Home Care In Manasquan, NJ

GOLD COAST TOWNS— After more than a decade of students growing up in a school world dominated by Chromebooks, tablets and typing assignments, New Jersey is bringing back a skill that many adults still remember learning in elementary school: cursive handwriting.

In his final hours in office, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law, requiring all New Jersey school districts to provide cursive instruction beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Murphy framed the move as both practical and timely, tying it to New Jersey’s place in American history.

“The return to including cursive instruction is especially meaningful as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country's founding – giving our students the skills they need to read our nation's founding documents and complete tasks like opening a bank account or signing a check, in addition to offering cognitive benefits,” Murphy said.

Local schools preparing for a statewide shift: For school leaders across the Gold Coast, the new mandate is less about nostalgia and more about implementation — how to teach cursive in today’s classrooms without losing ground on already packed academic priorities.

The law aims for students to be able to read and write cursive by the end of fifth grade, including tasks like correctly spacing words and writing full sentences legibly.

We reached out to the five public elementary school leaders across the Gold Coast to get insight into how they feel about the cursive law Gov. Murphy implemented, where they stand today, and what, if anything, they need to do to meet the 2026-2027 school year.

Sea Girt Elementary School (SGES) Superintendent & Principal: Rick Papera

Q: Do you already teach cursive? “We do — we never stepped away from it. We teach cursive in second grade and reinforce it in third.”

Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? “Technology has reduced the practical need — most people only use cursive to sign their name. But it still has value for fine-motor skills, attention and focus. I see it as another tool in a child’s toolbox.”

Q: How do you think families and teachers will react to the requirement? “For us, it won’t be a big shift. Cursive has been a regular part of the learning experience here.”

Manasquan Elementary School (MES) Principal: Megan Manetta

Q: Do you already teach cursive? “Yes, we already teach cursive writing as a part of our grade 3 Fundations curriculum. Fundations is a multi-sensory and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program used in grades K-3.” Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? “Current research lets us know that students benefit from handwriting notes and other class activities more so than on the computer. In addition to signatures, students will benefit long-term from having an efficient method for handwriting, and cursive allows students to write more quickly and efficiently if they are fluent.” Q: How do you think families and teachers will react to the requirement? “Reactions are mixed to this law, as many adults praise a return to what they see as an essential skill while others think it is not needed in our modern world of technology. As we have discussed the potential benefits to students cognitively, our staff is on board and ready to support this instruction.”

Spring Lake Heights Elementary School Assistant VP/Dir of Curriculum: Danielle Holler

Q: Do you already teach cursive? We have been teaching cursive writing in second grade, but we understand the reality of it not being used very often.

Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? We embrace the research that supports the physical and cognitive benefits of handwriting, and we try to find a balance between typing and writing in all of our grades. We will make adjustments to comply with the new law and find evidence-based resources that meet our needs.

Spring Lake H.W. Mountz Superintendent/SBA: Stephen LaValva

Do you already teach cursive at H.W.Mountz? Yes. Instruction in cursive has always been a part of the 4th grade experience at the H.W. Mountz School.

When will it be introduced, and in which grades? The state mandate released last week and requires that students in grades 3, 4, and 5 receive cursive instruction. The district is currently reviewing the new guidance and, as with any new or revised standard, will take time to work with educators to determine an appropriate and thoughtful plan for implementation in grades 3 and 5 ( in addition to 4) before identifying specific timelines or instructional details.

What would it take to add cursive? Adding something new always means careful planning—making sure teachers have the time, tools, and support they need, and that students are learning in a way that feels intentional rather than rushed or squeezed in. One of the biggest challenges is finding space in a very full school day.

Why does cursive matter? Cursive can help build fine-motor skills, improve writing flow, and support focus. It also further develops students' ability to read handwritten and historical texts in addition to fostering the development of their own signature—something that feels both practical and personal.

