The United Way of Hunterdon County partnered with Francis A. Desmares School to launch its first Pantries with Purpose school-based pantry initiative. The in-school pantry program helps to address the rising rate of food insecurity among children in Hunterdon County by placing fully stocked, confidential pantries directly inside local schools. These pantries provide shelf-stable food, healthy snacks, and hygiene essentials to any student who needs support — discreetly and without barriers.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of Hunterdon and bring the Pantries with a Purpose to Desmares School,” said Principal Mark Masessa. “This partnership with United Way of Hunterdon County allows us to respond immediately and compassionately when a student has a need. The pantry will provide critical support while preserving dignity and confidentiality for our families.”
The pantry is in use five days a week during the school year, allowing school staff to respond in real time when needs arise. By putting resources directly in schools, the effort removes transportation barriers and reduces stigma often associated with seeking assistance.
To learn more, contact Gabriela Bonnavent at gabriela@uwhunterdon.org. Community members can also support the initiative by sponsoring a school pantry, donating shelf-stable food or hygiene products, or making a financial contribution to help open additional locations.
Click to view the latest FRSD Broadcast with Dr. Burns from March 2, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eVx_bVNJZ2o
Let's get ready for Read Across America Week - March 2-6! Click to view the flyer in English and Spanish: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/0fc7b4d5-0003-412c-b286-ee24f45af1e8/Read-Across-America-2026-%281%29.pdf?disposition=inline
Click to view Board News & Notes from the February 25, 2026 Board of Education meeting: https://app.smore.com/n/m7sa94 ~~~ Congratulations, again, to this year's Educators of the Year!
The 2025-2026 district calendar has been revised. School will be open on Monday, April 13, to make up the snow closing on February 23. It will be a B Day/Day 4. Click to view the revised calendar: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/b3437960-cfbe-4b6f-9ba8-f1883cefbe80/2025-2026-District-Calendar---Revised-2-24-26.pdf?disposition=inline
Click to view Board News & Notes from the special Board meeting held on February 19, 2026.
https://app.smore.com/n/5hjzk
Click to view this week's Headlines and Virtual Backpack for the week ending February 20, 2026:
https://app.smore.com/n/wm47r
Congratulations to Francis A. Desmares School Counselor Viviana Moncada. Named New Jersey's School Counselor of the Year in 2025, Ms. Moncada was recognized and celebrated for her distinguished achievement at the American School Counseling Association Gala in Washington, D.C. Read more about Ms. Moncada here: https://www.njsca.org/pastnjscoy?rq=moncada
*** Job Opening *** Director of Pupil Personnel Services, 2026-2027 School Year -- Reporting to the Superintendent, the Director of Pupil Personnel Services serves as the district's strategic leader for special education and student support services. Responsible for the development, direction, coordination, and evaluation of all special services—child study team services, school health services, student counseling services, special education, related services, home instruction, section 504 services, homeless services, and non-public school services. Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/frsd/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=1838
J.P. Case Middle School proudly presents The Sound of Music (Youth Edition). Show times are 2/27 at 7 PM and 2/28 at 2 PM. Tickets are on sale now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOJSKco6iA_h9wuqRSITlzeHv_eJwYbiRp3cba3NJPNnPr4A/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBtvJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETI3Y1VzcE9jWml6dXBsd3lrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpczUO86d7De3Qlq03VPlgUDPXDcs1JnD5KOej_uz3GXWjr0iCv0ywSREs-c_aem_k4E8ZXbd5_q5F3JnmdXIGw
