Forrestdale Teaches Respect and Helps Less Fortunate in Monmouth County

The is honoring New Jersey’s Week of Respect by joining forces with the Randy Foye Foundation to provide for those less fortunate in Monmouth County. 

“In conjunction with the new , the state of NJ has named this week the Week of Respect as a means to encourage schools to join together as a whole school and embrace what respect means for each individual functioning within the school community,” explained Jennifer Gibbons, the Forrestdale Principal.

During the week of October 3 through October 11, Forrestdale students will learn about respect for our community members through different initiatives.  According to Gibbons, activities include daily announcements about respect, a collection drive for the , a school wide advisory activity on Friday during which students will be thanking our local community helpers, from the Mayor and Town Council to our Rumson teachers and bus drivers.

Gibbons says these activities create a great enviroment for the school. “This is a state mandate and allows us to embrace a positive school climate, one in which respecting one another is first and foremost,” she explained. “Bulldawgs don’t bully is the motto we have adopted.”

Gibbons says that Forrestdale’s partnership with the is an important part of this week. “The foundation is one that the students are familiar with as Randy Foye hosts many summer camps and activities for my students,” said Gibbons. “He is an outstanding role model for students and is open in sharing his personal story as a means of inspiring youth to respect themselves, respect others, and respect their talents in addition to overcoming obstacles and working hard to set and achieve goals.”

According to the Randy Foye Foundation website, by the age of six Foye had lost both of his parents and had to experience first hand the difficulties kids can have growing up in a tough urban environment. Foye overcame those challenges, graduated from Villanova University and is currently in his 5th season in the NBA.

“Randy Foye currently resides in Rumson, and wants to expand his foundation to assist local Monmouth County people who are less fortunate and has asked the Forrestdale School to partner with him for this new endeavor,” said Gibbons. “Previously, his foundation primarily gave back to the youth in Newark only.”

To contribute to this partnership, residents are asked to donate items such as:

• New backpacks
• New school supplies
• Canned food
• Non-perishable items

A drop box for items will be located in the Main Lobby of Forrestdale School throughout the entire Week of Respect, October 3 – 11, 2011.

Click to read about anti-bullying policies in the Rumson School District.