Last Tuesday started like any other September evening in East Brunswick. The sun was sliding down behind the trees, traffic was buzzing along Route 18, and somewhere on Facebook, a mystery was about to bloom.
Jessica had just settled in for the night when her security camera chimed. A white Jeep had rolled to a stop in front of her house. Out stepped a woman — stranger, calm as could be — who began strolling around Jessica’s yard. Not just a peek at the porch. She circled the whole property like she owned the place.
Jessica took to the East Brunswick Residents group, her post as crisp as the footage:
“Anyone recognize this woman or white Jeep? She parked in front of our house and walked around our entire property today.”
Within minutes, neighbors were on the case.
Karen tried to keep things sensible.
“If she just went to the porch, maybe wrong address for a freecycle pick up 😄 but not walking around the entire property!”
Cherie backed her up — maybe a mix-up — but even she admitted, “not around the whole house.”
Then came Jean, suggesting Jessica post in another group for help, while Jenn Marie T reminded everyone of the unwritten rules:
“You aren’t allowed to post images of other people in that group.”
As the thread swelled, theories got wilder. Jennifer Henry offered a story about mortgage inspectors who sometimes “walk the exterior property taking pictures.” Jessica shot that down: the house wasn’t for sale, and the bank wasn’t involved.
Cha went practical: “If you have the plates, report it.”
David leaned comic relief:
“Hang out at the McDonald’s drive-thru long enough and you’ll find her.”
Meanwhile, a few eagle-eyed residents studied the footage frame by frame. One noted how the woman angled her phone — like she might be recording the house. Others got distracted by the clarity of the video itself.
“For real, what system is that?” asked Helen Truven.
Jessica proudly answered: “Blink — Amazon Prime Day deal!”
As the comments stacked higher than the Route 18 overpass, more theories trickled in: maybe she was from animal rescue, maybe a township tax assessor, maybe — as one brave soul suggested — “a dude disguised as a woman.”
In the end, Jessica filed a police report, set up extra cameras, and warned that neighbors were on alert.
“Hopefully, this weirdo doesn’t come back,” she wrote.
And that, friends, is how an ordinary Tuesday turned into the Great White Jeep Caper — proof that in East Brunswick, you never know when your next traffic detour or road closure will be joined by a side of suburban intrigue.
Seen the mysterious Jeep? Got your own “you won’t believe this happened” EB story? Share it below — just check your backyard first.
Voices at the Mic: Highlights from “For the Good of the Cause”
The September 18 Board of Education meeting closed with a powerful “For the Good of the Cause” segment, giving residents and educators the chance to speak directly to district leadership. The remarks spanned farewells, sharp critiques, thoughtful questions, and words of praise — showing how engaged the East Brunswick community remains.
Dom Sclafani Bids Farewell
Longtime resident Dom Sclafani announced that this appearance would likely be his last before the Board, as he is moving out of town.
“I’m so lucky to have grown up here and to have the education that I got,” Sclafani said. “I had the best teachers, friends, counselors, coaches, and mentors, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
He reflected on service to local organizations and closed with a line from Hamilton:
“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see. I hope a legacy is something I’ve accomplished here.”
His words drew warm applause from those in attendance.
Tatiana Jordan Calls for Respect and Understanding
The evening’s most impassioned address came from Tatiana Jordan, a veteran ENL/ESL teacher with 17 years of experience. Jordan spoke firmly about a remark made by Board member Liwu Hong during an August presentation on test scores, and she urged the Board to show greater understanding of multilingual learners.
“Mr. Hong, during that meeting, you questioned the way to access results for English language learners and expressed concern that these students remain in the program after three or even four years, calling it alarming,” she said. “Such a remark not only oversimplifies the challenges faced by multilingual learners, but also demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the language acquisition process.”
Jordan emphasized that acquiring academic language typically takes five to seven years and called for respectful discourse about students and staff alike.
