NewsFLASH

January Events

Thursday, January 2

• School Reopens...

Saturday, January 4

• Winter Clothing Drive at the HS from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Monday, January 6

• PLC/Faculty Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Media Center.
• P.O. Meeting in the Media Center at 6 p.m.

Friday, January 10

• Model UN Trip--(January 10, 11 & 12).

Monday, January 13

• ScIP Meeting at 2:20 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14

• After School Recital at 2:30 p.m. sponsored by the Music Department.

Monday, January 20

• Celebrated Martin Luther King Day--School Closed.

Monday, January 27

• Faculty Research/PD Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Media Center.
• ScIP Meeting at 2:20 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28

• I&RS/MTSS Meeting at 8 a.m.

• Future Teachers -- Visitation to Middle and Elementary Schools.

Friday, January 31

• End of Marking Period 2.

February Events

Monday, February 3

• Link It--Form B; Testing (February 3-7).

Monday, February 10

• Report Cards will be available in Genesis after 2 p.m.

Wednesday, February 12

• Fine Arts Nights at 6 p.m. in the Atrium.

Friday, February 14

• In-Service Day (8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)--NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS.

Monday, February 17

• Presidents' Day--School CLOSED.

Wednesday, February 19

• Theater Class Trip to see "Comedy of Errors" at the State Theater in New Brunswick.

Monday, February 24

• Faculty/PLC Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Media Center.

Tuesday, February 25

• I&RS/MTSS Meeting in the Media Center 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, February 28

• "Sponge Bob The Musical" - February 28, March 1, 7, 8 & 9.

Students Need to be in School by 7:30 a.m.

If your child drives to school, please make sure they leave home in plenty of time so they are not rushing to school and driving too fast in the parking lot.

School Attendance

Regular attendance in school is very important to your success. Unexcused absences are monitored closely.

What You Need to Know:
Excused Absences:

If you were sick, we need a note from a doctor. If it was for a college visit, we need a letter from that college.
Deadline:

You have 10 days after an absence to provide documentation. After that, we can't excuse the absence.

What Happens with Unexcused Absences?

3 Unexcused Absences – Notification letter to the student/parent.

6 Unexcused Absences – Mandatory meeting with parents, student, & counselor to create a formal action plan.

9 Unexcused Absences – Phone call from Assistant Principal in charge of MTSS. Mandatory referral to our school's MTSS Program as per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6. Formal monthly meetings with parents, student, and school personnel.

12 Unexcused Absences – Formal referral to the School Resource Officer, a court program, and DCP&P.

16 Unexcused Absences – Continuation of all interventions. Removal from extracurricular activities for the rest of the school year.

Also:

10 unexcused absences for a full year course and 5 unexcused absences for a semester course will result in an “In Jeopardy” classification. An “In Jeopardy” student still attends class, but the student may or may not receive credit.

If a student has more than 10 unexcused absences for a full year course or more than 5 unexcused absences for a semester course, teachers are NOT permitted to allow the student to make up the work for those absences. (In other words, if a student is taking full year courses and the student misses an 11th day on an unexcused basis, then none of the student’s teachers will permit the student to make up the work that was missed on the day of that 11th unexcused absence for credit.)

Cell Phones

In a classroom setting, a cell phone may only be used with a teacher's permission. Otherwise, it is prohibited in a teaching and learning environment. Students may only use cell phones before school, after school, during lunch and during passing time.

Vaping & Vape Detectors

Vaping is prohibited in our school/campus. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our students. We have vape detectors in our school for this reason. Any student in possession of a vape (or any related paraphernalia) will be referred for drug testing.

The Golden Apple Award recognizes and celebrates the exceptional contributions of staff. Each month, one individual from each school will be honored for their excellence and dedication to the school community. Nominations are submitted by colleagues who have witnessed the nominee's positive impact. Congratulations to our December Golden Apple Awardee.

Special Recognition

The Bordentown Lodge No. 2085 B.P.O. Elks has a program whereby, once a month, they recognize and reward an FTMHS "Student of the Month." This student must be a senior. It is our pleasure to recognize Brenna Boss.

