Folsom School News
October 2020
Dear Folsom Families:
I hope this newsletter finds all of our school families off to a fantastic first month of school! We are preparing for a number of fun and engaging activities for our students in the month of October! The events kick-off with Fire Prevention Week and concludes with the Annual Fall Festival Parade.
The Collings Lakes Volunteer Fire Department will continue with their annual visit to educate students on fire safety measures on Monday, October 5th for cohort A students and on Friday, October 9th for cohort B students. The presentation is for students in grades PK -4. We ask for the students in PK – 4 to wear RED in celebration of Fire Prevention Week.
Next, we will continue with our annual Fall Festival Parade. Parent/Guardians of PK-4th grade students are invited to Folsom Elementary School for the Annual Fall Festival Parade on Thursday, October 29th for Cohort A students and Friday, October 30th for Cohort B students. Cohort C students will also receive an invitation to participate in the parade. The Fall Festival Parade starts at 2 pm.
This year, the students (Grades Pre-K to 4th) will parade around on the blacktop near the ball fields. Parking will be available for parents/guardians in the front of the school and down the right side of the driveway.
Students in grades 5-8 will enjoy a “spirited” activity courtesy of our PBSIS committee in the afternoon.
Health & Safety Measures
In order for us to hold the Annual Fall Festival Parade, all families attending the parade must follow the CDC guidelines below:
· Limit the number of observers to immediate family members
· Individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart
· Everyone wearing a mask
Costumes
Fall Festival Day is an exciting time for students to dress up as popular characters, celebrities, or role models. As in past years, to promote the positive and fun aspects of this season and downplay the morbid and/or frightening aspects, we need your cooperation. Please avoid scary and violent costumes for the Fall Festival Parade – some young students become frightened at those sights. Costumes which include toy guns and/or knives will not be permitted.
Students are to WEAR their costumes to school, therefore, please make sure it is comfortable and does not hinder their ability to learn throughout the day.
Fall Treats
The school will supply all the students with treats for the day! Folsom will purchase pizza and a sweet treat for all the students.
Dismissal Procedures
Students will be dismissed to their parents/guardians once the parade is over by following our normal student pick-up procedures. Please fill out the dismissal form below for each child you are picking-up.
Students listed on the dismissal form will be ready for parents to pick-up behind the school. Parents are to drive around back of the school for student pick-up as on a normal school day.
Please contact the main office and/or your child’s teacher with any questions or clarification. We look forward to continuing with these two events and many more this school year!
Go Falcons!
Matt Mazzoni, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Atlantic County Library is OPEN
With the start of a new school year, and the need for access to online materials greater than ever, be assured that the Atlantic County Library System is available for families with programs and resources that go far beyond books.
A library card provides children and families of all ages the tools to succeed with access to technology, research and databases, early literacy programs, virtual homework assistance and more. Many may find that a library card is one of the most important school supplies.
Atlantic County library branches also offer free WiFi, mobile printing capability, copiers, scanners and fax machines as well as the use of computers in 30-minute intervals.
All nine branches are now open Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM – 5 PM, with curbside pickup available Monday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Patrons are asked to wear facemasks and observe social distancing and recommended health protocols. Please visit the link below to learn more about the Hammonton branch - https://www.atlanticlibrary.org/hammonton_branch
To sign up for a library card, residents can visit in-person or go online to obtain a temporary card for digital access only at: atlanticlibrary.org/library card.
Now is the perfect time for you and your children to explore all that the Atlantic County Library System has to offer.
Dates to Remember
Week of Respect Theme Day: Walk in someone else's shoes
Teachers dress like students and Students dress like Teachers
Fire Prevention Day Presentation for grades PK-4.
6th
Week of Respect Theme Day: Team Up Against Bullying
Wear your favorite team jersey or t-shirt
7th
Week of Respect Theme Day: Superhero Day!
Dress like your favorite superhero
8th
Week of Respect Theme Day: Put Bullying to Bed!
Wear your PJ's!
Hammonton HS 8th Grade presentation (students only)
9th
Week of Respect Theme Day: We Are All In This Together!
Falcons Spirit Day-wear your Folsom Spirit Gear
Fire Prevention Day Presentation for grades PK-4.
12th
School Closed-Columbus Day
14th
Home & School Meeting 6:00 pm (virtual meeting)
23rd
1st Trimester Progress Reports on Parent Portal
Students wear RED today...Red Ribbon Week Kick-Off Day
27th
Board of Education Meeting 6:00 pm
School Choice Application
The Choice Application Process for the 2021-2022 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 2021-2022 school year, now is the time. The application Deadline is December 3, 2020.
Applications can be found on our website: www.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 December 2020.
In addition to these meals being free while they are in school on their hybrid days, we will continue to have meals available for pickup on Wednesdays from 10 am – 2 pm. These meals are free for all students. The meals can be picked up outside the Cafeteria. Cars should pull around towards the back of the school and wait for assistance. There will be a sign indicating where to wait. We ask that everyone please stay in your car as the meals will be brought out to you. Students that are all remote will be able to pick up 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches each Wednesday. All other students participating in the hybrid option will be able to pick up 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.
Again, all meals are free to ALL students through December 2020 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.
Curriculum
Welcome back!
With the unique challenges of this school year, we are here to support you in any way we can. Below is some information to assist with remote learning.
