BEN Bolt News
October 2021 edition
Principal's Corner
It is hard to believe that one month of school has been completed and we are about to enter October where we will FALL into Halloween Festivities, School Pictures, Start Strong Diagnostic Testing for Fourth and Fifth grade, Title 1 Family Night (Camp Smores) and co-curricular clubs. It feels like yesterday that your children were arriving for the first day of school. I hope this past month has been a positive experience for our entire community.
It is evident that our students are working hard along with the staff, as our daily routines and procedures have been internalized thus creating a positive learning environment. Our enrollment continues to grow as we have 600 students attending the HOME OF THE BOLTS. While we are placing more demands on your children and placing higher expectations on them than ever before, I hope you are also feeling positive about your child’s growth and development as we forge ahead. It continues to be our goal to develop all of our students into passionate, confident, lifelong learners who have competence and strength of character, and to realize their aspirations as they contribute to a diverse and ever changing world.
It is always great to look back on the first month of the year as it allows time for us to reflect on the hard work and fun that has been on-going at our school. It is important to remember that this is only the beginning, and the harder work is just ahead for all of us.
Speaking of reflection,I wanted to remind everyone that there is no reason to park when arriving at school in the morning. Please drive up to the crosswalk and discharge your child on the fence side of the crosswalk area. This will limit the amount of pedestrian traffic which slows down the flow of cars exiting the property. You may also drop off at the front entrance which is highly encouraged for third and fourth grade students. When exiting the property please be considerate of the vans and busses and please make a right turn only as this will allow you to make a safe exit. If it is necessary to park, please park in a parking spot; not on the hill or the sides of the parking lot or the gravel area as this causes congestion and blocks cars from entering and exiting safely.
The front parking lot is reserved for staff only and may not be used during arrival or dismissal.
Please Note: The first bell rings at 8:40 and the LATE BELL is 8:55. Starting in October, the doors will shut at 8:55. If you are late, you will be required to bring your child to the main entrance to be signed in Tardy.
During the month of September we have continued to be conscious of our school theme, “ BE A BOLT, LET YOUR LIGHTNING SHINE". In October we will be celebrating the Week of Respect with various activities that will teach students to think beyond themselves and learn that respecting others impacts not only the community in a positive way, but makes them better people. We are so pleased how the students continue to learn the importance of Respect as they strive to make our community and the world a wonderful place.
So, as we prepare for fall and the months ahead, please continue to be our partners by keeping your children focused on the characteristics of what it means to “BE A BOLT”. Please keep involved, be our partners and be part of the team.
I am sure by working together, we can continue to move forward and ensure the school year will be filled with stories of success.
Thank you for your continued support!
Steven Preville, PRINCIPAL
Assistant Principal's Corner
Dear BEN Bolt Community,
It has been a busy start to the school year and I hope that everyone is staying healthy and well.
A few reminders:
1. Week of Respect is taking place from October 4-8, 2021. Please see our Week of Respect flyer below.
2. Fourth and Fifth grade students are taking the ELA and Math Start Strong Test October 12 and 13. A copy of the district letter notifying parents of the upcoming assessments has been provided to you below.
3. We are looking forward to hosting our first Title 1 ELA family night meeting and more information in regards to Camp S'more is available for you in the flyer below.
4. the Free and Reduced lunch application is due on October 19, 2021. Here is the link: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict. We ask that everyone fill out the application because as a Title 1 application there is important funding that is provided to us based on the data and information that is collected.
In addition, application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals is still available and is used to determine eligibility for P-EBT benefits, transportation benefits, state funding, and other funding.
Lastly, if you have changed your email address or phone number we ask that you please let us know and you can send this updated information to Mrs. Donovan at robin.donovan@edison.k12.nj.us. In case of an emergency we do need to have your most updated contact information.
Thank you,
Dr. Nieves
Important District Information
Start Strong- October 12 and 13, 2021
Covid Exclusion Chart for Parents- District Guidelines and Protocols
Student Device Insurance Information
We highly recommend you purchase insurance for your child's school device, as the cost for fixing/repairing a device is costly and accidents do happen as students are using their devices. Here is the insurance page: BEN Franklin Insurance Page
Please follow the link to the Ben insurance page and please purchase insurance for each of your student's devices. Below you will find a document which provides you the specific device information for each grade level.
You will need your child's device to complete the insurance application, please email your child's teacher and request that they send home the device with them for an evening so that you can locate the serial number and Edison Township BOE number on the device.
Thank you!
Book of the month
"It's Pumpkin Day, Mouse!" by Laura Numeroff
"Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun" By: Bruce Goldstone
Fun Family Activity
Easy Paper Pumpkin Craft
Fall Crafts
UPCOMING DATES and information
October 2nd, 2021: School Custodian Appreciation Day
October 4-8th, 2021: Respect WeekOctober 6th, 2021: Single Session Day/ Professional Development
October 8th, 2021: School Spirit Day
October 8th, 2021: Family Meetings (more details to come)
October 12th, 2021: NJSLA, Start Strong, ELA 4-5th grade
October 12th, 2021: Family Meetings (more details to come)
October 13th, 2021: NJSLA, Start Strong, Math 4-5th grade
October 14th, 2021: Reading under the Stars, Camp S'more event, virtual- 6-7 pm
October 15th, 2021: School Spirit Day
October 19th, 2021: Family Meetings (more details to come)
October 22nd, 2021: School Spirit Day
October 26th, 2021: PM Studios- Student Pictures
October 27th, 2021: PM Studios- Staff Pictures 8:30 am, and Student pictures
October 29th, 2021: Halloween Parades