FTMHS NewsFLASH
March 2020
Calendar Information...
March Events:
March 2:
- Spring Musical--Advance Ticket Sales from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Atrium. $10 for Adults; $5 for Students/Children and Senior Citizens.
- NJSIAA Round 1; Lady Flashes vs Henry Hudson HS at 5:30 p.m. (Home Game).
- NJSIAA Round 1; Boys will travel to STEM Civic; Game time @ 4 p.m.
- Money for AP Micro is due so that exams can be ordered.
March 3:
- French/Spanish Trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum.
March 5:
- Teen Arts Performance/Displays at RCBC.
March 6:
- Spring Musical; Showtime at 7 p.m. Doors Open at 6:15 p.m. $10 for Adults; $5 for Students/Children and Senior Citizens.
- Progress Reports will be available on Genesis after 2 p.m.
March 7:
- Spring Musical; Showtime at 7 p.m. Doors Open at 6:15 p.m. $10 for Adults; $5 for Students/Children and Senior Citizens.
March 8:
- Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. for Senior Citizens prior to the Matinee Performance of "The Addams Family."
- Spring Musical; Showtime at 2 p.m. Doors Open at 1:15 p.m. $10 for Adults; $5 for Students/Children and Senior Citizens.
March 9:
- Girls State Interviews starting at 8:30 a.m.
March 10:
- "Shadow Day"--8th Grade Students will shadow HS students for the day.
- Girls Basketball Team Banquet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Atrium.
March 11:
- "Shadow Day"--8th Grade students will shadow HS students for the day.
March 12:
- Science League Competition after school in Mr. Flynn's classroom.
- "Shadow Day"--8th Grade students will shadow HS students for the day.
March 13:
- Boys State Assembly at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium.
March 16:
- Staff Development Day--No School for Students.
March 17:
- Happy St. Patrick's Day!
- On-Line Instruction Until Further Notice.
March 21-24: (Postponed)
- Senior Class Trip.
March 23:
- Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m. (High School).
March 27: (Postponed)
- Prom Fashion Show; 6:30 p.m.
March 30: (Cancelled)
- Blood Drive sponsored by Student Council.
Check Out Our New Sign Board in Front of FTMHS...
(We lost our last sign in a weather storm.)
"De-Stressing Your Young Student"
Elementary School Stress-
Stress means different things at different ages. How can we better manage elementary school stress at home?
Presented by Sarah Trombly & Rachel Fruman, Roebling Elementary School Staff
Parent & Child Yoga-
Designed specifically for children, yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises will be introduced to help reduce stress in your child.
Presented by: Lisa Fillipine, RYT200
Monday, Mar 16, 2020, 06:30 PM
Roebling Elementary School
Precautions pertaining to COVID-19 and other illnesses...
February 28, 2020
Dear School Community,
I am writing to assure you that Florence Township School District continues to take the necessary precautions pertaining to COVID-19 and other illnesses. Continuing to be vigilant, however, includes cooperation and understanding from you as parents.
The District has multiple policies and procedures regarding communicable diseases and how to proceed if posed with particular cases. In addition, we continue to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and NJ Department of Health recommendations for reducing the spread of a communicable disease like COVID-19.
It is important that we reinforce ways to reduce the spread of viruses in our schools:
· Wash hands with soap and water;
· Teach your child the proper use of hand sanitizers;
· Cover coughs and sneezes; and
· Keep children home when sick
The District continues to work with the New Jersey Department of Education, the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health. In the meantime, we direct you to the New Jersey Department of Health website and attached information from the CDC. If you have any additional questions, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Sincerely,
Donna Ambrosius, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
"The Dangers of Juul and Its Effects on Teens" -- Please attend... Open to ALL PARENTS!
Distinguished Performance --National Scholarship Merit Program--Advanced to Finalist Standing
Congratulations on becoming a FINALIST, Ray! This is a BIG DEAL!
According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation...
Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
New Jersey Student Learning Assessment
Dear Parents,
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment or NJSLA (formerly known as PARCC) for English Language Arts (ELA) will take place on Tuesday, April 21st, and Wednesday, April 22nd, and the administration of the NJSLA for Mathematics will take place on Thursday, April 23rd, and Friday, April 24th. When you factor in time for all the administrative tasks, we expect testing will run from approximately 7:40 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. each day. Please note that this is a very conservative estimate, and it’s very possible that we will be able to start our academic schedule prior to 9:50 a.m.
All of our 9th and 10th grade students enrolled in NJSLA courses (English I, English II, Algebra I, Algebra II, and/or Geometry) are required by the State of New Jersey to take the NJSLA in ELA and Mathematics for those courses.