Computer Log-Ons
All students will be using the Google Classroom platform. Students will have log-on information to access their Chromebook and these sites. In addition, English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies also have online resources. Most resources have a ‘single sign-on’ meaning that the log on information is the same for all devices and programs or links will be embedded into the Google Classroom for that subject area. Specific information by grade level has been sent home with your child.
Communication
You will receive weekly updates from your child’s teacher. Announcements will be posted to the site as well as to Google Classroom. Your teacher will also be available to answer your questions via email or by posting a question in Google Classroom.
While this will be an unusual school year, we are excited for the opportunities to work together and to learn and grow in different ways. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
It is going to be a great year of learning!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Michele L. Hetzel
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Folsom Testing Schedule 2020-2021
Nurse's Notes
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.
Please forward all updated vaccination records and/or physicals ASAP to Nurse Smith. Even if you are 100% remote/Cohort C you still need proof of vaccinations and physicals as per the State of NJ.
Parent Portal COVID 19 screening tool, must be done the morning your child/ren are scheduled to come to school. If you do not complete the screening tool, a notification will be sent home.
Please keep your child home if they are not feeling well or are not themselves. Please contact the Nurse if you are unsure if your child should come to school.
Lisa Smith RN/CSN
School Nurse
Technology Tip
Did you download our Parent Portal app? If not click on the picture of the app to download the link to your phone.
The Portal is where you will find progress report, report cards, attendance records and make payments to your lunch or S.A.C.C. accounts.
Please remember to log into the Parent Portal for important Back to School information and to make sure your students emergency contact information is up to date and correct.
If you are having trouble logging into the parent portal or need any assistance with the portal please contact Mr. Ward.
Counselor’s Corner
If you haven't already, please join the Counselor's Corner Google Classroom - where you will find resources to benefit both students and families. The class code is e2qxryb.
Week of Respect:
In New Jersey, the first Monday in October of each year is designated as “Week of Respect.” In recognition of the importance of social and emotional learning and character education the week is intended to create further awareness of character development within the school community. If you would like more information or resources on Respect Week, please take a look at the following link:
NJDOE School Climate and Culture
The Week of Respect is held this year October 5th-9th
Folsom’s Week of Respect theme this year is - “We’re All In This Together”
Spirit Days:
Monday 10/5: Walk in someone else’s shoes -
Students dress like teachers, teachers dress like students!
Tuesday 10/6: Team up against bullying - wear your favorite team’s jersey/shirt.
Wednesday 10/7: Being a good friend makes you a hero - Superhero day!
Thursday 10/8: Put bullying to bed - wear pajamas!
Friday 10/9: We’re All In This Together! School Spirit Day - wear your Folsom gear!
School Violence Week:
N.J.S.A. 18A:36-5.1 requires that the week beginning with the third Monday in October of each year be designated as School Violence Awareness Week in New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Education has developed Guidance for School Violence Awareness Week to help school districts, charter schools, renaissance school projects and approved private schools for students with disabilities comply with the requirements. While the New Jersey Legislature has set aside both weeks to highlight these very important issues, it is a school district’s clear, consistent message throughout the school year about positive school climate and student behavioral expectations that will help reduce violence and create safe and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.
School Violence Week is held this year October 19th-23rd
Red Ribbon Week:
Theme: Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free
Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It began as a tribute to fallen DEA special agent E. Camerena in 1985. According to the United States DEA, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.
Red Ribbon Week is held this year October 23rd-31st
WEAR RED ON OCTOBER 23rd!
Physical Education and Athletic Department
“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”
Physical Education expectations:
- Demonstrates skills and content taught.
- Demonstrates positive participation, cooperation, sportsmanship, and progress in grade level specific activities.
ALL physical education classes will meet for 1 hr. on their specified cohort A/B day.
Cohort C will be remote on specified days & assignments are due that Friday. PE classes will be inside and/or outside. Be prepared for outside at all times.
BE PREPARED FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Please be prepared for outside activities during PE & Recess. When we utilize the fields, the grass might be wet, students may bring in an extra pair of socks/shoes to change into if they feel it's necessary.
Sneakers
It is important for students to wear sneakers that cover the toes & heels for physical education class so they can participate safely in the activities. Dresses must wear shorts or tights underneath.
Uniforms
No uniforms are required until further notice!
Injuries or Medical Notes
Please hand all medical/injuries notes into our school nurse Ms. Smith.
PLEASE WRITE STUDENTS NAME ON WATER BOTTLES!
Folsom Athletic Department
Cross Country information for boys & girls in grades 5th-8th was distributed this week.
Please be sure all SPORT PHYSICALS are completed, forms can be found on the Folsom school website.
We’re looking to schedule a virtual parent/coaches meeting to explain procedures and expectations.
Ms. De Sordi
Physical Education Teacher/Athletic director
Child Care Assistance Information
Project Child Find
Folsom School Apparel
Reminders
All personal items need to be labeled with your students name. Unidentified items not picked up will be donated.
A Driver License or Photo ID is needed when entering the school.
When sending payments in with your child, PLEASE send it in an envelope labeled with your child's name, homeroom teacher, and what the payment is for. CASH should never be sent in for Cafeteria payments. Visit the Parent Portal to make on line payments for lunch.
Anytime you are changing your child's dismissal routine, please send in a note.
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/