Donovan Family Digest
November 13- 28
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT THE COVID SCREENING FORM EVERYDAY
THAT YOUR CHILD ATTENDS SCHOOL
BEGINNING NOV.30th THE COVID FORM WILL NEED TO BE COMPLETED EVERY DAY FOR ALL IN PERSON STUDENTS.
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See below for important updates regarding:
DECEMBER & NOVEMBER TRAVEL
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL SAFETY ISSUES
NEW MEAL PICK UP OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS
PHASE 2 HIGHLIGHT CHANGES
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
WINTER SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR
THANKSGIVING PIE PICK UP
THANKSGIVING WISHES
THIS WEEK
Cohort A Attends School November 16th, 17th & 18th
Cohort B Attends School November 19th & 20th
NEXT WEEK
Cohort A Attends School November 23rd, 24th
Cohort B Attends School November 25h
Just a friendly reminder that anytime you are on school grounds (indoors or outdoors) you must be wearing a mask. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
TRAVEL QUARANTINING
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL SAFETY
HIGHLIGHTS
Safety at arrival and dismissal has been a concern:
- Please stay in your vehicle at all times. Please practice having your child get in and out of the car on the driver’s side in a quick manner so that this does not hold up the line of cars behind you. Please do not leave your vehicle.
- Please wear a mask while on school property. Staff members are assisting students, so we kindly ask you to wear a mask during arrival/dismissal.
- Please do not pull around cars or form two lanes. We realize your time is valuable but please wait to pull up. Do not create a second lane for drop off.
- Please pull ALL THE WAY UP in the line of cars so that more cars may move ahead. Please do not stop.
- Please try to refrain from cell phone use while driving on school property. Students are crossing at crosswalks and staff members are on duty. This is a safety issue that we are trying to enforce during arrival and dismissal.
LDS STUDENT MEAL PICK UP
THE MARVELOUS MRS. HARRIS
Check in with Mrs. Harris
The YMCA Counseling Services
Virtual lunch bunch with Mrs. Harris!
Want to create an opportunity for your child to "eat lunch" with friends? Sign up by clicking the image above.
PTO Spirit wear Sale
PTO Thanksgiving Pie Sale
THANKSGIVING PIES PICK UP
All orders will need to be picked up from us, at 20 Coventry Drive, between the hours of 11:45am-1pm OR 5pm-7pm on Tuesday, November 24th. Any pies not picked up by 7pm on Tuesday November 24th (unless other arrangements are made) will be donated to the local food bank.
SAVE THE DATE
Nov 18 - Paw Power - Wear your LDS House t-shirt
Nov. 20th- Parent Teacher Conferences (afternoon)- Dismissal 12:25-no afternoon classes
Nov. 23rd- Parent Teacher Conferences (evening)- Dismissal 12:25-no afternoon classes
Nov. 24th- Parent Teacher Conferences (evening)- Dismissal 12:25-no afternoon classes
Nov. 25 - Donovan Strong - Wear Blue and Yellow
Nov. 25 - 1st MP Report Cards Posted
Nov. 25- Half Day 12:25 dismissal. No Afternoon Classes. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 26-27 - District Closed - Thanksgiving
Nov. 30- Phase 2 Model begins (A/B combined for 5 days)
TIGER CUB BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
A very Happy Birthday to all of our Tiger Cubs! We hope your special day is as amazing as YOU!
Nov 15
Ayah Hamed
Isabella Ilardo
Nov 16
Michael Esposito
Giuliana Gregorio
Nov 17
Khareef Daniels
Layla Carter
Mrs. Makaro
Nov 18
Aiden Rivera
Nov 22
Arlind Sadiku
Nov 23
Aria Timmerman
Emma Timmerman
Nov 24
Angely Cardoza Valladares
Penelope Matthews
Mrs. Ferro-Armitt
Nov 25
Calen Lee
Nov 26
Brijela Cela
Nov 27
Nicholas Troy
Nov 28
Maritza Aragon
Xavier Mota
Mrs. Zuccarelli
Let our hearts be full of both Thanks & Giving.
I hope that you are all well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather we have been experiencing over this past month. I can only describe the beginning of this year as the fastest first marking period that has lingered forever. In my 22 years here in Freehold Township, I am not certain I can compare this opening to anything ever experienced. There are a LOT of firsts. As an educator, it is with confidence that we say it is a year of memorable learning experiences. Though the start has been challenging, we are also so proud of the work that has been done by our amazing staff. It is incredible to see how they have adopted synchronous teaching/learning to their every day toolkit. They spend every week in coaching sessions pertaining to pedagogy, new technology tools, curriculum and assessment. Their dedication to their craft is nothing short of remarkable. We wholeheartedly believe that the very best form of educating our students is in person, every day, and providing rigor and personalized instruction. Due to the limitations that have been put upon us, I can confidently say that our staff is working hard to keep our expectations high while still adhering to our guidelines. It is not an easy task, but we are so very appreciative of the support and kindness that has been shared over the past few months. November 30th will begin Phase 2, where cohorts A and B will be combined, attending five days a week 8:25-12:25. We look forward to seeing all of our Tiger Cubs!
We are excited to invite everyone to parent teacher conferences beginning this Friday, November 20th. If you have not yet signed up on Genesis Parent Portal, we invite you to do so. Should you need assistance, please call the front office and they will walk you through the process. This is a great opportunity to check in with your child(ren)'s teacher(s) and talk about their accomplishments and goals. This is a lovely opportunity to connect and communicate as partners in education.
Though life feels different as of late, November is still one of my favorite months of the year. It is a time where we witness change in nature, we watch the growth of our families, and we begin to prepare for a season of thanks, joy and giving. Now more than ever, we put things into perspective and value our time and moments together as a family. Our family traditions begin to trickle into our days and weekends. Some of us are eager to begin even sooner, as it brings us a form of comfort and delight that is so needed right now. Regardless of your personal traditions or beliefs, the one thing we can certainly say is that the bond of family is at the heart of everything. Cherish every moment with your beautiful family this season, as each moment given is a gift. They say the days are long but the years are short. This is certainly the truth! One day we will look back and long for these days where we were blessed to have our hustle and bustle slowed a bit and offer more time together.
Kindness, gratitude, and grace is the core of all that we need. Together this is a gift that costs nothing and that we can readily and freely give to each other.
Many wonderful wishes to you and your family.
Warmly,
Jennifer Benbrook, Principal
PHASE 2 NEWSLETTER
- November 30th, cohorts A & B will be able to attend 5 days a week for 4 hour days. 8:25-12:25
- Students who are in virtual, and plan to attend in person, may do so beginning Nov. 30th.
- Students will still be required to wear masks; will be closer than 6 ft; three sided acrylic dividers will be on each desk.
- Virtual Learners: No changes will be made. All virtual learners will remain synchronous with their current teacher.
- Beginning November 30th, all in person learners must fill out the Covid screening form every day.
- IN PERSON STUDENTS: Beginning November 30th, if you keep your child home to be virtual for the day(s) you must still complete the covid screener.
- If circumstances change during Marking Period 1, you may notify the school to change your instructional model again (In person to virtual or virtual to in person). This will be permitted to happen once during 2nd marking period.
If there are any questions or concerns pertaining to Phase 2, you are invited to reach out to Mr. Dickstein ndickstein@freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us.
REMINDERS FOR THE YEAR
SCHOOL SPIRIT CALENDAR 2020-2021
Chromebook assistance
If you are having a Chromebook issue, please contact the front office. A technology ticket will be created and someone will get back to you as soon as they are available to assist. Thank you!