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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Spotswood, NJ

Home Care Spotswood, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spotswood, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Spotswood, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

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“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

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“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”

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“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

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“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

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“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

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“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Spotswood, NJ?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Spotswood, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Spotswood, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Spotswood, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Spotswood, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mundy Avenue Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Spotswood, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Kabaret Restaurant, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Spotswood, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Spotswood, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Spotswood, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Spotswood, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Spotswood, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spotswood, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Spotswood, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Spotswood, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Woodmere Senior Citizens Housing
  • Cares Inc
  • Crescent Park Senior Housing
  • Spotswood Office on Aging
Home Care Spotswood, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Spotswood, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spotswood, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Spotswood, NJ

Latest News in Spotswood, NJ

N.J. Catholic school to close after 65 years

A Catholic school in Middlesex County will permanently close in June due to declining enrollment, according to the local parish.The Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood enrolls students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.Only 39 students had registered for the 2025-26 academic year as of last week, wrote Rev. John J. O’Kane, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Sp...

A Catholic school in Middlesex County will permanently close in June due to declining enrollment, according to the local parish.

The Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood enrolls students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Only 39 students had registered for the 2025-26 academic year as of last week, wrote Rev. John J. O’Kane, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, in a letter to parents and guardians April 4.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the difficult news that Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood will be closing,” O’Kane wrote in the letter provided Monday to NJ Advance Media.

O’Kane cited enrollment in writing that there is ”no feasible way" to continue. His letter did not disclose the school’s current enrollment.

“This decision comes after much prayer, discernment, and exhaustive efforts to sustain our beloved school in an increasingly challenging environment,” O’Kane wrote.

O’Kane did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

An online petition seeking to save the school was posted April 1, three days before his announcement, and had 1,101 signatures as of 3 p.m. Monday.

The petition asks the bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, James F. Checchio, to overturn the decision to close the school.

The diocese did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 30 Catholic schools in New Jersey have closed in the past five years, with officials typically citing declining enrollment and financial pressures.

Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair is permanently closing in June after 100 years in operation, the Archdiocese of Newark announced in February.

The all-girls Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi closed after 108 years in June 2023, three years after its most celebrated alum, “Snow White” actress Rachel Zegler, received her diploma.

Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood opened in September 1960 with 198 students in grades one, two and three, according to the school’s website.

By the following year, it had expanded to grades K-8 with 539 students. In 1965, the school constructed a two-story annex with 12 additional classrooms. Pre-kindergarten programs for children ages 2 to 4 were added in the 1990s.

“Immaculate Conception School has been a beacon of faith, academic excellence, and community. Generations of students have passed through our doors, receiving a strong foundation not only in academics but in Catholic values that have guided them through their lives,“ wrote O’Kane in his April 4 letter.

O’Kane recounted efforts to increase enrollment, including lowering tuition, providing incentives for early registration, and offering $1,000 discounts for student referrals.

The school’s marketing plan was expanded in December.

“These initiatives, while somewhat impactful, were not enough to ensure the long-term viability of the school,” O’Kane wrote.

“I am grateful to the dedicated teachers of Immaculate Conception School for their unwavering commitment, passion, and service to our students and school community over the years. Their hard work and devotion have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, fostering both academic excellence and faith formation,” O’Kane wrote.

The last day of classes is listed on the school’s calendar as June 13.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at [email protected].

Catholic School In Spotswood To Potentially Close At The End Of School Year

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Spotswood could shut its doors at the end of the academic year as dwindling enrollment threatens its future.The community learned of the possible closure during an emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the school.Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen, which oversees ICS, told Patch that the meeting followed a similar discussion in December.The earlier gathering sought to tackle the school's "severely low enrollmen...

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Spotswood could shut its doors at the end of the academic year as dwindling enrollment threatens its future.

The community learned of the possible closure during an emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the school.

Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen, which oversees ICS, told Patch that the meeting followed a similar discussion in December.

The earlier gathering sought to tackle the school's "severely low enrollment" and explore marketing and recruitment strategies to attract more students.

“Unfortunately, despite sincere efforts by the Bishop, the Diocesan Schools office, Pastor and school administration only 39 students are enrolled to attend the school next year,” Kearns said. “With such low numbers it begs the question if Immaculate Conception could even continue to operate as a school. Would the same be beneficial to the remaining students."

Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Currently, the school has 89 students enrolled in pre-K through 8th grade.

During the past five years, enrollment has been on a steady decline.

Kearns however said that the final decision is yet to be taken.

“Bishop Checchio, since his installment as Bishop of Metuchen in 2016, has made Catholic Education a priority. He does not want to see any of our schools close. No final decision has been made but obviously, a decision will need to be made by the pastor and parish in the very near future,” Kearns said. “The Bishop asks all to pray for Immaculate Conception parish, its parishioners and the students at the school.”

Meanwhile, community members are circulating a petition requesting the diocese to let the school remain open.

“Due to the timing of this potential announcement, as well as lack of transparency and efforts of the Diocese and school figureheads as questioned by the faculty, staff, and school families, we are asking for you to reevaluate your decision to possibly close ICS,” the petition reads. “Please allow the ICS family ample time to lobby for Immaculate Conception School’s growth and rebuild by encouraging increase in admissions and fundraising for the school.”

Have a correction or a news tip? Email [email protected]

Joyce Kilmer Lady Knights Wrap Successful Season

Joyce Kilmer eighth grader Kayla Lewandowski, pictured with Lady Knights girls basketball coaches Taylor Iasparro (left) and Isabella Macaro, scored 302 points in a season, setting a school record.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Joyce Kilmer School By Dawn MillerPublished February 25, 2025 at 2:52 PMLast updated February 25, 2025 at 7:24 PMMILLTOWN, NJ - It was an exciting season of basketball for the Joyce Kilmer Lady Knights. JK's middle school girls' basketball team finished the 2024-25 sea...