Her remarks also addressed broader issues of Board responsiveness, pointing to past silence over concerns about curriculum choices:
“Your silence as a board is actually more alarming than the WIDA access scores,” she said. “We see through you and Dr. Falco in terms of the math exams — math is no longer universal and as simple as you claim. It is as much an exercise in reading comprehension as it is math.”
Jordan’s statement was a clear, well-supported appeal for informed leadership. Her professionalism and command of research set a high bar for public comment.
Neal Shah Questions Campaigning Rules
BOE Candidate Neal Shah raised concerns about how campaign-related policies were communicated before a recent football game. Shah recounted receiving an email citing a policy number that did not exist, only to be told later it was a typo.
“This is a real intimidation thing that the Board has sent out,” Shah said, questioning whether the policy had been tailored “on the fly.”
He encouraged the district to ensure clear, transparent rules so candidates and the community understand expectations during election season.
Jeff Winston Praises a Shift in Culture
BOE Candidate Jeff Winston struck an optimistic tone, crediting newer Board members for elevating the discussion and doing their own research.
“Tonight’s meeting was so different than any meeting I’ve ever seen from this board,” Winston said. “Dr. Tanious, your questioning is just insane — it’s so spot on. Dr. Figueroa, the right questions. Dr. Braun, fantastic. Ms. Herrick, oh my God.”
Winston applauded presentations that included “planning, measurements, and goals,” and urged the Board to codify priorities with progress dates posted publicly.
“Change the board, change the culture, change the results,” he said, adding that the community should keep the positive momentum going.
Jack Levitt Urges Civility — and the Need for Clarity
During public comment, Jack Levitt voiced concern about the tone of campaigning during the election season, mentioning reports he had heard about an incumbent criticizing others and suggesting social-media “burner accounts” might be in play. Levitt’s remarks reflected a genuine wish for civility and for board members to prioritize their work on behalf of students.
“I was really upset to hear from some friends that one of the incumbents running was trashing and telling lies about other incumbents,” he said. “You’re a board member first and a candidate second.”
While Levitt’s call for respect was well-placed, speculation about burner accounts or unverified conversations can muddy the waters. Clear, fact-based dialogue helps keep election discussions productive and focused on issues that matter to the community.
Fran Snowise Encourages Courage and Training
Fran Snowise expressed appreciation for the Board’s willingness to tackle hard topics.
“I am so excited that we are having the difficult conversations that I have been pleading and asking for for so long,” she said.
Snowise praised high school leadership for addressing concerns after a recent speaker event and reminded staff about deadlines for training on new adaptive testing systems.
Antoinette Evola Examines Class Size and Support
BOE Candidate, Antoinette Evola offered a thoughtful series of questions on class size, Title I resources, and the placement of temporary classrooms. She encouraged the Board to consider whether smaller class sizes or access to tutoring programs might explain performance differences between schools.
Evola also raised a point about including ninth-grade scores in high school data, noting that past decisions about temporary classrooms could affect how results are reported. Her questions underscored the value of steady, data-driven inquiry.
Closing Thoughts
The “For the Good of the Cause” portion of the September 18 meeting showcased the breadth of voices in East Brunswick — from Sclafani’s gracious goodbye to Jordan’s passionate defense of multilingual learners, from Shah’s concerns about transparency to Winston’s praise for a new spirit of accountability. Together with Levitt, Snowise, and Evola, each speaker added to a richer, more engaged conversation about the district’s future.
What happens when those in positions of leadership—those entrusted with making decisions for our children—compromise their morals and ethics, even in defense of what they might consider to be a noble cause? Does their lapse negate the very cause they claim to serve? These questions echoed for me as I left last night’s EBBOE meeting.
Attendance and School Climate
During the HIB data presentation, much was made about the correlation between attendance, student absences, and behavior. But here’s the harder truth no one seems willing to acknowledge: maybe students don’t want to be in school because the climate and culture inside those buildings feels unsupportive, unwelcoming, or unsafe.
