The Manville school district announced earlier in the month that Mr. Stephen Venuto was selected as the district’s staff member of the month for February. District winners are selected through a rigorous system where students and community members nominate staff members, which are then reviewed by a committee where a vote occurs. For February, Mr. Venuto was nominated, selected, and is extremely proud that the district focuses on honoring students and staff members who excel in expectations. Being a modest man, Mr. Venuto is extremely honored to have been selected for this.
Mr. Venuto was originally majoring in business; however, after taking an economics class, he quickly realized that it wasn’t for him. While attending The College of New Jersey, Mr. Venuto majored in education, specifically Health and Physical Education, influenced by his strong sports background growing up, as well as being a certified Drivers’ Education teacher.
He started his career at the Manville School District as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach. In the past 31 years, Mr. Venuto has been a Physical Education and Drivers’ Education teacher, Head Coach for Football and Baseball, assistant wrestling coach, vice principal, and athletic director. Mr. Venuto was athletic director for 15 years, where, thanks to the B.O.E. and state funding, he greatly overhauled and upgraded the equipment, uniforms, and facilities of all sports. Mr. Venuto has worked with six superintendents, sixteen principals, and seven administrative assistants.
In his 31 years in the district, Mr. Venuto has seen many changes and has attempted to make the school safer and better for students, while still following the State of New Jersey, which dictates much of the curriculum and school safety. Mr. Venuto recently created a leadership council with Mr. Wright spearheaded by three seniors (Brandon Alvarado, Mia Hidalgo, and Anastasia Cichon). The council was established to make sure students are given a voice in the school, as the selected representatives of each grade make suggestions and give their opinion on different topics and issues at the school. Besides the council, Mr. Venuto and Mr. Wright presented a new standard discipline point system to hold students accountable for their actions and even allow students to receive points back in various ways.
Mr. Venuto values his job deeply, as he is in a position where he can change and have an impact on students’ lives. He enjoys seeing them grow and develop academically and socially, from when they first set foot in Manville High School to their last step in the building. Mr. Venuto always looks forward to graduation day, which is easily his favorite day of the school year, knowing that he had an impact on students throughout their four years of high school, where he hopes to have helped them for the better.
Once again, congratulations to Mr. Stephen Venuto, as he was selected as the district’s staff member for the month of February!
