WTHS Weekly Newsletter

For many of us, the memories of September 11, 2001, remain vivid. We can still remember where we were when we first heard the news, the disbelief we felt as we watched the tragic events unfold, and the deep sadness and uncertainty that followed. We also remember the extraordinary courage of first responders, the selflessness of everyday citizens, and the remarkable spirit of unity that brought our nation together during one of its darkest moments.

While many of us can still remember where we were when we first heard about the tragic events, our students, who were born years after September 11, the events of that day are part of history rather than a lived memory. Today, on the 25th anniversary of this historic day, the WTHS History Department helped bring its lessons to life by engaging students in an interactive and meaningful lesson titled “Never Forget, Always Inspiring.”

Following classroom instruction and discussion, students completed star-shaped reflections centered on one of two powerful themes. They wrote messages of gratitude recognizing the service, courage, and sacrifice of first responders and community helpers, or reflected on the meaning of resilience and how Americans demonstrated it in response to September 11. Their reflections will come together in a collaborative “Never Forget” display, allowing our school community to learn from and be inspired by their voices.

Through this thoughtful lesson, students did more than study an important moment in American history. They considered the enduring values of courage, compassion, service, resilience, and unity. Most importantly, they learned why it remains our shared responsibility to remember the lives lost, honor those who answered the call to help, and carry forward the spirit of togetherness that emerged in the days that followed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the WTHS History Department for creating such a powerful and relevant learning experience for our students. Thanks to Mr. Cuneo, Department Chair for leading the History department with this activity and to Ms. McGuirl for sharing some of her students' responses.

We remember. We honor. We remain inspired.

On the first day of the school year, WTHS staff members were invited to reflect on a simple but meaningful question: Why did you choose to work in education? The challenge was to capture that purpose in exactly six words.

The inspiring responses now fill our “Our Winslow Why” bulletin board, creating a powerful display of the passion, purpose, and commitment our staff bring to school each day. More than a collection of words, each message represents a promise to encourage, support, and help our students succeed.

Today, students were seen stopping in the hallway to read our collective “Whys.” It was a wonderful reminder that when students understand the purpose behind our work, they can also see just how deeply we believe in them.

Thank you to every staff member who participated and shared their “Why.” A very special thank-you to Ms. Gillard for thoughtfully creating and organizing this beautiful bulletin board amid her many responsibilities during the opening of school. Her time, creativity, and dedication helped bring our staff’s collective purpose to life for the entire school community to see.

Together, our words send one unmistakable message to our students:

You are the reason we are here, and we are committed to your success!

This week, WTHS proudly launched our new color-coded lanyard system—another important step in strengthening safety and security throughout our building. Students received their school IDs and green Winslow lanyards, which will help ensure that everyone in our building can be easily identified.

We extend our immense gratitude to Ms. Shawnnika Brown of our Guidance Department for her tremendous work in ensuring that our students received their IDs. Her dedication and attention to detail were instrumental in making this rollout possible. A few students who are new to the district will receive their IDs next week.

All students and staff are expected to wear their ID and lanyard around their neck while in the building. We also ask our teachers to help reinforce this important procedure by ensuring that students are wearing their IDs and lanyards properly.

The success of this safety measure depends on the cooperation of our entire school community. Keeping WTHS safe is a shared responsibility, and we all play an important role.

Let’s wear our lanyards with Eagle pride and work together to keep our school safe!

Students Proudly Wore Their Winslow ID and Lanyard

Starting somewhere new comes with plenty to learn—from navigating routines and procedures to meeting colleagues, locating resources, and becoming comfortable in a new environment. Talk It Out Tuesday is a welcoming space created to provide an additional layer of support for our new WTHS faculty and staff.

With encouragement from both seasoned team members and colleagues who recently experienced the transition themselves, participants can connect, ask questions, share best practices, celebrate successes, and navigate WTHS together in a relaxed and supportive setting.

The first Talk It Out Tuesday will be held:

Date: Tuesday, September 29
Time: 1:45 PM
Location: Room F111

Come as you are—all are welcome! There is no expectation to have everything figured out. This is simply a space to connect, learn, and support one another as we continue growing together.

A special Eagle shoutout to Dr. Mathias for spearheading this thoughtful and valuable initiative to help our newest faculty and staff feel welcomed, connected, and supported!

Starting high school can be exciting, but entering a new and unfamiliar environment can sometimes feel overwhelming. A warm smile, a friendly introduction, or an invitation to connect can make all the difference.

During lunch, seniors Amya Cobbs and Alanah Agosto demonstrated the true meaning of Eagle spirit when they introduced themselves to freshman Beatriz Carungcong and extended a warm Winslow welcome. Their thoughtful gesture was a simple yet powerful reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.

