Ms. Gretchen Biedermann, a teacher at J.P. Case Middle School, has been named the 2026–2027 Hunterdon County Teacher of the Year!

Check out this celebration video: https://youtu.be/XwsPI7iisoo

Ms. Biedermann is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a degree in Special Education and has proudly served the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District since September 2004. Throughout her more than two decades in the district, she has made an extraordinary impact on students, families, colleagues, and the school community.

At J.P. Case, Ms. Biedermann teaches 7th- and 8th-grade students in a self-contained learning language disabled classroom. She focuses on each student's individual learning needs while helping them develop important life, social, and transition skills. She is passionate about creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that foster independence, confidence, and connection both inside and outside the classroom.

One of Ms. Biedermann’s most significant contributions has been her leadership in the creation and implementation of the Community Based Instruction (CBI) program for students in grades 6–8. Along with fellow teachers, Ms. Biedermann completed specialized training through the Rutgers Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities Community Based Instruction program and helped develop and write the CBI curriculum currently used in her school.

Ms. Biedermann is also deeply committed to fostering inclusion and meaningful peer relationships. Through initiatives such as a peer mentor program and a student-run coffee cart, she creates authentic opportunities for students to strengthen their communication, vocational, and social skills while building connections throughout the school community.

At the heart of Ms. Biedermann’s work is her belief in every student's ability to grow and succeed. Watching her students build friendships, gain confidence, develop independence, and recognize their own potential is what inspires her each day.

Known for her patience, creativity, and unwavering dedication, Ms. Biedermann strives to create a classroom where every student feels connected, capable, and valued. Her commitment to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally embodies the very best of the teaching profession.

Ms. Biedermann is among 21 educators from across New Jersey named 2026–2027 County Teachers of the Year, one of whom will be selected as New Jersey’s State Teacher of the Year this fall.

“Our FRSD community is so proud of Ms. Biedermann and her prestigious recognition,” said Dr. Clifford Burns, Superintendent of Schools. “We are grateful for her commitment to students and for all she does to help our students discover their strengths, build their confidence, and see what is possible.”

School Supply Lists are up! Click to view your school's lists for 2026-2027:
Barley Sheaf
Copper Hill
Desmares
Robert Hunter
RFIS
JPC - Teachers will connect with students in the first few days of school.

Be sure to check our FRSD Community Virtual Backpack for the latest events and activities throughout our area. If you are a non-profit organization looking to promote upcoming events, send a flyer to laura.bruhn@frsd.us. Find the Community Virtual Backpack here.

The Flemington-Raritan Regional Board of Education invites interested citizens of Raritan Township to apply for appointment as Raritan Township representative on the Board. The term of the appointment will run until December 31, 2026.

To become a member of the Board, an applicant must:

• Be able to read and write;
• Hold U.S. citizenship and one year's residency in Raritan Township;
• Have no interest in any contract with or claim against the Board;
• Not hold office as mayor or member of any municipal governing body within the Flemington- Raritan
Regional School District;
• Be registered to vote in Raritan Township and not be disqualified as a voter under N.J.S.A. 19:4-1; and
• Satisfy a criminal history background check pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1.

Candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: Flemington-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education, attn.: Ms. Tanya Dawson, 50 Court Street, Flemington, NJ 08822 or via email to Tanya.Dawson@frsd.us.

The deadline for submitting a resume and cover letter is Monday, August 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. The Board anticipates interviewing candidate(s) on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting.

For more details, click here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/d43d6bfc-a397-4d0c-af5a-71830d8226a5/BOARD-VACANCY-Raritan-Township-August-2026.pdf?disposition=inline

Click to view Board News & Notes from the July 30 Board meeting: https://app.smore.com/n/um5c8.

Our Board of Education will hold a special meeting tonight, July 30, at 6 PM at J.P. Case Middle School for the purpose of considering a resolution to proceed with a school facilities referendum. Formal action is anticipated. Click to view the Board's agenda and meeting schedule and access the livestream link: https://www.frsd.us/page/agendas-and-minutes

We're hiring! Check out our job postings and apply online to join the FRSD team! https://phlaptweb33.applitrack.com/frsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1

Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are available. Please complete a packet to apply for the 2026-2027 school year.
https://www.frsd.us/documents/parents/free-reduced-lunch/24706641

Click to view Board News & Notes from the July 22 Board meeting:
https://app.smore.com/n/thsn3

Special thanks to the Goddard School of Flemington, our newest Silver Level sponsor, for their support of our students and schools. Learn more about this featured partner here: https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/nj/flemington/flemington.

Is your business interested in becoming an FRSD sponsor? With each partnership, the district will place your business logo and link on our website and in future issues of our weekly newsletter. Learn more about Sponsorships here: https://www.frsd.us/page/sponsorship.

Our Board of Education will meet tonight, July 22, at 7 PM at J.P. Case Middle School. Click to view the Board's agenda and meeting schedule and access the livestream link: https://www.frsd.us/page/agendas-and-minutes

In our district's Extended School Year program, Mrs. Matuszkiewicz’s class dove into lessons about ocean animals! As part of their exploration, students discovered fascinating facts about octopuses and created their own colorful octopuses with eight paper-chain arms to match their eight amazing tentacles.

Fun Fact: Did you know an octopus has three hearts? Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps blood to the rest of the body. No wonder these incredible ocean creatures are so unique!

We love seeing our students combine creativity with hands-on learning as they make new discoveries throughout ESY!

Our summer program students had an incredible visit to the Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse! They learned about the justice system and public service from the Honorable Judge William Mennen, First Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Parvecchia, Sheriff Fred Brown, and County Clerk Mary Melfi, who organized this memorable experience. Thank you to our community leaders for inspiring our students and sharing the important work you do every day! Learn more about what our ESL campers are up to: https://app.smore.com/n/sj0mp-esl-summer-camp-week-2-highlights

Students in our district's summer program visited the Flemington Post Office this week! They enjoyed the walking field trip and learned so much from tour guide Mr. Jim. Thanks to the post office staff for the warm welcome and Officer Emanuele for helping students safely cross the street!

We're Hiring - School Counselor Position Available! Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/frsd/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=1877

Summer may have just begun, but we're already looking ahead to an exciting new school year...and we need your help!

Students are invited to record a 15–30 second video sharing what you love about school, what excites you about learning, your hopes for the coming year, or a message for your teachers and school staff. Selected clips will be featured in a special back-to-school video for our faculty and staff in September.

📅 Videos are due by July 31. Email your student video to laura.bruhn@frsd.us.

Thanks for joining the fun. We can't wait to hear from you! Check out this flyer:
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/bb24af9d-45ab-45df-8d73-e6a807fb1a96/Student-Video-Flyer-for-Sept2026.pdf?disposition=inline