Ms. Erica Polito

Why do you want to sit on the Board? What is motivating you to run for this position?  

I want to be a member of the Hammonton Board of Education because I would like to give back to my community. I was motivated to run for this position because I want to ensure that ALL students receive the best education possible in a safe, nurturing environment.

How well do you feel like you know the town and the school community? In other words, have you lived here long? Did you attend school here, or do you have children in the community?

I feel that I know the town and school community very well.  I am a lifelong Atlantic County resident. I grew up in Port Republic (where I now teach) and have lived in Hammonton for almost 12 years.  I have been an active community member serving on the Hammonton Mothers’ Club board in various capacities (President, Vice President, Community Service Coordinator, Secretary, etc) during my time in Hammonton.  I have also been a member of my school’s Parent Teacher Society and the Hammonton Home and School Association. My children, AJ in 9th grade and Gabriella in 4th grade, are (or have been) active in many activities through the school and/or the town.  Some of these activities include soccer with the Hammonton Youth Soccer Association, football and cheerleading with the Hammonton Hawks, basketball with the Hammonton Bulldogs, voice lessons with Robin Gazzara Music Studio, theater camp with the Eagle Theatre, karate lessons with the Hammonton Martial Arts, etc.  My family is very active in the community. 

What qualities and expertise do you have to offer in this role?

My leadership skills and my educational background make me an ideal candidate for the Hammonton Board of Education.  I have been a teacher for 14 years with certifications in both regular and special education. I have also completed my graduate work at Rowan University to receive a Masters degree in Educational Leadership.allisonannestudios.com

What is the Hammonton school district doing right for its students? Are there areas that may be in need of improvement?

With the recent school shooting tragedies, the Hammonton School District has worked hard to improve safety protocols.  The district now has stricter rules on drop-off and pick-up of students along with increased security at building entrances, and there are police officers working in the schools.  One area that needs improvement is a decrease in class sizes. There are more than a dozen reasons why smaller class sizes are important but what stands out to me as most important is that smaller class sizes allow for better student-teacher relationships and provide increased one-on-one time for each individual learner.    

Are you open to the ideas and suggestions that students of Hammonton High School may bring to Board of Education meetings? If so, do you believe student involvement will improve our education system and environment?

I am definitely open to hearing the ideas of Hammonton High School students!  I would love for all students and all community members to feel like they could go to the Board of Education with ideas and not just reach out to or hear from the board when there is a problem.  I would love to build a stronger, friendlier board-student-community member relationship. Research shows that when stakeholders are given a chance to share their thoughts, ideas or opinions you will see an increase in moral and a stronger, more positive school climate.

 In your opinion, what are the most important skills a student should possess in order to be successful when they graduate high school?

In addition to academic achievement the most important skills a student needs to possess in order to be ready for a career and/or college are the ability to think critically and to problem solve.  In a world with continual innovation, we need adults that can solve problems, provide ideas and work to improve their chosen field. Students also need strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others.  Obviously, there are many other things need to be successful but these are a few items that have great significance to me.

Tell us about something in your life that fostered a passion for schools and education.

My passion for schools and education began because I love to learn new things.  I always enjoyed school and worked hard to be successful.

What question should we have asked but didn’t?

Why should people vote for Erica Polito? Because with me on the school board you are guaranteed a strong intelligent person that will speak up for what is right and make sure that ALL of OUR kids come FIRST.