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Falcon Flyer
April 2024
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District News
Board of Education Meeting Highlights
Over the past several months, the Board of Education Meetings featured a series of presentations highlighting budget-related topics to give our community insight into how the Board crafts the school budget annually. Each presentation focused on a major area of consideration for planning the 2024-2025 school year.
Concluding a series of budget presentations, the JTPS Budget Presentation, detailing the entire budget for the 2024-2025 school year was presented by Mrs. Howe and Mrs. Oroho-Giacchi at the April 24th Board of Education meeting. The budget was accepted and approved by the Board of Education.
Mr. Christopher Brown Sworn In As New Board Member
During the April 24th Board of Education meeting, Mr. Brown was sworn in as the newest member of the Jefferson Township Board of Education. Mr. Brown stated, "I would like to thank my family for their support and the Board of Ed for this opportunity to serve within the community. I am looking forward to fulfilling this role to the best of my ability and proving I am a responsive and responsible steward of the District's resources." Welcome, Mr. Brown!
Celebrating Our Autistic Community
Throughout the month of April our Falcon Family celebrated and embraced our autistic community, with the knowledge and understanding that everyday is Autism Awareness Day!
JTPS Honors & Thanks Our Wheely Great Bus Drivers!
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day was celebrated on April 23rd. One of the toughest and most important jobs is keeping our students safe with one set of eyes on the road with more than fifty sets of eyes behind them. The Transportation Department's mission is to transport our students through a well-trained and positive staff that always puts safety first. The Transportation Department serves approximately 3,000 students twice daily and operates 88 routes, generating over 160 daily trips, while driving approximately 4,651 miles daily. Thank you drivers for all you do and for forever keeping our precious cargo from harm.
Jefferson Public Schools Earns Best of the Best!
For the tenth year in a row, Jefferson Township Public Schools has earned the Best Communities for Music Education 2024 Award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation in recognition of our commitment to K-12 music education excellence across the content areas of general music, instrumental music, vocal music, digital music, piano, ukulele, and guitar. Congratulations to our K-12 music teachers and students!
Briggs
Vesper Goes to School!
As part of the Preschool Pets Unit, retired district employee Mrs. Kallas brought her Seeing Eye and Therapy Dog, Vesper, to meet the Briggs students. Mrs. Kallas shared information about the Seeing Eye Organization and how she trains dogs to become support for the blind. Students got to cuddle and pet Vesper and ask questions.
Thank You, Jefferson Consolidated PTA
Students enjoyed an assembly sponsored by the JCPTA “Break the Ice.” The presenters used storytelling, dry ice, and science principles to give students a fun and entertaining program.
Future Arborists
Our Preschoolers are learning all about trees. Ms. Milan’s class is creating a tree by adding bark and rubbing branches to the trunk. The children are excited to see how the tree keeps changing. Mrs. Calandrillo’s class went on an exploratory adventure, collecting and examining various tree specimens.
Cozy Lake
All In a Days Work
Pre-K classes have been enjoying center time, spring crafts, and their study on trees. The students have been working hard on learning and making shapes, painting, and doing a variety of art projects.
Art Show
The Kindergarten successful art show was very well-attended. Thank you to Mrs. Temanye-Hettema for planning and hosting the evening event.
STEM Day
Kindergartners celebrated “STEM DAY”. Parents enjoyed the experiences with the children by participating in center-based activities based on STEM initiatives.
Stanlick
TREP$ = Success
The Stanlick community is very proud of the innovative entrepreneurs and successful businesses created by our fifth-grade students. Mrs. Platz & Miss Incledon led the students and provided them with a dynamic and authentic learning experience of owning and operating a small business.
Battle of the Books
The Stanlick community concluded the month of March with the annual Battle of the Books. Staff recorded videos of the books being read aloud and the students voted on their favorite book. Inside the Villains won a close vote to become the winner of the March Madness Battle of the Books. Mrs. Keyser and Mr. Venturino did a great job planning and organizing the event.
