
District Newsletter

Mark Your Calendars
The Reorganizational Board Meeting is January 5, 2023
7:00 p.m. in the Haddonfield Memorial High School library
Board meetings are open to the public. There are no limits to the number of people who may attend in person, and masks are optional.
Board meetings will continue to be live-streamed as well, but there will be no call-in comments or questions.
Link to Live-Streamed Meetings
Presentations from Recent Board Meetings:
MESSAGE from the SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings!
During the last two Board meetings, we were fortunate to be graced by musical performances. The first was from the combined Tatem and Elizabeth Haddon School choirs, and last week the high school Madrigals performed. These experiences were joyful for both students and members of the audience. Following these performances, I took a moment to consider the quality and breadth of our performing arts programs.
Our students' performing arts programs are part of a thoughtful and intentional plan to enrich the arts curriculum, providing numerous and varied opportunities to participate in bands, orchestras, choirs, theater and more. We recognize the value of the arts in education and their well-documented positive impact in terms of self-expression and improved motivation, to name a few. The arts teach students innumerable lessons, such as “practice makes perfect,” “small differences can have large effects,” and “collaboration leads to creativity.” The arts also teach children that there are several paths one can take in solving problems and that most problems have more than one solution.
The performing arts have the added benefit of sharing the experience, hard work, and joy of accomplishment with an audience. The following are just a few examples of this shared experience:
Elizabeth Haddon and Tatem Chorus performed at the November BOE meeting.
Tatem Chorus will sing at Wells Fargo Center for the Globetrotters show in February.
The HMHS winter dance concert is scheduled for January .
The HMS concert featuring the Chorus, Concert Band, and Orchestra was held recently.
There are plans for the HMS band and orchestra to perform at a Flyers game.
The HMS Choir will return to Hershey Park for the choir competition in May to defend their title!
Central School kindergarten and first-graders will sing winter-themed songs at their annual winter breakfast.
The fifth-grade Elementary School Band is starting to ramp up preparations for their Winter Concert at the end of January.
The HMHS Marching Band performed a show based on musical themes of the Cirque Du Soleil/KA, performed at football games and participated in the Halloween and tree-lighting parades in town. They placed 5th at the Tournament of Bands N.J. State Championships in October.
The HMHS winter concert is on December 20, following WinterFest. The evening includes the band, orchestra, and choir.
Here are some highlights from the HMHS choral department:
The HMHS Madrigals competed at the PA Renaissance Faire’s madrigal competition. They were one of 22 schools to perform a song in front of 3 professional adjudicators, and they took home the first-place prize!
The HMHS concert choir caroled at the annual Haddonfield Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Library Point. They were featured in the CBS evening news report on the borough’s event.
The HMHS Madrigals will be back at Grace Church after a three-year hiatus to perform their annual Dessert Theater on December 16 and 17.
The HMHS Concert and Chamber Choirs will perform “Holiday Songs Around the World” at this year's music department winter concert on Tuesday, December 20.
The high school Drama Club recently performed its fall play and will be preparing for the upcoming spring musical. Noteworthy is all of the behind-the-scenes work we do not usually see:
The spring musical costume crew has begun designing 23 original costumes (one for each ensemble member) that they will make from scratch. They started this work as soon as the fall play finished.
In the tech theater class (Theatre Production and Design), students have learned many practical skills. They made toolboxes in September to learn construction and practiced scenic painting in October. They learned how to sew a zippered pouch while learning about costume design, and next week they will be making prop food.
An advanced senior in the tech theater class has been working on an independent project designing and building a rolling "Renaissance-style" table that actors can dance on in the spring musical.
As rich as the current experience is, we must continue exploring ways to increase opportunities, experiences, and exposure.
Thank you for all who have supported our student performing arts events! And I sincerely wish you a restful, happy and healthy winter break. Our first day back in January is Tuesday, January 3rd.
Chuck Klaus,
Superintendent of Schools
HMHS students learn set construction,
... scenic painting,
... and sewing techniques for costume design.
DISTRICT NEWS
Gov's Educator of the Year / Educational Support Person of the Year Awards
During the week of December 5th, nine Haddonfield School District staff members were named “Governor’s Educator of the Year” or “Educational Support Person of the Year,” representing each of our five school groups.
After more than 200 nominations by staff, parents and students, a committee of teachers, parents, students, board members and administrators met to review submitted statements, finally narrowing the field to these talented and dedicated individuals.
(Click on each name below to see a photo and read comments from the nomination for each person listed.)
Michele Barranger, HMS Nurse
Steven Fluharty, HMHS Counselor
Leigh Anne Gaffney, Central grade 3
Mary Hall, Tatem grade 5
Sophie Nelson, Media Specialist for Elizabeth Haddon and Tatem
Barbara O’Shaughnessy, Central Educational Assistant
Daneen Scott, HMS special education
Ron Smith, HMHS science faculty
Miranda Yaniak, Elizabeth Haddon grade 3
Each Educator of the Year listed above has the option of applying at the next higher levels for county-wide and then state-wide recognition in 2023.
