
The Nest
Soaring to Excellence August 19, 2024

Week of October 28, 2024
School Meals & Lunch Balances
Please log in to the Genesis Parent Portal and check your student's lunch balances. Keeping these accounts up to date ensures that all students can continue to enjoy their hot meal selections without interruption. If you need assistance, pleases call 732-873-2400, 505 between 8:00 a.m. and 3: 30 p.m.
Should you like to complete the Free/Reduced Lunch application, to avoid accruing a balance, there are several ways to do so. You may complete a paper application, complete the application via email, or complete the application on line.
Please go to the district website - franklinboe.org - under the Food Services tab. Click on the Meal Applications symbol to find the options for completing the meal application.
If you complete a paper application please return this to your child’s school or you may drop off at our office at 2301 Route 27, Somerset. There is a mail box next to the door where you may deposit the application.
Lunch balances accrued prior to Free/Reduced Lunch forms are completed are the families financial responsibility. If you need assistance, pleases call 732-873-2400, 505 between 8:00 a.m. and 3: 30 p.m.
Should you prefer to e-mail the meal application as an attachment, please send it to foodservices@franklinboe.org or you can fax a copy to 732-873-3983.
Mark Your Calendars
Calendar of Events
October 24- 31- Scholastic Book Fair
October 31- Franklin Township Public Schools Chromebook Protection Plan
Open enrollment- ENDS
October 31- Halloween Parade @ 10:00 a.m.
November 1- School is Closed
LOOKING AHEAD:
November 7-8- School is Closed- Teacher's Convention
November 11- Teacher in Service Day- No School for Students
November 19- PTO Meeting: Guest Speaker- Restorative Practices- w/Daryn Plummer
November 21- Picture Retakes
November 21- Last day to submit Governor's Teacher of the Year Nominations
November 22- Spirit Day
November 25- Governor's Teacher of the Year Committee Review @ 3:30
November 27- Minimum Session Day- Dismissal at 1:20
November 28-29- Thanksgiving Holiday Break
Congratulations to Our September Students of the Month
On Friday, October 18th, we held our first Student of the Month celebration. There are many ways to be nominated for Student of the Month, such as acting responsibly, showing positive behavior, and being kind to one another. you can also be nominated for this recognition by being respectful, improving in your schoolwork, showing personal growth and being a leader in your classroom by making great choices.
Please join us in recognizing the following students:
Kimberly Bedolla
Michael Peralta Garcia
Winnie Xue
Abby Cordero Martinez
Yvette Bediako
Marzo Lopez
Diyaris Catala
Dinah Lopez Nolazco
Faithful Adewole Ban
Amari Branham
eileen Noyola
Abigail Conteh
Liam Jaiwan
Khiry Blanks
Joelis Candelaria
Zyan Matthews
Manny Asomani
Aditya Chauhan
Bryce Reyes
Charlie Sheffield
Fatima Nawaz
Fall has arrived!
Cooler weather has certainly arrived. Some of these recent mornings it has been cold enough for frost. With the weather changing, it’s important that students are dressed appropriately for the weather. It is easier to cool down than to get warm therefore it is always best to dress your children in layers.
Students will be going outside for recess daily unless the temperatures are below 32 degrees. Please send them in with a warm coats, hats, gloves, and any other necessary gear to ensure they stay comfortable while enjoying time outside.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our students warm and ready for fun!
New Visitor Kiosk
Each school has been outfitted with a new visitor management system called Raptor. Beginning November 1, 2024, any visitor to the building (parent, contractor, etc.) will be required to utilize the system in order to enter the building while school is in session.
How It Works:
- Visitors who will be entering the building during the school day will be required to sign in through the Raptor system. The paper sign in sheets will no longer be used.
- All families are encouraged to have their ID with them.
- Your license will be scanned using the iPad Kiosk. The camera for scanning is located in the back of the iPad.
- Once scanned a visitor badge will be printed.
- IF the visitor does not have a license, the visitor will manually enter their information.
- The badge must be worn while in the building.
- Upon completion of your business, the visitor will scan the bar code on the bottom of the badge before exiting the building.
This is a great addition designed to ensure all of our safety.
Last Call to Participate in the Battle of the Spare Change PBIS Fundraiser
Our SOAR Team surveyed their peers and there was an overwhelming vote to CONTINUE the Battle of the Spare Change Fundraiser. Please continue to support our school and bring in your spare change! This fundraiser will now go until October 31 (Halloween!).
The winning grade will receive their Ice Cream Party on Wednesday, November 6th.
