What is Monagacci?

Answer 1

Monagacci is a program for seventh graders at East Hills Middle School founded by former teacher Gregory Ritter in 1994 and he has taught the program every year. It is a nature program that normally consists of about 56 student from ages 12-14. In the program students go on camping trips and other field trips for hands on experience. The program is in it's final year (2008-2009), because founder and main teacher, Gregory Ritter has been charged on February 19, 2009 of a sexual relationship with a 14 year old boy. He met the boy while he was volunteering as the First-Aid Supervisor at Camp Trexler in Monroe County for Boy Scouts. Bethlehem Area School District Dr. Joseph Lewis said that Ritter is suspended with no pay. He also with never be able to volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America again. Before this incident he was a nationally known teacher and even won the Disney's American Teacher Award in 2000, for his teaching methods that he used for Monagacci. The program is now on it's last full day, and next year a new Social Studies program called Sententia, will be taught instead. The students of this year's class had a hard year and will miss is sooo much. Thanks to Mr. Rotondo and Miss Goldberg. Monagacci forever... <3