Generosity and kindness do not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, they are found in taking a moment to reach out, start a conversation, and help someone feel that they belong. Amya and Alanah beautifully exemplified these qualities and showed how our upperclassmen can serve as positive role models for our newest students.

Thank you, Amya and Alanah, for leading with kindness and helping Beatriz feel at home. This is just one example of how our Winslow spirit shines through our students and helps make WTHS a welcoming community for all.

One kind gesture can brighten someone’s day—and together, we can make every Eagle feel that they belong!

I would like to highlight the following staff members who were instrumental in distributing chromebooks to our 9th graders.

• Ms. Rodenbaugh
• Ms. Hoffman
• Ms. Paparo

I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Custis and Ms. Price, who seamlessly transported and prepared their students for the process. Great team work.

Written by Mr. Minder

Thank you to all staff and students for helping make our first fire drill of the school year a success. Your cooperation, attentiveness, and commitment to following our safety procedures helped ensure that students exited the building calmly and reported to their designated assembly areas.

Many teachers did an excellent job ensuring that students remained together and lined up in straight, orderly lines at their assembly locations. A special shoutout to Ms. Santamaria, Ms. McCauley, Ms. Kernaghan, Mr. Wake, Ms. Wise, Ms. Duca, Ms. Pierre-Davis, Ms. Azuma, Ms. Wynn, Mr. Stowell, Mr. Custis, Mr. Knox, and Ms. Tagmire for clearly modeling this important expectation.

Every drill provides us with an opportunity to practice and strengthen our emergency procedures. Your active supervision and attention to detail play an essential role in keeping our school community safe.

Thank you again for your teamwork and for making safety a shared responsibility at WTHS!

Our class recently completed an engaging Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) activity centered around the concepts in The Energy Bus, a book by Jon Gordon.

During this lesson, students took time to reflect on what they bring with them to school each day—both tangible items (like backpacks and supplies) and intangible qualities (like attitude, focus, and enthusiasm). Through meaningful group discussions, we highlighted how a positive mindset and optimistic outlook directly impact our ability to embrace learning opportunities.

To bring their reflections to life, each student completed a visual activity using an outline of a school bus. On their bus, students drew and described four specific tangible and intangible things they carry with them daily as they start their morning routine. It was an inspiring activity that helped reinforce self-awareness, positive daily habits, and a supportive learning environment!

Written by Ms. McGuirl

At Winslow Township High School, students do not have to wait until graduation to begin exploring their futures! Our Winslow E.A.G.L.E. Academies provide exciting career, technical, and artistic pathways that allow students to discover their passions, develop valuable skills, and prepare for college and the workforce.

Students can specialize in areas such as Fine and Performing Arts, Business, Early Childhood Education, Television Production, Marketing, Digital Imaging, Computer Science, and the Art of Game Design. By focusing their elective courses in an area of interest, students gain meaningful, hands-on experiences and a head start toward achieving their future goals.

We are especially excited that our new Art of Game Design Academy has received a newly refurbished classroom! The space features furniture and a learning environment designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, innovation, and the design talents of our students. This exciting new space will provide students with an engaging setting where their ideas can come to life.

Depending on their chosen pathway, students may also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials and college credits while still in high school. Through partnerships with Rowan College of South Jersey, Rowan College at Burlington County, Camden County College, and Stockton University, eligible students can earn credits that may be applied toward associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

Whether students dream of becoming educators, entrepreneurs, artists, media professionals, designers, or technology innovators, there is a pathway waiting to help them soar.

Explore your interests. Discover your talents. Build your future. Let your journey take flight with the Winslow E.A.G.L.E. Academies!

Do you know an 8th-grade student who lives in the Winslow Township School District and wants a high school experience that connects learning with future career opportunities? Look no further than Winslow Township High School!

8th-grade students and their families are invited to attend the:

WTHS Open House Expo
Thursday, October 15
6:00–8:00 PM
Winslow Township High School

Come explore our exciting academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, where students develop hands-on, industry-valued skills and can pursue credentials that prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Families will learn about our CTE courses, pathways to careers, professions aligned with each program, and the potential earnings and opportunities available within those fields.

The WTHS experience extends beyond the classroom! We are also proud of our highly regarded athletic program, which includes championship-winning football, a nationally renowned track and field team, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, field hockey, wrestling, and many more opportunities for student-athletes.

Come discover how you can become part of a vibrant school community offering engaging academics, innovative CTE programs, hands-on learning, industry-valued credentials, and some of the top athletic teams in South Jersey.

