Our new print issue will feature “Goodbye Summer, Hello School!” content about the end of the summer season and gearing up for back to school in our communities.
For that reason, we’ve decided to put a strong focus on our Community Spotlight category of “Education.” Schools are truly the backbone of so many communities. So without further ado, let’s shine a light on our teachers, administrators, support staff and parent volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to our kids!
Ms. Mangal was nominated by Helen Fort Principal Mr. Aaron Eyler. Here is what he had to say about this outstanding teacher!
Ms. Lauren Mangal is a dedicated Special Education teacher at Helen Fort Middle School whose professionalism, organization, and student-centered mindset make her an invaluable member of the HFMS team. She supports students in In-Class Resource (ICR) settings and excels in building strong partnerships with both families and colleagues. Her work is grounded in thoughtful data collection, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the behavioral and academic needs of her students. The data from her student performance throughout the year is a direct reflection of her consistent structure, high expectations, and engaging instruction. Ms. Mangal is a core contributor on multiple school teams—including the SCIP, IRST, and Threat Assessment committees—and plays an important role in creating a welcoming culture for new staff. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom.
Ms. Mangal should be highlighted because she represents everything a school hopes for in a teacher: reliability, collaboration, and relentless care for her students. She excels in helping students who require extra behavioral or academic support thrive in structured, encouraging environments. In addition to her academic success, she’s known for being a steady, calm presence—someone who never wavers in her commitment, no matter how challenging the day. She continuously seeks ways to improve through professional development and reflects honestly on areas for growth, like deepening questioning techniques and refining co-teaching practices. Her ability to juggle high-level responsibilities while staying grounded in the needs of her students makes her a quiet leader and a powerful force at HFMS. Ms. Mangal doesn’t just meet expectations—she helps redefine them.
“Ms. Mangal brings steadiness, strategy, and heart to everything she does. Her impact on students and staff alike makes her one of HFMS’s most trusted and effective educators,” said Ms. Megan Martin, Assistant Principal.
Community Spotlights
If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].
Right now we’re focusing on our South Jersey Educators category, which we’ll continue to run now and through the beginning of fall. So if you know someone who deserves a special shout-out, get in touch!
We’re also always looking for nominees in the following categories:
First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military
Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers
Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers
Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff
Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery