Thank You Ms. Lim

Another talented, highly regarded Educator Leaves Our District

The Berkeley Heights School District is a game of whack-a-mole, moving from the deconstruction of our languages programs to our sliding scores in math, science, and English Language Arts to where we are with this letter of recommendation brought to you by changes to our Music Program resulting in the loss of a music teacher who students and families highly regarded.

Back in June, Ekin Najarian informed the public of these changes:

Ms. Lim teaches Music at Woodruff and Mary Kay and is highly regarded by families in both schools, The District has decided to terminate Ms. Lim’s employment. The Music Teacher at CMS will be transferred to WW and MKM and a new Music Teacher will be hired at CMS for Orchestra. Lastly, it is eliminating a music class at CMS and forcing 6th graders into one of three options (chorus, band or orchestra).

A few issues here:

-Yet another example of taking a teacher who taught one age group and pushing them into a situation where they are teaching a completely different age group. If you have been following the article on the BHPSNJ decline, teacher transfers and resignations are one very likely factor contributing to the problem.

-Middle School Students who may not be passionate about taking the class may end up not being plugged in and may affect those students who approach the class seriously. Music in the three options available is very much a team effort.

-We are letting go of a teacher who loves to teach in this District and is comfortable with helping our youngest learners to facilitate this new design.

Instead of Dr. Varley simply diverting the money from the open Assistant Superintendent positions to establish a common sense arrangement in keeping our music program whole, she has again decided to solve the problem by taxing students and teachers.

We are publishing the following letter of recommendation Laura Kap wrote on behalf of Ms. Lim to further inform the community of what this loss involves and to encourage the community to support the teachers and administrators who continue to be casualties of the Administration and Board Majority.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Vanessa Lim for a position of employment in you institution.

I met Vanessa Lim only a few months ago when she took over as a short term music teacher at two Early Childhood Centers (prek-2) in the Berkeley Heights Public School District.

During her short time Vanessa Lim ignited an interest and spark in our youngest learners. She prepared an upwards of 100 students (across 2 schools) for their spring concert. What I witnessed during these concerts were students who were confident, proud and exuberant to be performing for parents, peers and teachers.

Upon her arrival to the District, Vanessa Lim took it upon herself to meet and communicate with members of the PTO, seeking feedback about the previous music program and taking suggestions to ensure the success of each and every student.

Perhaps the most resounding quality in Vanessa Lim, and what families in Berkeley Heights are already missing, is her energy and passion. Vanessa is an outstanding educator because she loves teaching music, and it shows. She embodies excellence in education and understands how to reach her students, how to support her students and how to build confidence in her students. It is
through her love of teaching coupled with her affection for music that makes her an excellent candidate for teaching music.

Fondly,
Laura Kapuscinski
Parent in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Related Articles:

Add Music to the List of Casualties Under Dr. Varley’s Reign of Error

Have You Had Enough Yet?

Reassignments, Resignations and the Berkeley Heights Public School District’s Decline