FINAL DAYS at REDUCED COST- Chromebook Protection Plan Grades 3-12
Franklin Township Public Schools Chromebook Protection Plan
Open enrollment- ENDS OCT 31ST
All parents/guardians of students in Grades 3 to 12 are highly encouraged to purchase a device Protection Plan to cover costs if the device is accidentally broken or damaged.
The cost of the Protection Plan is a nonrefundable and non-transferable, annual $25 payment that covers two accidental damages. After October 31, 2024 the cost will be $30.
While there is no cost for the use of the district issued Chromebook, it is vital that each Chromebook issued to a student follows acceptable use policy and the chromebook handbook.
If the Protection Plan is not taken, as per District Policy #5513/7523, you are responsible to pay for the cost of the repair(s), which may also be the full replacement cost depending upon the scope of the damage.
The Protection Plan safeguards you against accidental damage, such as drops, falls and/or other collisions.
The Protection Plan DOES NOT cover liquid damage, misuse, neglect, intentional damage, or loss/theft or missing chargers.
A full Chromebook replacement is $250.00.
To sign up for the protection plan parents can:
Pay online through PaySchools Central - Account Set Up Directions (English, Spanish)
Any questions please email instructionaltechnology@franklinboe.org
or
Mail the form and check/money order to:
Franklin Township Public Schools
Attn: Instructional Technology Department
2301 Route 27
Somerset NJ 08873
In the memo please write (Attn: CB Protection Plan, student ID, school)
Details for A Fun, Safe Halloween Celebration
On Thursday, October 31st, students may wear their costumes or school spirit colors to school (or bring with them to put over their clothes). To ensure the health and well being of our school community we are asking you to adhere to the following costume guidelines:
1. Pre-K-2 students are permitted to wear their costumes to school. Grades 3-5 may bring their costumes and change before the parade.
2. No weapons, swords or handheld accessories.
3. Please make sure costumes are school appropriate (e.g. no fake blood, inappropriate language, etc.).
4. No Halloween masks that cover students faces. It is imperative for us to be able to see and identify all students at all times! In addition, it is very important for student's to have full vision while walking around the school. Please save masks for trick-or-treating!
Parents/Guardians/Family Members: We encourage you to dress for the event also if you would like; however, we ask that you do not wear a mask that covers your face while on campus.
In the morning, we will have a school-wide parade! If it rains, the parade will be indoors for students only.
Upcoming Parent Academy/Próxima Academia de Padres
Join us on November 19th to hear from Mr. Daryn Plummer, Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion. Representatives from Zufall and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will be on site to provide families connections to available resources. We ask that you pre-register for this event so we may properly prepare for the event.
We hope to see you there!
Únase a nosotros el 19 de noviembre para escuchar al Sr. Daryn Plummer, Supervisor de Equidad e Inclusión. Representantes de Zufall y SNAP (Programa de Asistencia de Nutrición Suplementaria) estarán en el lugar para proporcionar a las familias conexiones con los recursos disponibles. Le pedimos que se pre-registre para este evento para que podamos prepararnos adecuadamente para el evento.
¡Esperamos verle allÃ!
The Governor's Educator of the Year Nominations
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) strives to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students. Now, more than ever before, is the time to celebrate New Jersey’s outstanding educators. Therefore, every school in every district is encouraged to participate in Governor’s Educator of the Year program to honor the hardworking teachers and educational services professionals for their dedication to their students and the profession. This program promotes a culture that recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.
To nominate a Teacher for this recognition, please complete the nomination form below. Please the Eligibility Criteria before completing the nomination form.
Please also consider nominating a staff member for the Educational Service Professional of the Year. A separate nomination form is needed.
Should you like to serve on the panel that reviews the nominations, please email lvaccaro@franklinboe.org. The panel will meet on Monday November 25, 2024 at 3:30 to review the nominations. All forms returned to school in a sealed envelope, no later than 3:00pm Thursday, November 21, 2024 - Timelines
HILLCREST PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
Scholastic Book Fair Begins Thursday, October 24, 2024
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Hillcrest School on October 24-October 31 and we need volunteers to help make it a success for our students. Please consider donating your time to assist students with book selection and check out. Sign up below!
Scholastic Homepage for families to create ewallets: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/hillcrestschool2024
Check out Hillcrest on X (formerly known as Twitter) & Instagram
Resources for Hillcrest Parents
Hillcrest is now on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter)!! We will be utilizing these social media platforms to share the amazing things happening in our school. Be sure to follow us!
Instagram: hillcrestschool_ftps
X: @HIL_FTPSchools
Stay tuned for posts throughout the 2024-2025 school year!