As educators, we know the opposite can also be true. Many students seek out classrooms where they feel safe—a place where they are seen, heard, and respected. When schools are not experienced as a refuge, and students have few other options, the question becomes: where else can they turn? When we fail to provide that safe harbor, we fail the very children we are entrusted to support.
The Mental Health Crisis We Can’t Ignore
Dr. Boley noted that 113 students are currently on home instruction. In her words, many of those cases are due to mental health challenges. This should be a flashing red signal. When students are running from school instead of to school, the system is failing them.
Our schools should be nurturing, safe, and engaging spaces. If they are not, we must ask ourselves why. Praising ourselves for superficial improvements while children flee the very system designed to serve them is not leadership. It is denial.
A Broken Compass
The tone-deafness of the board was astonishing. Members were showered with accolades simply for doing the bare minimum: paying attention. That is what the community elected them to do—it’s their responsibility, not an extraordinary achievement worthy of celebration. At least not in my opinion.
Meanwhile, some board members act as though their seat is an audition for a higher administrative or political position, pushing unilateral decisions, bullying others into submission, and steering the community, and more importantly, our children, down dangerous paths. The moral and ethical compass of this board is not just misaligned—it is broken.
Asking the Right Questions, Too Late
Candidates running for reelection are finally beginning to ask important questions. But where was this level of engagement before? Leadership is not about waiting until election season to show concern. If those questions had been asked consistently all along, perhaps we’d be in a different place. Instead, the community is left with explanations of data that should have been transparent from the beginning. Asking “tough questions” is meaningless if the compass guiding the room is already compromised. So, as the old adage goes, a day late and a dollar short.
Discipline, Instruction, and Missed Connections
During the discussion on HIBs and disciplinary issues, a glaring oversight became clear. Classroom removals and rising discipline incidents were framed as behavioral problems, with little acknowledgment of the underlying causes: lack of academic preparedness, ballooning class sizes, and minimal differentiated instruction.
Anyone who has spent even a short time in education knows that acting out is often rooted in disconnection—students struggling to access material, bored by one-size-fits-all lessons, or craving relevance and meaning. Differentiated, engaging instruction isn’t just a pedagogical nicety…. It is a lifeline. Ignoring this connection is mind-boggling and downright detrimental.
Cookie-Cutter Thinking, Cookie-Cutter Tests
Even in day-to-day classroom practices, we see the cracks. Just this morning, my own children compared notes about an upcoming assessment—two classes, two different teachers, the same test, carbon copies of one another. Where is the creativity? Where is the innovative thinking? Where is the space for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in unique, innovative, meaningful ways?
Differentiation was a buzzword at last night’s meeting. Dr. Boley referenced it in her polished list of goals. But what is the value of carefully crafted bullet points if they never translate into classrooms? Talking about differentiation is easy. Implementing it is hard. Our students deserve leaders and educators willing to do the hard work.
Final Thought
Forgive me if I don’t join the chorus of self-congratulation. I see the cracks widening daily. Data slides and empty applause don’t change the truth: students don’t feel safe, supported, or engaged. Until we commit ourselves to honesty, courage, and the moral obligation to create safe, engaging, and equitable schools, we have nothing to celebrate. Our children deserve more than broken compasses and hollow applause. They deserve schools worth running to.
As East Brunswick continues to expand with new housing developments, residents are finding themselves stuck in traffic more often, especially at key intersections around the township. One of the most notorious trouble spots? The intersection near Milltown Road and Churchill, which has many local drivers venting their frustration on social media.
Traffic Nightmares During School Drop-Offs
One resident, an anonymous contributor, commented that a recent back-to-school night took them a whopping 20 to 25 minutes to travel a short stretch of Milltown Road. “It’s like playing real-life Frogger out here,” they wrote. “I’m just trying to drop my kid off at school without feeling like I’m in the middle of an episode of ‘Survivor.’”