It is important to note here that if your child took and passed the NJSLA for Algebra I in 8th grade last year, it is unclear as to whether or not that test result will satisfy the State’s standardized testing requirements for graduation. The NJ Office of Assessments is encouraging us to communicate to you that it is in your child’s best interest to focus on achieving his or her best performance on this year’s and next year’s assessments.
In addition, after consulting with the NJ Office of Assessments, our District strongly recommends that our 11th grade students who have not yet satisfied the State’s standardized testing requirements for graduation sit for the NJSLA for ELA and/or Math.
What does this mean for English Language Arts?
If your child is an 11th grade student who does not have a proficient score in ELA, then we are currently scheduling him/her to take the NJSLA ELA 10 (or the 10th grade test). There no longer is an 11th grade assessment in this content area.
What does this mean for Mathematics?
If your child is an 11th grade student who does not have a proficient score in Mathematics, then we are currently scheduling him/her to take either:
- The NJSLA for Algebra II or the NJSLA for Geometry (if he/she is enrolled in either of these courses), or
- The NJSLA for Algebra I (if he/she is enrolled in a non-tested NJSLA course, like Pre-Calculus or Integrated Math)
Why are we doing this?
12th grade is stressful for our students (and students everywhere) for a number of reasons. The last thing that any of us want to do is make an already stressful year more stressful by having our students enter 12th grade worried about this graduation requirement.
What happens if my 11th grade student is unable to show proficiency on the NJSLA in ELA and/or Mathematics?
We will work with your child and with you in an effort to find another way for your child to show standardized testing proficiency to the New Jersey Department of Education. Please click on the link below for more information.
https://www.state.nj.us/education/assessment/parents/GraduationAssessmentRequirements.pdf
Our 11th and 12th grade students who are either not enrolled in a NJSLA-tested course and/or who have already demonstrated proficiency to the State are permitted to arrive to school at 9:30 a.m. on April 21st – April 24th. Any 11th or 12th grade students who wish to arrive to school at 9:30 a.m. during NJSLA testing must be able to arrange their own transportation to school as a bus will not be available.
I should, however, also point out here that our Advanced Placement teachers will be holding AP review sessions for our AP students during NJSLA testing. So, our AP students should plan to arrive to school by 7:30 a.m. during the administration of the NJSLA for ELA and Mathematics. More information regarding this schedule will be disseminated as we get closer to testing time.
As a reminder, all of our students who are taking the NJSLA will be using their Chromebooks to test. These students MUST bring their Chromebooks to school FULLY CHARGED. It’s also important that they bring their chargers with them as well. PLEASE remind your children that NO CELL PHONES or any other electronic devices (smartwatches, etc.) will be permitted in a testing room. PLEASE also remind them that they are NOT permitted to discuss and/or communicate the content of their tests to anyone.
Our NJSLA School Testing Coordinators are Mrs. Nancy Sebastian (nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us) and Mr. Joe Varga (jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us). Our NJLSA District Testing Coordinator is Ms. Barbara Fazekas (bfazekas@florence.k12.nj.us).
Please do not hesitate to contact them or me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
John Cogan
Principal, FTMHS
Student of the Month--Special Recognition!
Congratulations, Bria Moscetti!
Proud parents...
Character Education Program--"Word of the Month" for February was "Citizenship."
Our students have been doing a wonderful job personifying the character education trait of "Citizenship." Here are our Students of the Month for the month of February!
The following students were chosen by our faculty for the way they personified this character trait:
Kaitlyn Bernhard, Alexsis Carlani, Daniel Carrillo-Avila, Luis Carrillo-Avila, Anita Chacko, Gavin Embley, Duygu Erzurum, Cristin MacIntosh, Kingsley Nwagbaraji, Jacob Saltzman, Allison Slotkin, Ashley Virula, Taija Williams, Andrew Wirth, and Yaren Yildiz.
Congratulations to these students for doing such a great job!
In addition to receiving certificates, these students were all recognized over the PA system for their fantastic work! Thanks to our WONDERFUL Parents Organization--Gavin Embley, Duygu Erzurum, Allison Slotkin and Andrew Wirth were chosen to receive $10 WaWa gift cards for doing such an excellent job!
These students will also be recognized at our next BOE meeting as examples of the great students we have at FTMHS!
Chosen to Receive Special Recognition
"Self-Discipline" -- Character Education
Thanks to our Parents Organization, Katherine Hein, Rajveer Kaur, Victoria Nitti and Damon McCarty were chosen to receive $10 WaWa gift cards for doing such an excellent job!
These students were recognized at our February BOE meeting as examples of the great students we have at FTMHS!
Congratulations to:
Katherine Hein
Victoria Nitti
Principal’s List
At the end of the first marking period, students who earn A’s in all of their courses will be assigned to the “Principal’s Academic List.”
We added this program based upon the feedback we have received from students, staff and parents. We have students who are hungry to show what they can do, and we are eager to recognize them!