Every month, students will be recognized for the fine job they have done in bringing the word of the month to life. Students are nominated by our school staff. The Character Education “Word of the Month” for December was "Compassion." We will communicate the rest of our character education traits to you over the course of the school year. The Character Education "Word of the Month" for January is "Self-Discipline."

Let’s work together to get our students to focus on why each trait matters! We need all our students to see that they can help others through their positive words and actions.

The "Word of the Month" for December was "Compassion."

Here are the students of the month for December:

Brandon Day, Jonathan Dodge, Patrick Dunphy, Deziree German, Harshan Grewal, Meriam Hegazy, Ciarah Loftin, Evangeline Mersinger, Ishtiaque Opu, Ryan Perry, Francesca Ralko, Adaya Rawls and Kayleigh Tkacs.

"Compassion"--Character Education (December)

Thanks to our Parent Organization---Patrick Dunphy, Desiree German, Evangeline Mersinger and Kayleigh Tkacs were chosen to receive a $5 Wawa gift card for such an excellent job!

With this program, one student from each grade level will be selected for the “Grit & Gratitude Award” each month. It is for students who try their best, show resilience, and express appreciation to those who help them. Our December "Grit and Gratitude" recipients are:

Grade 9: Jahvier Wales

Grade 10: Brenden Simpkins

Grade 11: Samantha Voorhees

Grade 12: Busra Kahraman

Academic Achievement Program

This is a wonderful program! We will once again be challenging our students to settle for nothing less than their best. We want to see our students succeed, and we will be communicating to them that we want them to set their sights on earning a GPA of at least a 3.0 (or a “B” average) with no “D” or “F” grades in any course for each marking period of the school year. Please join us in challenging your child to be content with nothing less than their best effort! Students who earn at least a 3.0 (with no “D’s” or “F’s”) will be recognized and celebrated throughout the school year for their academic accomplishments.

Principal's List Program

Each marking period, students who earn A's in all of their courses will be assigned to the "Principal's Academic List." We've added this program based upon the feedback we received from students, staff and parents. We have students who are hungry to show what they can do, and we're eager to recognize them!

Report Cards will be available after 2 p.m. in Genesis on February 10. To view your child's Report Card Report, simply log in to Genesis (https://parents.genesisedu.com/florence) and click on the "Grading" tab at the top of the window.

Also, please feel free to log in to Genesis at any time to see how your child is progressing in his or her courses. Checking Genesis frequently will enable you to see clearly how your child is performing throughout the school year.

If you are having trouble logging in or need your email and password reset, please contact your child's counselor as soon as possible.

Please use this resource to complete/update/sign-off on important electronic forms. Afterwards, please use this extremely valuable tool to monitor your child's grades, assignments and attendance.

Mark Your Calendar for:

Winter Clothing Drive

Date: Saturday, January 4 from 9 a.m. to Noon

Location: High School Parking Lot

Best,

Katrina

Join us for our monthly Parent Organization Meetings to be held on the 1st Monday of every month.

President - Katrina Nesmith

Vice President - Sandra Tkacs

Vice President - Sheray Norfleet

Treasurer - Gina Dunphy

Recording Secretary - Rebecca Pagano

Membership Secretary - Katie Wittkamp

Please let us know how you can help by emailing us at ftmhspo@gmail.com

...sponsored by the Music Department.

National Honor Society Students, Counselor and Advisors--Mrs. Donofrio, Mrs. Fisher, Ms. Rodan and Mr. Varga.

...sponsored by the Music Department.

...sponsored by the Music Department.

Members of the FHS Student Council and Interact Club assisted with the Winter Holiday Drive to help families in our community. The drive provided food, gift cards, and gifts to students in our district who were in need of support during the holiday season!

Advisor: Mr. DuBrul

Environmental Club

Teacher: Mr. Donovan

Advisor: Mrs. Fisher

The high school counselors, Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga, invite you to visit the Counseling Department website which is accessible from the high school main page or by clicking here. There you will find useful information and links for academic support, mental health resources, college planning and research, post-secondary financial aid, etc.

