connection and friendships. Career readiness is another area where Freehold Borough is intentionally building exposure early, even as a sending district whose students ultimately attend the Freehold Regional High School District. Michael explains that the district’s Career Café model brings local professionals into schools not simply to talk about careers, but to provide hands-on experiences. Students rotate through stations where they practice real-world skills and get tangible exposure to what different roles require. Emergency services participation has been a strong example, with students learning skills such as applying a tourniquet, practicing bleed response, and experiencing the physical reality of wearing firefighting gear and moving through tight spaces. Students also explore vehicles and equipment, bridging the gap between “career talk” and “career understanding.” The district complements these experiences by bringing high school representatives to speak with sixth and seventh graders about magnet programs and the application process, ensuring students and families understand options early. Community engagement is also reinforced through district-wide events that connect families to resources. Michael described the district’s first Back to School Bash as a major success, bringing together 39 organizations and distributing hundreds of backpacks, food support, clothing, counseling connections, and practical assistance such as help completing free lunch applications. For families where English is not a primary language, having direct support with paperwork and resource navigation can be the difference between access and missed opportunity. The district has already set a date for next year’s event, signaling that the model will continue as a recurring community anchor. From an operational perspective, Pisano outlines substantial recent capital investment and a clear forward plan. The district recently completed a major project adding 16 new classrooms, totaling roughly 12,000 square feet. Designed by Remington & Vernick Engineers and built by Vanas Construction, 287 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 FREEHOLD BOROUGH SCHOOLS
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