Thanks to our GENEROUS teachers and staff, four students – one from each grade level – were randomly chosen and treated to a $25 Wawa gift card! Congratulations to: Christian Jaslar,
Wade Andre, Alexsis Carlani and Alison Kuc.
Academic Achievement Program
This is a wonderful program! We will once again be challenging our students to settle for nothing less than their best. We want to see our students succeed, and we will be communicating to them that we want them to set their sights on earning a GPA of at least a 3.0 (or a “B” average) with no “D” or “F” grades in any course for each marking period of the school year. Please join us in challenging your child to be content with nothing less than his or her best effort!
Students who earned at least a 3.0 (with no “D’s” or “F’s”) will be recognized at the end of the second marking period.
Thanks to our GENEROUS Parents Organization, four students – one from each grade level – were randomly chosen and treated to $25 Wawa gift card!
Congratulations to: Ashley Rafferty, Mariah Pielacha, Brianna Kollmar and Charles Estelow.
AP Testing
Every year, the College Board offers an AP test for every AP course that a school might offer. The point of each test is to measure student mastery of the AP curriculum. Students who do well on these AP tests are able to earn college credit for the work that they have done in high school.
Here are two very valuable links that I encourage you to explore to learn more about the benefits of AP testing:
- https://apscore.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/search-credit-policies
- https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap
Our school will be administering AP tests on the following dates this year:
AP United States Government & Politics – May 4th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP Spanish Language and Culture – May 12th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP English Literature and Composition – May 6th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP European History – May 6th @ 12:00 p.m.
AP French Language and Culture – May 15th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP Chemistry – May 7th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP United States History – May 8th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP Biology – May 11th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP Calculus AB – May 5th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP English Language and Composition – May 13th @ 8:00 a.m.
AP Microeconomics – May 13th @ 12:00 p.m.
Students enrolled in AP Microeconomics will start their coursework on Monday, February 3. We will need to know whether or not your child will be taking the AP Microeconomics exam by Monday, March 2.
The cost of the AP Microeconomics test is $85. If your child is in our Free and Reduced Lunch Program, then please contact Mr. Rick Lee, our AP Test Coordinator, at rlee@florence.k12.nj.us for more information regarding AP costs.
Checks and money orders are acceptable forms of payment. We will not be able to accept cash. Please make your checks or money orders payable to “Florence Township Memorial High School.” Please tell your children to deliver AP payments to Mrs. Belcher in the Main Office.
Genesis Parent Portal (http://bit.ly/2hqH935)
Progress Reports
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be available in Genesis on March 6. To view your child’s progress report, simply login to Genesis (https://parents.genesisedu.com/florence) and click on the “Grading” tab at the top of the window.
Also, please feel free to log in to Genesis at any time to see how your child is progressing in his or her courses. Checking Genesis frequently will enable you to see clearly how your child is performing throughout the school year.
If you are having trouble logging in or need your email and password reset, please contact your child’s counselor as soon as possible.
Fine and Performing Arts Night--What "talented" students!!!!
Girls' Basketball--Senior Night
Boys' Basketball--Senior Night
Class News...
AP French Classroom
In AP French, the students are preparing to interview prominent French novelist and political commentator, Julien Suaudeau via Skype on March 9, on the law of laïcité and, specifically, the French ban on the burkini and the various underlying cultural and political factors unique to France.
Among other things, we are reading an NYT article from 2016 that explored the experience of Muslim women wearing a headscarf in France, a response to the NYT article in huffingtonpost.fr by the then-Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls, and an opinion piece by Mr. Suaudeau in slate.fr reacting to the first two articles and giving his own opinions.
Instructor: Mrs. Bjornstad
French 3
In French 3, the students are learning the necessary vocabulary and using French-language Youtube videos to prepare to propagate geranium cuttings. This allows us to listen and follow directions in the target language, and with the help of the vocabulary preparation and video demonstration, we can do this while avoiding going through English in our heads.
Instructor: Ms. Bjornstad
World Language Program
Spanish and French students in levels 3 and AP will take a field trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on March 3, thanks to a generous grant from FTMHS’s parent organization.
The Spanish and French students will separate into two groups in order for each group to receive a tour of the relevant art collections.