Explore your interests. Develop your talents. Find your team. Your future starts at WTHS!

It’s that time of year—WTHS Homecoming is right around the corner! Join us for an exciting evening celebrating Eagle spirit, friendships, and unforgettable memories at this year’s Homecoming Dance!

Saturday, September 26
6:00–9:00 PM

Get your outfit ready, gather your friends, and prepare for a fun-filled night of music, dancing, food, and celebration!

Think you or someone you know would be a great addition to the Homecoming Court? Nominations are now being accepted—see your class advisor for more information.

Tickets go on sale next week for $20, with food and drinks included.

Don’t miss one of the most exciting events of the school year. Let’s fill the dance floor, and celebrate Homecoming together—Eagle style!

Your journey toward college continues with an important next step—taking the PSAT! The PSAT is a valuable opportunity to become familiar with college entrance testing, identify your academic strengths, and discover areas where you can continue to grow.

PSAT registration opens September 22 and closes October 2.

Don’t miss the registration window! Take advantage of this opportunity to prepare, build confidence, and move one step closer to your future goals.

Juniors, mark your calendars and get ready to take your next step toward college success!

What an unforgettable night for Winslow football! Under the cool September sky and before a sold-out crowd, the energy inside the stadium was electric. With the stands filled with cheering fans, our cheer team rallying the crowd, and the marching band bringing the unmistakable sound and spirit of Winslow, it was Eagle pride at its very best!

Our Eagles delivered a stellar performance, defeating Glassboro High School 21–7. From the opening play to the final whistle, the team demonstrated the grit, discipline, sportsmanship, and determination that define Winslow athletics.

As the final seconds ticked away, the stadium erupted in cheers and celebration. Our players, students, families, and fans danced and celebrated a well-earned victory together.

Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, marching band, and the entire Eagle community for creating a memorable night.

The Eagles did not simply win—they showed everyone the strength, pride, and spirit of Winslow!

Final Score: Winslow 21 • Glassboro 7

Eagle Pride—Winslow Strong!

One of the highlights of beginning my journey as the new principal of WTHS has been getting to know our amazing students. During lunch periods, I have enjoyed visiting the cafeteria, sitting with students, joining their conversations, and learning more about their interests, goals, and hopes for the school year.

Some students have even asked to take photos with me and proudly promised that they will work hard and make this year a successful one! These fun and meaningful moments remind me that strong relationships are built one conversation, one smile, and one lunch table at a time.

I look forward to continuing to connect with our students, learning from them, and cheering them on as they work toward their goals.

Here’s to new commitments, shared laughter, and a wonderful year of learning and success at WTHS!

• September 21, 2026: Yom Kippur - School Closed
• September 22, 2026 – September 25, 2026: Spirit Week
• September 22, 2026: Back-To-School Night 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• September 25, 2026: Homecoming Game and Homecoming Court
• September 26, 2026: Homecoming Dance 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• October 12, 2026: Columbus Day - School Closed
• October 13, 2026: Two Hour Delay for Students
• October 13, 2026 – November 16, 2026: Thanksgiving Food Drive
• October 15, 2026: Open House Expo 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• October 27, 2026: College Readiness Night 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• November 3, 2026: Staff In-Service - Closed for Students
• November 5 & 6, 2026: NJEA Convention - School Closed
• November 11, 2026: Veterans Day - School Closed
• November 12, 2026: Last Day of 1st Marking Period
• November 12, 2026: Coffee with the Counselors 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• November 15, 2026 – December 18, 2026: Giving Tree Drive
• November 18, 2026: Report Card Mailing
• November 18, 2026: Elective Fair Middle School Visit 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• November 19, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Evening Parent Conferences
• November 23, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Afternoon Parent Conferences
• November 24, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Afternoon Parent Conferences
• November 25, 2026: Early Dismissal
• November 26 & 27: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• December 10, 2026: Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6:00 PM
• December 1, 2026: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6:00 PM
• December 12, 2026: Santa Saturday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (set up Friday, December 11, 2026 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
• December 15, 2026: Winter Concert 6:00 PM
• February 11, 2027: Transition Fair 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• March 2, 2027: NJSLA/NJGPA Night 6:00 PM
• April 28, 2027: Honors Recital 9:00 AM
• May 13, 2027: Thespian Awards 6:00 PM
• May 18, 2027: Spring Concert 6:00 PM
• May 20, 2027: Director’s Cut 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• May 25, 2027: Senior Awards 6:00 PM
• June 8, 2027: Small Ensemble Concert 6:00 PM
• June 17, 2027: Senior Class Brunch 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM