Message from the Principal

    Ms. Westerby  

Students will be dismissed from the Broadway new exit/entrance doors at dismissal time. 

Visitors to Our Building

Please remember that all visitors must sign in at the main office and receive a visitor’s badge.  This is for the well being and safety of our students and staff.

Dismissal Procedures

The following procedures are followed for dismissal.  Should you need further clarification, please feel free to call the office. Upon the 2^nd bell, students are dismissed from their classrooms.  The students exit using only the Broadway Street exit. Students who walk home without a parent are to leave the playground immediately.  Those students who are waiting for their parents or guardian must wait on the blacktop by the wall.  They may not use the playground equipment.  Should their transportation not arrive by 3:15 when the playground is cleared, they will go to the main office and wait in the lobby.  Their parent must be clearly visible by the office before the child may exit the school.  If an emergency contact can not be reached for pick up, it is our responsibility to notify the police.

Parents who stay with their child to use the playground equipment are responsible for their own children at this time. 

For Concerned Parents Whose Children Walk Home

For Concerned Parents Who Drop Off

Please review with your child the importance of walking home on the sidewalks and crossing any streets at the appropriate crosswalks.  The Boro provides crossing guards at major intersections.  Please make sure that your child understands that following the crossing guards instructions are important for his/her safety. 

We have recently had several reports that some children are disregarding the crossing guards and walking home on the railroad tracks or just crossing anywhere.  As parents, we all worry about the safety of our children in situations such as these.  Please make sure your child understands the dangers!

students who are dropped off in this area must cross at the crosswalk.    Please make sure your child crosses at the cross walk.

Monthly mandated reminder about our IPM Plan!

Our Integrated Pest Management policy is available in the main office for your review.  Monthly schedule of pesticide application is posted throughout our building. 

Pets in the Classroom/”Taking Care of Your Community by Taking Care of Your Pets” Grant

As previously mentioned, we have again received funding for the above grant sponsored by the NJ Veterinary Medical Association. The fifth graders are utilizing this curriculum which involves a variety of community service activities.  During the month of January, our fifth graders will be collecting pet items to donate to the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees.  The Animal Welfare Association will be making a visit to our fifth grade to share in some of the wonderful animal experiences one has when working with animals.  We are also trying to connect our willing students with community members who may have difficulty taking care of their pets because of the weather or an illness.  If you know anyone who would be willing to participate in this program or needs any assistance in caring for their pets, please contact Ms. Westerby. If anyone has any pet items they wish to donate to our school pets, please do not hesitate to do so. 

The following are some writings about pets that our fifth graders have shared for your reading pleasure.

The Turtle by Kayla

One day my dad, my little sister, and I were taking my dog for a walk.  While we were walking, we saw someone cutting the grass. I saw his toy turtle on the lawn.  It was so cute!  I just had to show my dad and sister it.  Then I saw it move!  The guy was going to run over it with the lawn mower.  I quickly tumbled over and grabbed it.

We brought it back to our house.  We named it Bob until we found out that it was going to lay eggs!  After they hatched we let her and its babies go.  But one didn’t hatch so we kept that one.  We put it in a bucket of sand and water, but sadly it did not make it.

Ever since then, we had really missed her.  My little sister and I want a turtle.  We are either going to buy one or save one.  Hopefully soon!

A Great Cat by Sarah

I used to have a cat named Duchess.  She was all black with hints of tan.  She was very nice and gentle.  No matter where I sat, she would always come and sit down with me.  I loved her so much. 

One day I was playing with Duchess with a laser pointer.  She loves those things.  Anyway, I thought I could be funny by putting the light behind her.  But instead of me tricking her, she actually tricked me!  She did a back flip and kept her eye on the point!

I got Duchess for my birthday.   I went to somebody’s house that had a box of kittens.  They were all so cute!  One was meowing a lot.  He was so funny.  I picked the cutest and the calmest of them all.  Can you guess who?  If you guessed Duchess, you were right.

Character Education

January’s focus will be on trustworthiness and honesty.  Classrooms will be working on a variety of activities revolving around these character education topics.  Discuss with your child the importance of demonstrating these character traits.  

School Security

School violence, as we are all aware, is currently a national issue.  We wish to assure you that the Laurel Springs School District has and is taking all precautions to assure the safety of every one in the school.  We have an extensive emergency plan in place.  The Department of Education of the United States invites you to visit their website at http://www.ed.gov/emergencyplan to learn more about helping schools prevent violent incidents. 

HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is our country’s most important federal education law.

In 2001 this law was reauthorized and is now called the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  NCLB was designed to make changes in teaching and learning that will help increase academic achievement in our schools.  The law requires that parents have a right to ask schools about the qualifications of their child’s teachers.

We are happy to share with you that all our teachers are highly qualified.

We believe that nothing is more important to your child’s education at school than having well-prepared and highly qualified teachers.  The law requires that all teachers who teach in core content areas must meet a specific legal definition of “highly qualified” in order to teach.  The legal definition of a “highly qualified teacher” has three parts.  It states that the teacher must have the following:

1.  A four-year college degree

2.  A regular teaching certificate/license

3.  Proof of his/her knowledge in the subject they teach.

All our teachers have college degrees and many have advanced degrees.  The state of New Jersey has always required a teaching certificate/license for all teachers.  In addition, every teacher continues learning through professional development activities and our teachers are evaluated each year to make sure that their teaching skills remain at the highest possible level.

A highly qualified teacher knows what to teach, how to teach, and has a full understanding of the subject matter being taught.  We believe that every teacher in our school is fully qualified and dedicated to teaching your child.

For more information on NCLB, and the role of parents, pleas visit the United States Department of Education (USDE) Web site at www.ed.gov/nclb.

If you have any questions on this topic please stop in and ask.