OTS Updates

May 9, 2025

Dear OTS Friends and Families,

Welcome back! I hope you and your family had a restful and refreshing Spring Break. As we return to school with the final stretch ahead, I want to share the excitement and energy buzzing through our halls. The final weeks of the school year are always some of the most memorable—and this year is no exception!

There is so much to look forward to this spring. Our students are diving into an incredible variety of activities that showcase their talents, creativity, and school spirit. From spring sports competitions to our wide range of clubs, the energy is contagious. We’re especially excited about upcoming celebrations of student learning and achievement, including:

• Our Art, STEM, Music, and World Language Student Exhibition, a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand the outstanding work our students have created this year. This event will be held just prior to our Spring Concert on May 20 from 5:30-6:30pm in the OTS Media Center/Library.

• The OTS Spring Concert on May 20, where our student musicians and vocalists will shine on stage in the OTS Gym from 7:00-8:30pm.

• Special 8th-grade events, the highly anticipated Washington, D.C. Trip, May 28-30, and the 8th Grade Dance, June 6 — 8th-grade milestones that mark the transition to high school and celebrate the journey our 8th-graders have taken.

• Field Day, June 11.

• Our annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing students for their academic accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to our school community on June 13.

• 8th-grade Promotion June 13

This season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. I encourage all families to stay engaged, mark their calendars, and celebrate the many ways our students continue to grow and thrive. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Thank you for your continued support as we make the most of this exciting final chapter of the school year together.

Dr. Mitchell

IMPORTANT

I also want to bring attention to the email sent from the District regarding a viral trend on TikTok. If a student does this to their school-issued Chromebook, this will be documented as Vandalism as per our Code of Conduct and the student will receive 5 points and serve a one-day suspension. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Here are some important reminders for students and parents:

• May 5-14 NJSLA State Testing (Science, ELA, and Math)

• May 20 Art, STEM, Music, and World Language Student Exhibition (before Spring Concert)

• May 20 OTS Spring Concert

• May 23 Early Dismissal

• May 26 School Closed Memorial Day

• May 28-30 DC Trip

• June 4 Rising 5th-Grade Parent Night (at OTS)

• June 11 OTS Field Day

• June 13 OTS Awards Ceremony

• June 13 OTS 8th Grade Promotion

• June 13 Last Day of School

A book I recently read is resonating with me these days, and I wanted to share a podcast I heard discussing this book and its relevance for parents and our kids. Below are some FAQs from this podcast.

Frequently Asked Questions on Fostering Resilience and Independence in Children:

1. Why is it important for parents to focus on fostering resilience and independence in their children? Focusing on resilience and independence equips children with essential life skills needed to navigate the complexities and challenges of adulthood. By allowing them to experience manageable adversity, develop problem-solving skills, and learn to cope with difficulties, parents prepare their children to face future obstacles with confidence and adaptability, rather than setting them up for failure through overprotection.

2. What role does "manageable adversity" play in a child's development? Manageable adversity is crucial for building problem-solving skills, fostering a growth mindset, and promoting adaptability. When children overcome challenges, even small ones, they learn that they are capable of handling difficulties, which in turn builds their confidence and resilience. Reflecting on past challenges that led to personal growth can highlight the importance of these experiences.

3. Instead of constantly protecting children, what should parents focus on? Instead of constant protection, parents should prioritize building their children's coping skills. This involves teaching them how to manage their emotions and reactions to various situations. By developing effective coping mechanisms, children become more self-reliant and better equipped to handle life's inevitable stressors without needing constant intervention from adults.

4. How does over-supervising children hinder their development? Over-supervising children limits their opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities and make their own decisions. By constantly intervening and directing their actions, parents prevent children from learning from their mistakes and building confidence in their own capabilities. Allowing age-appropriate risks and stepping back to let children navigate situations independently is essential for fostering self-reliance.

5. What is the value of allowing children to experience natural consequences? Allowing children to experience the natural results of their choices is a powerful teaching tool. It helps them understand the direct link between their actions and outcomes, fostering a sense of responsibility and improving their decision-making skills. These experiences provide valuable lessons that direct intervention might not achieve.

6. What are some common cognitive distortions that children (and adults) might experience, and how can parents help challenge them? Common cognitive distortions include catastrophizing (assuming the worst), black-and-white thinking (seeing things as all good or all bad), and overgeneralization (drawing broad conclusions from limited experiences). Parents can help their children identify and challenge these thought patterns by encouraging them to consider alternative perspectives, look for evidence that contradicts their negative thoughts, and think about more realistic outcomes.

