Folsom School News
January 2022
Dear Folsom Families,
We Wish Ms. Nicole DeSordi a Happy Retirement after 28 years!
Ms. DeSordi has been an influential educator for nearly 3 decades at Folsom! As she walked out of the gymnasium on December 23rd to her retirement, Ms. DeSordi leaves a lasting imprint that exemplifies a passion for fitness, sports, and student progress towards goals. On behalf of the Folsom Board of Education, we appreciate your service and commitment to the students of Folsom School District. We wish you the best in your retirement and hope to see you back at the school supporting many of the programs you were responsible in bringing to Folsom!
When I arrived at Folsom School in 1994, I had no idea how special Folsom School truly would be. Folsom School board, staff, and the community welcomed me as part of the family. After a year it was one of my proudest moments when I knew all of our student’s names in the building (all 160 of them at the time).
During my time at Folsom School, I have been fortunate enough to accomplish many goals. One being able to teach so many students Pre-k through 8th grade and seeing their growth through the years.
Another, has been building the physical education department into what it is today. From a small office in an electrical room, a small supply of equipment to a fully stocked equipment room and full-size gym that exposes our students to many joys of fitness and play.
I am most proud of implementing our Folsom Cross Country and Volleyball teams in 2001 and winning our very first ever CHAMPIONSHIP in 2013 for volleyball and Cross Country in 2018 with many more to follow.
I’d like to thank the Folsom Board of Education and administration past and present for all of these opportunities. I will miss the staff, faculty, especially my special area department who work so hard to bring great programs to our school, and being part of a small but beloved school district.
Educators of the Year
A little about Ms. Santilli and Mrs. Storey…
Ms. Santilli began her teaching career at Folsom in 2000 after graduating from Rowan University in 2000 with a degree in elementary education and pyschology. Ms. Santilli serves as the Talented & Gifted (TAG) teacher. In addition to her teaching role, Ms. Santilli leads a number of school-wide events such as all PBSIS functions, St. Baldrick's Foundation, Lego Club, and Jeans for Charity.
An excerpt from one of the nomination letters stated, "Ms. Santilli is a team player and a true advocate for the students and their families. Her outreach stretches far beyond Folsom and goes deep into the community. She truly is a wonderful asset to our school and our children."
Mrs. Storey graduated from Trenton State College in 1982 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in psychology. This school year marks Mrs. Storey’s 38th year at Folsom making her the staff member with the most longevity in the field of education. Mrs. Storey currently serves as a Basic Skills Instruction (BSI) teacher. Mrs. Storey is also a case manager for the Intervention and Referral Services team (I&RS) and just recently the President of the Folsom Education Association (FEA).
An excerpt from one of the nomination letters stated, "Mrs. Storey serves as a role model for her students and always has the best interests of them in mind. She does not hesitate to look for new or alternative methods and strategies to support her students. Mrs. Storey wants to see students succeed and goes above and beyond to ensure it happens."
Ms. Santilli and Mrs. Storey richly deserve the recognition and accolades for their excellence, enthusiasm, and focus on their professional practice.
Respectfully,
Matthew Mazzoni, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Curriculum
Classroom Highlights
Welcome 2022! This new year will bring new learning for all of our students but before we highlight those accomplishments, I would be remiss if I did not celebrate all that was happening throughout the classrooms in Folsom during December. Student artwork, inspiring writing pieces and decorated holiday doors created a cheery holiday atmosphere . Here are just a few activities to spotlight from the last week of December.
3rd Grade
Students published several poetry pieces and presented them to their fellow classmates, teachers and families. The students sat one by one and selected a poem of their choice to read. Families were invited to stay and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Dr. Mazzoni and one of our parents took the opportunity to share their favorite poem during “open mic” time.
Pre-K
As a culminating activity to the tree study unit, preschool students and their families enjoyed celebrating by visiting our very own tree farm created by the preschool staff. The students drove cars to pick out a tree and decorated it. The cookie and hot chocolate station was a huge hit and pictures were taken by Mrs. Bailey to capture the excitement shared by all. There were no trees left on the lot or a cookie to be found! What a way to begin the holiday celebration. Thank you Miss. Cirillo, Mrs. Belsky and Mrs. Bailey.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Michele L. Hetzel M. Ed.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Special Services
Folsom School District
609-561-8666 ext. 120
Falcons of the Month
November-Thankful
Ace Grasso
Kindergarten
Olivia Hernandez
Arden Renn
James Sessions
John Noll
Robert Cappuccio
Halo Trasatti
Holly Sobolewski
Erica Acilio
Dates to Remember
Board of Education Reorganization Meeting 6:00 pm
11
8th Grade Cap and Gown Measurements (during school hours)
17
School Closed-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Nurses Notes
Covid-19 Vaccination
Reminders:
- No medication of any kind including over the counter drugs can be dispensed at the school without a Dr.'s prescription. All medication must be brought to school by a parent. Parents must sign a permission form before medicine can be dispensed.
- Any new/changed health related information, especially medications should be reported to the Nurse.
- Forward all updated vaccination records and/or physicals ASAP to Nurse Smith.
- Please keep your child home if they are not feeling well or are not themselves. Contact the Nurse if you are unsure if your child should come to school.
- When calling your child out sick, please state their symptoms on the message.
- Email Nurse Smith Lsmith@folsomschool.org with any illness questions or reporting rather than leaving a message on her voicemail.
Watch for Symptoms:
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
*Any sibling of a student who is ill and being COVID-19 tested MUST stay home until the COVID test comes back. PLEASE email Nurse Smith at any time of day or night to ask any questions.
