Folsom School News
April 2021
Greetings Folsom School Community!
Dear Folsom Families,
We hope everyone enjoyed Spring Break and are ready for a successful transition to students returning for 5 full days per week starting on Monday, April 12, 2021. Please refer to the March 25th letter that outlines a few reminders in preparation for a safe transition to the next phase. In anticipation of April 12th, I believe it is important to reflect on the achievements the Folsom School Community has shown over the past year.
We have all heard the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child" which means that an entire community of people must interact with children in order for them to grow in a safe and healthy environment. This proverb rings true today at Folsom – I am inspired each day with how the entire school community has come together with a common purpose during such challenging times. Since last March, we have met every obstacle head on with the goal of putting children first.
I am confident to say that you will not find a more empathetic and caring staff than here at Folsom. The same can be said of our families. You have been tested this year like never before. The title of parent is the most special designation you can have but as we learned this year it does not come with an updated instruction manual for times like these. We are grateful for your efforts and partnership in your child’s education.
In closing, I want to highlight one group of individuals that are behind the scenes, but at the forefront of ensuring a safe school environment. Since the start of the school year, the custodial staff continues to go above and beyond with ensuring that Folsom School is safe for the staff and students each day. During the past few weeks, the custodial staff has done a tremendous job in preparing the classrooms for the next phase. A special thank you to supervisor Mr. Ron Losse and his team consisting of Mr. Parzanese Jr., Mr. Parzanese Sr., Mr. Tomasella, and Mr. Peterson.
Go Falcons!
Respectfully,
Matthew Mazzoni, Ed.D.
Superintendent
We Are All In This Together
2021-2022 School Calendar
April's Character Trait
February Falcons of the Month
Gianna Cavallaro
Kindergarten
Alexandra Petway
1st grade
James Sessions
2nd Grade
Jaiden Montalvo
Chloe Bailey
Raychel Johnson
Logan Kenkelen
Jordan Poore
Cara Rivera
Kindergarten – FOLSOM RESIDENTS ONLY
Friday, April 9th
&
Friday, April 16th
Kindergarten –Students who are, or will be, 5 years old on or before October 1, 2021 are eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2021.
All Folsom resident parents/guardians registering new Pre-K students in the Folsom School District must supply 3 proofs of residency (ex: driver’s license, mortgage or lease agreement, utility bill). Childs birth certificate and health/shot records are also required.
To schedule an appointment contact Mrs. Smith, School Nurse, at 609-561-8666 ext. 119.
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program
We are excited to announce that ALL students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch through June 2021. We are encouraging ALL students to take advantage of this benefit as this greatly helps our cafeteria.
With the return to 5 full days per week, beginning April 12th, the students attending in person will receive their free meals while in school. On Thursdays, all students will be given meals for 2 days (Saturday & Sunday) to take home with them. For the remote students only, we will continue to have meals available for pickup on Wednesdays from 10 am – 2 pm. The meals can be picked up outside the Cafeteria, by Door 14. There will be a sign indicating where to wait. We ask that everyone please ring the door bell by door 14 for assistance.
Again, all meals are free to ALL students through June 2021 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
Our 5th grade classes recently shared their endangered species creative writing and art pieces.
Each student must choose one of the endangered or threatened wildlife species that lives in New Jersey, create artwork with this animal as the subject, and write a creative, persuasive essay.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Michele L. Hetzel M. Ed.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Folsom School District
609-561-8666 ext. 120
Nurse's Notes
An adult, NEVER a student, must bring all medication, over-the-counter, prescription, eye drops, creams and or cough drops to school. Please contact Nurse Smith with questions.
Gym notes: A parent can ONLY write an excuse once per trimester. A doctor’s note to excuse gym is needed and a doctor’s note to resume participation in gym is needed.
If your child is experiencing a new dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/or smell keep home and see their doctor.
If you child is experiencing TWO or more of any of the other symptoms, keep home and see their doctor.
Reminder...
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
Click link for technology tips and tricks: https://www.smore.com/f2p50
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.
Hello Families,
As we prepare to start full time school, children may need assistance transitioning. As we have all learned this past year, change can be hard. Whether it's big changes like moving to a new town or small changes like moving from one activity to the next, transitions are hard. There are strategies that can help prevent meltdowns and anxiety in children.
Transition Strategies for Kids:
- Prepare them. Guide children in how they should expect their day to go ahead of time.
- A visual schedule can be helpful. Seeing what to expect and what is coming next can improve anxiety for some children.\
- A visual timer or countdown system can also be extremely helpful.
- Offer breaks. Think of these breaks as a transition bridge. These breaks could be a quick walk, a healthy snack, coloring or drawing, but children should avoid using their phone, video games or tablets (as it may be extra hard to transition back into their schoolwork).
For more tips on how to combat anxiety in children, please visit the Counselor's Corner google classroom page or feel free to contact me.
Class code: e2qxryb
Mrs. Sarah Doherty M.ED
School Counselor / Anti-Bullying Specialist
Phone: (609) 561-8666 ext 123
Email: SDoherty@folsomschool.org
Physical Education and Athletic Department
“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”
FITNESS TIPS: Tips to stay healthy
Stay active: The gyms may not be open, however, there are lots of safe alternatives to getting physical activity without going against the preventive best practices
Diet and nutrition: Practicing self-discipline and avoiding “emotional eating” due to stress that may be related to the drastic changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic
Stay connected: Talking with loved ones while in isolation can help reduce the anxiety and instances of feeling down
SOME FITNESS RESOURCES TO KEEP ACTIVE FOR LIFE:
· Go Noodle: Includes weekly activities on video as well as additional permanent videos. Also has an app with “video games” that require movement. http://family.gonoodle.com
· OPEN: Online Physical Education Network https://openphysed.org/activeschools/activehome
· Play works: Play at Home. https://www.playworks.org/get-involved/play-at-home/
· FIT Kids Home Fitness Program: https://fitkids.org/homeworkouts/
DON’T FORGET FOR PHYS. ED DAY: SNEAKERS, JACKETS, AND WATER BOTTLES
INJURIES or MEDICAL NOTES
Medical/injuries notes are submitted to office/Nurse Smith
Folsom Falcons Athletic Department
SOFTBALL: CO-ED 7th and 8th grade Folsom only
In house practice and game.
See Coach Passalaqua or Coach Burton for Information
Dates to Remember
9th
Kindergarten Registration
12th
Falcons Spirit Day! Wear your Folsom Spirit Wear!
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
13th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
14th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
15th
Virtual Academic Support 6:30-7:30 pm
16th
Kindergarten Registration
19th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
20th
Spring Pictures!
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
21st
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
22nd
Virtual Academic Support 6:30-7:30 pm
26th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
27th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
Board of Education Meeting 6:00 pm
28th
Academic Support 3:30-4:30 pm
29th
Virtual Academic Support 6:30-7:30 pm
Child Care Assistance Information
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/