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We are pleased to announce our District Reconfiguration webpage is live. The webpage will be updated with information as it becomes available.

Mrs. Vera’s preschool class is enjoying indoor recess using their own version of ping pong, with the use of paper plate paddles and balloons.

Ms. Kentos’s preschool class learned about hibernation last month when they prepared their class bear, Cocoa, for the winter months and his long sleep. The children made and decorated a cave for a comfortable rest, fed Cocoa so he would be full, and pretended to be doctors to make sure he was healthy enough for hibernation. On the first day of winter, students wore their pajamas, said goodnight to Cocoa, and placed him in his cave, where he will sleep until the first day of spring.

Briggs students were treated to an assembly about Kindness from Jubilee Entertainment. Jubilee, a costumed koala, talked to students about how to be kind and students enjoyed a dance party with him as well. Thank you to the JCPTA for providing the funding for this great program.

Briggs School has kicked off the WizFit Challenge with the Harlem Wizards. Students had an assembly with Big J from the Harlem Wizards to learn about the program where they will exercise, have fun, and raise money through donations for the Jefferson Township Consolidated PTA. The students hope to reach their goal of $5,000, so they can "pie" Mrs. De Brito and members of the Police Department in the face!

For the preschool unit on the study of wheels, Mrs. Quigley’s class used paint and toy cars to explore the motions of wheels.

In celebration of finishing their unit on boxes, Miss Hartnett's class held a box-created fashion show. Each student spent time planning and decorating a large box that they fashioned for the big event. There were different styles and ideas presented, including princess crowns, fire trucks, and race cars. The students were very excited to walk the red carpet and show their friends their fabulous creations.

Conductor Plotts led the Cozy Lake community on the Polar Express, filled with much excitement and many smiles.

Mrs. Garay’s students are enjoying the Wheels Unit of Study. The class constructed an obstacle course with ramps while practicing their scissor-cutting skills, and perfecting their letters and shapes. The class is also enjoying the science center, examining different bugs, and weighing different objects to determine which is heavier.

Congratulations to Anaya Ali (pictured, right) for her first-place finish in the Junior Woman's Club of Jefferson Township 2025 Spelling Bee, and Vanessa Nardone (pictured, left) for finishing in third place.

Miss Incledon’s 4th-grade class spent time putting together 100 hygiene kits and twenty winter bags for people in need. Parents generously donated money to purchase supplies for the kits, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair combs, scarves, gloves, and blankets. The donations were delivered to Greater Life in Newark, a community service program with a food pantry, child education enrichment programs, a family resource center, and so much more.

The annual Just Dance Tournament featured 140 students from first through fifth-grade, along with twenty-four staff members. Everyone had a GREAT time and the winners were awarded medals.

The White Rock Community came together in a BIG way to support the New Hope Food Pantry. Last month, our 4th-grade students and staff led a school-wide donation of non-perishable food items and collected over 550 items. This effort shows the power of teamwork and compassion. Every can, box, and bag donated helped to provide meals for families in need during the holiday season. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed—you made a difference in our community.

First-grade students hosted a delicious pancake breakfast for our amazing police officers. A huge thank you to the students for their hospitality and to the officers for being such great role models. Together, we’re building stronger bonds and a brighter future.

The Harlem Wizards visited the 4th and 5th-grade students. The students had a blast watching their performance and fun basketball tricks.

On their way to the 100th Day of School, White Rock celebrated the 80th Day of School in Style! Their 80 days of school have been filled with lots of learning and amazing memories.

The following students were recognized for their attributes and contributions to the Middle School community.

• 6th Grade: Anthony Bonfiglio & Vet Vincent
• 7th Grade: Scott Bammer & Nidhi Bhavsar
• 8th Grade: Garrick Riena & Aiden Tarabocchia

Harlem Wizards Basketball player, Dragon, surprised the students at their December pep rally. He performed amazing tricks and funky dance moves and engaged our staff and students in some fun competitions, complete with prizes.

On February 7th JTMS will host the Harlem Wizards for a fun basketball game - Staff vs. The Wizards, in what will be a hilarious, high-flying, slamtastic basketball game with tricks, hoops, alley-oops, AND a surprise special guest joining the staff roster. For extra excitement, Mayor Wilsusen will be refereeing the game. You don’t want to miss this fun night, tickets are going fast!

New Jersey Morris County Teacher of the Year recipient, Mrs. Alyssa Guagenti, (third, from the left) was honored during the Seton Hall men’s basketball game on January 8th, as part of the New Jersey Morris County Teacher of the Year program.

Over the past month, both Cailin and Zachary have demonstrated strong character, leadership, and participation in the school community. Staff members have recognized them for their accomplishments.

Nominated by Mrs. Canales, Cailin took time out of her schedule in December to help share her talents with the school and beautify the building. According to Mrs. Canales, "I would like to nominate Cailin Moran for the Falcon Pride Student Recognition Award. Cailin’s seasonal window displays, like her heartwarming Charlie Brown Christmas scene and bold JTHS letters celebrating school pride, have brightened our hallways and lifted everyone’s spirits. Her creativity and dedication to spreading joy through her art have brought countless smiles and created a welcoming, positive atmosphere that embodies the very essence of Falcon Pride."

Nominated by Mrs. Varner, Zach has consistently gone above and beyond in his participation in all events related to the Environmental Science Academy. According to Mrs. Varner, "Zach is a senior in the Academy for Environmental Science and he is always willing to participate in the extra activities after school and help students within the academy. Zach is a leader in the Academy and consistently goes above and beyond in all that he does".

Both students received custom t-shirts, certificates, and a gift card to a local business in the community.

Our DECA students recently competed against more than 2000 other high school students. Congratulations to the following students who qualified to compete in the upcoming State competition in the following categories.

Business Services Marketing Series: Jordan Katz

Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling: Leah Feiner

Human Resources Management Series: Avery Riegel

Marketing Communications: Jayden Tafur-Marine

Personal Financial Literacy: Krish Malaviya

Personal Finance Literacy - Sammi Orna

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Management Team Decision Making: Chris Giannotti & Chase Solovay

With over 13,000 members this year, New Jersey DECA is a very competitive field to compete in!

Congratulations to the following students who recently placed in the 2024 FBLA Regional Competitive Events:

1st Place - Hospitality & Event Management: Izzy Wasilewski & Kenrick Kleid

4th Place - Agribusiness: Christian Warner

5th Place - Personal Finance: Krish Malaviya

7th Place - Human Resources Management: Lauren Pojedinec

8th Place - International Business: Victor Koziol & Bobby Nardone

The JTHS community participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. They were challenged to donate as many pre-selected items to support our Jefferson Township first responders. Homerooms with 100% participation are entered into a drawing to win breakfast with our local first responders.

This month, graduates from the Class of 2024 returned to JTHS for the "Return of Graduates" program. They shared their current experiences and looked back on their time at JTHS to offer their advice to our juniors and seniors. Their feedback and input were greatly appreciated and we look forward to continuing this program next school year.