academically—and do it in ways that match the pace of a changing world. “The things of the past won’t take us where we need to go,” he says.“We’re shifting from traditional approaches so our students can transcend to higher levels.” That commitment shows up in the district’s daily fabric. Roselle leans hard into social-emotional learning, character education, and family engagement without losing sight of rigorous academics and real workforce skills. The result is a district as focused on belonging and well-being as it is on credentials and pathways—a balance that has earned schools national recognition and positioned Roselle as a small district with outsized momentum. A WHOLE-CHILD FOUNDATION Roselle’s SEL work is not a side program; it’s the spine. Pre-K–12 initiatives weave character development into grade-level experiences—through assemblies, targeted classroom supports, and districtwide programming aligned with the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development. Several schools hold the National School of Character distinction, and this fall the district will be honored again as one of its elementary schools receives a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award. The recognition matters, but the ethos matters more. “We aim to be the safest, most consistent place in a child’s life,” Fisher notes. “That starts with socialemotional readiness and extends into everything else we do.” Family and community connections are built with intention. In September, Roselle hosted the “Get on the Bus” tour, bringing eighth through twelfthgrade boys face-to-face with Morehouse College students and on to a college football game with families invited—part inspiration, part access, entirely community-building. The district is also realistic about logistics and equity; when transportation or scheduling becomes a barrier to student internships, Roselle brings industry to campus, from healthcare partners to tech professionals, so students still get authentic ROSELLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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