7. What is the ultimate goal of raising children according to this perspective, and how can parents actively work towards it? The ultimate goal is to raise resilient and independent adults who are well-prepared for the challenges of the real world, including college and beyond. Parents can actively work towards this by creating opportunities for their children to practice essential life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, emotional regulation, and independent decision-making. This involves encouraging resilience, free-thinking, and independence, while also challenging cognitive distortions and avoiding excessive "safetyism."

At Old Turnpike School, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. We take harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) seriously and have proactive measures in place to prevent and address these behaviors.

When our school does an HIB investigation, parent/guardians of students who were named in the HIB 338 form will receive a notification. Receiving a notification about a possible HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying) investigation involving your child can feel overwhelming, even upsetting. It’s completely normal to want an immediate explanation and to defend your child. We understand these feelings and are here to help guide you through this process.

#1 Before reaching out to district staff, please take a moment to speak calmly with your child. Helping them process what happened and discussing ways to prevent future incidents can be very beneficial. It’s also essential to remember that, per school policy, there should be no retaliation from parents or students related to the investigation.

#2 Click here for the letter that is emailed out to possible student offenders. Please know that this notification simply means that our staff is thoroughly looking into the matter to ensure a fair outcome. The Principals and Anti-Bullying Specialist staff can not speak to the incident.

#3 Please know that NJ's HIB law is complicated with many criteria. The definition of an HIB may be different than what you may perceive to be bullying. The law deals with both on-campus and off-campus conduct.

#4 Even if a HIB investigation turns out not to be confirmed as an HIB DOES NOT mean that there may not be consequences for the events that led to the HIB investigation. Our school has a Code of Conduct and some issues are dealt with through the Code of Conduct, not HIB. Parents/guardians need to know that while you may want to know the consequences administered as a result of the investigation, we are only allowed to share this information with a parent/guardian of that child. It is important to uphold and respect the privacy of all of our students.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in supporting a safe, respectful environment for all students.

Click here to register and learn more.

Lunches

Maschio's Food Services, Inc. is the contracted lunch provider at OTS. See the following links for more information about the lunch service provided by Maschio's as well as PaySchools, our point of sale service system. You can find their menu on our school website at the following link:

Maschios Welcome Letter

Lunch Price List

Snack Price List

PaySchools Central

Recess

All 5th grade students have recess every day

Grade 6-8 students have recess one day a week

You will receive an email in the near future with your child’s bus assignment and schedule from the district’s transportation coordinator, Bob Hoffman (bhoffmanjr@tewksburyschools.org).

Dismissal will be at 2:30pm and students taking the bus will go to their lockers and leave the school to their assigned bus.

Student and bus driver safety are of the utmost importance and are taken with extreme seriousness. Students are under the authority of the Tewksbury Board of Education when riding on a school bus. It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide for the safety and welfare of pupils at all times.

• The school bus and bus stop are extensions of the school day. All student Code of Conduct and expectations are extended to their time at bus stops and on the school bus. School bus transportation is a privilege. The bus driver is completely in charge of the bus and its riders at all times.
• Students must comply with all the rules and directions of the driver.
• Students are given assigned seats on their bus.
• Should a violation of the rules take place, a bus conduct report will be submitted to the school’s administration.
• Consequences will follow if a student(s) is violating the code of conduct on the way to school and/or on the way home from school. Consequences could include suspension from the bus.

All students are assigned to a bus route and bus stop at the beginning of the year. Changing these routes and stops is not permitted. Only students officially assigned to a bus may enter or ride that bus. Any questions or concerns regarding transportation should be directed to the district’s transportation coordinator, Bob Hoffman (bhoffmanjr@tewksburyschools.org).

If you are going to pick up your child early from school, please inform the office by an email to Dee Krowl dkrowl@tewksburyschools.org or a call to Dee Krowl at 908-439-2010 ext. 4221.

Doors to the school open at 7:15am. Students are not to be dropped off before this time as there is no supervision nor protection from the elements until then. Please understand that traffic does become heavy at times at drop off, so please plan accordingly if you are choosing to bring your child(ren) to school.

The school day begins at 7:35am. The door to school will close at that time so staff can begin their school day. If students are not in homeroom at that time, they may be marked late to school. Any cars dropping off students late will need their students to buzz into the main doors. Below is a diagram for Car Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures.

Students at OTS can participate in many clubs. Students who want to partake in the clubs at OTS must register first before showing up at the club. Students can register for a club by clicking the OTS Club Registration button below. Clubs must have at least 10 students fully registered to run. If there aren't 10 students, the club will be canceled. (A list of the club offerings with club advisors, days of the week, dates being run, and description is below the registration link. More clubs may be added throughout the year).

