Dear Editor:
I am the parent of two children currently enrolled at Salvatore R. Calabro Elementary School (Calabro). My eldest child graduated from the program this past June, and is attending Hoboken Middle School. According to the 2017-18 school grades released last month by the New Jersey Department of Education, Calabro is ranked in the top four percent of all public and charter schools throughout the state. The middle school is in the bottom five percent.
I am a graduate of Hunter College High School and Columbia College in the City of New York. My husband and I met on our undergraduate fencing team. Many people have asked us why we chose to send our three children to Hoboken public schools, which traditionally have scored on par with the middle school. The answer is Calabro. When my children were in preschool, I was working as a professional journalist covering Hoboken. I was asked to tour Hoboken public schools. I was so impressed with the facility and staff at Calabro that I chose to transfer my two older children. My youngest child has never known any elementary school other than those nondescript beige walls tucked into a corner beside the town library.
Church Square Park is located steps from the school front door. Yesterday, I passed my son’s gym class on their way to experience fresh air under soaring trees beginning to bud with spring foliage. I see the music teacher on her way between the middle school and Calabro and ask for advice on repairing broken violin strings. My eldest child was thrilled to be able to continue her education under the same set of instructors who have taught – and continue to teach – all three of my children.
There have been state-wide budget cuts that have impacted every public school in New Jersey. I expected the reduction of special programs including art, music and foreign language. The newly launched Passport to Learning program is much more costly than the previous district-run aftercare. I have not been able to attend any meetings since I am recovering from surgery and have not yet been cleared by my physician to return to active duty. My understanding is that Calabro administrative costs are higher than those of the other district schools – consolidation and outsourcing could be ways to reduce those expenses.
I am confident that children coming out of the nurturing and skill-building environment of Calabro are equipped to handle any challenge that the world throws at them. My family and I are grateful for the time we have spent there. We look forward to continuing to build our many friendships within Hoboken and hope that soon, all individuals who choose to live within this mile-square city will share the growth and joy that my children and their friends experience on a daily basis.
Kathy Zucker
