TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Regional School District kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with a lively all-staff assembly at RWJBarnabas Health Arena on Tuesday. Teachers, custodians, nurses, and other staff members arrived by bus for the event, which featured music, reunions, and speeches to set the tone for the year ahead.
The assembly opened with the Junior ROTC Color Guard presenting the flag. Domenic Innarella, a student at Intermediate East, followed with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was met with enthusiastic applause from the more than 2,000 staff members in attendance.
Assistant Superintendents Pat Thomas and Cara DiMeo addressed the audience, discussing district goals and priorities for the year. Superintendent Mike Citta then provided an update on the district’s ongoing lawsuit against the state but reassured staff of the focus on kindness and building connections with students.
The event concluded with staff chanting “We are TR!” in unison, a tradition captured on Citta’s phone. The energetic sendoff was intended to inspire staff as they prepared for the upcoming school year.
The annual gathering is part of the district’s effort to foster unity and enthusiasm among staff members at the start of each academic year.