PSAT Score Reports

PSAT score reports are now available on the College Board website: www.collegeboard.org. Students who took it in October should have received an email with instructions on how to access their score and create an account. Juniors should consider taking the SAT this coming spring. College Board partners with Khan Academy for free, personalized SAT test prep based on previous scores.

Reminder for Seniors

We are in the heart of college application season. Please be mindful of application deadlines and financial aid deadlines. If you need assistance, please contact your counselor. Update your counselor when you have submitted applications so we can ensure that any required documents have also been sent. Don’t forget to tell us as soon as you receive your admissions decisions!

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 school year is open! Visit fafsa.gov or https://studentaid.gov/ to get started. The student and a parent will need an electronic FSA ID account prior to filling out the FAFSA. Create accounts here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

If you are applying to any New Jersey schools, you can find your state financial aid information on the HESAA website in your NJFAMS account which can be found under the Students tab. https://www.hesaa.org

College and Trade School Visitations

The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by multi-award winning producers. Each episode focuses on a single college or university. You can watch these video college tours on their website https://www.thecollegetour.com/ or on Amazon Prime! You can search videos by college name or state or other filters as well.

BCIT Adult Education

BCIT is a great, local trade school that is taxpayer-funded. Visit their website https://www.ssreg.com/bcit/default.asp?page=Home to learn about their various programs.

College Admissions Testing

The SAT and ACT have undergone significant changes. Please visit their official websites for the most current information. There are over 1,900 test optional colleges in the US as it pertains to college admissions. Some colleges may still require a college entrance test for specific programs or scholarships. Check a particular college’s Admissions Office web page for their admissions requirements and test information before you register for a test.

Mrs. Sebastian (last names A-K): nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us

Mr. Varga (last names L-Z): jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us

Mental Health Tips for the Holidays:

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for teenagers due to changes in routine, family dynamics, and social expectations. Here are some mental health tips for teens to navigate this time:

Manage Expectations:

Talk with your parents about which holiday traditions are meaningful to you and which might feel like a burden. It's okay to adjust traditions to fit your current interests and needs.

Maintain Routines:

Even if school is out, try to keep some semblance of your regular routine, particularly around sleep, meals, and exercise. Consistency can provide comfort and reduce stress.

Self-Care:

Engage in activities that you find relaxing or joyful. This could be anything from reading, playing video games, or spending time in nature. Remember, self-care looks different for everyone.

Exercise:

Physical activity can help manage stress and anxiety. Whether it's a walk, a workout, or playing a sport, regular movement can boost your mood and energy levels.

Set Boundaries:

It's okay to say no to some holiday events if they overwhelm you. Communicate with your family about needing some downtime or space.

Mindfulness and Breathing:

Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises when feeling stressed. Techniques like the 4-8 breath (inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 8) can help calm your nervous system.

Stay Social:

Even if you prefer not to engage in large family gatherings, stay connected with friends or find smaller, more comfortable social settings. Online interactions can also be beneficial.

Limit Social Media:

The pressure to have a "perfect" holiday can be amplified by social media. Consider taking breaks from social platforms to avoid comparison and stress.

Talk About Your Feelings:

If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust. Whether it's a parent, friend, or counselor, sharing what you're going through can lighten the load.

Volunteer or Help Others:

Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering can enhance your mood and provide a sense of purpose. It's a great way to feel connected and useful during the holidays.

Prepare for Family Time:

If family gatherings are stressful, plan for moments to step away and recharge. Have a strategy like taking a walk or finding a quiet space.

Seek Professional Help:

If you're struggling with persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Many offer sessions tailored for teens, even during the holiday season.

Reflect and Gratitude:

Take time to reflect on what you've accomplished this year or what you're grateful for. This can shift focus from stress to appreciation.

