HTSD Newsletter
Back To School Edition: September 2018
2018-19 Theme: Today is Your Day to Make a Difference
Welcome to a New School Year
Dear HTSD Community,
It was a very busy summer in our school district as referendum projects were started, routine maintenance and repairs were completed, and new faculty and staff members were recruited and hired. With summer work completed and a new year beginning, I'd like to welcome you and your children to the 2018-1019 school year. Every member of our school district is excited to start a new year and work with your children.
Our district's theme is Today is Your Day to Make a Difference. When I spoke to faculty and staff members at our opening meetings, I discussed how this theme can take root and grow in every school, in every class, for every student. Join us in making a difference by becoming a part of your school's community, whether this means becoming a member of the PTA, attending parent/teacher conferences, or volunteering at a school event. Together, we can make a difference.
As members of the HTSD community, you can also help us make a difference as our district confronts chronic absenteeism. As you can see from the graphic below, chronic absenteeism impacts all school districts. In fact, it is a prominent educational issue in all of New Jersey's twenty-one counties. How can you help with chronic absenteeism? Please ensure that your children are on time for school every day unless they are sick. Quite simply, a missed school day is a lost opportunity to learn. We truly believe that working together as a school community, we can all make a difference in our students' learning each and every day they are in school.
I wish you and your children a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Scott Rocco
Superintendent
2018-19 School Calendar
Update from Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mr. Anthony Scotto
High School Update
Students enrolled in certain mathematics courses will have new textbooks this year. Over the summer, the District purchased new student and teacher resources for Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles and also for Statistics.
In an effort to assist incoming Freshmen with a successful transition to Algebra I, the District ran a "Summer Bridge to Algebra I" Summer Program. Using an online program called Imagine Learning, identified students were able to review prerequisite skills/concepts for this September.
Middle School Update
The District continues to improve technology education for all students. Over the last seven months, the District has provided technology (computer) teachers with intensive training in the area of G-Suite (also known as Google Apps for Education); in addition, the curriculum was revised to align with 21st Century Technology Experiences. We are very excited that our students will experience the "power" of Google to enhance their learning in all content areas and further enhance their college and career readiness experiences.
The EPBL Classes are also experiencing a change this year. Students will begin to utilize resources through Code.org to enhance their foundational knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM). The District recognizes the importance of strengthening students' awareness and interest to further pursue opportunities in the areas of Computer Programming, Engineering, Digital Media, and so much more...
For more information about Google and/or Code.org, please click the link below:
Elementary Update
It's year three of the District's implementation of the Fundations Program. This year, the program has expanded to 2nd Grade. We are thrilled that all K-2 students will experience multi-sensory learning to strengthen phonemic awareness and phonics.
Students in Grades Three through Five will utilize the Schoolwide Reading Program. The first few weeks has the teacher establish routines for a literacy-rich classroom environment. In addition, through the use of "mentor texts," the students will deepen their understanding of skills and strategies needed for fiction, non-fiction, writing, and grammar.
For more information about the Fundations Program and/or Schoolwide Reading Program, please click the links below:
Where are they now?
Post Graduation Plans - Class of 2018
Steinert High School
Four-year Colleges & Universities: 49%
Two-year Colleges: 40%
Employment: 6%
Vocational/Professional Training: 0%
Military: 1%
Undecided/Alternate Plans: 4%
Nottingham High School
Four-year Colleges & Universities: 45%
Two-year Colleges: 44%
Employment: 2%
Vocational/Professional Training: 5%
Military: 4%
Hamilton West High School
Four-year Colleges & Universities: 28.5%
Two-year Colleges: 49.3%
Employment: 15.3%
Vocational/Professional Training: 1.7%
Military: 3.5%
Undecided/Alternate Plans: 1.7%
Referendum Update
We are currently updating our referendum page on the district's website with before and after pictures of summer work. These pictures will be available by the end of the month.
Chronic Absenteeim
A Department of Education report states:
"Education can only fulfill its promise as the great equalizer—a force that can overcome differences in privilege and background—when we work to ensure that students are in school every day and receive the support they need to learn and thrive.
At the same time, we know that many students experience tremendous adversity in their lives—including poverty, health challenges, community violence, and difficult family circumstances—that make it difficult for them to take advantage of the opportunity to learn at school.
Students who are chronically absent—meaning they miss at least 15 days of school in a year—are at serious risk of falling behind in school."
2018 HTSD Back To School Nights
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Hamilton North High School
Hamilton West High School
HEP
Monday, September 17, 2018
Greenwood Elementary
McGalliard Elementary
Mercerville Elementary
Robinson Elementary
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Sayen Elementary
Sunnybrae Elementary
Yardville Elementary
Yardville Heights Elementary
Monday, September 24, 2018
Alexander Elementary
Kisthardt Elementary
Klockner Elementary
Kuser Elementary
Langtree Elementary
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Lalor Elementary
Morgan Elementary
University Heights Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Crockett Middle School
Grice Middle School
Reynolds Middle School
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Hamilton East High School
Welcome Incoming Class of 2018-19 New HTSD Teachers!
Mentor Day
HTSD is so excited to welcome the Three Doctors Foundation to Crockett Middle School on September 15th for Mentor Day. Please see link below to register for this extraordinary event.
Saturday, Sep 15, 2018, 10:00 AM
Crockett Middle School, Kuser Road, Hamilton Township, NJ, USA
Fall Sports @HTSD! Come out and support our talented athletes & musicians!
Click below to view each school's fall Athletic Calendars:
HTSD is BACK TO SCHOOL!
HTSD Social Media: GET CONNECTED!
Hamilton Township School District is on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Emergency School Closing Information
Hamilton Township School District
Email: lgeltch@hamilton.k12.nj.us
Website: https://www.hamilton.k12.nj.us
Location: 90 Park Avenue, Hamilton Township, NJ, USA
Phone: (609) 631-4100
Facebook: facebook.com/WeAreHTSD/
Twitter: @WeAreHTSD