“I want to congratulate every teacher and staff person in the district who received a nomination,” said Chuck Klaus, Superintendent. “We are fortunate to have a large number of highly skilled educators, and I know that choosing one or two stand-outs in each school was an enormous challenge for the committee members.”
HMHS Affinity Groups Foster a Sense of Belonging
In the Haddonfield School District, we aim to nurture a sense of belonging. Creating safe spaces for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of one’s sense of self is an important part of this goal.
Over the years, the community at Haddonfield Memorial High School has supported the creation of affinity groups such as the Asian American Cultural Club, the Black Student Union and the Jewish American Cultural Club, to name a few.
In the next several (monthly) issues of the district newsletter, we will highlight one of these groups.
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This is the pilot year for the Jewish American Cultural Club (JACC) at HMHS. Suggested by a student in the spring of 2022, the JACC meets in the classroom of advisor and English teacher Kim Dickstein Hughes to plan its activities.
The first meeting (photo below) included a discussion of its mission statement, written by club officers:
Established in 2022 at Haddonfield Memorial High School, the Jewish American Cultural Club is an inclusive organization that focuses on celebrating Jewish culture through social and educational programming.
The fact that there are several Jewish holidays in the fall led the group to plan celebrations surrounding Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) , Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (festival of thanksgiving and a commemoration of the forty-year period during which the Jewish people wandered in the desert). JACC members have been encouraged by participation rates.
“With over 80 members and an average of 30 participants at each event, I am pleasantly surprised and excited with our success,” said Charlotte Berman, JACC student officer and founding member. “We have managed to create a safe place for Jewish students to connect as well as a fun and engaging club for Jewish and non-Jewish student members to celebrate the culture through sharing personal experiences, participating in holiday-inspired activities and eating traditional foods.”
Parents and staff have been involved in different aspects of the JACC activities as well. Nurse Dana Reganata led the students in a reflective meditation to learn about the Day of Atonement, Food and Nutrition teacher Arleen Iavicoli will lead the latke-making instruction for the Hanukkah celebration in December, and parents have provided supplies.
JACC student officers recently met with the Associate Director from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey about ways to support student programming and combat antisemitism.
“In a world where antisemitic rhetoric and crime are on the rise, participation in this club says a lot about the Jewish and non-Jewish HMHS students who embrace diversity in their school and in our community," said Deborah Marchand, parent. “It gives me hope and reinforces my belief that the teachers and administrators in our district are preparing our children for life beyond Haddonfield.”
Students have also voiced their belief that inclusive affinity groups can have a positive effect on members and non-members.
“I never thought that I could have a Jewish connection in Haddonfield; it was always something that took place elsewhere,” said Berman. “I have left every JACC meeting with such a warm feeling. I know we are doing something good, and if sharing our culture and traditions can help educate and reduce ignorance and hate in some small way, then our efforts are truly worthwhile.”
What is next for JACC …
JACC hopes to continue the work they’ve started at the high school and begin a JACC chapter at the middle school. Students intend to invite speakers and partner with other HMHS affinity groups as well as plan outings beyond the high school building. Any parents or community members who have contacts of interest should email Kim Dickstein Hughes. You are invited to follow our activities via Instagram: @hmhs_jacc.
SAC Newsletter Offers Helpful Information for Staff, Students and Parents
Have you read the "SAC Corner?" This is a monthly newsletter created by our SAC (Student Assistance Counselor) Holly Penna.
In the December issue, Penna offers information on:
- Tumblr,
- alcohol abuse,
- the dangers of some hair products,
- Megan Thee Stallion's new website for mental health resources,
- and a Teen Mental Health Temperature Check.
But every month she offers information and resources that maybe useful to people in our community. Check out all the issues stored on our website.
REMINDER: What is the SAC?
In the past, an SAC was a “Substance Awareness Coordinator,” but the current SAC position includes and goes well beyond substance abuse issues. Penna came to Haddonfield School District in the fall of 2020 and supports students in a number of ways including individual counseling, group counseling, and SAC-related lessons. She provides a confidential safe space where she can address other issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, ideation, social skills, adjustments, self-esteem, LGBTQ+, abuse, mindfulness, coping strategies, and more. Although her office is in the high school, Penna can be called upon for hands-on support if there is a crisis in another school building.
HOW the DISTRICT will RESPOND to INCLEMENT WINTER WEATHER
As we move into the winter season, it is important that we are all ready for winter weather and the potential for changes to school schedules. Here is some information about the decision-making process as well as our methods of notification to families.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
We make the decision to open or close our schools in bad weather based on a careful analysis of many factors, such as:
- Information on road conditions from the borough
- The amount of accumulated snow and ice
- Weather predictions, including whether precipitation will continue
- Building and grounds conditions
- Decisions made by neighboring districts. Many superintendents (colleagues in adjacent districts) confer. However, please keep in mind that, because Haddonfield is a "walking district," there will be times we will be open while other schools around us are closed due to their busing issues.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
Superintendent Chuck Klaus in consultation with the Director of Facilities, our Business Administrator and our Transportation Director
HOW ARE FAMILIES NOTIFIED?
You will receive an e-mail and text message. Also you may check our district website for information.
