Pine Hill School District News
June 2019
DISTRICT ENEWSLETTER
In an effort to enhance communication between students, parents and the community, the Pine Hill School District has begun distributing an electronic newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it!
A MESSAGE FROM DR. KEN KOCZUR, SUPERINTENDENT
On behalf of the Pine Hill Board of Education, I would like to congratulate the 2018-2019 Pine Hill School District Teachers of the Year. These outstanding educators demonstrate the highest level of professional commitment and skill in their work with students and their colleagues. Please join me in celebrating their accomplishments at the September 17, 2019 Board of Education meeting. At this meeting, each teacher will receive a Golden Apple Award to commemorate their work with children.
- JoAnne Curley, Dr. Albert Bean School
- Angela Pereira, John Glenn School
- Nicole Moyers, Pine Hill Middle School
- Lauren DeLucas, Overbrook High School
2018 - 2019 Teachers of the Year
In this photo (left to right): JoAnne Curley, Nicole Moyers, Lauren DeLucas, Angela Pereira
Vietnam Veteran Receives Overbrook HS Diploma 50 Years Later
The Overbrook High School Class of 2019 welcomed one extra graduate in their processional on June 17th. Retired Army Sgt. George H. Schaefer Jr. of Pine Hill would have graduated from Overbrook High School in 1969. However, he enlisted in the United States Army and never received a high school diploma. He earned a GED while in the service. During his time in the United States Army, Mr. Schaefer served two tours in Vietnam. This year marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of his high school graduation. Mr. Schaefer was presented with his Overbrook High School diploma during Overbrook's 79th Annual Commencement Ceremony. Click the links below to see news coverage.
Courier Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Fox 29, CBS 3, NBC 10, ABC 6
Middle School Renaissance Program Highlights
The Pine Hill Middle School Renaissance Program participants had an exciting year! The students loved watching the movie “Wonder” while enjoying snacks earlier this year. This was followed by an exciting opportunity for gold and blue card holders to enjoy a special trip to New York City where they were able to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The students were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty herself on the way to our destination. For the second rally of the year, the students played the PHMS edition of “Family Feud”. The students were often surprised at some of the answers provided by their peers!
Fine Arts Rule the Night
John Glenn’s Annual Fine Arts Night was a combination of creative sights and sounds. Being a superhero was the theme of the evening. Third and fourth grade students sang the Avengers and Batman theme songs while the band played “Heroes” and “Ode to a Superhero”. As the music played, parents and students walked the hallways to view beautiful artwork that included hero portraits, hero shields, and hero cityscapes. In the music room, students could step on a musical floor. Finally, the Pine Hill Police Department stepped in as real superheroes to scoop delicious ice cream for our guests. It was a wonderful evening filled with heroic sounds, heroic art work, and real life heroes.
Standout Seniors
It is always wonderful when hard working students are acknowledged by individuals both in the district as well as out of the district for the accomplishments. This year two Overbrook High School seniors were acknowledged for their accomplishments during their high school careers.
Mustafa Adisa is a senior that was awarded "Most Improved" from the Camden County Freeholders for the 2018-2019 school year. This award is included in “The Best of the Class” program for Camden County. The staff at Overbrook are extremely proud of his focus and accomplishment.
Darnae Walker Blankson is a senior that has accumulated a variety of awards and accolades during her senior year. The list includes being a member of “The Best of the Class” for Camden County. The Freeholders awarded her with the "Most Courageous". In addition, Darnae’s classmates voted her in as the 2019 Prom Queen for OHS. Additional awards she has received are: three years outstanding participation with choir, the Roger Wagner Award and being an active member of the Unified Bowling Team.
Congratulations to all of our seniors as they move to the next phase of their life. Continue to do phenomenal things and always be a proud alumni of Overbrook High School!
Students Ready to Serve
On May 14th, we were thrilled to see four Overbrook High School students honored as they prepare to enter the United States military. Each year, an organization called Our Community Salutes, holds ceremonies around the country to give amazing enlistees a proper send off. This year, Jagger Pinto, Dominic Pinto, Jacob Sponsler and Zahmir Foster were Overbrook’s honored enlistees. The evening was hosted by Vai Sikahema of NBC 10 Philadelphia. Many high-ranking active duty and retired military speakers were in attendance. We're extremely proud of these four young men for their accomplishments at Overbrook High School and for their commitment to serve our country.
Kindergartners Celebrate the Symbols of America
The kindergarten students at Dr. Albert Bean School continued a 25-year tradition of celebrating America with their end of the year show titled, “Symbols of America.” In preparation for the show, students learned all about various symbols of the United States. They created red, white and blue star shirts and a Revolutionary War tricorn hat. Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle, the rose, the Statue of Liberty and the American flag all came to life and shared their stories and history with the audience. The student sung songs like Yankee Doodle Dandy and This Land is Your Land. This show is not only a fun way to teach about the symbols of America, but it gives our students a chance to practice speaking in front of others.
Athletics Update
Many great accomplishments occurred during the Spring sports season. The Pine Hill Middle School softball team made it to the playoffs along with the Overbrook High School softball and baseball teams. Seniors Cassiday Middleman, Taylor Gresh, Stephen Easterday, and David Brown were all selected to participate in the Camden County All Star baseball and softball tournaments. The season wrapped up with “ESPY’s at the Brook”. The awards ceremony highlighted the many individual and team accomplishments throughout the 2018-2019 school year. The following athletes were selected as All Conference Award Winners:
First Team
- Baseball: Dylan Scully, Stephen Easterday, AJ Himes
- Softball: Amaia Smith, Siani Carpenter
- Girls Track: Keseana Johnson, Idayat Adisa
Second Team
- Baseball: Douglas Tompkins, Brandon Jones
- Softball: Taylor Gresh, Kayla VanElsland
(Picture on left is the Girls Field Hockey Team, winners in the "Best "Dressed" category at the "ESPY's at the Brook" awards ceremony.)
Summer Reading
Summer reading is here! Please find information for all grade levels at the following links.
High School Graduation Requirements
Whether your child is just starting kindergarten, entering 8th grade or already in high school, it is important to understand the state High School Graduation Assessment Requirements. Most of you hear about the changes proposed by the state through social media and the news and the information can be overwhelming. We want to make sure you reach out to your child’s counselor with any questions you may have in regards to their graduation assessment requirements in both ELA and/or math. The NJ Department of Education continues to amend the current agreement in place. Just this week, there has been a new update to the current graduating classes of 2021 and 2022. Updated graduation requirements can be found be on the NJDOE website or by clicking here. The Pine Hill School District will continue to update our school community as we receive updates and the impacts it will have on our students.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
Did you know that each school has a Site Council? The purpose is to provide a cooperative means of improving educational programs and conditions. Each school's Site Council is comprised of parents, teachers, administrators and school board members who meet with the principal periodically throughout the school year. If you're interested in participating, click here for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Night Out
First Day of School for Students (1/2 Day)
CONTACT
Email: communications@pinehillschools.org
Website: http://www.pinehill.k12.nj.us
Location: 1003 Turnerville Road, Pine Hill, NJ, USA
Phone: 856-783-6900