Several others weighed in with similar complaints. S. M., a local dad, shared his unfortunate experience when he dropped off his son at school for the first time. “He ended up late and marked absent,” S. M. said. “I had to call the school to get it corrected! Those traffic lights seriously need an overhaul. I never take that route now. Ryders Lane’s a nightmare, too.”
The Impact of Construction and Development
The problems are compounded by ongoing construction in the area. With multiple housing units under development, many residents are now feeling like their daily commutes have turned into a game of survival. J. K., a frequent commuter, mentioned, “It’s becoming like a real-life version of ‘Rush Hour.’ The whole area feels like a game of Jenga, but with cars.”
As construction continues and more apartments fill up, residents worry that the gridlock will only worsen. L. H. pointed out, “Once those 800 apartments are rented, it’ll be complete chaos. It’s already hard enough to navigate this place. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like then.”
Infrastructure Struggles and Traffic Solutions
A common sentiment shared by many is the feeling that the infrastructure just can’t keep up with the rapid development. G. C., another concerned resident, added, “There’s too much new building and not enough thought going into how these roads will handle it. When all these apartments are full, the traffic will be like New York City in East Brunswick. Is this what we want?”
Some suggestions have been made to help alleviate the congestion. P. C., a local, thinks that adding more control during rush hour might help. “Until the lights are fixed, they should put someone at the intersection to direct traffic. That would help stop people from blocking the box every time the light changes,” he said.
Others have proposed more drastic measures, such as the reworking of traffic patterns. K. H. suggested a change to Tices Westbound that could allow a more fluid right turn onto University, which he believes would clear up some of the congestion caused by people turning off of Harts Lane. “If we can figure this out, why can’t the traffic engineers?” he asked.
Community Calls for Action
Some residents are even pushing for direct action. F. G. R. and D. T., both vocal contributors to local discussions, are calling for a more formal complaint process to get these issues addressed. “Which department can we talk to about this?” they asked, clearly frustrated with the ongoing delays.
In the meantime, drivers are left with limited options and a growing sense of frustration. M. A. G. echoed many others when she commented, “I hate this intersection. I get stuck here every day. It’s a complete mess.”
Meanwhile, T. Y., whose daily commute has become a battle, jokingly suggested, “Can’t agree more! I avoid this mess every day. If I had a dollar for every time I got stuck here, I could buy a house around the corner to escape the traffic.”
The Road Ahead: Can Anything Be Done?
But the lighthearted comments do little to mask the bigger issue: how will East Brunswick handle the growing pains of rapid development? With more units being built, more people moving in, and no clear solution to the traffic nightmare in sight, it seems that the road ahead is going to be a bumpy one.
For now, residents can only hope that the voices of the community are heard, and that meaningful changes will be made to ease the congestion. After all, they don’t need to get any more traffic-ted than they already are.
When war brought hardship to families in Ukraine, the ripple effect reached right here in East Brunswick. Two high school seniors, Anna Berkuta and Veronica Slavinsky, saw their classmates arriving from overseas and decided they couldn’t just sit back. Together, they founded the Peace Pulse Initiative — a student-led effort to welcome, support, and uplift Ukrainian families in our community.
From Personal Roots to a Community Mission
Both Anna and Veronica have deep personal ties to Ukraine. Anna still gets phone calls at four in the morning from family hiding in bomb shelters, while Veronica remembers feeling powerless as the war unfolded from afar. Their shared heritage inspired them to act. What started as a simple Instagram project sharing stories quickly grew into something larger.
Building a Network of Care
Realizing that stories alone weren’t enough, the pair pivoted to action. They connected with Hope for Ukraine, organized a clothing drive, and drove boxes of supplies to northern New Jersey. From there, they expanded into tutoring and hands-on help. At the library, they worked one-on-one with a fourth grader struggling to adjust, even helping her family navigate summer camp registration and government forms.
Creating Spaces for Teens
Peace Pulse also turned its focus to the emotional well-being of teens. Partnering with organizations, Anna and Veronica hosted biweekly “Teen Talk” meetings filled with crafts, stress management activities, and simple social connections. Their biggest event brought more than 100 people to a park in Woodbridge for games, food, and community bonding.
