Students and staff at Manchester Township Middle School (MTMS) had a very special morning thanks to three of their teachers (and colleagues) who brought to MTMS the opportunity for the New York Giants and New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) to visit Manchester today!
Casey Kreiter, the New York Giants football team’s long snapper, spent the morning at MTMS inspiring, motivating, meeting, and greeting with Manchester's middle school students. This visit is in conjunction with the Manchester Township Middle School Saddle-Up for Success Campaign. A play on words as it relates to the MTMS mascot, a Mustang horse, the MTMS Saddle Up for Success Campaign is focused on encouraging students to attend school every day and to do their best! Saddle Up For Success strives to create a positive school culture through supportive and encouraging student interactions, goal setting, and helping students strive toward success.
Mr. Kreiter not only visited with the entire student body this morning but, as a former science teacher, spent time with students in their science classes. He took students' questions and discussed his experience as a professional athlete and how it relates to academic and social responsibilities. Community involvement is a core value of the Giants franchise and the players who represent them. As shared many times before, here in Manchester we believe it takes a village to raise children. Today we welcomed Mr. Kreiter and the NY Giants to our village!
Mr. Kreiter spoke at length with students about the importance of setting goals and being well-rounded. He shared his experiences with being involved in all aspects of school such as with drama performances, school musicals, playing multiple sports, participating in school clubs, and even his love for video games. He encouraged students to not only set goals but to use those goals as a way to measure their decision-making, especially in tough situations. "When you have goals, you can make the right choices," says Casey Kreiter, NY Giants Football Player. He encouraged students to "set your goals and let them guide you when tough decisions cross your path. Ask yourself if your decision is going to help or hinder you from achieving your goal!"
Students were very engaged with Mr. Kreiter and his encouraging and inspirational messages. He focused on the importance of striving to be kind, well-rounded humans, students, and involved citizens. He spoke to students not only about goal setting but also about the importance of finding success through being involved, having healthy routines, and a positive support system. He shared with them that "without failure, you can not understand success. Failure does not mean you did something wrong if you learned something from that failed experience, which is most important. Success is a constant up-and-down process, not a steady climb. Learn from all of the slopes along the way" says Casey Kreiter, NY Giants Football Player.
The NY Giants were joined today by Manchester Township High School (MTHS) student Joliece Reyes. Ms. Reyes was the first ever honoree to be awarded by the NFL, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), with the NFL Latino Youth Honor. This award recognizes outstanding high school tackle and flag football athletes from around the country for their academic and athletic excellence. Ms. Reyes inspired MTMS students by sharing about her time at MTMS, her achievements on and off the flag football field at MTHS, and what it means to be a student-athlete.
The opportunity for today's visit came about through the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)’s partnership with the New York Giants as a presenting partner of the Giants Educator of the Week platform. Manchester Township Middle School has two educators who were recognized by the Giants (Science Teacher, Susan Morgan, and Science Teacher, Kristine Laporte) this season as Educators of the Week and one who was recognized as Educator of the Year (Michael Balog, Social Studies Teacher). As a result, the selected educators were awarded today a $1K donation each from the Giants to an entity within the chosen educator's school to be used for enhancements to their working environment. The Educator of the Year received a $2.5K donation from the Giants to an entity chosen within the educator's school. After motivating our students, Mr. Kreiter and the NY Giants franchise, together with the NJEA, recognized our hard-working staff members and today presented them with donations from the Giants to continue doing great things for the students at MTMS.
Everyone was excited for today's celebration and visit. Even the wonderful lunch staff at Manchester Township Middle School, who recreated the Official NY Giant's sandwich for students to enjoy in the lunchroom today. Students were met warmly by Mr. Kreiter in the hallways going from classroom to classroom, and as he happily spoke with them, answered questions, and gave out endless autographs to those who asked, the hallways were also filled with the smells of the delicious NY Giants sandwich recreation being served!
"On behalf of the Manchester Township School District, I want to express my gratitude for this partnership with the New York Giants and the recognition of our outstanding educators. Their dedication to student success and engagement is truly commendable," says Superintendent of the Manchester Township School District, Diane Pedroza.
"At Manchester Township Middle School (MTMS), we remain committed to fostering a positive school culture, and initiatives like Saddle Up for Success play a vital role in that effort. This program is designed to improve student attendance, increase motivation, and create a sense of belonging—all key factors in academic and personal growth. The generous awards made by the NY Giants and NJEA to our MTMS teachers will be used to support and expand these efforts, ensuring that students receive the encouragement and resources they need to thrive.
This partnership reflects our district’s broader mission of promoting student well-being, achievement, and engagement. We are grateful for the continued support in helping us build a stronger, more connected school community."
Thank you again to the NY Giants and NJEA for recognizing the hard work of our educators and for supporting our initiatives that make a lasting impact on our students. Today was another wonderful celebration of Manchester living out our school district motto, Excellence by Example.