NewsFLASH

Valedictorian: Beckett Glynn

Salutatorian: Sanjana Patel

Tentative September Events

Monday, September 1, 2025

• Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

• Welcome Back--Staff Orientation.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

• Staff Development; 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 4, 2025

• First Day of School for Students--7:30 a.m.

Saturday, September 6, 2025

• Marching Band Competition; Raritan Preview & Competition.

Friday, September 12, 2025

• Pep Rally--PM Schedule.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

• Marching Band Competition at Cinnaminson.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

• Back to School Night at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

• Marching Band Competition at Hightstown.

Monday, September 22, 2025

• PLC Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Media Center.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

• Pictures--Grades 9-11; ID Pictures for Grades 9-12.
• Cap/Gown Measurements for Grade 12 during the lunch periods.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

• Marching Band Competition at West Windsor-Plainsboro North.

Monday, September 29, 2025

• ScIP Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Conference Room.

Looking Ahead -- Tentative October Events

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

• Homecoming Tickets on Sale: From October 1 to October 15 for $20.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

• Senior Portraits Make-ups.

Friday, October 3, 2025

• Progress Reports will be available on Genesis after 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 4, 2025

• Marching Band Competition at Washington Township.

Monday, October 6, 2025

• PLC Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Atrium.
• NJGPA (October 6-9).

Friday October 10, 2025

• No School for Students.
• Professional Development Day for Staff; 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 11, 2025

• Band Competition at Jackson Township.

Monday, October 13, 2025

• Celebrate Columbus Day--School Closed.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

• Spirit Week Begins

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

• Spirit Week
• Powder Puff Game at 6 p.m.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

• Spirit Week
• Future Flashes Night at 6 p.m.

Friday, October 17, 2025

• Crowning of Homecoming King/Queen at the Football Game.

Saturday, October 18, 2025

• Homecoming Dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

• Marching Band Regions Competition at Woodbridge.

Monday, October 20, 2025

• PLC Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Media Center.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

• I&RS/MTSS meeting at 8 a.m. in the Media Center.
• After School Recital sponsored by the Music Department at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

• NHS Induction Ceremony at 6 p.m.
• Pictures--Make-up Day.

Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Marching Band Competition NJ States at Barnegat.

Monday, October 27, 2025

• ScIP Meeting at 2:20 p.m. in the Conference Room.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

• PSAT for Grades 10 & 11.
• "Trunk or Treat" from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Parking Lot E; adjacent to Stadium. Sponsored by Student Council and Interact.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

• Band Performance at 6:30 p.m. in the Stadium.

Thursday, October 30, 2025

• Financial Aid Workshop at 6 p.m. in the Atrium. Presenter: Ms. Hallback, from TCNJ.

First Day of School

Thursday, September 4, is our first day of school for students, and it will be a full day. Students should report to school no later than 7:30 a.m. and report to the Atrium.

Morning Drop-Off Procedures

Parents or guardians, please stay in line when dropping off your child. Please do not drive through the parking lot as it poses a safety risk. The front parking lot is for staff and student drivers only. Under no circumstances should anyone be dropped off on the roadside to walk the rest of the way to the school building.

When dropping off your child, if you are the first one in line, pull up to the last cone in front of the school, near the Media Center door . Once all cars have stopped alongside the sidewalk in front of the school, students need to exit the car promptly to keep the line moving.

If you find yourself frequently running late, consider having your child take the school bus. This will prevent any lateness from affecting your child's lateness record. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

After-school Pick-Up Procedures

For after-school pick-up, please use Lot E, located next to the football stadium. Parents or guardians should park in Lot E and wait for their child to find them. Please do not line up along the sidewalk next to the building. Once your child is in the car, carefully drive at 5 mph out of the lot along the side of the Tennis Courts.

Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast will be available every morning for $1.75. The cost of lunch is $3.25. Food and drinks are not allowed in areas other than the cafeteria.

Dual Credit Distance Learning Opportunities – By virtue of a partnership with RCBC, we are again able to offer our 12th grade students Dual Credit Distance Learning opportunities for the 25-26 school year! “Dual credit” means that these opportunities will allow our students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit. This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students as it will provide them with interesting and challenging learning experiences as well as reduce the cost of future college tuition!

Chromebooks & 1:1 Learning Environment – As you know, we have a 1:1 learning environment at the high school. The Chromebooks that your children will be using this year are expensive. Please consider purchasing a “Protection Plan.” The cost of the Protection Plan is $35, and parents may purchase this plan for their child(ren) for the 25-26 SY. Damage caused through abuse and neglect will, of course, not be covered through this plan. For example, in cases where it has been determined that a computer has been damaged deliberately, the student will be responsible to pay $250 to cover the cost of a new Chromebook. To purchase the Protection Plan, please have your child bring in a check for $35 and drop it off in the main office. We are unable to accept cash. Checks should be made payable to “Florence Township Board of Education.”

Vaping & Vape Detectors – Vaping is prohibited in our school/campus. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our students. We have vape detectors in our school for this reason. Because we cannot determine the substance in vapes (and/or other related devices), any student with these devices (or any related paraphernalia) will be referred for drug testing.

