Dear E.C.S. Families,

As we wrap up the first half of the school year, we’re excited to share some important news and reminders with you. From new programs to key dates, here’s everything you need to know to stay connected and support your child’s success:

Grades 2-8 After-School Tutoring Program

We’re excited to launch a new after-school tutoring program for students in grades 2-8! Starting Wednesday, January 22, tutors will provide assistance with homework and basic skills. The program runs Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

👉 Please note: Registration must be completed BEFORE your child attends tutoring. See the form linked below for details.

Parking Reminder

To keep our campus safe and organized, please ensure you park in a designated parking spot during drop-off and pick-up. Parking on the grass is not permitted. Thank you for your cooperation!

End of 2nd Marking Period

The 2nd marking period ends on February 3, and report cards will be sent home on Friday, February 7. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check grades on PowerSchool; instructions for accessing the site are included below.

Attendance Reminder

Please be mindful that unexcused lateness or early pickups affect your child’s attendance record. Whenever possible, limit missed school time to ensure your child remains on track academically. Preschool dismissal is 2:15pm, and K-8 dismissal is 3:00pm.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s work together to make the second half of the school year a success!

Please click HERE to register your child for the after school tutoring program.

**If you have already completed registration and your child is attending tutoring, please fill out THIS FORM by 9:00am the day they are attending.

If the form is not completed by 9:00am, your child will be dismissed at 3:00pm.**

If you are going to be picking your child up early from school, please email or call kthalwitzer@etsdnj.us at least one hour before picking up your child. Also, please complete early pick-ups by 2:00pm. The end of the school day is extremely busy in the main office, so ample notice is appreciated.

Please stay up to date on your child's grades by checking PowerSchool. See the links below for the student/ parent sign in and Frequently Asked Questions.

Reach out to Kari Thalwitzer with information about your login: 609-267-9172

1/7- Board of Education Reorganization Meeting

1/15- PTA Meeting 6:30pm

1/17- Early Dismissal/ Staff In-service (Pajama Pants Day!)

1/20- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)

• MLK Day of Service (see the flyer above)

1/21- 8th Grade- Cap and Gown Pictures

1/21- Thankful Tuesday:

• Dress as your favorite inspirational person

1/22- Unity Day:

• Wear our school colors

1/23- Rep Your Roots:

• Wear something that represents your cultural heritage or family background

1/24- Freedom Friday:

• Celebrate the ideals of liberty and justice by wearing red, white, and blue

1/30- Preschool Fashion Show 1:30pm

2/3- Last day of the 2nd Marking Period

2/7- Report Cards

2/7-2/13- Spring Book Fair

2/7- PTA Family Fun Night 5:00-8:30pm

2/14-Early Dismissal/ Staff In-service

2/17- No School

The middle school hallway is now adorned with a stunning bulletin board created by Mrs. Henderson’s class as part of their Zones of Regulation project. Students worked collaboratively to bring this creative and meaningful display to life.

For the project, students selected four emotions from each zone color and invited ECS teachers and administrators to demonstrate those emotions for a photograph. Before capturing the photos, students carefully organized their ideas on note cards to ensure accuracy and clarity.

This initiative supports ECS students in learning key aspects of the Zones of Regulation, including:

• Emotional Awareness: Recognizing their emotions and understanding how they affect others.
• Self-Regulation: Developing strategies to manage emotions and sensory needs.
• Problem-Solving: Learning tools to address challenges and make thoughtful decisions.

This month, we’re excited to feature 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Walpole, a dedicated educator with a unique journey.

Growing up in northern New Jersey, Mrs. Walpole lived in towns like Jersey City, Oakland (where she met her high school sweetheart and now husband), and her current home, Haddon Township. After earning a psychology degree from William Paterson University, she began her career in insurance, discovering her love for training others. That passion for teaching grew stronger as she volunteered in her children's school library, eventually becoming a substitute teacher and later a full-time district substitute.

Inspired by her own teachers’ encouragement, Mrs. Walpole values adaptability and loves seeing students achieve those "Aha!" moments. A standout memory was learning to teach a Zoom class on the spot, ensuring her students didn’t miss a beat during an unexpected virtual shift.

Outside school, she enjoys gardening, music of all kinds, reading, and spending time with her husband. Her summer garden is a neighborhood favorite, overflowing with fresh herbs and vegetables she loves to share.

With her creativity, dedication, and love for learning, Mrs. Walpole is a valued member of our school community!

If an emergency situation exists or adverse weather conditions cause a delayed opening, interruption, or cancellation of school, you will be notified via our Blackboard Connect telephone system. Please be sure to update your contact information should any changes occur throughout the school year. Additionally, school closing information can be found at the following locations:

• Eastampton Community School website – www.etsdnj.us – and our Facebook page
• RV-TV Channel 19

School closings on KYW-TV3, WCAU-TV NBC 10 and WPVI-TV 6 will be listed by school

district name – Eastampton Township School District.

Early Dismissal – Emergency Closing During School Hours:

If an emergency develops during school hours causing an early dismissal, the District will

initiate the Blackboard Connect telephone system to notify parents/guardians. All after school

activities will be canceled for the day.

Delayed Openings:

In the event that a two-hour delayed opening occurs, your child’s bus pick up time will be

delayed by two hours (e.g., pick up time of 8:04 am would now be at 10:04 am). Walking

students should report to school two hours later than usual. Lunches will be served, although

lunch periods and menus may be adjusted. School will be dismissed at the usual time.

Depending on weather conditions, after-school activities (athletics, clubs, and meetings) may be

canceled and the school building closed for the day. Please check the website for the status of

after-school activities.

Should you have any questions pertaining to emergency closings, delayed openings, or early

dismissals, please contact the main office at 609-267-9172.