The Nest

Walker Line: When dropping off/picking up your child, please remain in line at all times. Please do not pull around vehicles if your child exits your vehicle before those in front of you.

Students should be ready to exit the vehicle when you arrive. If you need to assist your child with getting out of their car seat, or booster seat, or to gather their belongings, please park you vehicle and escort the children to the sidewalk near the first door in the parking lot.

The doors will close promptly at 8:50. Students are considered late at 8:55. It is important to note that instruction begins at 8:55. Your child is missing instructional time when arriving late and it is disruptive to the classroom. We kindly ask that you make every attempt to have your child at school by this time.

We are in need of parent volunteers to assist with the following responsibilities. If you are interested, please contact Principal Vaccaro at lvaccaro@franklinboe.org. To view the Parent Involvement Policy click the link.

• Title I Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator

• Parent Nights

• Parent Resources information

• Title I School Committee

• Meets 4 times a year

• Reviews data, goals, school needs, program planning

• To join, please contact Hillcrest Principal, Mrs. Lorri Vaccaro at lvaccaro@franklinboe.org

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

October 7-11- Week of Respect- Spirit Week- See Flyer in SAC Link below

October 8- Colgate Van Visit

Looking Ahead

October 15- PTO Meeting & PBIS/PTO Pumpkin Painting Event

October 16- Picture Day

October 22- Coffee & Conversations @1:45

October 23-31- Red Ribbon Week

October 24- PTO Trunk or Treat (See Registration forms below under PTO)

October 25- Spirit Day

October 31- Franklin Township Public Schools Chromebook Protection Plan

Click to view the 2024-2025 District Calendar

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 - 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)

Coffee & Conversation is an initiative designed to foster community engagement and open dialogue on topics that bring us together. Through the series, I aim to create a welcoming and informal space where participants can connect, share perspectives, and build meaningful relationships.

Our first Coffee & Conversation event will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 1:45 p.m. We will meet in the Hillcrest Cafeteria. Please pre-register below for planning purposes.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Veterans, their families, and the public are invited to attend the Veterans Job and Wellness Fair, a free event sponsored by the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. This event offers valuable resources and information about services, health and wellness, employment, networking opportunities and more. County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson will present a brief keynote on “Transitioning From Military Service to Civilian Workforce.” Pre-registration is requested.

“As an Air Force veteran, it’s important for me to support events that will offer resources to our veterans,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “I understand that 13% of military spouses are unemployed, which is about three times the national average. Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our country and we must ensure that they and their families have access to services, programs, and employment.”

Details About the Event
The Veterans Fair takes place from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater, 876 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Following an opening ceremony and the presentation by Director Robinson, attendees will be able to network with employers and agency representatives and enjoy light refreshments. To pre-register, click here, call 908-704-6300, or visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/2465b703/WHXSPoCyN0uxQau3f1-TzA?u=https://bit.ly/VeteransEventRegistration.

For more information, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/26395fab/lPOFy8cpSUiAlJC4TDZyFQ?u=https://bit.ly/VeteransEventInfo, or click here.

Agencies Participating
At this valuable Job & Wellness Fair, Veterans and their families will have access to more than forty companies ranging from private to non-profit, healthcare and behavioral health agencies offering resources, services, information, and employment.

Participating agencies include:

• American Water (commitment to offering employment to Veterans and their families)
• Bridgewater Marriot (jobs for Veterans transitioning into civilian life)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (employment for administrative, research, forensic science)
• Federal Air Marshal Service (employment for tech jobs, security)
• Fiserv (tech and sales jobs)
• Johnson & Johnson (military connected opportunities, and resources for Veterans and their spouses, military students, and those currently serving)
• Mass Mutual New Jersey (financial advice for unexpected hardships, planning for the future)
• New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (assistance with taxes, help with housing, employment and skill building)
• Richard Hall Community Health & Wellness Center (access to mental health services)
• Robert Wood Johnson University Somerset (employment, access to resources, Veterans Employee Resource Group)
• Somerset County Department of Health (health information and education materials, and free health screenings)

To see additional participating agencies, click here or visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/754a0729/UTRWasqXjUK3fhBKla0efA?u=https://bit.ly/VetEventParticipants.

About the Somerset County Veterans Services
Veterans Services provides counsel, information, and referral to the county’s Veterans of Military Service and their families, as well as assists with the application process for benefits from the Veterans Administration and other federal and state agencies. In addition, Veterans Services orchestrate organizations and internment memorial markers and grave flags, maintains a close liaison-ship with the county’s Veterans' organizations, and provides assistance with memorial and patriotic ceremonies.

The Hillcrest PTO is a group of parents who are interested in supporting Hillcrest School by raising funds so the students have an opportunity to engage in assemblies, attend field trips, teacher appreciation events, end of year activities, etc.

More hands make for lighter work so we are seeking volunteers for the following committee roles. If you aren't interested in these below, please contact Hillcrest.elem.pto@gmail.com to see how else you can assist.

• Event Chairs: Help run and organize (with help) PTO events that will benefit our students. You can fill this role right from home. Don't want to do it alone, recruit a friend to co-chair this position!

• Communications Chair: Do you have a background in graphic design? Perhaps you just like to be creative and are familiar with utilizing Canva. We need your expertise in helping to creating the flyers to promote our events.

We are asking for a small commitment with BIG investment, our students and community.

Come out and join us for a night of family and community fun. The Hillcrest PTO and PBIS team are hosting a Pumpkin Painting Night followed by the first PTO meeting of the school year! Please come out and support these two organizations so we can provide your children with incentives through our SOAR program and raise funds for upcoming field trips and grade level experiences. Remember: we cannot do this without you! We hope to have you all there!

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

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!