The Mount Laurel Leaflet
August 30, 2024
LABOR DAY - September 2nd
Schools Closed
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024
WELCOME TO THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR!
SUPERINTENDENT'S WELCOME BACK MESSAGE
Dear Parent/Guardians:
I hope this communication finds you and your family well, and that you had a joyful Summer Break. We are excited to welcome all our students back to school on Tuesday, September 3, 2024! The first day of school is a full-day session for all students.
By now you should have received your teacher assignments, schedules, and your bus information. We are pleased to inform you that in the height of a national teacher shortage we once again have filled all of our certified staff positions with highly qualified outstanding professionals who are ready to begin the school year! Below is a list of the staff who will be joining us for the first time or who will be in a new role this school year.
We are prepared to provide your child with a new year of positive and productive educational experiences that will focus on their whole person - academically, socially, emotionally, as well as help them make interpersonal connections with their peers and teachers.
On behalf of the Board of Education, our administrators and staff, we wish you and your family a successful school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. George J. Rafferty
WELCOME NEW ADMINISTRATORS
The Mount Laurel Township Board of Education and Administration is pleased to introduce two individuals who hold key roles in the district for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Shannon Sonnie is a familiar face in the district and has been appointed as the new Principal for Hillside Elementary School, effective September 1, 2024. Mrs. Sonnie was previously approved as interim principal.
Mrs. Sonnie has served Mount Laurel students as since 2011 in several capacities including 3rd Grade Teacher, 4th Grade Teacher, Math Specialist, Teacher Mentor and Summer Learning Program Site Coordinator to name just a few. She was named Hillside Elementary School's Educator of the Year in 2023-2024.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Holy Family University, a Master of Arts in School Administration from Rowan University and holds NJ State Certifications as a Principal and Supervisor.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Nate' Switzer, Ed.D has been appointed Principal of Fleetwood Elementary School, effective July 1, 2024.
Dr. Switzer holds a Doctorate of Education from Capella University, a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership and attained her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Delaware State University.
She comes to Mount Laurel from Hurffville Elementary School in Sewell, NJ where she served as Principal. She has also held positions as Assistant Principal and K-2nd Grade Teacher/Curriculum Development in Bridgeton NJ and Lindenwold Public School respectively.
The district looks forward to the contributions of these two exemplary educators as they add to the continued success of our fine district!
2024-2025 STAFF CONVOCATION
Dr. George J. Rafferty, Superintendent of Schools
"We are a team and we work together and set our success on our students. Together we can accomplish great things. I'm optimistic about this school year! Although the challenges don't get any easier, all of you keep getting better and better. Therefore, as you become better, we are better able to successfully handle the challenges before us."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel."
~Maya Angelo
Mrs. Mridula Bajaj, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
"Just remember: every 'aha' moment we inspire; every spark of curiosity we ignite; every student we help reach their potential, is a testament to the invaluable impact we have.
Our influence reaches far beyond the classroom walls."
Mr. Douglas Bozarth, Math Teacher and President of the ML Educator's Association
"The real message I'm thinking about this year is one of HOPE. As we move forward this school year, there are a lot of changes. We all have that one student who's reputation precedes him. Just remember that you are their HOPE that this year will be different; you are the HOPE that they could have a different year this year. So make connections with your students and be the HOPE."
Mrs. Ayanna Roberts, Assistant Principal and President of the ML Principal's & Supervisors Assoscation
"As we embark on this school year together, may this year be filled with excitement, growth and wonderful experiences. Let's inspire our students and support one another along the way. Remember, every challenge is a chance for growth and every student is a potential leader waiting to shine."
MEET OUR NEW STAFF!
Hiring staff for the 2024-2025 school year was an exciting process! A total of 59 certified and support staff members have joined the Mount Laurel Schools Family representing almost every job title and discipline in the district.
Welcome to our newest family members and kudos to our Human Resources and Payroll Departments for stellar work processing the on-boarding paperwork for each one.
Welcome to Mount Laurel!
New Staff Orientation
Pictured above are new members of our certified staff that attended a 3-day intensive orientation program conducted by our Curriculum and Instruction, Human Resources and Business Department adminstrators and staff!
Our staff is ready!
Access PowerSchool Parent Portal
Please be advised, if you have downloaded and are using, or planning to use, the PowerSchool Mobile App, it is NOT an INTERACTIVE application. Users are only able to VIEW GRADING and ABSENTEE information.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Mount Laurel Transportation is excited to welcome all students back to school! We can't wait to see you again. As we start the new school year, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Buses may be delayed, so we kindly ask for your patience.
