Falcon Flyer
March 2024
District News
Board of Education Meeting Highlights
The Board of Education Meetings are featuring a series of presentations highlighting budget-related topics to give our community insight into how the Board crafts the school budget annually. Each presentation will focus on a major area of consideration for planning the 2024-2025 school year.
The fourth installment of this series School Funding: Past, Present, and Future, presented by Mrs. Howe and Mrs. Oroho-Giacchi at the March 18th Board of Education meeting, gave a historical overview of the budget development process.
Following the final report and recommendations from the Fifth Grade Stakeholders' Committee at the February Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Howe presented the District Reconfiguration plan to the community.
Mrs. Howe Urges New Jersey Elected Officials to Act
On March 11th Mrs. Howe testified at the New Jersey Assembly Budget Hearing as well as at the Senate Budget Hearing on March 19th. Her testimonies highlighted the dire financial crisis the district is facing for the 2024-2025 school year, with an over $3 million deficit.
JTMS
MS Gets Unplugged
JTMS held its first talent show, Unplugged, hosted by the Tri-M and Student Council. The event was a scholarship fundraiser in honor of a beloved member of the Jefferson community, Cheryl Miskimon. Cheryl passed away in October 2020 at the age of 44. She was an 8th-grade teacher of social studies and very involved in the theater arts. The Cheryl Miskimon Memorial Humanities Scholarship is awarded each year to seniors who demonstrate a passion for the humanities and theater. The performance, dedicated to her memory, will donate a portion of the night's proceeds to her scholarship fund, ensuring that her legacy lives on.
STEM Night
Students in grades K-8 were invited to come and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through interactive and engaging activities at JTMS on March 6th. The 82 student attendees enjoyed hands-on science experiments and engineering challenges, such as DIY lava lamps, the Penny Boat Challenge, and balloon cars. They were able to visit the JTMS Book Fair and refreshment cafe. At the end of the evening, participants left with a goodie bag of fun. The night was possible due to donations from JTPS staff members and a generous Pride Grant from the JTEA & NJEA. There were twenty-two staff volunteers including two retired teachers, as well as fourteen student helpers. The feedback from the evening proved that everyone had a great time.
Computer Science Discoveries
Computer Science Discoveries students completed their unit on Problem-Solving by exploring the problem-solving process, applying the problem-solving process to real-world situations, and breaking down the steps a computer takes to solve problems. To complete this unit, Computer Science Discoveries students designed an app idea that helps solve a real-world problem. The app idea must include ways that problem-solving is used by both humans and computers. Before learning how to code, students explored the design process by learning about problem-solving in an empathetic way.
5K and Family Color Fun Run
On April 14th, JTMS is hosting the "Your Story Matters" 5K and Family Color Fun Run – a community-wide event dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. We are encouraging the community to lace up their sneakers and embrace the power of their stories as we run together, celebrating resilience and promoting mental well-being. We are inviting everyone to attend to make a difference and show that every story matters.
JTHS
Falcon Pride Students of the Month - Nicholas Currie & Megan Rothstein
Nominated by Mrs. Ives, Nicholas Currie has quickly become a positive role model and someone always willing to lend a hand to his peers. According to Mrs. Ives, "Nick is such a positive student at JTHS. He is passionate about his success in school and is always willing to be engaged in class and try his best. He handles challenges and change with maturity, and is never afraid to contribute to class discussion and speak his mind!" Nominated by Mrs. Daken, Megan Rothstein has been an advocate for inclusivity and acceptance at the High School during her time as a Falcon. According to Mrs. Daken, "In addition to being a strong student, Megan's work through GSA is inspiring. She just wants a school where everyone feels included and able to be themselves and will put her time, energy, and baked goods towards her goal." Nick & Megan will each receive custom t-shirts and gift certificates courtesy of AJ's Country Cone.
Mr. Dave DeVries Selected as WDHA 105.5 Teachers Who Rock 2024 Winner!
Mr. DeVries was nominated due to his unrelenting support, dedication, and passion for our students and art education. His contributions to our students and our school community are numerous and usually beyond the bells of the normal school day schedule. We are so fortunate to have him teaching our students. Mr. DeVries was recently spoken about live on-air on 105.5 WDHA FM, during the 9 AM hour and have him featured on their website. Mr. DeVries will be honored at their banquet on May 8th at Casa Bianca in Oak Ridge.
Jefferson Township Historical Society Demonstrates Victorian Fashions
The Jefferson Township Historical Society captivated our students with the wealth of knowledge and expertise they shared. The students were amazed by the Victorian costumes worn by the members, as well as the vintage pieces they brought along. Their passion for the subject sparked a real interest and curiosity among the students. The presentation also opened their eyes to the societal norms and gender dynamics of the Victorian era. Students were particularly struck by the differences between men's and women's clothing choices, with one student commenting, "It's amazing how much more expressive women's clothing was compared to men's." It was a valuable lesson in history and culture that they will not forget. The demonstration of Victorian fashion techniques, such as the clever use of fabric and patterns, really impressed the students. One remarked, "It's so smart to conserve fabric by only using silk or patterns where they'll be seen."
National Honor Society Students Honored
National Honor Society members, Stephanie Ragrag and Taylor Senatore were honorees at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Grand Finale Banquet held at the Westin Governor Morris on March 2nd. As Student Visionary of the Year Candidates, Stephanie and Taylor worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The contributions made by Stephanie, Taylor, and the team of National Honor Society members contributed toward the over $1.5 million raised in Northern New Jersey. The funds raised are used for research, patient support, and policy and advocacy.
Unified Track and Field Buddy Walk
Unified Track and Field is partnering with the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) to host their second annual Unified Buddy Walk at our High School Track on Sunday, April 21st from 10 AM to 12 PM. Come and enjoy playing backyard games or walking around the track while rocking out to some great jams. Refreshments will be served. This is a great way for the community to meet our Unified Track and Field team as well as the residents and staff at the DPD.