Once a student has registered, they will require a signed permission form (please click and download or use the form your child brought home) to be submitted to the specific club advisor before they can participate in the club. Students should listen to morning and afternoon announcements for all updates on clubs and activities. Please contact the advisor with any questions or concerns.

If a club is canceled, we will make an announcement to our students in school that that particular club(s) are canceled and students should contact their parent(s)/guardian(s). Students can contact their parent(s)/guardian(s) the following way:

1. Come down to the main office and call them to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home
2. Email them to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home
3. If they have a cell phone, they can ask a teacher if they use their cell phone to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS MAY BE SPONSORING CLUBS AND WILL BE SHARED WHEN AVAILABLE

Advisors: Ms. Magro and Mrs. Mason

Students work together to read a list of predetermined books. We meet to discuss the books and strategize, culminating in an exciting county-wide competition, where students face off against teams from other schools. Last year, one of our teams took home first place at the 2024 competition!

Half Year Club - Dates: TBD

Advisors: Mrs. Krowl and Ms. Mendralla

Each meeting will focus on a different craft project while students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. One week may involve painting pottery while another could be dedicated to making chocolate desserts or holiday candles. Provides opportunities for self expression, stress relief and skill development.

Half Year Club on Mondays -

Dates: 3/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2

Advisor: Ms. Polinger

Unique club offering the opportunity for students to explore jewelry making. Members will learn a variety of techniques including beading, working with polymer clay, resin crafting, and basic construction methods. Sessions are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing students to develop a new skill in a creative, supportive environment.

Full Year Club on Mondays -

Dates: 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/30

Advisor: Mr. Mortenson

Introduction to the Performing Arts. Students will take the script of a play through all the necessary steps required to turn it from the page into a full production. Participants will take part in all aspects of the collaborative process of staging a show, from the design process to casting, rehearsing, costuming, lighting, and the final staging of the play. Students will explore cooperation, collaboration, and the celebration of everyone’s unique talents and skills, culminating our efforts towards one common goal.

Half Year Club on Tuesdays-

Dates: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17

Advisors: Ms. Mendralla and Ms. Amato

Assisting students wanting help with homework, or students wishing for a quiet place to do homework, with assistance available. Drop-ins Welcome - Students DO NOT need a permission form for this club but are expected to communicate with their parents the days they want to drop in to this club.

Full Year Club on Wednesdays -

Dates: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/16, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11

Advisors: Ms. Mendralla and Ms. Amato

Assisting students wanting help in ELA, or students wishing for a quiet place to do homework, with assistance available. Drop-ins Welcome - Students DO NOT need a permission form for this club but are expected to communicate with their parents the days they want to drop in to this club.

Full Year Club on Thursdays -

Dates: 9/5, 9/19, 9/26, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5

Advisor: Ms. Polinger

Video Game Club offering the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of video games on the Nintendo Switch, classic NES, and Sega consoles. Come share our passion for gaming, engage in friendly competitions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and fun environment.

Half Year or Full Year Club on Fridays -

Dates: 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30

Advisor: Ms. Mendralla

Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN and Youth and Government experience allows students to cultivate skills and enrich their global and local affairs knowledge. Model UN and Youth and Government is dedicated to empowering young Americans with tools and experiences that prepare them to be the next generation of leaders. There are student fees for conferences (there will be two weekend conferences). Conferences are for students in grades 6-8 only but 5th graders can participate in the school but not the weekend conferences. Email Ms. Mendralla for any questions.

Full Year Club on Tuesdays -

Dates: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/10, 1/11, 1/12, 1/21, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22

Advisor: Mrs. Brinkoff

Students will be creating 2D pieces that include large scale paintings in acrylic. The students will also build 3D pieces using cardboard, foam, wood, and recycled materials. Students will be encouraged to play and be resourceful with the materials to take their ideas from a plan to a finished project. Any questions, please email Mrs. Brinkoff.

Half Year Club on Thursdays -

Dates: 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13

Advisor: Ms. DeVita

The Lego Club aims to provide a fun and educational environment for students to explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities through building with Legos. Any questions, please email Ms. DeVita.

Half Year Club on Wednesdays -

Dates: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5

Click here to check out our sports website.

OTS offers 10 sports throughout the school year. Physicals and Health Forms are due prior to the start of all seasons. Contact the school nurse smedenilla@tewksburyschool for the sports physical forms.