- This year, our preschool students will be riding the buses for the first time. Let's give these little ones extra time and care as they board and unload.
- During the first week of school, to support our drivers, the office staff will not be available to answer all phone calls. If you get our voicemail, please leave us a message or email us. We will respond to you within 48 hours.
If you have any questions about bus passes or bus stops, please email us at transportation@mtlaurelschools.org. We promise to respond within 48 hours.
Wishing you all an amazing and fun-filled school year ahead!
🚖 🚖 🚖
Teach your children helpful hints
- Stay outside the danger zone and wait for the driver’s signal when getting on the bus and stay in a single file line
- When getting off the bus, look to both sides before stepping off to make sure no cars are passing
- Before crossing the street, take 5 GIANT steps away from the bus or until you can see the driver's face. Wait for the driver’s signal to know that it is safe to cross
- Look left-right-left when you reach the edge of the bus to make sure traffic has stopped
- Continue to watch for traffic when crossing
- Always be seated with seat belts fastened while the bus is moving
ACTIVATE ParentSquare Now!
(if you haven't done so already)
Mount Laurel Schools has adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with Mount Laurel Schools. It provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to send and receive school and class information.
All district, school and grade level information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free for iOS and Android devices).
Have questions? Click the question mark in the top right corner of the desktop version or the Help tab on the app (tap the triple bar icon at the top left) to find answers to most of your questions.
LUNCH - LET'S CHECK IT OUT!
There are some exciting changes in the school lunch program for the 2023-2024 school year!
Students in all grades will have the ability to purchase snack items starting on the first day of school as long as there Is NO negative balance on their meal account. This rule applies to all students whether they are paying with cash or deducting from their account. Please make sure there is money on your child’s account or send them with cash so they have the ability to purchase snacks if they choose. Funds can be added to accounts at any time by using the Lunchtime Portal.
Lunch menus for each school are in one place and easily accessible through an interactive online cafeteria menu. Please follow the Instructions on the flyer that has been posted with our new online menu access.
We are pleased to partner with Nutri-Serve Management, Inc. to provide our students with hearty and healthy meals throughout each school day. Nutri-Serve makes the school lunch process as easy as 1-2-3-GO:
You will be offered the option to print any of the interactive menus.
Each print in a colorful, easy-read format.
2024-2025 FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION
Eligibility requirements and applications for free and reduced price meals are available to all households annually. Students in need of assistance will be determined by the criteria issued by the State of New Jersey and the USDA.
The District encourages all families who may qualify for free and reduced meals to fill out and return the application as soon as possible to receive free or reduced lunch.
NEW! Applications can now be submitted ONLINE:
Forms may also be printed and sent to the Business Office at 330 Mount Laurel Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 or emailed to: rwachter@mtlaurelschools.org
EXTENDED DAY CARE - Reminder
Students must be registered with the Extended Day Care program to attend.
All EDC registrant's schedules were due by Thursday, August 29th to attend the first week of school. EDC will not allow drop-ins or call-in schedules for the first week of school.
For EDC information, please reach out to our office by email at pwitts@mtlaurelschools.org, ygonzalez@mtlaurelschools.org or csherf@mtlaurelschools.org or by phone at (856)231-5890 ext. 21001, 21004, or 21009.
As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade, perhaps a new school, and are all in turn learning and growing into who they are.
We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and teachers who are navigating through this time. Click here to access to the flyer.
By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. Remember, Care Solace offers valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.
To access Care Solace:
- Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/mtlaurelschools: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.
By joining hands as a community, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's prioritize their emotional growth and create a brighter future together.
Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Mount Laurel Township School District community. Your commitment to our youth is truly commendable.
DATES TO REMEMBER
September
2
Labor Day
Schools Closed
3
First Day for Students
Full Day
10
Back to School Night
Mount Laurel Hartford School - Grade 5
11
Back to School Night
Mount Laurel Hartford School - Grade 6
17
Back to School Night
Hillside Elementary School
Springville Elementary School
18
Back to School Night
Fleetwood Elementary School
Larchmont Elementary School
19
Back to School Night
Countryside Elementary School
Parkway Elementary School
25
Back to School Night
Thomas E. Harrington Middle School - Grade 7
26
Back to School Night
Thomas E. Harrington Middle School - Grade 8
NEWS TO USE
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STAY CONNECTED
Website: http://www.mtlaurelschools.org
Location: 330 Mount Laurel Road, Mount Laurel Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 856-235-3387
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlschools/
Twitter: @MTL_Super