How are families and teachers feeling about this? We’re hearing interest and curiosity from families, while teachers are considering the juggling of time to make room for instruction. The district remains committed to moving forward in a way that’s intentional, balanced, and best for kids.

Brielle Elementary School (BES) Superintendent & Principal: Stacie Poelstra

Do you already teach cursive at BES? Yes, we teach cursive in grade 3 as part of our word study program (Fundations). Instruction in cursive is integrated into our daily lessons, and our students enjoy learning this skill.

Why does cursive matter? We appreciate that instruction in cursive works in conjunction with our word study curriculum, integrating the development of both fine motor and literacy skills for our students.

Handwriting has been linked in academic research to fine-motor skill development in younger grades. Advocates of the law say cursive encourages muscle memory and coordination by requiring students to connect letters in a continuous motion.

With the law taking effect at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, districts have time to plan curriculum updates, align expectations across grades, and determine what materials or teacher supports are needed.

The project includes road reconstruction, sanitary upgrades, drainage work and coastal access improvements spanning First Avenue and Riverside Drive.

MANASQUAN, NJ - At the December 15th Manasquan Borough Council meeting, the governing body advanced a major infrastructure project aimed at improving roadway safety, drainage, utilities, and beach access by awarding a $2.5 million construction contract for First Avenue Phase III and Riverside Drive. This project is one of several major infrastructure projects scheduled to begin in 2026,

The work is designed to address long-standing infrastructure needs along one of the borough’s most heavily traveled coastal corridors, benefiting both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. Planned improvements include roadway reconstruction, stormwater and drainage upgrades to reduce flooding, potential sanitary and water system improvements, and enhancements to pedestrian and beach access areas.

At the December 1st meeting, Mayor Mangan highlighted, “We've discussed the bids to be awarded, but for public edification, we have not finalized the design of what we'll call the pedestrian area/end of Riverside. That design is yet to come, especially with much work we need to undertake below ground, which includes significant sanitary and water improvements.”

To move the project forward, the council approved Resolution 341-2025, awarding the contract to S. Brothers Inc. following a competitive bidding process. Three bids were received, and borough officials determined that S. Brothers submitted the lowest qualifying bid and met all project requirements. The total contract amount is $2,525,174.30.

The contract award followed earlier funding actions by the governing body. Council members had previously introduced Ordinance 2574-25, which provided $1.475 million in supplemental funding through bonding. That funding supplemented $1.725 million approved earlier in the year, bringing the total estimated cost of the First Avenue Phase III and Riverside Drive project to approximately $3.2 million.

With funding and the contract in place, the borough cleared the way for improvements along First Avenue from Whiting Avenue to Riverside Drive, as well as the full length of Riverside Drive. The scope of work includes full roadway reconstruction, stormwater and drainage upgrades, sanitary and water system improvements where required, and enhancements to pedestrian routes and beachfront access, along with related engineering and construction costs.

According to Business Administrator Rich Read, “There is no plan to change the building at the end of the boardwalk to anything other than bathrooms. The current plan includes adding three showers off the back of the building for the surfers and beachgoers.”

Borough officials said the supplemental funding was needed due to rising construction costs, expanded project scope, and updated engineering assessments. Part of the project was supported by a $209,528 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which helped offset borrowing.

Borough Engineer Joe Rafferty said earlier that initial construction would focus on underground utility work during the winter months, with concrete and hardscaping scheduled for warmer weather. Mayor Mangin previously noted that pedestrian walkway designs near the dead end of Riverside Drive were still being finalized due to the scale of planned sanitary and water system improvements in that area.

Officials emphasized that the First Avenue and Riverside Drive project is part of a broader slate of infrastructure upgrades beginning in 2026, as Manasquan continues to invest in stormwater management, roadway reconstruction, and public access improvements. The project was described as a cornerstone of the borough’s long-term capital plan due to the area’s heavy use, coastal exposure, and long-standing infrastructure needs.

Final adoption of the supplemental funding ordinance was expected at an upcoming council meeting.