Instructors: Ms. Bjornstad and Mr. Feliz
After School Clubs for the 2019-2020 School Year:
Class of 2020: Ms. Fenn and Mrs. (Couts) Byrne, Advisors
Class of 2021: Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Zucchero, Advisors
Class of 2022: Mrs. Pereda and Mr. Pereda, Advisors
Class of 2023: Mrs. Holmstedt and Ms. Tannenbaum, Advisors
Computer Science Club: Mr. Roberson, Advisor
Cultural Awareness for Everyone: Ms. Delgado, Advisor
Debate Team: Mrs. Bjornstad, Advisor
Environmental Club: Mr. DuBrul, Advisor
Game Club: Ms. Fenn and Mr. Weatherbee, Advisors
Interact: Ms. Rodan, Advisor
Marching Band Director: Mrs. Croley
Marching Band--Front Line Advisor: Mr. Obetz
National Honor Society: Mrs. Hughes and Ms. Delgado, Advisors
Newspaper Club: Mr. McEnnis and Mr. Lamaestra, Advisors
Science League Competitions: Mr. Flynn, Coordinator
Spring Musical: Mr. Donovan, Director
Student Council: Ms. Rodan, Advisor
Yearbook: Mrs. Eckart and Mrs. (Finamore) Holmstedt, Advisors
Art Club
The Art Club is open to any student with an interest in art, design, or creativity! The art club will meet on alternating Tuesday afternoons in Mrs. Holmstedt’s Room, F108.
Students are continuing to work on artist inspired masks using cardboard mask forms, tissue paper, and tempera paint. After masks are complete students will work on a stained glass tile design. Please listen to announcements during homeroom for our March meetings!
Advisor: Mrs. (Finamore) Holmstedt
Class of 2020 (SENIORS)
Class of 2020 Officers for the 2019-2020 school year are:
President: Sophia Smith
Vice President: Reagan Glassmire
Secretary: Bella Dunphy
Treasurer: Olivia Loftin
Historian: Joe MacArthur
Senior Class Trip--Class of 2020
We are so excited--can't wait...
- Meet at the High School at 2:15 AM on March 21.
- Disney Trip--March 21 to March 24.
- Return to High School at 11:45 p.m. on March 24.
Advisors: Ms. Fenn and Mrs. Byrne
Class of 2021 (JUNIORS)
Class of 2021 Officers for the 2019-2020 school year are:
President: Robert White
Vice President: Aaron Taylor
Treasurer: Mohammed Islam
Secretary: Kyle Oakley
Historian: Emily Habeck
The Junior Class will be:
- Selling advance prom tickets at the Prom Fashion Show.
- Collecting class dues.
- Scheduling another Prom Committee Meeting during Period 4 lunch to discuss the following:
1. Decorations
2. Music
3. Center Pieces
Advisors: Gina Smith and Alyssa Zucchero
Looking for a Prom Dress? Check out "Cinderella's Closet!"
Class of 2022 (SOPHOMORES)
President: Olivia Smith
Vice President: Cassaundra Alicea
Secretary: Finley Charles
Treasurer: Layla Lucas
Historian: Samara Lakhan
The Sophomore Class is narrowing down possible venues to host the Junior/Senior
Prom for May 2021.
We will begin a Senior Trip payment plan starting this spring so keep an eye out for that information.
Please check our Google Classroom to stay updated on future events throughout the year.
Advisors: Mrs. Pereda and Mr. Pereda
Class of 2023 (FRESHMEN)
President: Christopher Krall
Vice President: Abigail Anthony
Secretary: Caitlin Corsi
Treasurer: Kate Woolston
Historian: Sydney Slotkin
Please stay tuned for freshmen class fundraising opportunities coming very soon!
We are also in the process of discussing possible prom locations for Prom 2022!
Advisors: Mrs. Holmstedt and Ms. Tannenbaum
Computer Science Club
We continue to work on the app for the high school.
Our focus is to make it interactive for help with homework and other educationally related questions. This process is teaching the students coding, problem-solving, and design!!
Advisor: Mr. Roberson
Cultural Awareness for Everyone Club (CAFE)
CAFE members met on February 4 and February 25 to begin planning entertainment and interactive activities for the annual ESL Family Night.
Members also researched and created flyers for local multicultural events in February.
Soft pretzels will be sold after school on March 19.
Advisor: Ms. (Delgado) Diaz
Debate Team
The Debate Team meets every Tuesday after school in D111.
This year’s resolution is: The United States federal government should substantially reduce Direct Commercial Sales and/or Foreign Military Sales of arms from the United States.
The last varsity and JV debates were February 12. On February 19 the championships were held and awards for best speaker were presented at Eastern High School.
We have had a great season and learned a great deal together. We have come a long way in just two seasons. Our varsity team has tied for third in our division with a record of 9-5. Our best speakers are Anita Chacko for Varsity and Lana Duke and Zaria Harewood for JV; this honor reflects debating skill of course, but also generosity in mentoring fellow teammates and working for the team's collective success.
We are planning already for next season, including a mock debate this Spring as part of our recruitment of potential teammates for next year. We want to thank our graduating seniors for their hard work and leadership. We will miss you next year!