Debate Team Scores BIG!
Our JTHS Debate Team was one of eight schools competing this year. The topic for this season: Resolved: “The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a Federal Jobs Guarantee, expanding Social Security, and/or providing a Basic Income.” Students from each debate team presented their evidence and argumentation for or against the resolution. Students acting as researchers for the team are very valuable in helping the debate speakers synthesize information in support of their case; the Team is under the advisement of Mrs. Patricia Vandigriff. Students took active roles in the leadership of the team with Junior Co-Captains Ava McFarquhar and Joshua Reed who debated two rounds at the Championship held at High Point High School. The Jefferson Affirmative Team Ava McFarquhar and Delphina Barnor had a season record of 10 wins and 2 losses, which earned the First Place Affirmative Team for the Season. The Jefferson Negative Team of Kenrick Kleid and Josh Reed had a season record of 7 Wins and earned the Second Place Negative Team for the Season. There are approximately 80 students in the league and this is a proud moment for the team. The highlight of the season is Speaker of the Year, Junior Ava McFarquhar who earned Second Place scoring 279 points for the season, and also earned one perfect score of 50 points. Congratulations to the Jefferson Township Debate Team for their hard work and accomplishments this year!
Visions Federal Credit Union Presents Basics of Banking Workshop
JTHS Branch Manager, Crystal Ellerbee, from Visions Federal Credit Union met with students to share her knowledge of banking and finance. Students were engaged in topics of various types of accounts, interest rates, fees, and much more. Thank you Crystal Ellerbee and Visions Federal Credit Union!
Stanlick
Judge Fabian Presides Over the Big Bad Wolf Trials
Led by Mrs. Platz and our fifth-grade teachers, students participated in the Big Bad Wolf Trials. This mock trial experience provides students with an authentic learning experience of playing an active role in a courtroom setting.
Celebrating Social Emotional Learning
Our Student Council members created messages for our staff and students to inspire positivity on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Day. Great job by Mrs. Sell and Ms. Nimmo for leading our student council. Miss Santini organized the lessons and activities for our staff to teach SEL successfully. Mayor Wilsusen read his SEL proclamation and Zero the Hero made his presence to the entire school through ZOOM.
All-Aboard the Reading Train!
The Stanlick community celebrated Read Across America Week with special activities such as reading trains, reading with buddies, and guest readers. The week concluded with our March Madness Battle of the Books kickoff.
White Rock
100 Days at White Rock
White Rock celebrated its 100th day of school in style. Students participated in 100th day-themed activities in their classrooms and were encouraged to come to school dressed as their 100-year-old selves.
A Visit From The Cat In The Hat
The White Rock community also celebrated Read Across America Week. Reading Specialists, Mrs. McGurrin and Mrs. Hoffman designed fun and creative activities each day. Miss Eskow dressed up as the Cat in the Hat; there was a reading train in the hallway, and all of the students earned a prize for completing a reading challenge.
Thank You, Milton Tri PTA!
The best way to learn is by doing! The Milton Tri-School PTA recently sponsored a fun, exciting, and interactive assembly for White Rock, “Science Heroes”. Student volunteers participated in every scientific experiment; the engaging program mesmerized everyone.
Briggs
Our Preschoolers Are Reading!
Mrs. Vera’s preschool students are taking turns each day sharing their favorite book. Each student gets a chance to bring in their favorite book and read it to the class.
More Reading at Briggs
Lego Club
Kindergarten students have been enjoying participating in the Lego Club, working together to build a bridge and the Titanic.
Cozy Lake
Meet Orbi!
Welcome to Cozy Lake's Mascot, Orbi, the bearded dragon. Preschoolers have been studying about different family pets. Thank you Mrs. Williams for sharing Orbi with the Cozy Lake community.
Get Ready & Read!
Students have been learning to use their super reader powers to become super readers. Parent helpers ran stations and read books from the Elephant and Piggie series and students were given a whisper phone to practice their sound power. Children made power pointers to use when reading, super reader masks to wear when reading in the classroom, and partner bracelets to wear when reading with their reading partners. Every child took home an Elephant and Piggie book to read with their parents and will write a short book report to share with the class. The children put all the treasures they made in a new reading bag.
Math IS Fun!
The kindergartners have been having fun learning addition and subtraction through learning centers and our curriculum.
Reading Across Cozy Lake
Read Across America was celebrated February 26- March 1st. Every student completed a reading log for the books they read at home. Guest speakers made the week enjoyable for our students. School wide activities included Team Up For Reading, Read-Me Day, Wacky Wednesday, Oh The Places You’ll Go, and Flashlight Friday and Dress Up Day.
Athletics
Pass It Along Scholar Athlete
Alexa Smeilus was honored at the Lake Mohawk Country Club as Jefferson's 2024 Scholar Athlete for her excellence in the fields of academics, athletics, and community service. Alexa who played both field hockey and golf will be attending Rowan College in the fall.
College Signings
Recent college athletic signings included:
Alanna Bishop - Soccer at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Alex Johns - Lacrosse at Alvernia University
Charles Oberman - Lacrosse at Alvernia University
Georgia Oberman - Soccer at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Emily Poulas - Basketball at Rowan
Upcoming Events
District Employment Opportunities
Work Where Your Child Learns!
Are you looking for a part-time job with hours to fit perfectly with your child's school schedule?
Jefferson Township Public Schools is now hiring dedicated individuals like you to join our team.
- Substitute School Nurse INCREASED RATE! $250/day!
- Special Education Aide INCREASED RATE! $21/hour!
- School Bus Aide
- School Bus Driver