The News Flash
Florence Twp. School District -- 2020-2021 -- #28
Reopening Plan Phase II UPDATE!
Dear FTSD School Community:
As previously notified, at the Monday, March 22nd Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the following updates to the Reopening Plan:
● The entire Florence Township School District will remain virtual from April 12th – April 16th following the recommendation of the Burlington County Department of Health to have “virtual-only” classes immediately after spring break;
● Merge Blue/Gold cohorts during permitted County Risk Levels starting April 19th;
● Maintain the current bell schedule (no changes will be made to arrival/dismissal times);
● Adjustment of seating for students to be 3-6 feet for social distancing.
As we return with the merged cohorts, we will continue with our safety procedures in place,
specifically:
● Staff shall follow 6 feet social distancing;
● Daily health screenings to be completed prior to arrival on campus;
● Masks must be worn while on the school campus, school pick-up/drop off, and during the bus ride;
● Plexiglass dividers will be provided for each student and staff member;
● Students’ seats will face in the same direction; and
● Maintain air flow in the classrooms to the maximum extent possible, including opening windows and maintaining unit ventilators in the "on" position.
Please note an important update from the NJDOH Middle/High Schools: While in High-Risk Level (Orange level or Red level), districts are to consider in-person instruction if able to maximize physical distancing of 6 feet or more. Recommend 6 feet of physical distancing between students to the maximum extent practicable with strict adherence to mask-wearing. If we are not able to maintain the 6 feet or more social distancing with our merged cohorts we will need to resort back to our hybrid blue/gold weeks.
Burlington County has recently been identified to be at the Orange (high) level. As a community, we must work together! We need your help to stop the spread of Covid-19.
EMP/EDP Space IS Available:
If your child is in grades K-6th and may need Early Morning Program (EMP) services and/or Extended Day Program (EDP) services upon the merger of cohorts, please complete the survey link bit.ly/FTSD_EDPReopen This is a tuition-based program. We ask that interested families please complete this survey no later than Wednesday, March 31th so that we can plan accordingly. This data is critical for district planning purposes.
The District Pandemic Team will continue to meet regularly to review policies and procedures and will monitor and possibly adjust our plan based on the health trends or new information. Please continue to check your email, our FTSD website and social media for ongoing updates.
Thank you for your continued patience and support!
Sincerely,
Dr. Donna Ambrosius
Superintendent of Schools
2020-2021 School Calendar Update:
Clarification
The 2020-2021 school calendar has 2 built-in snow days, the 1st snow day is May 28th and the 2nd snow day is June 1st. We did use one snow day this year. Therefore, the district will be open on May 28, 2021 for students and staff. The district will be closed for staff and students on Tuesday, June 1st.
If you have any questions please contact your building principal.
2021-2022 School District Calendar Released
What's Happening in FTSD:
27 - Roebling Family Math Morning
30 - FTSD Virtual Hiring Event
31 - EMP/EDP Needs Survey due
April
1 - Light up the District Blue for Autism Awareness
2-9 - Spring Break
5 - Roebling PTO Meeting
12 - FTMHS PO Meeting
12-16 - District Wide Virtual Week
19 - Blue & Gold Cohorts return
14 - Riverfront PTO Meeting
16 - Report Cards posted on Genesis for Riverfront/FTMHS
26 - Board of Education Meeting
Spring Break Travel Reminder
With Spring Break just around the corner, we want to remind our FTSD community that maintaining the health and safety of our school community is of utmost importance, particularly during this unprecedented pandemic situation. Providing a safe environment is a partnership between parents/guardians and the school district.
Please note that the state of New Jersey still strongly discourages all non-essential, out-of-state travel at this time. Travelers and residents returning from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodgings following recommendations from the CDC:
- If travel is unavoidable, travelers should consider getting tested with a viral test (not an antibody test) 1-3 days before the trip and again 3-5 days after the trip.
- If travelers test positive, they should self-isolate for at least 10 days and should postpone travel during that time.