Our teams are as follows:
Varsity affirmative: Anita Chacko and Rajveer Kaur
Varsity negative: Thomas Ulisse and Leuna Sen
JV affirmative: Tanisha Khabe and Jaskiran Mangat
JV negative: Lana Duke and Zaria Harewood
JV negative: David Buddie and Eric Mattson
Student judges and timers:
Georgia Moore, student judge
Nafisa Hasna, timer
Ayisha Nahar, timer
Fabiha Usha, timer
Advisor: Mrs. Bjornstad
Awesome Win for FTMHS Debate Team...
Environmental Club
Mr. Du Brul's environmental club, along with Ms. Levine, visited the Blue Hole in the NJ Pine Barrens this February. Students got to visit this deep aquifer upwelling, a very unique geologic feature that only occurs in several other spots in the North East.
Dr. Emil Devito led us on a tour of the area and explained about the cyanobacteria that exist here. Students also learned about the endangered Pickering's morning glory and visited one of only about 25 known populations in NJ.
Our next trips will visit other locations in the NJ Pinelands in March.
Advisor: Mr. DuBrul
Game Club
Our Game Club Meetings for February are:
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Our Video Game Tournaments were a success and our first "Game Club Social" was quiet and relaxed, but very tasty.
Game Club Meetings for March are as follows:
March 3, 2020
March 17, 2020
March 31
Our BIG meeting for March is the 3rd. It is the Meeting for "Business and Organization" to set up March and April. Be there so your voice is heard.
For other information: GAME CLUB 2049
https://sites.google.com/florence.k12.nj.us/mweatherbee/game-club-2049
Advisors: Mr. Weatherbee and Ms. Fenn
Interact Club
The 2019-2020 Interact officers are:
President: Anita Chacko
Vice President: Leuna Sen
Secretary: Ayisha Nahar
Treasurer: Rajveer Kaur
Sergeant at Arms: Fabiha Usha
Members of the Interact Club have been participating in service projects to benefit the community. One of their biggest events will be assisting with the Annual Eats and Beats Festival to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Roebling Museum. Mrs. Denise Pakos, the coordinator of the event, met with students to discuss volunteer expectations and opportunities at the event.
The Interact Club will host a blood drive to honor FHS junior Daniel Applegate on Monday, March 30.
The Interact Club is continuing to collect plastic to be recycled through the Trex Recycling Program. The goal of the group is to collect 500 pounds of soft plastic. This includes grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, bread bags, and the overwrap from water bottles and paper towels. When the group reaches its goal, they will receive a bench from the Trex Company.
Advisor: Ms. Rodan
Musical Director: Mr. Donovan--SAVE THE DATES--Performances: March 6, 7 and 8, 2020
Bria Moscetti designed the playbill cover and t-shirt design below...
Rehearsal photos...
The 2020 Spring Musical -- This is going to be an incredible production, featuring 74 FTMHS students lending their talents to the cast, crew, and pit orchestra.
Advance Tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 2 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the HS.
$10 - Adult Tickets
$ 5 - Children/Students and Senior Citizens
Check out what the Burlington County Times said about our musical:
Director: Mr. Donovan
National Honor Society
The FTMHS chapter of the National Honor Society will begin its process of inviting, interviewing, and selecting eligible candidates for membership in our chapter. Selection for membership is decided by a Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to embody and demonstrate these qualities.
The National Honor Society is looking for serious members, so it is in a student’s best interest to make sure he or she understands the commitment required. Members who are dismissed are never again eligible for its benefits. As the current advisors to our school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, Ms. (Delgado) Diaz and I are searching for motivated, dedicated student leaders who will actively participate in our chapter. In addition, we are looking for students with drive and initiative--students who will find ways to improve both the chapter and the Florence Township Memorial High School experience as a whole. Therefore, students applying this year will find some changes to our application process as indicated by an asterisk (*).
Students applying to the FTMHS chapter of the National Honor Society should:
be enrolled sophomores or juniors who currently have --and will maintain-- a 3.8 GPA.
demonstrate a minimum of 10 hours of prior community service or volunteer work during high school. *
earn an additional 30 hours of community service a year, for a total of 60 hours by graduation. There are stipulations to where these hours are served.
complete an extensive application process that requires letters of recommendation, participation in an interview with the faculty council, and a writing response. Beginning with the class of 2022, students must compose an essay akin to a "profile in courage." Students who wish to complete an application should choose one of the four pillars of the NHS (scholarship, leadership, character, or service), and compose a synthesis essay that selects a well-known historical figure as emblematic of that pillar, much the way John F. Kennedy profiled people he found especially courageous in his book, Profiles in Courage. These essays must be based on two researched sources as a minimum, must be correctly cited in MLA 8 format, and meet the rubric requirements of a 4/6. *(An analytical rubric will be provided.)
donate 15 items of canned goods per year to support ongoing NHS projects.
pay annual dues of $15 per year.
uphold the leadership pillar of NHS by demonstrating leadership. This demonstration is defined as serving on an NHS committee, initiating a new club, serving in a leadership position in NHS, or serving in a leadership position in another extracurricular activity.*
attend required meetings on time, attired in professional clothing meeting our dress code.
