Dear E.C.S. Families,

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, here are a few important dates and reminders to keep in mind:

• Wednesday, June 18: 8th Grade Graduation at 5:00 PM and early dismissal for all students. Congratulations to our graduating 8th graders!

• Thursday, June 19: Last student day with early dismissal.

• Friday, June 20: Juneteenth will be recognized by the district (schools closed).

Join us on Monday, June 16th for our Summer Reading Ice Cream Social! Celebrate the start of summer with books and a sweet treat—check out five books from the library and earn a free ice cream cone.

As the weather gets warmer, please take a moment to review and remind students of our school dress code. All students in grades K–8 are expected to dress in a manner that reflects good taste, modesty, and appropriateness. Clothing choices should prioritize health, safety, and respect for the learning environment.

Highlights from the dress code include:

• No see-through, strapless, spaghetti-strap, or midriff-revealing clothing.

• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be fingertip length or longer.

• No visible undergarments or inappropriate language/images on clothing.

• Tank tops may only be worn with a t-shirt underneath.

• Pajamas, hats, bandanas, gloves, and open-toed shoes (including Crocs and flip-flops) are not permitted unless for religious or school-approved reasons.

You can find full dress code details and consequences in the Student Code of Conduct on our school website. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting a respectful and focused school environment.

We wish all of our students and families a safe, happy, and restful summer!

We are proud to share that Charlie Mushinski, one of our talented 8th-grade students, submitted an original poem titled "Where I'm From" at this year's Teen Arts Festival. Charlie’s powerful work was selected for the State Showcase, which will take place this month.

Please join us in congratulating Charlie on this outstanding achievement!

6/9- Knight Around the World: Multicultural Night- 5-7pm

6/10- Board of Education Meeting

6/13- Preschool Breakfast with Buddies - For Dads and Special Friends (8:15-9:00am)

6/16- Summer Reading Kick-Off 4-6pm

6/17- PreK Popsicle Picnic

6/18- 8th Gr. Graduation/ Early Dismissal

6/19-Early Dismissal/ LAST DAY/ Report Cards

6/19- Knight's Walk- 8:45am

6/20- No School/ Juneteenth Recognition

We’re thrilled to share that Charlotte Liebtag, one of our amazing 4th grade students, nominated Mrs. Dennler as Teacher of the Week in her favorite magazine, The Week Junior—and she won!

Be sure to check out the published article (Issue 269) recognizing Mrs. Dennler for her outstanding dedication and impact in the classroom. What a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the school year!

Way to go, Charlotte and Mrs. Dennler!

Hello! I am so excited to have been chosen as our school’s “Staff Spotlight” for this month! I can’t even begin to express how much I love our school and community! I am a born and raised Mount Holly girl who moved to Eastampton in 2001 with my husband. We knew that we wanted our future children (who are now almost 20 & 14) to go to RV someday. Here’s a fun fact…my children are the 4th generation in my family to attend RV!

Something that many people may not know is that I was a 4th grade teacher in Mount Laurel for all of my 20s. I was a stay at home mom for my 30s, and I have worked at ECS for all of my 40s. (I’m holding on to the last few months of my 40s very tightly right now!) I started at ECS as a substitute teacher when my youngest child was in 1st grade. I gradually increased my working time and became a classroom aide. I happily moved to the front desk of our school last year.

My favorite part of working at the front desk is that I get to help the students, teachers, and parents. I am so lucky to have walked in the shoes of a teacher and the shoes of parents, so I try very hard to consider these perspectives in my role at ECS. Seeing students every day truly makes my former teacher's heart smile.

I am always out walking or riding bikes in town with my husband or my children, so if you see me out and about, be sure to say hi!

Medications Pick Up

Remember that at the end of the school year, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up medication from the nurse’s office. If your student had medication at school, please plan to pick it up by June 19th. It may be helpful to call ahead, and please be prepared to provide ID when picking up medications.

If needed, you may contact the nurse’s office to make other arrangements. Any remaining medication, especially if it is expired, may be discarded.

Please Renew Medication Orders for 2025-26 School Year

If you anticipate that your child will need medication for next school year, please remember that orders are valid for one year, and therefore need to be renewed annually. This process works best if you get new orders every summer, so please add that to your To-Do List. Additional medication information and forms are available on our ECS Nurses Webpage.

Required Kindergarten Immunizations

Your 4 year old preschooler may need additional immunizations for Kindergarten. If you received a letter, please make appointments and provide documentation as soon as possible. For questions about Kindergarten, please contact Nurse Cathy (calderman@etsdnj.us).

Required 6th Grade Immunizations

If your 5th grade child has not yet received the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines, they will need to have the vaccinations before entering 6th grade. For questions about 6th grade, please contact Nurse Mary (mostaszewski@etsdnj.us).

Sport Physicals are due by the following dates for the 2025/2026 school year

• September 5, 2025 - Soccer

• October 24, 2025 - Basketball

• February 20, 2026 - Baseball and Softball

https://www.etsdnj.us/departments/nurse/sports-physical-information-for-student-athletes

Please note:

• Preparticipation Sport Physicals submitted to school are valid for a year following the date of the exam. (5th grade students interested in playing a sport in 6th grade should consider)

• Please submit Preparticipation Sport Physical paperwork to school after your child has their examination. The Physical will be valid for a year from the date of the exam. This will prevent any last minute decisions preventing participation in school sports.

• If student athletes have an Inhaler, a new Asthma Action Plan (doctor’s orders) and medication should be submitted each school year.

• If student athletes have an Allergy Action Plan, a new plan (doctor’s orders) and medication should be provided every school year.

• 6th grade students must be up to date with 6th grade immunizations to participate in sports.

• Paperwork is available on the ECS websites (Athletics and Nursing Departments) to print. Copies are also available in the ECS main office.

• Sport-Related Acknowledgement Forms (Concussion, Cardiac, Opioid) are submitted once every school year.

• Health History Update Questionnaire will be required if the student’s physical was completed more than 90 days before the start of the sport season.

Please Contact Nurse Mary with questions about Sport Physicals and Required 6th Grade Immunizations.

Mary Ostaszewski BSN, RN, CSN

mostaszewski@etsdnj.us

609-267-9172 Ext. 122

Fax: 609-261-3338, Attention Nurse Mary

Please stay up to date on your child's grades by checking PowerSchool. See the links below for the student/ parent sign in and Frequently Asked Questions.

Reach out to Kari Thalwitzer with information about your login: 609-267-9172

Early Pick-Up

If you are going to be picking your child up early from school, please email or call kthalwitzer@etsdnj.us at least one hour before picking up your child. Also, please complete early pick-ups by 2:00pm. The end of the school day is extremely busy in the main office, so ample notice is appreciated.

Volunteer Announcement

To ensure smooth arrival and dismissal, volunteers are welcome in the building only between 8:40 AM and 2:30 PM.

Attendance Reminder

Unexcused lateness and early pickups affect your child’s attendance record. Please limit missed school time whenever possible to keep them on track academically. Preschool arrival is 8:15am at the preschool doors. For kindergarten through 8th grade, school doors open at 8:15am, and students are expected in homeroom by 8:30am. Preschool dismissal is at 2:15 PM, and K-8 dismissal is at 3:00 PM.

Parking Lot Reminders

Please remember to slow down when dropping off or picking up your children. The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority.

Also, be sure to park only in lined parking spots—not on the grass.