Fall Sports

Open to students in Grades 5-8 Cross Country

Open to students in Grades 6-8 - (Co-Ed) Soccer

Open to students in Grades 6-8 - Girls Volleyball

Winter Sports

Open to grades 5-8 - Spirit Squad

Open to Grades 6-8 - Girls and Boys Basketball

Spring Sports

Open to grades 5-8 - Girls and Boys Lacrosse, Track and Field (coed), and Softball

Open to grades 6-8 - Baseball

Practices run until 4:15pm unless designated by a coach

All home games/meets start at 4:00pm unless otherwise stated

All winter physicals were due to the OTS school nurse by November 1, 2024

Our school management software program is called Realtime. The data contained in Realtime is used as the preferred method of communication for mass emails from the district, text messages, and voice messages. This information is used for emergency situations like weather delays, school closing, etc. Please keep this information updated. You will be requested to review and update your contact information and to whom and how you want information sent.

The Parent Portal will open August 26 at 12:00pm. There are several documents in Realtime that you will need to read and acknowledge prior to viewing your child's schedule and Advisor/Homeroom teacher. If you are having trouble accessing the portal, please contact our front office; dkrowl@tewksburyschools.org

RealTime is also where student records will be visible for parents including grades and any disciplinary infractions and points.

In an advisory system, each student has an adult/Advisor who knows them and helps them navigate middle school. Each student needs to know they have at least one adult who they can go to for advice, help, and support. During Advisory the Advisor may facilitate a meaningful activity, play some games, and foster connections during this time. Advisory will provide times for the Advisor to talk and consult with students on issues relating to the academic, social, and emotional.

FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ASSIGNED TO STUDENTS DURING THE FOLLOWING DATES AND NO ASSESSMENT WILL BE GIVEN ON THE DAY THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL

• Rosh Hashanah (October 2 through October 4)

• Thanksgiving Recess (November 27 through December 2)

• Winter Recess (December 20 through January 2)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20)

• Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13 through February 18)

• Spring Recess (April 17 through April 29)

• Memorial Day Weekend (May 22 through May 27)

As a reminder, Tewksbury Township Schools uses our Virtual Backpack to share things happening in and around our community. Click here to see what's going on!

Every OTS student will have a locker this year. We expect students to keep their lockers locked with their own lock or a school provided lock.

Students should not leave any food or water overnight in their lockers.

Students will not be getting changed for Physical Education (PE) and should wear comfortable clothes they can run around in as well as sneakers on the days they have PE. PE is three days a week for each student at OTS.

Starting this school year 2024-25, Tewksbury is increasing the cost of Chromebook insurance to line up with the rate increases we are getting from the insurance carriers. Chromebook insurance will be going from the $25 it was during the 23-24 school year to $35 for all students next year. We are eliminating any additional charges for Chromebook damage that may have been incurred in the past and moving to a “full coverage” insurance model for all student devices. All accidental damage will be covered by our new insurance with no additional cost to parents.

Parents will now be able to pay student Chromebook insurance fees via their Payschools portal starting on 7/1/24. Parents will also have the option of mailing a physical check to school during the summer before school starts. We are not accepting checks in person. Please do not send your student in with a check.

Please mail checks to:

Old Turnpike School

171 Old Turnpike Rd.

Tewksbury, NJ 07830

Attn: Heather Valenta

Please make checks payable to:

Tewksbury Twp. Board of Education

Chromebook Handouts 2024-25:

We are eliminating the need to come to OTS during the summer and pick up your child's device. All Chromebooks will be in your child's homeroom on the 1st day of school. Each child will receive a Dell Chromebook, and a USB-C charger. The Chromebook will be clearly labeled with your child's name and in a hard shell drop case to prevent damage.

For more information about the insurance policy as well as parent/student expectations, please click here.

Click here for the 2024-25 Code of Conduct and Student Handbook

• Code of Conduct
• Social Media, Cell Phones, and ECRD (Electronic Recording Device) Technology
• High Honor Roll
• Chain of Command

Parental/guardian support of school disciplinary actions is also a vital part of the program as it aids in reinforcing consequences and improving student behavior. It’s also important for our parent/guardian community to understand that teachers and Administration may struggle to find appropriate consequences for alleged actions that can’t be substantiated. NOTE The Administration reserves the right to assign penalties for offenses not listed or to adjust a particular penalty when the severity of the offense warrants. Additionally, a counseling component may be included if necessary with all general discipline procedures.

We have a very active PTA and hope you will join!

The Tewksbury Education Foundation (TEF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization established to bring innovative, inspiring, and cutting-edge events and programs to the students in the Tewksbury Township School District. In collaboration with teachers, the TEF procures enrichment programs for each grade as well as assemblies for each school. The TEF also partners with outside organizations to bring parent speaker programming and provides mini-grants directly to teachers. This year, look out for exciting community events such as STEM Night and the Barn Dance! Please visit our website https://www.tewksburytef.org to find out how to get involved and donate, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TewksburyTEF.