A Call to the Community
Today, the Peace Pulse Initiative continues to run food drives, organize events, and advocate for fairness in schools. Anna and Veronica’s call to East Brunswick is simple: be more understanding, be more welcoming, and lend a hand where you can. Whether through donations, volunteering, or just kindness, the community can help carry their vision forward.
To donate or if you have any questions, you can message them on Instagram.
It was a tough week for the Bears on the gridiron. On Monday, East Brunswick fell 19–14 to Hamilton West despite a strong two-touchdown connection between quarterback Sean Christie (97 yards passing) and wideout Noah DeJesus (76 receiving yards, 2 TDs). Nathan Charleston added 52 yards on the ground and anchored the defense with 11 tackles.
Friday night against Franklin was even tougher. The Bears kept pace early, cutting the deficit to 16–13 behind a pick-six from DeJesus and an 8-yard TD run from Charleston, but Franklin’s high-powered offense pulled away for a 50–19 win. Christie threw for 185 yards and a touchdown, while DeJesus had another big night with 115 receiving yards, an interception, and a sack. East Brunswick now sits at 0–4 overall.
Field Hockey
The field hockey squad had an outstanding week, picking up two dominant wins. On Tuesday, senior forward Rachel Gerould scored four goals in a 5–0 win at Sayreville, with help from assists by Arianna DeMaio and Logan Hooper.
On Saturday, the Bears kept rolling with a 7–0 shutout of South Brunswick. Julia Rose and Alexa DeRado each netted hat tricks, combining for six of EB’s goals, while goalie Reagan Umbach stopped both shots she faced. The Bears improve to 5–1 and look like one of the toughest teams in the GMC.
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team had a wild week of highs and lows. Tuesday’s cross-town rivalry matchup with Spotswood ended in a 5–4 win for EB. Jacqueline Goldovsky scored twice and assisted on two others, while Valeria Fernandes, Sofia Ilnitskyy, and Hannah Cheraibi each added goals.
On Thursday, EB came up short in a 4–2 loss to Metuchen despite goals from Cheraibi and Samantha Baker. But the Bears bounced back in a big way Saturday, taking down Monroe 3–2 in overtime — their first win over Monroe since 2022. Goldovsky was the hero, completing a hat trick with the golden goal in the 87th minute. EB’s record now stands at 4–3.
Boys Soccer
It was heartbreak twice for the boys team. On Tuesday, they battled powerhouse St. Joseph (Metuchen) to overtime but lost 1–0 on a late goal. Goalie Aiden Hanas was sharp with 11 saves.
On Thursday, EB put three goals on the board but couldn’t contain New Brunswick in a 4–3 loss. The Bears fall to 1–5 overall.
Girls Volleyball
The volleyball team is still searching for its first win. On Tuesday, EB won the opening set against J.P. Stevens before dropping the next two in a 2–1 loss. Thursday against Woodbridge, the Bears fell 2–0. Their record now sits at 0–6, but the team continues to push through a tough GMC slate.
Girls Tennis
The tennis team continues to dominate. On Tuesday, they swept South Brunswick 4–1 with straight-set wins from Stacy Arkhipova, Arya Joshi, and Kellyanne Mossi in singles. Thursday brought a 5–0 shutout over Edison, and Friday the Bears topped Rumson-Fair Haven 4–1. Arkhipova, Joshi, and Mossi all went undefeated on the week, while doubles teams Kaitlin Wang / Prisha Patel and Andrea Baraian / Kelsey Zhao added key victories. EB remains perfect at 7–0.
SPOTSWOOD, NJ – Less than two months after a disturbing incident in which seven geese were struck and killed on Devoe Avenue, the Spotswood Police Department has announced that a suspect has been identified and charged.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 14, near Devoe Lake. According to police, a vehicle traveling through the area struck multiple geese crossing the road. When officers arrived at the scene, they found seven geese deceased in the roadway. The vehicle involved had already fled the scene.