Joyce Kilmer eighth grader Kayla Lewandowski, pictured with Lady Knights girls basketball coaches Taylor Iasparro (left) and Isabella Macaro, scored 302 points in a season, setting a school record.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Joyce Kilmer School

By Dawn Miller

Published February 25, 2025 at 2:52 PM

Last updated February 25, 2025 at 7:24 PM

MILLTOWN, NJ - It was an exciting season of basketball for the Joyce Kilmer Lady Knights. JK's middle school girls' basketball team finished the 2024-25 season with a 10-4 overall record. The Lady Knights are coached by Isabella Macaro and Taylor Iasparro.

Macaro has been teaching seventh grade math at the Joyce Kilmer School for the past four years. Iasparro has been a health and physical education teacher for Joyce Kilmer and the Parkview School for three years. She works with third-graders in the morning before coming over to Joyce Kilmer to teach fifth through eighth graders in the afternoon. Both Macaro and Iasparro have been coaching the Lady Knights for the past two seasons. This year's Lady Knights included seventh graders Isabella Burrows-Arevalo, Shannon Jones, Annabelle Abrams and Sarah Oest as well as eighth graders Kayla Lewandowski, Maliya Lazar, Jordyn Ayres, Hannah Young, Juliet Yasutis and Monica Hodgson.

“This season everyone was very determined,” Iasparro said. “After losing six very skilled eighth graders last year and moving up a division this year, we knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but the team came together and really showed up for one another.”

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“We had a successful season, and it's all thanks to their hard work and dedication to our team,” Iasparro continued. “We are so thankful for them and our successful season.”

“This season I loved watching the team put in the work and come together, especially seeing the growth of some who have never played competitive basketball before,” Macaro said.

The offensive leader for the Lady Knights this season was Lewandowski. Lewandowski averaged 21.6 points a game and put up a season total of 302 points. The eighth grader set a Joyce Kilmer record by scoring over 300 points in a season. Lewandowski closed out her impressive middle school run with 484 career points.

“Kayla Lewandowski stepped up big time this season to offensively carry our team,” Iasparro said. “I cannot wait to see her play in high school next year.”

“We are so excited to continue watching her success throughout high school,” Macaro echoed.

Defensively, the Lady Knights were led by Jones, Lazar, Ayres and Young.

“Shannon Jones, Maliya Lazar, Jordyn Ayres and Hannah Young all stepped up in their own way,” Macaro said.

The Lady Knights will again have a bit of turnover next season following the successful jump to the higher middle school girls basketball division this winter.

“With six out of 10 girls graduating this year, our students will have to step up next year,” Macaro said. “I'm excited to see how the team evolves and the growth that lies ahead.”

“I am so excited to see what our Lady Knights have in store for next season,” Iasparro added.

Catholic school in Central Jersey faces potential closure

SPOTSWOOD – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) may be closing at the end of the school year due to low enrollment.Parents were delivered the news Tuesday night in an emergency meeting at the Manalapan Road school.The meeting was a follow-up to a similar gathering in December, according to Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school, that aimed to address “the extremely low enrollment in the school and to develop marketing and other strategies to...

SPOTSWOOD – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) may be closing at the end of the school year due to low enrollment.

Parents were delivered the news Tuesday night in an emergency meeting at the Manalapan Road school.

The meeting was a follow-up to a similar gathering in December, according to Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school, that aimed to address “the extremely low enrollment in the school and to develop marketing and other strategies to boost enrollment."

ICS currently serves 89 students in grades pre-K-8. Enrollment has been on a steady decline over the past five years, according to the diocese. The school served 194 students in the 2021-22 school year. Only 38 students are registered for the next school year.

Kearns said that a final decision on the school’s fate hasn’t been made but will be decided “relatively soon.”

An online petition to save the school asks the diocese to revaluate its decision to potentially close.

"Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood has fostered over 60 years of excellence in outstanding academics," wrote Kimberly Tinger-Jaeger. "The devoted teachers and staff are committed to the growth and development of each and every student while promoting a value-oriented learning environment. This petition calls for the Diocese of Metuchen Office of Schools and Bishop James F. Checchio to allow ICS to remain the center of the local community."

Kearns said Checchio, bishop of Metuchen since 2016, has made Catholic education a priority and has been loath to close any diocesan schools.

"Unfortunately, despite sincere efforts by the Bishop, the Diocesan Schools office, Pastor and school administration, only 38 students are enrolled to attend the school next year. With such low numbers it begs the question if Immaculate Conception could even continue to operate as a school. Would the same be beneficial to the remaining students?" Kearns said.

Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville in 2022 was the last diocesan school to shutter.

ICS opened in September 1960 with an enrollment of 198 students in grades 1-3. The founding principal, Sister Mary Scholastica Odachowski, led a faculty of two Felician nuns and two lay teachers.

The school expanded to full elementary size in 1961 with an enrollment of 539 In grades K-8. A two-story annex comprised of 12 more classrooms was added in 1965. A pre-K? program for 3- and 4-year-old children opened in 1994, and for 2-year-olds in 1995.

The petition asks the ICS community be given "ample time to lobby for Immaculate Conception School’s growth and rebuild by encouraging increase in admissions and fundraising for the school."

"ICS has not only given my granddaughter a wonderful place to learn and grow in her academic career, but it has guided our whole family to renew and return to our faith," wrote Theresa Santiago.

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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

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