- If travelers test negative, they should quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
- If testing is not available (or if the results are delayed), travelers should quarantine for 10 days after travel.
FTSD has put into place many measures to keep our students and staff safe while they are in school. As always we ask that our parents and guardians help to prevent the spread of COVID, as well as other illnesses by:
- Following the COVID-19 checklist guidelines
- Reporting to the nurse if your child or any household member tests positive for COVID, or if they have an actual or suspected COVID exposure
- Keeping your child home when they are sick,
- Promptly picking your child up if they become sick at school,
- Alerting the school nurse about any planned travel to discuss the required post-quarantine guideline, prior to sending your child back to school
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your school nurse for guidance. As always we truly appreciate your cooperation!
2021 Flashes Fun 8 Week Summer Camp
Our 8 week-long fun-filled Summer Camp is a semi-structured, group-orientated, full-day program (7:00 am TO 5:00 pm) for children currently enrolled in grades K-6. Campers are broken down into groups (by grade level) where we host various age-appropriate activities both indoors and outdoors such as daily swimming at Mercer County Community College (contingent upon COVID-19 restrictions), weekly field trips, Singing/dancing, Arts & Crafts, Sports/Physical Education/Group games, STEM/creativity activities, board games/ bingo, weekly themed events, special guests/workshops and much more!
Cost:
***NON REFUNDABLE $100 DEPOSIT due by May 15th
Full Session -- 8 week camp (June 22nd-August 13th) -- $1,700
Session 1 -- 4 week camp (June 22nd-July 16th) -- $900
Session 2 -- 4 week camp (July 19th-August 13th) -- $900
To register please click on this link -- https://forms.gle/FjQwAPQfT23Uz8ei6
Please be advised that COVID-19 conditions in our community will drive the extent that the Flashes Fun Summer Camp may operate based upon the New Jersey Health Department's guidelines.
For more information, contact Gina Dunphy, EMP/EDP Coordinator at gdunphy@florence.k12.nj.us
Preschool Registration is OPEN!
The Florence Township Public School District has preschool openings for 3 and 4-year-olds during the 2021-2022 school year. This Preschool Program is enrolled based on a lottery for general education students. Classes meet 5 days a week for 2 ½ hours per day at the Roebling School from (Session 1: 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) or (Session 2 11:35 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.). To be considered for the Preschool Lottery for Tuition students please complete the form.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CXyxZnRjwUp8CI3oAHrtSm7lW1Pz8UzcCFVTbU-xy_c/edit?usp=sharing
Special Education Parent Advisory Group Survey
Please complete this survey to assist in planning for our initial SEPAG meeting!
A Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) gives parents the opportunity to provide direct input to their school district about policies, programs, practices, and services that have an impact on students with disabilities and their families. An effective SEPAG can increase the proactive involvement of families by inviting input that can be used to shape local special education policy. Please RSVP to join us!
FTMHS Announces Spring Musical
FTMHS students interested in ACTING? LIGHTING? SOUND? PAINTING? COSTUMES? CREW? PROPS should check out the following information!
- VIRTUAL INTEREST MEETING: Friday, March 26th @ 1pm
- FLIPGRID AUDITIONS DUE: Sunday, April 11th by 11:59 pm
- VIRTUAL CALLBACKS : will be held April 15th/16th
Meet link and more info can be found in our Google Classroom - please join if interest in CAST or CREW:
https://classroom.google.com/c/Mjk3MTIyMjc4NjA1?cjc=5npvc6h
More details/information regarding the show coming soon!
Florence Athletics Update:
Spring Sports Start Dates
Tennis: March 26th
Softball: Pitchers and Catchers March 29th Full Team: April 1st
Baseball: Pitchers and Catchers March 26th Full Team: April 1st
Boys and Girls Track and Field: April 1st
Winter Sports Record Update
Boys Basketball (7-7)
Girls Basketball (6-4)
Volleyball (3-2)
Unified Basketball (0-1)
***As a reminder, for indoor sports we are only allowing two parent/guardian spectators per home player. The NJSIAA is allowing only parents/guardians at this time. No other siblings/students are allowed at this time. If something were to change we would be sure to update the Florence community. If you can't make the game follow all of our home games on our Youtube Channel.