Advisors: Mrs. Hughes and Ms. (Delgado) Diaz
Newspaper
Issue 2 is in the layout phase. We are tinkering with different formats. The third issue will closely follow this one.
This issue will feature articles on the band and theatre production as well as teacher features and sports.
Advisors: Mr. McEnnis and Mr. Lamaestra
Student Council
Student Council
President: Kaitlyn Bernhard
Vice President: Madison Schubert
Secretary: Jayana Caesar
Treasurer: Bella Dunphy
BOE Rep.: Grace Skinner
Historians: Duygu Erzurum and Taylor Jusino
Executive Members: Jason Baldorossi and Leuna Sen
During the Week of Kindness, February 17 to February 21, 2020, Student Council spearheaded a donation drive for the entire district. Each student was asked to bring in items for the Burlington County Code Blue Team. The Code Blue Team provides shelter and cold weather necessities to homeless individuals in Burlington County when the temperature falls below the freezing mark.
In conjunction with the musical the FHS Student Council and Interact Clubs will be hosting “Lunch and a Show” for the Florence Township senior citizens. The seniors will be treated to lunch, door prizes, and a matinee performance--“The Addams Family." To RSVP for this event, please call Ms. Rodan at (609) 499-4620 X4505. Reserve your seat today!
The FHS Student Council is starting to collect Easter items to complete baskets for Providence House, a shelter for abused women and their families. Our goal is to assemble 35 baskets in order to provide each child at the shelter with a gift for the Easter holiday. The needed items include baskets, wrapped candy, small stuffed animals, small toys, coloring books and crayons.
The Student Council is also sponsoring a spring prom drive. The needed items include formal dresses, dress shoes, purses, and jewelry. Suits, ties, and dress shoes are being accepted to assist young men. All items collected will be delivered to Twin Oaks Community Services which will distribute the items to young women and men in need in Burlington County.
Items for both of these drives will be accepted until March 27.
Advisor: Ms. Rodan
Yearbook
The 2019-2020 school year is here--which means it is time to document everything in the YEARBOOK! The Florence Township Memorial High School yearbook is called the “Clavis” which is Latin for "key." Any student interested in joining the yearbook staff should attend our meetings. Meetings will be held in Mrs. Holmstedt’s room on alternating Thursdays--listen for the announcements during homeroom!
2019-2020 yearbooks are on sale RIGHT NOW! Yearbooks cost $75, are hardcover and full color! Go to the high school website and order from the link under the parent resources tab or use the link below!
Here is your link for yearbooks: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01096210
Do you want to see YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS in the 2019-2020 YEARBOOK?
UPLOAD TODAY! DOWNLOAD THE REPLAYIT APP OR
Go to www.replayit.com and create an account to upload YOUR pictures!
We’ll use your pictures to help create this year’s book!
We made our second yearbook deadline on February 17! Only one more to go!!!!!!!!
Advisors: Mrs. Eckart and Mrs. Holmstedt
Parent Organization News...
GIFT CARD PROGRAM
The FHS Parent Organization offers a program where you can purchase gift cards from us at Shop Rite, Roebling Town Market & Acme and then a percentage goes into an account for your child to pay for class/school expenses later on! Check it out! It's worth it! See the flyer below!
PROM FASHION SHOW
The FHS Parent Organization will be hosting their annual Prom Fashion Show Extravaganza on Friday, March 27. This is a HUGE fundraiser for our school! Seniors will model current tuxedo & prom gown fashions borrowed from Formal Expressions & Rene Elle Couture of Maple Shade, while underclassman (grades K-11) will show off their current spring/summer fashions.
Additionally, we offer basket raffles, 50/50's and entertainment from our students as well! Tickets can be purchased at the door. See the flyer below!
CLEAN OUT THOSE CLOSETS
You asked and we delivered! Back by popular demand, the FHS Parent Organization will be hosting a SPRING Clean Out Your Closets Day on May 16. Start packing up those bags now! Please see the flyer below for more details!
SENIOR PICNIC
The Senior parents are busily planning the Annual Senior Picnic! A meeting will be held on Sunday, March 22, if you wish to participate. Contact the PO for details.
PO MEETING
The next PO meeting is Monday, March 23, at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center!
From the desk of Mr. Lamaestra (SAC) Student Assistance Counselor...
Character is what you do when you think no one else is looking.