Now, a man has been charged with seven counts of animal cruelty, in addition to motor vehicle summonses and violations under New Jersey Fish and Wildlife regulations. The identity of the individual has not yet been released, pending further legal proceedings.
A Serious Matter Under State and Federal Law
This case struck a chord with many local residents, especially as the geese were not only well-known in the area but are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — a federal law that makes it illegal to harm or kill certain species of birds, including Canada geese, without a permit.
At the time of the incident, Spotswood police emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating in a press release that any intentional harm to wildlife could carry both state and federal consequences. Captain Edward Schapley had urged community members with information or surveillance footage to come forward.
Thanks to community assistance and investigative efforts, the department has now taken action.
A Reminder for All Drivers
While the motives behind the incident have not yet been disclosed, the case serves as a reminder to remain cautious and respectful of wildlife — particularly in areas near parks, lakes, and wooded neighborhoods where animals may cross the road. Whether intentional or not, leaving the scene of a crash involving animals can still result in significant legal consequences.
As of now, no further details have been made public. Eyes on EB will continue to monitor updates from Spotswood officials and provide coverage as this case develops.
East Brunswick motorists had a collective case of whiplash this week — not from sudden stops, but from trying to keep up with a Facebook thread about increased EBPD traffic enforcement.
The drama began when M.D. posted a simple PSA:
“EBPD activity is high this week. They are pulling over anyone every chance they get.”
Within minutes, comment notifications were popping up faster than radar guns on Ryders Lane. Some residents applauded the crackdown.
“AMEN, DRIVERS ARE ENTTIELD AND POLICE ARE DOING THEIR JOB… HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS, IN THEIR POCKETS!!” said L.H., apparently in ALL CAPS to make sure the message reached every speeding soul.
Others offered linguistic analysis rather than legal advice.
“Well I find it encouraging that they are Wreckless. It could be worse, we could have wrecks!” joked G.B., earning a flurry of laughing emojis — and possibly a grammar citation.
Not to be outdone, S.D. chimed in, seconding G.B.’s crusade against the slow left-lane crowd:
“This is a giant and increasing problem.”
Apparently, nothing unites EB drivers like a common enemy: people who treat the passing lane as a cozy lounge.
Then the thread veered off-road. One commenter suggested officers should focus on “homeless vagrants along 18,” prompting C.T. to calmly point out that being unhoused isn’t actually illegal. (Eyes on EB tip: arguing constitutional law while merging is not recommended.)
By mid-afternoon, the conversation had spiraled into conspiracy theories about ticket quotas, clean-shoe surveillance of panhandlers, and loud street racers in the AutoZone plaza.
“Guess they didn’t meet their ticket quotas for the month,” speculated K.N. “I got pulled over in the high school parking lot,” added R.E., turning nostalgia for driver’s ed into breaking news.
What’s Really Going On
According to a quick chat with an EBPD spokesperson (and some light observation of flashing lights near Tices Lane), officers are running a standard traffic safety initiative — think seatbelt reminders, cell phone checks, and a polite “slow down” for the 38% of drivers who treat 45 mph as a suggestion.
Even G.B., who launched the spelling joke, had a practical suggestion for the department:
“They should also be pulling over the left-lane vigilantes that go slow in the passing lane.”
We hear you, Geo. Nothing ruins a good cruise like an impromptu Sunday drive in the fast lane.
Eyes on EB Take
Whether you’re pro-ticket or pro-freedom-to-roll-through-a-stop, one thing is clear: Facebook threads about speed traps are the new town square. Keep your blinker on, your grammar tight, and your foot light on the gas.
Drive safe, EB — or at least make sure your quotes about it are as entertaining as this week’s.
