Aaron Decker Elementary School is a 2014 recipient of The Respect Program
Education Grant, sponsored by Morris County waste removal service provider, J.P.
Mascaro & Sons. Aaron Decker Elementary School was awarded a grant in the amount
of $2,834.14 to implement a program titled “RRR to Grow a Circle of Friends” designed
by school counselor Patricia Buntzen. “The program will foster friendships and
demonstrate connectedness”, writes Buntzen. The funds will be used to implement
recycling in the classrooms of Aaron Decker Elementary School as well as purchase
Buddy Benches. A Buddy Bench is a safe place for children to utilize while on the
recess yard when they are in need of a friend to play with. This idea was created by a
12-year-old student in Pennsylvania and is being implemented in various schools
across the region. Representatives from J.P. Mascaro & Son’s education department, Lindsay Mascaro Ptaszenski and Katie Mascaro, presented the grant check to school
Principal, Virginia Scala and Patricia Buntzen.
The Respect Program, J.P. Mascaro & Sons’ free educational assembly, is
offered to local elementary schools. This program is designed to teach character
education as well as environmental awareness in a game show like presentation.
Elementary schools, such as Aaron Decker, who host the program, are eligible to apply
for a grant of up to $5,000. J.P. Mascaro & Sons awarded over $50,000.00 in
educational grants in the 2013-2014 school year through the Respect Program.
Information for booking an assembly can be found on-line at www.therespectprogram.com.