Lisa Smith RN/CSN
School Nurse
Counselor’s Corner
We have come to the end of another year. This time of year especially comes with very noticeable lack of resilience within students. Many studies have been done in trying to determine the reasoning behind this decline in resiliency - the lack of sunlight and vitamin D leading to lack of energy, shorter days and longer nights, viruses and sickness. The outcome of these studies often blame various circumstances but the resolutions frequently sound familiar – that is, to teach our children to have Grit. Grit is defined as a firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger by Merriam-Webster. What does Grit look like? Grit is showing up every day, even when we know it may be hard. Grit is overcoming an obstacle with our own coping skills or asking for the help of others when needed. Grit is putting in effort, even when we are tired. Grit is trying our best, even if we know we aren’t going to be the best. Grit is taking the initiative and persevering no matter the difficulties that get in our way.
For more information on how to raise a child with Grit, visit https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/social-emotional-learning/social-skills-for-kids/power-defeat-how-to-raise-kid-grit.html
The Folsom Student Support Staff would like to graciously thank all who have donated to our fourth annual Folsom Giving Tree. Because of your generosity, we were able to bless fifteen local families this holiday season.
Mrs. Sarah Doherty M.ED
School Counselor / Anti-Bullying Specialist
Phone: (609) 561-8666 ext 123
Email: SDoherty@folsomschool.org
Athletic Department
The Boys and Girls Basketball Season is already underway. They have already had their first action of the season and look to improve each and every day they are on the basketball court. Both teams will have home games on January 18, and January 28. We look forward to seeing the support for the student athletes at these upcoming home games.
The biggest supporter will be the Folsom Cheerleading squad. They have been making the best of limited space and making sure they are ready to go at the first home game. We all look forward to seeing their routines and cheering on both teams as they begin the season.
On a future note, Volleyball sign-ups and try-outs will be here sooner than we think. If you have a student interested in playing this season, please make sure they have an up-to-date physical turned in to the nurse's office for eligibility.
Technology Tip
Click link for technology tips and tricks: https://www.smore.com/f2p50
School Health Specialist
Welcome Back Folsom Families!
Goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022. Can you even believe it is 2022? I hope that you all had an enjoyable and relaxing winter break. The start of a new year has all kinds of possibilities. The start of the New Year also comes with new expectations for ourselves and our families. We need to remove the pressure of setting up expectations that are unattainable. I want us all to think about what goals we have for this year and how we can implement them realistically.
Spending time with family shouldn’t end after the holiday season. One way to ensure we continue on in making memories is to create a family bucket list. Grab a jar or empty container with a lid to hold your bucket list ideas. Have each family member write activities that they would love to do. Write one activity on each sheet of paper. Fold the paper and put it in the bucket. Once a week pull an activity to create your own family memories. Remember these ideas can be for things throughout the year.
One idea is to create and cook a meal together. Cooking is a great way for family bonding and can also be a learning tool. My children and I have our own cooking show and I can personally attest to the growth and knowledge that has developed by cooking together. You can check us out on The Hammonton Family Success Center’s Facebook page. Look for Cooking with Kristi. You may just see some local “celebs” cooking with us.
I have included a recipe for a family winter time favorite. Please share with me if you make this recipe. Anyone who shares photos or does a write up will be entered to win a prize! All entries can be emailed to kristi.schleyer@atlanticare.org.
WHITE BEAN PASTA SOUP
Ingredients · 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil · 1 small yellow onion (chopped) · 2 cloves garlic (minced) · 1 (15 ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes with juices · ½ teaspoon dried oregano · 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth · 1 cup uncooked bowtie pasta (or other small pasta variety) · OPTIONAL: substitute pasta with 9 oz. package fresh tortellini (any variety) · 3-4 cups fresh baby spinach or kale · 1 (15 ounce) can Cannellini or other white beans (drained and rinsed) · salt and black pepper (to taste) Directions 1. In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic, stir for about 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes with canned juices and dried oregano. 2. Add broth, increase heat to medium-high, and bring soup to a boil. Add pasta (or tortellini) and cook according to its package instructions. 3. About 1 minute before the pasta is finished cooking, stir in spinach (or kale) and drained beans. 4. Once pasta is finished cooking, remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm. 5. Optional, serve with a side of Italian bread.
May this year be filled with health, wealth, joy, peace and love.
In good health,
Kristi Schleyer
Family Partner
School Health Specialist
Folsom School Apparel
Store Window Dates:
· December 1 – February 18
· March 1 – May 13
https://verticalprintdesign.printavo.com/merch/folsom-elementary-spirit-wear
Any questions please reach out to Jesseca Smith (jsmith@folsomschool.org)
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program
We would like to encourage ALL students to take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch being offered at the school now through June 2022.
Again, all meals are free to ALL students through June 2022 and we encourage ALL families to take advantage of this benefit.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Debbie DeCicco at 609-561-8666 ext 119 or ddecicco@folsomschool.org.
School Age Child Care (SACC)
SACC is Folsom's before school and after school child care program.
Should you wish to enroll your children in the Folsom's SACC program please complete the Folsom SACC Program Parent Agreement and the Monthly Reservation Calendar.
The monthly reservation calendar is due by the 15th of the previous month.
Be sure to return the forms to the Folsom Main office to confirm SACC days for your child’s before and after school care.
SACC begins on the first day of school and ends on the last day of the school year.
There is NO REGISTRATION FEE.
Any family eligible for free or reduced lunch may have their SACC Program fees paid by NJ Kid Care Program.
Please see the links below for more information:
Click here for the: Folsom SACC Program Parent Agreement & Pricing Plan
Folsom Elementary School
Website: https://www.folsomschool.org
Location: 1357 Mays Landing Road, Hammonton, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-561-8666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FolsomSchoolDistrictNJ/