Remember, it's completely normal to feel a range of emotions during the holidays, and taking care of your mental health is essential. If the holidays become too much, don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Important Resources:

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or just want to talk to someone, the following resources are available:

• 2nd Floor Youth Hotline of New Jersey: 888-222-2228

• PerformCare/Mobile Response: 877-652-7624

• Camden County Crisis Intervention - Twin Oaks: 856-428-HELP (4357)

• New Jersey Mental Health Warm Line (Mental Health Resources): 877-294-4357

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Counseling Support Services:

I'm available for consultation, support, counseling and referral services including:

• Academic

• Family Alcohol/Drug Use

• Technology Dependence

• Anxiety and Depression

• Divorce

• Behavior Management

• Other Mental Health Concerns

Contact Information:

Please contact Mr. Lamaestra, Student Assistance Coordinator, at the high school at (609)499-4620 x 4225 or email at jlamaestra@florence.k12.nj.us.

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Winter Health Tips

Stay Hydrated Even in colder weather, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, as the cold temperatures, dry air and indoor heating can contribute to dehydration. Don’t like water? Sipping on warm drinks like herbal teas and enjoying nourishing soups can also be comforting and contribute to overall well-being. Try foods with high water content like cucumbers and oranges.

Dry skin can be a sign of dehydration. Remember to nourish your skin to prevent dryness and itching. Wash hands with moisturizing soap and warm water as hot water can strip away natural oils. Use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Helping your child to apply lotions after bathing will improve skin condition. Have chapstick or vaseline available to apply to lips daily or more often to prevent cracking and bleeding. Students may keep chapstick in their book bags or pockets and use it throughout the day.

Winter Nosebleeds

If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds it may be from the dry air. Try using a cold air humidifier at night. Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too. If severe, consult your pediatrician.

Physical Activity Indoors

Physical activity is important, even when it's cold outside. Consider indoor exercises and activities to keep everyone moving during the winter months. Some ideas for home workouts are doing circuits with jumping jacks, squats, push ups, lunges and crunches or even computer fitness games. Other indoor activities include dancing, stair climbing, housework like vacuuming and sweeping, mall walking, bowling, roller skating, yoga or other fun group classes at your local gym, studio, or community center.

Dress Appropriately

Proper clothing is key to staying warm and healthy during winter. Hats and gloves help prevent heat loss from the head and hands, which are particularly vulnerable to cold exposure. Dress in layers to stay comfortable both indoors and outdoors.

Vaccination Fridays

The Burlington County Health department is having "Vaccination Fridays". They will offer free Covid vaccinations to Burlington County residents. Please see the attached forms for more information.

Alison Emery RN, BSN, CSN-NJ

School Nurse, FTMHS
1050 Cedar Lane, Burlington, NJ 08016
609.499.4620 extension4212, Fax 609.499.9487
Email: aemery@florence.k12.nj.us
Website https://sites.google.com/a/florence.k12.nj.us/ftmhs-nurse/

Follow us on Facebook- Florence Athletics

Follow us on X- @FTSD_Athletics

Check out the Winter Athletic schedule here ----> https://tinyurl.com/pyar7vuk

The schedule for Bordentown-Florence Wrestling Co-op is here--https://tinyurl.com/5csjc3kr

Unified Basketball starts the week we return from Winter Break!

Register here- https://florence-ar.rschooltoday.com/home

Preparticipation Medical Eligibility forms MUST be up to date!

Varsity Jackets

The Varsity Jacket order forms are now available! Please email cjones@florence.k12.nj.us for an order form! Students must have received their varsity letter in order to request an order form. Forms and payment must be mailed directly to the vendor by January 13, 2025. Check or money order only!

Derek was selected as The Trenton Times All Area PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

32 Goals

12 Assists

76 Points

Great job, Derek! We are FLASHES proud!

Spring Athletics

Spring athletic registration will be open in a few weeks! We offer tennis, baseball, softball, boys & girls track! Be on the lookout on the Florence Athletics Facebook page for any announcements!

Contact Information:

Derrick Goduto, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Extension 4150.

Drew Andrews, Athletic Trainer, Extension 4154.

Carly Jones, AD Secretary (609) 4620, Extension 4149.

Website: www.florence.k12.nj.us
Location: 1050 Cedar Lane, Burlington, NJ, 08016
Phone: (609) 499-4620
Twitter: @FTSD_HS