Checking local TV and radio stations (KYW News Radio, CBS Philly, 6 ABC, NBC 10, Fox 29) should be your last resort as there is always a delay between our reporting to the media and their posting the information. Our school’s number is 560.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
We try very hard to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. or earlier.
FAMILY DECISIONS
Although we all do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. Just as you trust us to do our best, we trust you to make the best personal decisions for your family as well. For example,
- If, based on current weather conditions, you do not feel as though it is safe for your children to attend school, please keep them at home.
- Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives. We firmly believe that students should be in school when possible, but, when the weather is inclement, our top priority is student and staff safety.
School Lunch Reminders
Please bookmark the payment portal for school meals. It can be found on our websites under "PARENTS." Here is the link.
Also, please consider applying for free and reduced lunch. The application and information about qualifications can be found on our website here.
HMHS Environmental Science Club Tip
Consider wrapping presents this season in brown paper or newspaper with a sprig of pine needle or holly!
Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper whenever possible.
Give sustainable gifts such as homemade organic foods, locally sourced items (shopping local is eco friendly!) or even homemade gifts and ornaments.
Tell a Friend about HSD Employment
SCHOOL STORIES
Central Kindies Celebrate Diversity
In Mrs. Quinn's kindergarten, students completed "heritage month" activities with their third-grade buddies from Ms. Regan's class. They read books together to find the common threads that weave through stories of different cultures: traditions, community, family, kindness, love and acceptance. The “Quinndergarteners” then drew pictures of food traditions their own families enjoy. Well done!
Math Rocks at Elizabeth Haddon
In fifth grade at Lizzy Haddon, Math Specialist Maureen McGroarty introduced the students to the NBA/WNBA Math Hoops game to practice math facts, probability and decimals (percentages). This is a free program offered by the NBA in partnership with the Learn Fresh corporation, to engage students in math practice in a fun and interactive way.
Students chose NBA and WNBA players for their teams and then rolled dice to complete math facts in order to shoot and score points. The students practiced all four major operations in each turn and then chose which player would shoot the ball based on their shooting percentages. The students played in partnerships and worked together to make team decisions.
Tatem Students Make a Connection with Chinese Students
Recently, Mary Hall’s and Faye Kurtis' fifth-grade class had a unique, international experience. On Tuesday, November 22, they had a Zoom chat with students in Xiamen Fujian, China!
Haddonfield substitute teacher Jasmine Jiang approached Hall with the idea. Jiang’s college friend, Jing Lin, is a university teacher in Xiamen Fujian. She was looking for ways her students could practice conversing in English and learn more about the American culture.
Although Lin’s students are college-aged fashion design students, they were just as nervous as our fifth graders and asked many of the same questions. Where do you live? What is it like there? What are your favorite foods? What do you do for fun?
Both sets of students prepared slides with information about their lives written in English. At the conclusion, all students in both countries sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” a song the Chinese students learned for the occasion.
“We learned so much and just loved getting to know the Chinese students,” said Mrs. Hall. “We look forward to two more such opportunities in mid-December.”
Eighth-Grade Students Created Ofrendas
When Srta. Sanchez's and Sra. Augugliaro's eighth-graders were learning about Día de Los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) in November, they expanded their understanding with shoebox ofrenda and drawings. An ofrenda (“offering” in Spanish) is the offering placed in a home altar during the annual Mexican Día de Los Muertos celebration. An ofrenda may be quite large and elaborate and is usually created by family members of a person who has died. The intention is to honor the deceased and welcome them to the altar setting.
Working in groups, students chose a deceased person or character to honor. These included sports figures, actors, musicians and members of the British royal family. Then students either drew their ofrenda or created a 3-D version in a shoebox.
Later, staff were invited to view the varied ofrendas and vote for their favorites. It was a wonderful and creative experience for the students.
HMHS Students Celebrate Spirit Week
To get an idea of what Spirit Week is all about, please enjoy the spectacular video created by the DAC (student Digital Arts Club). Thank you to all who contributed to our fund raisers!
FROM THE BOROUGH
MLK Day Contest
The Haddonfield Human Relations Commission is sponsoring a contest for Haddonfield residents in grades K through 12 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students who enter the contest are asked to consider this quote from Dr. King:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that."
For GRADES K- 5: Tell us about a person you know, you have learned about, or an experience you have had that reflects the quote above and the impact it has had on you. Through art, writing, or poem, show how the person, experience, or event inspires you. Your submissions may be in drawing, art, a short paragraph, or a poem format.
For GRADES 6 – 12: Tell us about a person or event that reflects the quote above and has inspired you or had an impact on your life. Provide examples or quotes which may be helpful to explain why this person/event inspires you. Your submission may be an essay or poem.
Deadlines, submission information and all details can be found in the image below. Best of luck to all who enter!
IN THE LOOP
District Twitter: @HaddonSchools
District Facebook: @HaddonfieldSchoolDistrict
SAC Corner: the December issue (SAC = Student Assistance Counselor)
The latest HMHS Bulldawg Bulletin
Central Elementary School ELA/Math gift-giving guide
Look for your school's Twitter feed.
Your student's team or club may also tweet.