Imagine watching your child walk across the stage at 21—diploma in hand, family cheering in the crowd. For many graduates, this moment signals a world of opportunity. But for too many adults with autism and cognitive impairments, it marks something different: the quiet closing of doors. Graduation isn’t a beginning… it’s often the start of being left behind. No more school. No more daily routine. No visible support. No clear path forward.
For families raising children with autism and other cognitive challenges, school becomes the anchor. It provides familiarity, structure, therapies, and services that foster growth academically, socially, and personally. Until 21, students have access to a system that sustains them. Then comes the looming question: What happens next?
Too often, the answer is simple and heartbreaking—not enough.
A Story of Advocacy and Resilience
This week I had the joy of reconnecting with Dara Valiant, the mom of a student I worked with nearly 25 years ago as his speech therapist. My relationship with Dara, her husband Gino, their son Genare, and their extended family went far beyond therapist and student—it was a bond that outlasted my years in that school.
Over dinner, we reminisced about their journey: the battles fought, the victories hard-won, and the challenges they learned to live with. As I listened to where Genare’s path had taken him, I was reminded of something I had always known but now felt even more deeply. Genare is lucky. From the earliest moments of uncertainty, Dara and Gino mobilized. They researched, educated themselves, advocated fiercely, and built a community around their son. Their determination carved out opportunities for Genare to thrive, to grow, and to live a life filled with purpose.
Every child should be this fortunate.
A Shared Struggle
Recently, Eyes on EB/Voices of EB met another local family navigating similar challenges. Audrey Weiner and her daughter Diana have walked the long road of special education since Diana’s birth. Like Dara, Audrey fought tirelessly to create a safe, inclusive path through the school years. But as with so many families, graduation marked a steep drop-off in opportunities.
After 21, young adults who cannot live or work fully independently are left in limbo. Programs are scarce. Resources are fragmented. Parents scramble to find options, often piecing together information from inconsistent sources. Families who spent years advocating suddenly face uncharted waters with no map to guide them.
A Broader Perspective
After three decades in special education—as a teacher, parent, and advocate—I’ve had a front-row seat to these realities. Some experiences have challenged me, some have inspired me, and many remain unforgettable. This conversation with Dara reminded me again: this isn’t just a logistical problem—it’s an emotional one.
Parents carry the weight of worry for their child’s future. Young adults feel the loss of purpose and belonging that school once provided. And communities lose out on the gifts, talents, and perspectives these individuals offer when they’re not given a space to contribute.
This isn’t about lack of ability—it’s about lack of opportunity.
Moving Forward
We need more than hope. We need better planning, more programs, stronger advocacy, and true community partnerships. Families deserve centralized resources, practical options for employment and engagement, and reassurance that their children will not be forgotten after their 21st birthday.
Let this be the beginning of that conversation. Together, we can share resources, highlight success stories, and push for change. Because every individual deserves not just a place in school—but a meaningful place in life.
There are moments when you sit back, observe, and realize the script has flipped. That moment hit me recently while filming a group of high school girls speaking about an initiative they started to help make East Brunswick a better place. Their words were thoughtful. Their presence was calm. Their energy was hopeful. As I stood behind the camera, I could not shake the feeling that these girls were acting more like the adults in the room than most adults.
Before the interview, I had done what many of us do. I scrolled through social media. Comment after comment filled with negativity, blame, and rage. Most of it coming from people who have never volunteered a day in their lives or contributed anything meaningful to the town they claim to care about. The irony was heavy. The loudest voices in the room often belong to those doing the least.
And yet, here were these girls. Not just talking, but doing. Not just complaining, but creating. Not tearing others down, but building something up.
It makes you pause. It makes you wonder when so many adults lost their way. At what point did ego and anger replace purpose and progress? When did tearing others down become more more of a dopamine rush for some than lifting people up?
Eyes on EB is about stories like this. It is about seeing the good that still exists and giving it a platform. These girls deserve to be heard, not just because they are young, but because they are setting an example many adults would do well to follow.
Maybe it is time we stopped asking what is wrong with the next generation and started asking what happened to ours.
