Village School Helps Union Beach Get Back to Normal

It's unbelievable how many supplies it takes to run a school.

What's even more unbelievable is that less than one year after Hurricane Sandy, and now in a brand new building, Memorial in Union Beach has boxes upon boxes classroom materials.

"We're back in action, we're fully able to occupy," Memorial Principal Brian Walsh said. "We're getting so many books I have to turn them away."

On Wednesday, members of the Village School Parent School Association along with administrators and staff visited Memorial School to donate dozens of boxes of student white boards, bulletin board paper and a check for $3,500.

In the middle of what will be the school's library and media room, Holmdel and Union Beach came together to unpack supplies, which were purchased after a major Village School fundraising effort which yielded almost $10,000.

"For Union Beach to get such recognition was unexpected but very touching," Walsh said. "At this point we're in pretty good shape, the support has been unbelievable."

Village School parents, teachers and students began fundraising in November, just after Sandy hit. Their biggest fundraiser was the Village Idol show which sold out two nights in a row, the first year the school charged for tickets.

"Who knew parents would spend money to watch teachers make fools of themselves?" said Kara Devaney, Village School teacher and a member of the Union Beach committee.

Village Idol was put together by music teacher Dr. Christie Riso, complete with a flash mob full of teachers.

"The connection with the parents was phenomenal. It really became a community event," said Village School Principal Brian Schillaci. 

The $3,500 check will be put toward activities and programs for Memorial students, something their principal Walsh said is exactly what the students need.

"To give back is such a great thing," said Christine Barbara, Village School social worker.

Enrollment at the school is expected to decrease, as some families chose not return to Union Beach and some families actually can't return.

"About 300 homes have been demolished completely," Walsh said.

But as September nears, the outpouring of support both locally and nationally has helped ready the school and the community.

Devaney, Barbara and Schillaci were joined in Union Beach on Wednesday by Village Assistant Principal Jessica Vierschilling and PSA President Dina D’Ambrosi.