Lanoka Harbor School Newsletter
June/July 2022
Hello Lanoka Families,
We have reached that point of the year where we reflect on the school year that has passed, wish our fourth graders well on their upcoming journey to the Mill Pond School and beyond, and turn our attention to planning for the 2022-2023 school year. One thing that is certainly consistent is that time will always keep moving forward.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were all sitting in the Multi-Purpose Room on a hot August day during the Kindergarten Orientation for our departing and soon-to-be Fifth Graders. When we think back on what this group of students experienced while at the lower elementary level, it has been like nothing that any other group has experienced. School began for them in a setting where they were encouraged to sit closely on the carpet together and listen to stories. They were taught to share the items in the classroom, squeeze in, and make room for others. Out of nowhere, they were sent home to learn on a digital device, with their only peer interactions coming through a screen. They then came back to school, with masks on their faces, barriers on the desks, and distance between them. School items were now in a box, cleaned daily, and not to be shared with others. They had to re-learn how to be social and interact in the “New Normal”. Without much surprise (because children are resilient) they persevered and quickly returned to what we knew. Now, with those lessons of perseverance, our students are ready for the challenges that await them at the Mill Pond School. We will certainly miss them on a daily basis, but we do expect to see them as they visit from time to time and tell us about all the success they are achieving.
As for our returning students, the bar has been reset and the expectations are high. The students who came before you are great leaders and examples to follow. It will be up to you to build on the work they have started, taking us back even further to the traditional school setting that we knew, and make our school even better by adding to what we have learned. We will continue to explore how to learn and play together within the actual school building, and hopefully develop even more respect for each other, both in our differences and even more so in what we have in common. This is the challenge of the 2022-2023 school year and the excitement that it will soon bring, but for now, let's take a moment to look back and reflect on the time we had together during this past school year. The staff of LHS are certainly thankful for that time and realize how blessed we are to work with the incredible families here at the Lanoka Harbor Elementary School.
We wish you all a safe, fun, and exciting summer together with your family.
Fondly,
Jeffrey Brewer, Principal
Theresa Kilmurray, Supervisor
“The Power is in the PRIDE”
MARE Beach Day!
The MARE week activities ended with our annual Beach Day which was coordinated by our amazing PTO. Students had a blast participating in MARE-themed relays and games as well as “bouncies”. We are so thankful for all of the parent volunteers who assisted that day.
An event was added to Beach Day this year! Every student that raised over $200 in donations for the Kids Heart Challenge, which was held earlier this year, won the opportunity to “pie the principal”. A total of 24 students, and 1 student from each grade level that was picked from all of the registered participants in the heart challenge raffle, were able to participate. Thanks to Mr. Brewer and Mrs. Kilmurray for being good sports, the event was a fun addition to a special day!
PTO NEWS
Happy summer LHS families!
Can you believe the school year has already come to an end? This year has been incredible! From being able to bring back a lot of our activities and events, to starting some new ones. We were so happy to be back helping enrich the experience of our students and staff!
The Lanoka Harbor School PTO would like to thank all of its volunteers, staff, and administration for all of your help and support this year. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without you!
We invite everyone to join our Facebook page (QR code is below!) for updates throughout the summer on school-related events, and updates to our new playground equipment!
All of the students are invited to complete the summer bingo sheet. Paper copies were sent home but a copy is available to print here. (https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/113_255DyWrqKM5PBU5fmPKf00XRjw8cIKgnP_UrLuvk/edit?usp=sharing)
Please have your bingo sheets handed to school by September 16, 2022, for a chance for a prize!
We hope everyone has a fun, relaxing, and safe summer and we look forward to seeing you all for another great year at LHS!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
SPECIAL REMINDER
June 20th - Last Day of School! Early Dismissal @ 12:25 p.m.
August 30th - Kindergarten Orientation @ 9:00 a.m.
ABOUT US
Email: jbrewer@laceyschools.org
Website: laceyschools.org/lhs
Location: 281 Manchester Avenue, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-971-2090
Twitter: @LHSprincpl