Falcon Flyer
January 2024
High School
Robotics Team Wins Competition
On January 13th, the JTHS Robotics team, led by Ms. Joyce Seifried and Mrs. Sherry Moore, triumphed at the Vex Robotics Sparta Blitz competition at Sparta High School. In only their second competition with Vex Robotics, our Falcons placed 11th out of 66 teams from across the entire state of New Jersey. They are next in action at South Brunswick High School on Saturday, February 3rd. Keep up the great work, Robotics!
November Falcon Pride Student Recognition Award
Congratulations to our November Falcon Pride Students of the Month: Anthony Prunty and Kristen Silipena. Nominated by Mrs. Montgomery, "Kristen works tirelessly to better herself and those around her. She takes time out of her own schedule to volunteer in the community. She is a fabulous member of PDP. Even though she sustained an injury prior to soccer season, she showed up and helped the team by doing stats and supporting them in any way possible. She is kind, considerate, and a leader in the building." Nominated by multiple staff members, "Anthony has worked extremely hard and showed great grit between his junior and senior year of high school. He has become a leader around the building, and is always courteous and kind to his teachers and classmates. As a student athlete, he sets an example for hard work, discipline, and striving to do the right thing."
December Falcon Pride Student Recognition Award
Nominated by Mrs. Daken, Alexa Smeilus is a kind, compassionate, and dedicated member of the student community. "Alexa is the epitome of a positive, strong student - always prepared, ready to discuss, and eager to learn. She is not afraid to show enthusiasm, even if the book or topic is unpopular and is unafraid to think about her own ideas''. Nominated by Mrs. Kula, Stephanie Ragrag is a leader in many ways in the student community. "Stephanie is a dynamo. She is President of the student council, NHS, and FBLA. She is always at all of the meetings, and truly works to fulfill the goals of all three organizations. On top of these obligations, she is also a stellar student, taking six AP classes, and earning A's in all of them". Stephanie & Alexa will both receive custom t-shirts, certificates, and $10 gift cards courtesy of the Jefferson Diner.
Congratulations Girls Basketball
Girls' Basketball is celebrating two recent milestones. Coach James MacDermid won his 200th game as Head Coach when Lady Falcons beat Wayne Hills and Emily Poulas set a school record with 195 3-pointers in an overtime win over Glen Rock.
Middle School
Open for Business: Jefferson Java
JTMS presents Jefferson Java! This is a school-run coffee business with a dual purpose to educate students about the fundamentals of running a small business and to promote social inclusion and skill development among students with disabilities. Students involved in Jefferson Java take on various roles, such as baristas, managers, accountants, and marketing specialists. They learn about budgeting, inventory management, marketing strategies, and customer service, while gaining valuable real-world experience. The business operates within the school, offering a safe and controlled environment for students to apply their knowledge. What sets Jefferson Java apart is its unique partnership with students with disabilities. These students work alongside their peers, fostering friendships, and creating an inclusive atmosphere. By engaging with customers and assisting in various tasks, students develop essential social and communication skills while gaining a sense of accomplishment. This project not only imparts entrepreneurial knowledge but also promotes empathy, understanding, and inclusiveness within the school community.
Spirit Week
Congratulations to Mrs. Decker’s, Mrs. Studnick’s, and Ms. Hackett’s homerooms for winning the spirit theme competition. Thank you to Wawa of Lake Hopatcong for donating donuts to our school.
Students of the Month
JTMS Students of the Month for December 2023: Congratulations for being recognized for your trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
- Grade 6 - Brayden Rossi & Caden Sannazzaro
- Grade 7 - LeeAnne Chlopik & Ethan Fugel
- Grade 8 - Logan Zimmer & Madison Zichelli
Stanlick
Band & Chorus Winter Performance
Our 4th & 5th grade band and chorus students performed excellently at their winter concerts. The students showcased their talents through their instruments and voices, demonstrating all they have learned from our outstanding music staff. Mrs. Kirschner and Ms. Heitmann did an outstanding job preparing our students for these performances.
Lego Education
Representatives from Lego Education spent two days with three teachers piloting new Lego resources for teachers. Our teachers taught a Lego lesson and the students were engaged in the STEM challenge. Additionally, Lego Education donated six Lego Education Spike Essential kits to Arthur Stanlick, which will be used during our STEM Club and in the Media Center.
White Rock
Fourth Grade Cookie Bake
After several math lessons on measurement, the children in 4th grade baked cookies for area families in need. The students felt a sense of pride, caring, and achievement for helping members of the community in a positive way.
Just Dance
As a hightech way to encourage more exercise, a Just Dance Tournament was held to determine a grade level and teacher champion. Special thanks to Mr. Reid for making the event possible.
Briggs
Thank You, Donors Choose!
Two staff members recently received items funded through Donors Choose. Mrs. Vera received a Lakeshore Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs set and Ms. Milan received a table harp, musical marble tower, and a djembe drum. The students are really enjoying these additional learning materials.
Food Pantry Donations
Briggs School, in conjunction with Daisy Troop 98749 collected canned goods and nonperishable items for the Our Lady Star of the Sea food pantry. The Briggs community was very generous with their donations and we are proud of the help we were able to give to the local food bank.
Cozy Lake
ABCs and 123s
Mrs. Garay's class has been doing great, transitioning back to school after the holiday break. They continue to work on their letters, numbers, counting, and rhyming.
Preschool Exercise
The students from Mrs. Povinelli’s preschool class have embraced their new unit of study, Exercise, by participating in daily group workouts and yoga activities. They are identifying healthy foods and ways to keep their minds and bodies healthy.
Snowstorm Strikes Cozy Lake
Ms.Hunter's preschool class had a (snow)ball time during a recent "Cozy Snow Storm".
District Employment Opportunities
Work Where Your Child Learns!
Are you looking for a part-time job with hours to fit perfectly with your child's school schedule?
Jefferson Township Public Schools is now hiring dedicated individuals like you to join our team.
- Substitute School Nurse INCREASED RATE! $250/day!
- Special Education Aide INCREASED RATE! $21/hour!
- School Bus Aide
- School Bus Driver