Bound Brook, NJ – A few rain showers didn't stop the excitement as the Bound Brook School District celebrated the grand opening of its Early Childhood Center during an official ribbon- cutting ceremony ahead of the 2026-27 school year. The new center represents a significant development for the district's youngest learners, providing children with a space to learn, grow and thrive while supporting their overall development and well-being.
The Early Childhood Center at LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Elementary School features five classrooms, along with indoor and outdoor learning spaces designed to create an engaging environment for early childhood education.
Photo 2: (From left to right) Board of Education Member Donald Vollmer, Board Member Joanna Musson, Board President Richard Jannuzzi, Superintendent Dr. Alvin Freeman, LaMonte/LaMonte Assistant Principal Nadia Leunig and LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Principal Dr. Hernandez-Sicignano officially cut the ribbon for the new Early Childhood Center.The theme of the ceremony centered around “A New Beginning — Where little learners begin big journeys.” The grand opening began with opening remarks from LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Principal Dr. Hernandez-Sicignano, Ed.D., followed by remarks from Dr. Alvin L. Freeman, Ed.D., superintendent of schools, and Richard Jannuzzi, president of the Bound Brook Board of Education.
"Preschool is the most important time of our students' lives," said Dr. Alvin Freeman in his remarks. " It sets the foundation for everything, not only academics, but what they do when they get out into the world. If we want kind, well-educated, contributing citizens of the community, we must invest in our preschool buildings, teachers and programs, and this building represents exactly that."
The building will continue LaMonte's vision of providing an educational experience that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth during a student's most formative years of life. Classroom experiences blend structured activities with play-based learning, allowing children to develop essential skills such as language, math, science, social skills, and creativity while building confidence and a love for learning.
The ceremony recognized members of the Bound Brook Board of Education and the Early Childhood Center teaching team. LaMonte's staff and teachers gathered with big smiles in front of the building, ready to provide learning experiences that meet each child’s unique needs, interests, and developmental pace.
"It is a privilege to see an idea come to life right before our eyes," said Board President Richard Jannuzzi. "Early childhood education strengthens families and communities by fostering connections between home and school, supporting parents, and creating a model of quality care and learning. Alongside the entire LaMonte team, the Board of Education is thrilled to open the Early Childhood Center here in Bound Brook. It represents an investment in the future of our children, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
The ceremony also welcomed town officials to be part of this next step for the Bound Brook School District, including Bound Brook Mayor Dominic Longo, Borough Clerk Jasmine D. McCoy and Bound Brook Councilman Shawn Guerra. Chief Jason Gianotto and Captain Jesse Schwartz from the Bound Brook Police Department were in attendance as well.
Following the ceremony, families had the opportunity to tour the new space and step inside their child's classroom during an open house event.
Patchy rain nearby, with a high of 61 and low of 57 degrees. Don't forget your umbrella! Patchy rain nearby for the morning, overcast during the afternoon and evening, light rain shower overnight.
60° and Cloudy