The development of GOOD CHARACTER is not an isolated skill to be taught in one area of a child’s life. It is an effort of home, school, and community to instill in our young people the value of. The development of good character touches our personal development, it impacts our success with academic development in learning and good character is essential in the workforce to be successful in our careers.
March Character Trait is Enthusiasm:
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Marijuana/Cannabis Information
Marijuana/cannabis use is increasing among young people throughout the state. It’s very important to keep in mind that despite its social promotion and acceptance by the wider population--there are many concerns about the short and long term effects of its use on the teenage brain. Marijuana use is known to negatively impact a young person’s memory, especially short term memory, and motivation. It contributes to difficulty in managing stress, interferes with the development of emotional maturity and can cause anxiety disorders and other psychological disorders and make any psychological/psychiatric difficulty worse. It is far from harmless as is assumed by many.
Please take a few minutes to refresh your understanding of the known hazards of cannabis use and why young people need to avoid using it. The cannabis available today is not the same substance that was introduced into popular culture in the ’60s. It’s many times more potent and has been subjected to hybridization and genetic manipulation.
Links:
Oppose Legalization/Commercialization of Recreational Marijuana in NJ
Study: Giving Up Pot for a Month Leads to Better Memory in Young Adults
Counseling Support Services:
I'm available for consultation, support, counseling and referral services including:
Academic.
Family Alcohol/Drug Use.
Technology Dependence.
Anxiety and Depression.
Divorce.
Behavior Management.
Other Mental Health Concerns.
Contact Information:
Please contact John Lamaestra at the high school at (609)499-4620 x 4225 or email me at jlamaestra@florence.k12.nj.us if you have any concerns or questions and follow me on Twitter for important news, motivation and updates @FTSD_Counselor.
Student Assistance Coordinator: Mr. John Lamaestra
Counseling Office News
Scholarships and Summer Programs
Seniors should check their school email, Naviance, and the scholarship binder in the counseling office regularly for various opportunities and scholarships. More are coming in every day. Our Twitter feed also lists many national scholarships and programs.
RCBC Spring Ahead:
This is a program that allows seniors to apply to RCBC, take assessment tests, and schedule college classes with ease.
Step 1: DONE
Seniors and parents attended the information session at FTMHS on October 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium.
Step 2: DONE
Seniors had to apply by January 30th to be part of the Spring Ahead Program. Seniors wishing to attend RCBC in the fall can still apply online at www.rcbc.edu
Step 3: DONE
On February 12th accepted students took the Accuplacer test at FTMHS. Retakes are possible at the Test Center on the Mt. Laurel campus. https://www.rcbc.edu/test-center
Step 4:
Those students who are committing to attend RCBC and have completed all prior steps will tour the Mt. Laurel campus AND schedule classes for the fall semester on April 3, 2020.
College Admissions Testing
There are only 3 remaining test dates for the SAT and ACT for this school year. Juniors are highly encouraged to take at least one this year. Please visit the respective websites for more information and to register for a test.
SAT
Go to collegeboard.org to register for the SAT and for accurate dates, registration deadlines, and locations. SAT Fee Waivers are available for 11th and 12th graders on the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests. Please contact your child’s counselor or Child Study Team case manager to discuss the process and answer your questions.
ACT
Go to act.org to register for the ACT and for accurate testing dates, registration deadlines, and locations. ACT Fee Waivers are available for 11th and 12th graders on the Free/Reduced Lunch Program.
Looking for a tutor?
Our National Honor Society students are ready and willing to help students with any subject on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in the high school library. See your counselor for more information.
College Financial Aid Information
Seniors and parents -The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-20 school year will open on October 1, 2018. You will need information from the parent’s and student’s 2017 tax return. Visit fafsa.gov to get started.
CSS Profile
Many colleges require the FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. Check the college website for requirements and deadlines. The CSS profile can be accessed here https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
College Open Houses and Tours
Not sure which college is best for you? Attend a college tour or information session. The New Jersey School Counselor Association website has a list of college open houses for the MId-Atlantic area. Visit https://www.njsca.org/college-open-houses/
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority or HESAA
This has valuable resources for college and career planning and financial assistance. One important ebooklet is the Student Loan Guide. Here is the link to several of their publications and ebooklets: http://www.hesaa.org/Pages/HESAAPublications.aspx
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
All college-bound student-athletes should explore the NCAA eligibility qualifications early in their high school careers. Please visit the following websites for more information: www.eligibilitycenter.org and www.2point3.org
College Scorecard
The College Scorecard provides clear, accessible, and reliable national data on college costs, graduation rates, student debt, and post-college earnings. Collegescorecard.ed.gov
College Cost Calculator
What does college really cost? Colleges are required to have a college cost calculator (aka net price calculator) available on their websites. Please check them out when researching colleges.
