Folsom School News
November 2021
Dear Folsom School Community,
It is that time of the school year to nominate a teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference at Folsom School. The Governor’s Educator of the Year (GEOY) recognition program aims to recognize educators and encourage them to become champions for education and advocates for students and teachers.
Please take the time to recommend a staff member for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program by clicking on the link below to fill out the nomination form. GEOY nomination forms will be accepted through Thursday, November 18, 2021.
https://forms.gle/VCzwBqG4m6cWWXjn9
Each teacher or education services professional shall exemplify one or more of the qualities below:
Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator at Folsom;
Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;
Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and
Plays an active role in the community as well as the school
It should be noted that the Educational Services Professional of the Year nominees must be classified as one of the following:
• School Counselor • Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
• Library Media Specialist • Nurse
• Paraprofessional • Psychologist
• Basic Skills Instructor • Social Worker
• Speech Language Specialist
Lastly, we thank you in advance for recognizing our teachers and educational services professionals by supporting this program. Go Falcons!
Respectfully,
Matthew Mazzoni, Ed.D.
Superintendent
veterans day
Please dress students in RED, WHITE & BLUE
On Veterans Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who have served during war and peace, defending our country and the American way of life. Folsom School would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and honor the bravery and sacrifices of all our Veterans.
On Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 9:15 am we invite the school community to join us in honoring our Veterans with student performances and guest speakers at our Veterans Day Assembly to be held outside at the pole barn.
If you or a family member (including grandparents) are a veteran and would like to join us for the assembly, please email Mrs. McConaghy at jmcconaghy@folsomschool.org with your family members name, branch, rank and years of service by Monday, November 8th.
Veterans are invited into the school at 8:45 am for a light breakfast and coffee.
Falcon of the Month
September-Kickin' it Old School
Connor Haley
Kindergarten
Joseph DeLaurentis
Michael Kurz
Brielle Pinard
Luca DelBene
Maria DelQuadro
Gabriel Chainey
Ella Way
Miley Pierce
dates to remember
3
6th Grade YMCA Trip (bus returns to school at noon)
4
School Closed-NJEA Teachers Convention
5
School Closed-NJEA Teachers Convention
11
Veterans Day Assembly 9:15 am (outside at pole barn) Students should wear RED, WHITE & BLUE
16
Home & School Meeting (library) 6:00 pm
18
Lip Sync Battle School Assembly (Students)
19
Lip Sync Battle (Gym) 6:30 pm
23
Board of Education Meeting 6:00 pm
24
12:45 pm Dismissal Thanksgiving Recess Begins
25
School Closed Thanksgiving Recess
26
School Closed Thanksgiving Recess
30
12:45 pm Dismissal/Parent Teacher Conferences (6:00-8:00 pm)
Curriculum
Classroom Highlights
5th grade was “given” $50 to plan a Halloween party.
The students worked in pairs and were given Shop Rite circulars to “purchase” drinks, snacks, fruit, a meal of their choice, candy, and dessert.
They worked so hard to make sure everyone at their party was fed and had a variety of food to choose from for under $50!
First Grade Scientists with Ms. Dirkes and Ms. Carrigan
Students connect previously learned science skills to a pumpkin unit! Students investigated pumpkins using gloves, goggles and measurement tools to make predictions, collect data and discuss their findings!
Congratulations Folsom Elementary for solving 300,000 math facts! Keep up the great work!
I can’t wait to share all of the creative ways our students learn this month in the next parent newsletter. Happy November 😊
Michele L. Hetzel
Director of Curriculum and Special Services
Streaming Towards Future Success
Tiffany Paretti presented a 2 week program at Folsom Elementary School for over 35 students during the summer for children in grades 1- 4. The objective was to expose young children in elementary school to STEM/STREAM subject matter. Each day focused on one of the STREAM topics which are: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math.
Click on the link to see more about this program:
Holiday Food Drive
Dear Folsom Parents,
It is once again that time of year for Folsom School’s Annual Food Drive, coordinated with the assistance of Folsom’s Student Council. All food collected will be organized and placed into baskets for community families in need this holiday season. The Folsom School Food Drive has helped a number of families throughout the past several years, and we are hoping to continue that tradition this year.
Please use the chart below to have your child bring in the appropriate donation food item. Students may begin to bring in food items on Monday, November 8, 2021. All food items must be in by Friday, December 3, 2021. We hope to make this Food Drive another great success!
If you or someone you know is interested in donating a turkey, a gift card or a monetary donation, or you know someone in need of a holiday basket; please contact Carlie Grouser, Folsom School Social Worker at (609) 561-8666 ext. 171.
Thank you for your continued support and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Carlie Grouser, School Social Worker
Pajama Drive
Second Grade is asking the whole school to participate in a pajama drive from October, 18th until November, 18th. We are asking that each homeroom sets a goal of how many pajamas they would like to collect. Goal trackers will be provided as an option. Pajamas can be sent down to room 107 at your earliest convenience. All pajamas need to be new with tags. We are collecting any size from newborn to adult. These pajamas will be donated to our local community. If we meet our school goal of 100 pajamas we will be celebrating with a school wide PAJAMA DAY on Friday, November 19th. Thank you in advance for your support.
