With more than 14,500 students, the seventh-largest district in the state carries both a historic legacy and the needs of a modern, fast-changing economy. Founded in 1891,Toms River has educated multiple generations, yet it has never lost the small-town feeling that grounds its approach.“We may be citysized in population, but our schools operate like tight-knit neighborhoods,” Citta says.“Eighty percent of our staff are graduates or residents of Toms River. That inherent buy-in is built into everything we do.” CREATING A CULTURE OF BELONGING One of the strongest themes across Toms River is its commitment to student and staff well-being.At Toms River High School South, Assistant Principal and Business Academy Principal Chris Peck explains that support begins with connection.“The most important thing is the family feeling,” he says. “Students need to feel like they’re never alone and that whatever help they need will be there for them.” That philosophy shows up in practical ways. The school’s student mentorship program is entirely voluntary, staffed by teachers who sign up because they care. “More than half our faculty volunteers,” Peck shares. “Nobody gets paid for it. They do it because they believe in the kids.” Monthly gatherings bring students and staff together over pizza, board games, and conversations, offering a safe, welcoming environment that naturally improves engagement and, ultimately, academic performance. Peck notes that this sense of belonging directly translates into teacher support as well. “Our teachers feel that same efficacy. When the adults feel supported, the students feel it too.” WHERE GENERATIONS GROW TOGETHER Toms River’s size is often surprising given the warmth of its culture, but Citta explains that it’s intentional. “We have twelve elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools, each centered around neighborhoods. You truly get that small-town feel as students move through the feeder patterns.” Generational roots run deep. “A lot of people in our community are second, third, even fourth generation,” Photo Credit: Toms River High School South student Gab TR Grind, a student-run pop-up coffee shop, was the idea and capstone business project of High School South seniors who graduated in 2025. The business, however, lives on, with current South seniors selling coffee to students and staff and other potential customers in the building. 359 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 TOMS RIVER REGIONAL SCHOOLS
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