Counselors: Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga
School Nurse
HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD HEALTHY AND FLU FREE
With flu season upon us, it is important to keep our children healthy. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and on average, one in three children in the U.S. is affected by the virus each year.
Usually, the flu is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Occasionally, people get the flu from touching a germ-infested surface.
It is important to know the difference between cold and flu. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, chills, sore throat, exhaustion and dry cough. Children may also have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Often cold symptoms come on gradually and they include stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and hacking cough.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CHILD HEALTHY:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to take him/her to get a flu vaccine Talk to your child about practicing good health habits, such as:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing-preferably into the inside of the elbow or with a tissue and disposing of the tissue immediately into the trash.
- Avoid sharing drinks, water bottles, eating utensils and cell phones.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys, and other commonly shared items.
- You can prevent spreading illness to others by keeping your sick children home from school until they have been without fever for 24 hours. It is important for your sick child to get rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Some children may benefit from antiviral medication, which can be prescribed by a doctor to help lessen the number of days that a child is sick with the virus. To be effective, the antiviral medication should be taken within 12-48 hours after the flu symptoms begin. A doctor may also prescribe the antiviral to prevent the child from getting the flu; if taken within the first 12-48 hours of exposure to the flu virus there is an 89 percent chance the medication will keep him/her from getting sick.
For additional information on the influenza virus, you can visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
For information on the Coronavirus, you can visit: https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/658e97be-9aae-4759-b5fe-feb712c1871d/UploadedImages/02262020_NASN_Coronavirus_19_talking_points.pdf
School Nurse: Mrs. Emery
Athletic Department--Contact Information:
2019-20 Winter Sports
The Florence Flashes Basketball Season is winding down and the NJSIAA Tournament will begin the first week of March. Both teams will open up on Monday, March 2, with the Lady Flashes (5) hosting Henry Hudson HS (12) for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off at home.
The boys' Flashes(9) will travel to STEM Civics(8) for a 4 p.m. tip-off. Round II of play is scheduled for March 4 and Semi FInal games will be played on March 6, with the CJ Group I Final on March 9. Good Luck to our FLASHES on their "Quest to be the Best."
Congratulations to the BCSL Independence Division All-Stars
1st Team Honors
Boys Basketball: Noel Nabors, Justin Murray
Girls Basketball: Olivia Smith, Gabrielle Loftin, Alexa Taylor
2nd Team Honors
Boys Basketball: Rasheem Harris, Cole Connelly
BCSL Independence Division Titles
Congratulations to both the Boys and Girls Basketball teams for clinching the 2019/20 BCSL Independence Division Basketball Titles. The Lady Flashes finished their regular season of play with a 15-9 record, 9-1 in the Division. The Flashes finished with an 11-14 regular season and 7-3 division record. FLASHES PROUD!
NJSIAA Ticket Prices
Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the girls' game on Monday 3/2. There are no advance ticket sales.
The boys game will have advance ticket sales until 12 noon on Monday. Contact the athletic office at 609-499-4620 x6 to purchase tickets.
Entry fees are:
Students: $2
Adults: $4
Senior Citizens: $2
2019-20 Winter Athletic Coaching Staff
Girls Basketball: Gina Smith, Alyssa (Laird) Zucchero
Boys Basketball: Cesar Pereda, Chris Cymbal
Unified Basketball: Christie Brown
Wrestling (Bordentown): James Gill
Cheerleading: Shannon Gurdgiel, Georgie Ryan
Spring Sports
The official start date of spring sports practice is March 6. All student-athletes must have a current physical on file and completed the on-line registration for the team of participation. Contact Ms. Cassidy in the athletic office with any questions.
2020 Spring Athletic Coaching Staff
Baseball: Kyle Ballay
Softball: Alyssa Zucchero, Mackenzie Pyne
Tennis: TBD
Girl's Track & Field: Mike Flynn, Carol Ballay
Boy's Track & Field: Ross O'Neill, Anthony Arecchi
Athletic Department Staff
Rick Lee, AD x4150
Mary Ellen Cassidy, AD Secretary x4149 (x6)
Audrey Tannenbaum, Athletic Trainer x 4154
If you have any questions or concerns regarding athletics, please don’t hesitate to contact the Athletic Office at 609-499-4620, ext. 6. Please visit the Florence Athletic web page for all athletic information and schedules. Also, make sure to follow us for up-to-date Athletic information on our Facebook page @FlorenceAthletics and our Twitter Account @FTSD_athletics. LET’S GO FLASHES!
Visit the Florence Athletic Schedule Website for game dates, times, locations, and any changes due to weather.
GO FLASHES!
Here Comes the Bus App...
Florence Township Memorial High School
Website: www.florence.k12.nj.us
Location: 1050 Cedar Lane, Florence, NJ, 08016
Phone: (609) 499-4620
Twitter: @FTSD_HS