The Weekly Update #9

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to remind you that our Winter Clothing Drive and Swap is just around the corner, and we are in great need of donations. This marks the seventh year our district has participated in this initiative, and each year we see an increase in both its popularity and the need for warm clothing options.

This project is a wonderful opportunity to recycle gently used winter items while providing support to vulnerable members of our community. If you are clearing out your closets this weekend and have any extra gloves, coats, hats, scarves, snow pants, or shoes in good condition, please drop them off at the front of our building, labeling the bag "Clothing Swap."

The swap will take place after school on November 4th, and we will be collecting donations through next Friday.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

To streamline any academic concerns you may have, please follow the chain of command outlined below. This will help ensure your issue is addressed appropriately.

1. Contact your child’s teacher or counselor as your first point of contact for any academic or social-emotional concerns.
2. If further assistance is needed, please reach out to the appropriate academic supervisor listed below.

Academic Supervisors:

• Mr. David Howarth - Social Studies
• Mr. Corey Walsh - Language Arts
• Mr. Gary Pascal - Math
• Ms. Madeline Travaille- Science
• Ms. Ana Ventoso - World Language
• Ms. Karen Forgione - Performing Arts

For Behavioral/Discipline Concerns:

• Ms. Jenna Colineri - Grade 8 & Grades 7 (N-Z)
• Mr. Eric Fontes - Grade 6 & Grades 7 (A-M)

Thank you for your cooperation.

On October 17th, 100 eighth-grade students and 25 staff members participated in our 2nd annual Challenge Day event, aimed at breaking down barriers among students and fostering an understanding that many peers face unseen challenges. This reinforces the importance of practicing respect, kindness, and empathy. The program received incredible feedback from both staff and students, and we are grateful to have brought it back for a second year. While only one-third of the eighth-grade class participated, we aimed to draw a representative sample to help spread these vital messages across the entire student body. These topics will continue to be addressed in Advisory lessons throughout the year, drawing on the experiences shared during Challenge Day. Thank you to all parents and guardians who allowed their children to participate in this important event. We hope you have been able to engage in meaningful conversations with your family since October 17th.

On October 23rd, the entire eighth grade attended an assembly titled “First Choice, Second Chance,” presented by Stephen Hill, to kick off Red Ribbon Week. Stephen shared his journey with substance use and misuse, beginning in eighth grade, detailing the struggles he faced and the eventual comeback he achieved after seeking the right treatment and support. Throughout the day, students participated in smaller breakout sessions with Stephen, where they could ask questions about his experiences. We were thoroughly impressed by the maturity, respect, and seriousness the students displayed during these discussions. They asked insightful questions and reflected on Stephen’s personal story, developing empathy for those facing hardships.

During the eighth-grade Advisory Lesson on October 24th, students engaged in small group discussions, reflecting on how they can contribute to a more positive school culture and support their friends and fellow students.

STOKES Night is Wednesday, October 30! Sixth graders have the opportunity to reconnect with their STOKES Groups and High School Counselors and watch the debut of the 2024 STOKES Movie.

There will be raffles for sixth graders to win STOKES-related prizes, and there will be light refreshments! The fun starts at 7PM in the LCJSMS Cafeteria! See you there!

Students are permitted to dress up for Halloween; however, we ask that all costumes adhere to our Dress Code Guidelines as outlined in the handbook. Additionally, students are not allowed to wear or bring the following items:

• Masks
• Weapons, including toy versions, that accompany any outfit
• Inflatable costumes that take up excessive space
• Anything deemed offensive (political and racial)

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please feel free to reach out.

When calling in or emailing about a child's absence in the morning, please email Patricia Frasca, our new attendance secretary. Mercedes Priolo is the new office manager and is no longer overseeing attendance. Ms. Frasca can be reached at pfrasca@summit.k12.nj.us or 908-273-1190 ext 4455.

Thanks to the generosity of SEF, the middle school has access to The Social Institute and its #WinAtSocial program. As part of the school's partnership with The Social Institute, you receive exclusive access to the Social Toolkit, which includes a full library of content specifically for families. All co-created with students and experts around the country.

Platform Playbooks feature expert breakdowns of the most popular apps and platforms and offer tips on how students can use them positively. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, ChatGPT, Fortnite... the list goes on and on!

Family Huddles help you reinforce the important modern-day life skills that your child is learning at school. These topics align with #WinAtSocial Lessons to extend discussion beyond the classroom and encourage students to huddle with their families.

Use your Social Toolkit School Code and activate your free account today.

Activate Your Account or Log In

Our Social Toolkit School Code: 2760D6C62940E9

Questions? Email Nicole Finnegan at nfinnegan@summit.k12.nj.us