Kindly,
The Second Grade Team
School Choice
The Choice Application Process for the 2022-2023 school year is happening NOW!
If you currently have a Choice Student enrolled at Folsom School and would like to apply for a sibling in grades K-8 to attend Folsom School in the 2022-2023 school year, now is the time. The application Deadline is December 1, 2021.
Applications can be found on our website: www.folsomschool.org
nurses notes
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
Healthy Recipe Contest
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Diabetes Association are leading the fight in finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels. There is nothing that can be done currently to prevent T1D and there is no known cure. Type 1 diabetes which is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes affects both children and adults, though people can be diagnosed at any age. Typically, T1D has quick onset. It must be managed with the use of insulin—either via injection or insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 means that your body doesn't use insulin properly. Managing type 2 diabetes is different for everyone. Some may be able to control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, while others may need medication in the form of a pill or insulin to gain control.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. 10% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes every year in the U.S. There is no known cause for gestational diabetes, but it is treatable. Often times, this form of diabetes goes away on its own after delivery.
Let’s advocate, let’s educate, let’s support and let’s take action in the fight against diabetes.
For more information please visit www.jdrf.org and www.diabetes.org.
Respectfully,
Kristi Schleyer
AtlantiCare Behavioral Health
AtlantiCare Healthy Schools Healthy Children
School Health Specialist
counselor’s corner
Folsom Elementary School is preparing for the holiday season with our fourth annual community “Giving Tree.” The Folsom “Giving Tree” is a community service project, which allows our students to understand the importance of giving back to our community. These are challenging times as many of our students come from families and communities hit hard by financial hardships and/or unexpected illnesses.
A list of items needed for purchase/donation will be available virtually. If you would like to contribute, please email Mrs. Petersen at APetersen@folsomschool.org to sign up to purchase/donate items.
If preferred, you are welcome to make a monetary donation by check. Please make the check payable to Folsom School Activity Fund.
All items purchased and all monetary donations benefit our Folsom community directly.
If you would like to nominate a family in need or have any further questions, please reach out to Mrs. Doherty at SDoherty@folsomschool.org or 609-561-8666 ext 123.
Physical Education Department
“MISTAKES ARE PROOF YOU’RE TRYING”
During the month of October, we have been focusing on Teamwork and Sportsmanship coupled with keeping PE a safe environment and making good decisions.
REMINDER: Please remember sneakers and proper attire for P.E. class.
This month’s challenge:
Ways to Increase Physical Activity throughout the Day
*Be active during recess.
*Play after school for at least 30 minutes rather than going inside and sitting down.
*Take stairs rather than an elevator.
*Workout/Exercise as a family.
Have a great November and Play on!!
Coach DeSordi
Athletic Department
Folsom Athletics has been off to a great start and the seasons are pushing forward this year. Cross Country has had lots of success with the Boys Team leading their division. As for the Girls Team, Personal Records have been falling rapidly.
Cheerleading is also in the mix of starting their season with practicing starting in November.
Lastly, Basketball try-out and practices are going to start sometime in November. Students have received their permission slips. Be on the lookout for the official dates for try-outs and practices.
Reminder: A physical needs to be turned in to Nurse Smith before participating in any of the upcoming sports seasons. Physical information can be found on the School Website.
Mr. Tony Burton
Athletic Director
Technology Tip
Click link for technology tips and tricks: https://www.smore.com/f2p50
folsom school apparel
The School Store is currently open and will close November 19. Orders will then be fulfilled and sent to school (or delivered if that option was chosen)
https://verticalprintdesign.printavo.com/merch/folsom-elementary-spirit-wear
Store Window Dates:
· Now until November 19
· December 1 – February 18
· March 1 – May 13
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 Environmental Commission
Join us in making a difference for our SECOND season!
66% of our nation’s toys are plastic! Millions of tons of plastic toys end up in landfills. That includes Buzz Lightyear and Mr. Potato Head. It is our goal, with your help, to reduce the amount of plastics in our landfills while giving children in our community a brighter and more cheerful Holiday Season.
· When you donate a much needed lightly used toy, you are providing so much more than the toy itself!
· Toys provide motivation and a medium to learn. They help children develop motor skills. They bring joy and laughter.
· As our children grow older they learn to share and there is no better time to share than the Holidays coming up. Will you join us?
Here are some tips to follow:
1. Toys must be plastic.
2. CLEAN – wipe them down inspect them to insure they are like new!
3. NO missing parts.
4. Include batteries that work
5. No toys that fit through a toilet paper roll
6. Have baggies and masking tape on hand to attach loose pieces to the toy.
DATES for drop off: Monday, November 15th thru Tuesday, December 7th
Location: Bring the lightly used and cleaned toys to Borough Hall and drop them off in a bin either in the lobby or outside the front door. During open hours only!!!
We will then have toys available to pick up at Borough Hall lawn on Saturday, DEC. 11th !
PLEASE help us REDUCE plastics in landfills and GIVE a child a joyous Holiday Season. It would be a great family project finding some slightly used plastic toys, CLEANING them, and then ….Just drop them in the bin.
Together we can do something bigger than just recycling!!
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/