Stanlick & White Rock Unite
The Stanlick and White Rock School fifth-grade bands and chorus performed a wonderful combined concert with their peers. Each band performed their songs as well as collaborating on a combined number. The combined choirs sang five songs together. It was held at the Jefferson Township High School auditorium and all of the parents in attendance were thoroughly impressed. Music teachers Mrs. Kirscher and Mr. Tiedemann worked very hard with the students to prepare for this special performance.
Fun, Stalemates, and Checkmates
The district is a member of the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of gifted and talented students. As a member of this organization, our teachers encourage their students to engage in the varied and exciting events offered by the organization. Our Junior Falcons from Stanlick and White Rock Elementary Schools recently competed in five games of chess against districts within Morris and Passaic County. Congratulations to Stanlick’s Jason Castle, Hamza Sardar, and Shep Coleman, and White Rock’s Ryan Wasserman, Arman Memetov, and Logan Rossi for their notable wins.
White Rock
Experiments and Inventions
The annual Science Fair of Experiments and Inventions was a huge success. Over 275 students participated. The children loved sharing what they learned with their classmates. All of the teachers were very impressed with how well the students explained what they created and how it worked.
Making the Rounds
The first graders had the opportunity to get their very own Township Library Card, along with a tour of the Municipal Building and Police Headquarters. Thanks to Miss Chris, Miss Rachel, Mayor Wilsusen, and Chief Castimore for making the fun and educational trip possible.
Middle School
March Students of the Month
Congratulations to the March Students of the Month on being recognized for their trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
- 6th Grade: Mariangel Cano & Jaelyn Johnson
- 7th Grade: Timothy Hollick & Viktorija Kovacevic
- 8th Grade: Alyssa Aiello & Celine Covello
Your Story Matters 5K and Color Run
Jefferson Township Middle School held the inaugural “Your Story Matters 5K and Color Run” to support mental health awareness. The Color Run kicked off the event with twenty Jefferson Township student volunteers cheering over 60 youngsters along the race course and dousing them with bright colors. Our Falcon mascot came out to have fun with these spirited racers. Following the race, the little ones made hand prints on a banner that says, “My Story Matters”, which will be displayed in the Middle School's main entrance. During the pre-race kick-off, the Mental Health Association led a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedicated a Yellow Picnic Table for the Middle School as part of the Yellow Picnic Table Project. Assemblywoman Aura Dunn praised the efforts of the Jefferson Township Community in raising awareness for mental health. The National Anthem was sung by 7th grader Lyla Perry. Many thanks to the volunteers, community organizations, and local businesses that sponsored and supported the event. Over 139 participants ran or walked the 5K trail run on the JTHS cross-country course that was maintained by former Mayor Russ Felter and the Morris County Parks Commission; it was in beautiful condition even after the earthquake and tremendous rainfall. After all the running medals were awarded, the Team Spirit Award was given to the Girls’ Recreation Lacrosse team for the highest turnout of team members. There were over twenty Middle School staff volunteers and ten community volunteers who helped manage the day with parking, answering questions, race timing, registration, and a million other tasks. An estimated 300 people attended the event to participate, observe, or volunteer. The event profited over $7,000.00 which will be used for programs to support mental health awareness for our students.
Gateways Visits Massachusetts
The 7th and 8th-grade Gateways students journeyed to Boston and Salem, MA on an overnight field trip. They explored historical landmarks and learned about the history of the Salem Witch Trials. They also enjoyed educational experiences and group bonding. This culminating activity expanded their historical knowledge and strengthened their connections as a group.
Musical Petting Zoo
JTMS Tri-M Music Honor Society members and the JTEA presented the annual Musical Petting Zoo. Children and adults of all ages were welcome to learn about and try various musical instruments including the flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, and percussion.
JTMS Presents: The Wizard of Oz
The Middle School's production of The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition cast and crew performed two outstanding performances. The production consisted of 33 cast members, nineteen crew members, five staff members, and one parent volunteer. 300 tickets were sold for Friday and 350 tickets were sold for Saturday. The staff could not be more proud of the effort and dedication shown by these students. Everyone involved in the production should be extremely proud!
