EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Central Office Communication: October 15th 2023
SUPERINTENDENTS UPDATE
Happy Fall and Welcome October!
As Superintendent, I am proud of the strides that we have made in our pursuit of building relationships with our students. Our teachers and support staff have spent the month of September collectively contributing to building relationships with students and facilitating team building activities. We are now ready to move to the next phase of our mission statement and ENGAGE students with relevant learning experiences. I look forward to seeing and hearing about the innovative lessons and projects that will take place in and out of our classrooms as we continue our journey to position Egg Harbor Township Schools for the future of education. I am pleased to report that our dedicated educators are actively embracing innovative teaching methods and integrating technology into the classroom to enhance student learning experiences. We are constantly exploring new ways to engage our students and prepare them for the digital age. Our Innovation Team meets this month to begin research on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality to assist teachers with the use of new tools and technologies.
Fall invites us to pause and reflect on our goals and aspirations. Just as the leaves change their colors, we too can transform and grow in new and exciting ways. This school district is always open to hearing new ideas and needs from our parents. I ask you to consider thinking about what opportunities we can embrace to enhance learning experiences and achieve this year's district goals of improving student achievement, enhancing our climate and culture, and expanding our community partnerships? One of the developing aspects of Egg Harbor Township is the strong sense of community. I was thrilled to see the great turnout at the EHT Festival on September 30th. It was wonderful to see our community members and school family come together to share their crafts, activities, athletic teams, school themes, clubs and food trucks. Together, we can continue to make this season one of growth, learning, and unity within the Egg Harbor Township community.
As we embrace this season, keep an eye out for some exciting events and activities happening this month in our school district. These include athletic events, band competitions, the Trunk or Treat event, the National Anthem Project, Homecoming, and Noche Latina. This newsletter contains more information on events that will occur in each one of our schools.
If you ever wish to discuss any aspect of our educational endeavors or have ideas to share, please feel free to reach out to any administrator. Your input is invaluable as we work together to shape the future of Egg Harbor Township Schools.
With Warm regards and #EHTPride,
Dr. Gruccio
Climate, Culture and #EHT Pride
In our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive school climate and nurturing a rich culture of inclusivity and equity, we are proud to embrace the spirit of #EHTPride. Together, we are dedicated to learning, growing, and healing as a united educational family. We believe that every step, no matter how small, deserves recognition and celebration. Across all our schools, you will find a culture that places a high value on appreciation and respect. We make it a point to acknowledge and reward achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment among our students and staff alike. Our #EHTPride shines through in the care and attention we provide to our students and the spotlight we cast on their remarkable achievements. Our commitment to fostering a strong school culture extends to promoting equity for ALL students and staff members.
A new initiative for the district this school year is S.O.A.R. (Safety-Ownership-Accountability-Respect). Teachers and staff will spend time explicitly teaching students expectations throughout the school environment to partner with students and families in ensuring that expectations are understood by all. Positive reinforcement and recognition will celebrate students contributing to a positive school climate and culture.
We empower our school community to embody positive qualities such as support, patience, and understanding. By rallying around a shared goal of nurturing a culture where everyone can thrive, we aim to unite students, teachers, staff, and community members as one cohesive community. We have a collective commitment where Every Hand Together is focused on students and relevant learning experiences. Our teachers collaborate within professional learning communities to closely monitor student progress, ensuring that ALL students have the opportunity to excel. We recognize that each student has unique learning needs, and it is only by working together that we can eliminate any predictability of achievement disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, language, disability, or economics.
Our entire faculty and staff have undergone equity training during our professional learning days, reaffirming our collective commitment to equitable education. Together, as a united educational family, we can achieve more. It is through these principles of positive climate, inclusive culture, and #EHTPride that we strive to provide an environment where every child, every day, can thrive and reach their fullest potential. We are excited to work together to create a brighter future for all.
Student Achievement
Our shared commitment is to ensure that every student has the resources and support necessary to excel in both their academic journey and life beyond the classroom.#LifeReady. This collective responsibility serves as the driving force behind our dedication to leveraging student data and implementing a comprehensive framework for teaching and learning known as the New Jersey Multi-Tiered Systems of Support NJTSS).
NJTSS empowers us to view each student as an individual with unique needs, enabling us to tailor our approach to meet them where they are. Through NJTSS, we set personalized goals to guide students on a path of continuous progress, ensuring they not only meet but exceed grade-level expectations. To facilitate this, we have expanded our team of school personnel, who are equipped to intervene when needed and provide enrichment opportunities, harnessing each student's strengths to foster genuine achievement.
Our commitment to student success extends to the heart of our classrooms, where teachers gather in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These dedicated forums serve as a space for teachers to collaborate, exchange ideas, and collectively develop strategies that bolster student achievement. Importantly, these PLCs are now seamlessly integrated into our daily schedules, allowing for more time for fruitful collaboration and data analysis.
To underscore our dedication to education, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide Literacy for ALL. Our instructional methods and professional development initiatives are grounded in the Science of Reading and research-based best practices, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education.
Furthermore, we continue to offer innovative opportunities in the realm of STREAM education, including the advancement of Aviation, alongside additional pathways for real-world career exploration. These initiatives prepare our students for a rapidly evolving world and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
In acknowledging the challenges our students and families have faced over the past two years, we prioritize Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). By embracing our students and their families, we create a nurturing environment where their emotional well-being is paramount. We understand that without SEL, we cannot enhance student learning or cultivate a school climate that truly engages our students.