YouTube Channel: FTSD Athletics
A link is below and updates will be sent closer to each event:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WZcirf0SlamaRXRdkWq4g.
Online Sports Registration
https://florence-ar.rschooltoday.com/
Physical Forms
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_hBiP4XFZDfaktuck1YNW9xM1k/view
Please contact the athletic office with any questions.
Kyle Kaminskas, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal --Extension 4150
Mary Ellen Cassidy, AD Secretary (609)-499-4620, Extension 4149
Audrey Tannenbaum, Athletic Trainer--Extension 4154.
John Cogan, Principal--Extension 4202.
Maria E. Sadar, Vice Principal--Extension 4204.
Also, make sure to follow us for up-to-date Athletic information on our Facebook page @FlorenceAthletics and our Twitter Account @FTSD_athletics. LET’S GO FLASHES!
Visit the Florence Athletic Schedule Website for game dates, times, locations, and any changes due to weather.
GO FLASHES!
Flashes Calming Corner
Everyone (children & adults alike) need a little mental relaxation and downtime. Check out our FTSD "Calming Corner" to listen to music, calm down with some coloring, or try yoga. Our Flashes Calming Corner can help you!
https://www.florence.k12.nj.us/flashes-corner/flashes-corner
Order Your 2020-21 Yearbook
Get your yearbook before they run out! See the information below:
ROEBLING: Order by clicking the link -- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqN-qvEWPd0186lpKjMP7p0YISGIQ3dXez3xh4X-fQuQU8gw/viewform
RIVERFRONT: Go to http://ybpay.lifetouch.com and enter code 6798921 to order your yearbook
FTMHS: Order by clicking the link --https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1562364/Florence-Township-Memorial-High-School/
FTSD Virtual Hiring Event -- March 30th
Yearly Equity Focus
September - Introduction to equity in our school
October - Latino American Heritage
November - Indiginous people
December - Human Rights/Socioeconomic
January - Individuals with Disabilities
February - African American
March - Women’s History
April - Muslim Culture (beginning of Ramadan)
May - Mental Health Awareness
June - Wrap up/Family Make-up
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS & COMMUNITY:
FTMHS PO WAWA Shorti Hoagie Coupons Fundraiser:
The Florence Twp. Memorial H.S. PO is sponsoring a WAWA Shorti Hoagie Coupon sale. See below for more detailed information! Coupons will be sent home w/ your child or dropped off/mailed to you at your request (see form).
TO ORDER CLICK HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoV6ivsAszsK_xOgPQKjrFXJaEtjW4BQEw3PexZtjMvDqiyg/viewform
FTMHS PO Flag Fundraiser:
Show your school spirit and order a Florence Flashes house or garden flag to decorate your lawn, house or give as a gift. See below for more details.
TO ORDER CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/mWRsZCHZdsVQZb9Z8FTMHS PO Prom Tux Fundraiser:
It's almost prom time -- May 20th to be exact! Get your tuxes ordered soon! For every tux rented at Princeton Tuxedo (near the Quaker Bridge Mall) $10 goes back to the PO! See flyer for more details.
Riverfront PTO Spring Flower Fundraiser
Checks should be made payable to Florence Township School District or you can Venmo @FTRSPTO Please put a note stating the payment is for the flowers.
TO ORDER CLICK HERE:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHGLWRGJzMHyrZspRarvEt7vXgWejIMnnI00k1KDeSU9NbhA/viewform
Roebling PTO Hershey Park Ticket Sale:
The Roebling PTO is hosting a Hershey Park Discounted Ticket Fundraiser.
See below for more detailed information. TO ORDER CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/B4PFNL5tpKp2CodL8