High School
Falcon Pride Student Recognition - Lanie Breiten and James Markt
Lanie and James were nominated for this award for their positive contributions to their school and community. Nominated by Mr. Lonie, Lanie is a student leader who sets a positive example for her peers at all times, "Lanie consistently goes above and beyond to help and support her peers around the building. For her involvement in Jefferson Township Youth Coalition, she strives to set an example for her peers and advocates for substance abuse prevention in the community. She frequently gives up her lunch periods to help facilitate programming for the organization." Nominated by Mrs. Vandigriff, James has become a student leader in the classroom at all times, particularly during security drills, "During each lockdown, James has participated in debriefings and is a calming influence in the classroom for not only me but for his peers. He immediately moves to lower the blinds, while I move to the classroom door. James exemplifies empathy to all he meets and has a positive attitude in all he does. James believes that everyone can learn from their mistakes and that there is always room for improvement. I feel fortunate to have James as a student in my class because his maturity and truthfulness are qualities that inspire others to do better." Lanie and James will receive custom t-shirts, certificates, and $10 gift cards to Dunkin' Donuts!
Our Future Business Leaders of America
Stephanie Ragrag and Nicolette Romano recently placed third at the Future Business Leaders of America State Competition in Atlantic City. They will be presenting their Social Media Marketing project at the National competition in Orlando, Florida June 29th-July 2nd. Congratulations and good luck Stephanie and Nicolette!
Little Shop of Horrors Delights Audiences
Congratulations to the entire production of Little Shop of Horrors for their amazing performance. Many standing ovations to the entire crew, both behind the scenes and onstage. This was definitely one for the books!
Candid Conversations Embraced by Students
High School students recently attended two assemblies. The first was from representatives of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) who spoke about the dangers of Fentanyl in today's society. They implored students to only take their own doctor-prescribed medications that are purchased at a pharmacy. The DEA presented facts from their seizures, which show that 7 out of 10 pills tested in their labs have a lethal dosage of Fentanyl. These pills are being made by drug cartels to look like real pills such as Adderall and Oxycodone. In addition, students heard a personal story from an addiction advocate from Milestone House who spoke about his personal struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. Both presentations had powerful messages for our students about substance abuse prevention.
Environmental Academy News
The Academy for Environmental Science students visited The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford to learn about sustainable fish farming and conservation efforts conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife.
High School Artists Honored
Several of our high school art students were celebrated for their submissions to the Blackwell Street Center for the Arts 2024 High School Art Show in Morristown. This is our second consecutive year entering and competing in this show and we were happy to see one of our students recognized last year. This year, we are proud to announce that five of our students were recognized for six of their submissions. Their celebrated works come from a wide variety of artistic categories and mediums which is a testament to the high level of instruction from our district art teachers across grades K-12. Kudos to Mrs. Canales and Mrs. Wassmer for all of their hard work in selecting, submitting, and delivering these works to the show and for fostering a willingness among our student artists to put themselves out there and enter shows like this. Please join me in celebrating the following student artists:
- Joanna Mackey tied for 1st Place in the "Acrylic/Oil Paint" and "Graphic Design/Illustration" mediums
- Jake Ciombor received an Honorable Mention in the "Ceramics" medium
- Peyton Kitchell placed 2nd in the "Colored Pencil" medium
- Grace Weihmiller received an Honorable Mention in the "Mixed Medium/Collage" medium
- Nicolette Romano placed 3rd in the "Sculpture" medium
"R34" Joanna Mackey
"Kaleidoscope" Joanna Mackey
"Brazilian Bowl" Jake Ciombor
"Multicolored Sweetness" Peyton Kitchell
"Life and Death" Grace Weihmiller
"The Summit" Nicolette Romano
Pep Rally!!!
Fun times had and memories made during a recent pep rally.
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