As a school district, we are resolute in our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our students and their families. We actively listen, recognizing their unique needs and concerns. We work tirelessly to identify and eliminate potential barriers to growth, providing the necessary resources for academic, social, and emotional support. Our overarching goal is to foster an inclusive and welcoming school culture—a place where every child eagerly anticipates being, each and every day.
Together, we will continue to champion student achievement, holistic growth, and a bright future for all.
Expand Community Partnerships
It is paramount that we focus on restoring and expanding our community partnerships throughout the township. Our community partners play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of our students. They offer valuable insights, real-world experiences, and a bridge to a broader understanding of society's responsibilities and contributions. It is through these partnerships that we can create a more interconnected and resilient community, dedicated to preparing our students for the future. Our community partners can enrich our students' education by sharing their unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. These firsthand accounts provide a well-rounded view of the world beyond the classroom. By embracing our students and educational programs, our partners can serve as mentors, guiding our students towards their future endeavors and career aspirations. We look to build unity amongst our partners and recognize that we are interdependent. By collaborating with our community partners, we can forge bonds of unity and mutual support, fostering a better and more resilient community. This year we aim to broaden our partnerships within the township, seeking out new opportunities for collaboration with local organizations, businesses, and institutions. These connections will offer fresh perspectives and resources for our students along with our unwavering dedication to preparing students for the future remains at the forefront of our mission. We will continue to innovate and adapt our educational programs to provide the best possible learning experiences. Let us remember that we are stronger when we stand together. Our community's resilience and unity will shape the future of education for the students of the Egg Harbor Township School District. Together, we will create a community that is committed to nurturing our students and fostering a brighter future for all.
WEEKLY DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS
Each week our principals share an update on what is happening in their respective schools. Check out the Weekly Digital Newsletters linked below.
Week of October 8th, 2023
EHT Nursing Services (October 2023)
EHT Media Specialists (October 2023)
Gifted and Talented Newsletter (Miller)
Gifted and Talented Newsletter (Miller)
Please review "The Source". A resource guide for people of all ages in Atlantic County. The Source is provided to us from the Atlantic County Division of Public Health.
https://www.atlantic-county.org/documents/publications/the-source.pdf
https://www.atlantic-county.org/documents/publications/the-source-es.pdf -Spanish Version
CAREER & TECH ED COURSE OFFERINGS
READING RESOURCES!
IC PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION!
What if I do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account? Send an email to icportal@eht.k12.nj.us with the parent/guardian full name, students full name, students school and grade level, students birthdate, home and/or cell number and the parent/guardians email address.
INFINITE CAMPUS SELF-HELP VIDEO
INFINITE CAMPUS
Do you need an EHT Parent Portal account?
Do you have access to log-in?
Not sure how to request a Parent Portal account?
Follow the easy steps outlined in this video. Check out this short video to learn how to request an account. https://youtu.be/bL1Qqs8sNm4
#EMBRACE
SCHOOL MESSENGER REMINDER!
JUST SEND "Y" or "YES" to 67587
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: RESOURCES!
Visit http://www.mhaac.info/ubw-schedule.html to find The Mental Health Association of Atlantic County's virtual schedule.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RESOURCES
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & RESOURCES
During these difficult times, please know that our guidance counselors, social workers, student assistance counselors, school nurses, and our High School Teen Center serve as available resources daily to assist with any concerns, fears, and/or anxieties.
Atlantic County Division of Public Health: “The Source” (linked)
Student resource card (Spanish/English)
EVERY HAND TOGETHER: PURSUING PUBLIC HEALTH
Visit http://mvnt.us/m1273441 to see all the video playlists that "Pursuing Public Health" has to offer!
JOB OPENINGS
For more information you can see all job openings and apply online at: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
EHT TRANSPORTATION: JOB OPENINGS
Egg Harbor Township School District is now hiring bus drivers, bus aides and subs. Interested applicants can call 609-927-2443 ext 1710 or can now apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/eggharbor/onlineapp/
BECOME A SUBSTITUTE WITH EHT!
We're hiring for rewarding opportunities in Egg Harbor Township School District! To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3gGjAxX
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM APPLICATION
Free & Reduced Breakfast/Lunch Program: The Free and Reduced Meal Program offers several benefits including free/reduced meals, test fee waivers, and an opportunity to earn free college credits at the High School with the dual-enrollment program. For more information and to apply please access the following LINK
ATLANTIC COUNTY FOOD BANK RESOURCES
Please visit the Atlantic County Food Bank Resources (linked)
ATTENTION ALUMNI: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SUPERHERO!
The Egg Harbor Township High School Eagle Eye Newsletter is looking for alumni who are interested in being featured in an upcoming edition of the online publication. If you have a personal or professional accomplishment, a unique adventure or just something other EHTHS alumni may find interesting, please email: alumni@eht.k12.nj.us
THE NEST SCHOOL STORE IS ONLINE & OPEN!
ABOUT US
EMBRACE-ENGAGE-EDUCATE
Email: ehtsd@eht.k12.nj.us
Website: www.eht.k12.nj.us
Location: 13 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-646-7911
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EHTNJSchools/
Twitter: @EHTNJSchools