamber choir will visit all buildings for the district’s annual caroling for staff and students.
The district will conclude 2025 with an in-school winter concert on the final day before break.

She reminded families that, “as is tradition,” the district will enter a homework-free break over the holiday period.

McLoughlin also reported that winter sports are in full swing, encouraging the community to check the athletics webpage for daily schedules and to visit the MHS Cougar Den for updates.

High school: theater, Special Olympics fundraiser, spelling bee, robotics
The superintendent highlighted several recent events involving high school students:

Over the past weekend, 71 students participated in the cast and crew of the production “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” McLoughlin thanked the staff “who made the students shine” and said she hoped all who attended enjoyed the show.
On December 5, 115 students and staff took to the track for the second annual “Jingle All the Way” jog for Special Olympics. Students in the unified PE class advertised and helped plan the event. As a school, the group raised $3,235, with a portion of the funds returning to support unified programs.
On December 9, 25 students sat for the preliminary round of the spelling bee, with 10 students advancing to the final round in January.
At the end of November, the robotics team attended a local FIRST LEGO League competition and “performed well,” McLoughlin reported. The club adviser was named Mentor of the Year. She offered congratulations.

LMS: Ed camp, concerts, virtual 3K, and “Wonder”
McLoughlin said Lower Middle School (LMS) is “joyfully balancing learning and celebration” during the holiday season.

She reported that:

LMS held its first-ever student-led “ed camp” on the half day before Thanksgiving, giving students and staff the chance “to connect with others who share similar interests.” She described it as a “fun-filled and energizing launch into the holiday weekend.”
December opened with the fifth- and sixth-grade orchestras and band filling the building with “beautiful music,” delighting families and setting “a cheerful tone for the season.”
On Wednesday, December 10, LMS hosted its first-ever virtual “Jingle All the Way” 3K. More than 150 students and over 50 staff members participated, raising nearly $10,000 for Special Olympics, $2,000 of which will directly support the unified program at LMS.

McLoughlin said LMS looks forward to growing “Jingle All the Way” into “a beloved annual tradition.”

Elementary programs, service drive, and SEL focus
The superintendent also outlined recent activities at the elementary level.

She noted that:

The fourth grade Band 1 and Band 2 held their first concerts of the year last Thursday and Friday for parents and fourth-grade peers. Students showcased how much they have learned “in just three short months,” and McLoughlin said parents were “left in awe.” The next school-day concerts will be in February in preparation for the first evening concerts at the EMPAC at the high school.
The 31st annual Young Scholars Institute holiday service drive concluded earlier in the day. Students in each class collected school supplies and purchased gifts for a Young Scholars child assigned to their classroom. The family of each young scholar will also receive a holiday grocery gift card.
First graders at Orchard Hill are spending part of their time this month “traveling” to neighboring classrooms for a holidays around the world activity. Each teacher on a team presents a different holiday, and classes rotate through lessons on winter celebrations such as Las Posadas, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and even winter solstice.

McLoughlin added that the school’s social-emotional learning (SEL) focus for the month is empathy. Students across grades are learning what it means to have empathy through “various books, songs, and conversations.”

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com