Locks – Lockers are available to students who wish to have them. If a student chooses to have a locker, the locker must be locked throughout the day for safety and security purposes. If your children have already purchased a school lock (from the Riverfront School), please make sure that they remember to bring it to school to lock their locker. Students who have not purchased locks will have the option of purchasing or borrowing one at the start of the school year. Locks cost $7, and they may be purchased in the Main Office. Students who elect to borrow locks must return them at the end of the school year. It should also be noted that student lockers are the school’s property, and the school has the right to search lockers as often as may be necessary to protect the safety and well-being of our school community. Students should not bring to school anything that is inappropriate. Students should not consider their lockers to be their private property. It is for this reason that the locks used for our lockers must be issued through the school. Students are not permitted to use their own locks.

School Attendance

Regular attendance in school is very important to your success. Unexcused absences are monitored closely.

What You Need to Know:
Excused Absences:

If you were sick, we need a note from a doctor. If it was for a college visit, we need a letter from that college.
Deadline:

You have 10 days after an absence to provide documentation. After that, we can't excuse the absence.

What Happens with Unexcused Absences?

3 Unexcused Absences – Notification letter to the student/parent.

6 Unexcused Absences – Mandatory meeting with parents, student, & counselor to create a formal action plan.

9 Unexcused Absences – Phone call from Assistant Principal in charge of MTSS. Mandatory referral to our school's MTSS Program as per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6. Formal monthly meetings with parents, student, and school personnel.

12 Unexcused Absences – The school may make a formal referral to the School Resource Officer, a court program, or DCP&P.

16 Unexcused Absences – Continuation of all interventions. Removal from extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year.

18 Unexcused Absences - Continuation of all interventions. Student will no longer be permitted to drive to school.

Also:

10 Unexcused Absences for a full year course and 5 unexcused absences for a semester course will result in an “In Jeopardy” classification. An “In Jeopardy” student still attends class, but the student may or may not receive credit.

If a student has more than 10 unexcused absences for a full year course or more than 5 unexcused absences for a semester course, teachers are NOT permitted to allow the student to make up the work for those absences. (In other words, if a student is taking full year courses and the student misses an 11th day on an unexcused basis, then none of the student’s teachers will permit the student to make up the work that was missed on the day of that 11th unexcused absence for credit.)

Cell Phones

In a classroom setting, a cell phone may only be used with a teacher's permission. Otherwise, it is prohibited in a teaching and learning environment. Students may only use cell phones before school, after school, during lunch and during passing time.

Every month, students will be recognized for the fine job they have done in bringing the word of the month to life. Students are nominated by our school staff. The Character Education Word of the Month for September is "Friendliness." We will communicate the rest of our character education traits to you over the course of the school year. The Character Education ""Word of the Month" for October is "Respect."

Let’s work together to get our students to focus on why each trait matters! We need all our students to see that they can help others through their positive words and actions.

With this program, one student from each grade level will be selected for the “Grit & Gratitude Award” each month. It is for students who try their best, show resilience, and express appreciation to those who help them.

Academic Achievement Program

This is a wonderful program! We will once again be challenging our students to settle for nothing less than their best. We want to see our students succeed, and we will be communicating to them that we want them to set their sights on earning a GPA of at least a 3.0 (or a “B” average) with no “D” or “F” grades in any course for each marking period of the school year. Please join us in challenging your child to be content with nothing less than their best effort! Students who earn at least a 3.0 (with no “D’s” or “F’s”) will be recognized and celebrated throughout the school year for their academic accomplishments.

Principal's List Program

Each marking period, students who earn A's in all of their courses will be assigned to the "Principal's Academic List." We've added this program based upon the feedback we received from students, staff and parents. We have students who are hungry to show what they can do, and we're eager to recognize them!

Progress Reports will be available after 2 p.m. in Genesis on Friday, October 3. To view your child's Progress Report, simply log into Genesis (https://parents.genesisedu.com/florence) and click on the "Grading" tab at the top of the window.

Also, please feel free to log into Genesis at any time to see how your child is progressing in his or her courses. Checking Genesis frequently will enable you to see clearly how your child is performing throughout the school year.

If you are having trouble logging in or need your email and password reset, please contact your child's counselor as soon as possible.

Please use this resource to complete/update/sign-off on important electronic forms. Afterwards, please use this extremely valuable tool to monitor your child's grades, assignments and attendance.

Our Florence Twp. Memorial H.S. Alumni Association is up and running and we want YOUR ideas to help us grow! We will be hosting our 1st meeting of the year on Monday, September 8th at 7 pm at the Florence American Legion on Broad/6th Streets. Come out and bring a fellow Flash!

With children’s health and wellness issues an important focus, Florence School District’s Food Service Department provides parents a convenient, easy and secure online prepayment service to deposit money into your child’s school meal account at any time. This service also provides parents the ability to view your child’s account balance. By having money in each child’s account prior to entering the cafeteria, we find the lunch lines move along much faster so your child has more time to eat and be with friends.‍ Also, parents will have the ability to print out a copy of their child’s eating history report. This history report will show you all dates and times that your child has purchased a breakfast and or lunch within the past thirty days.​

Click below to create your child’s school meal account on myschoolbucks.com and then you can add money, check balances, meals purchased, etc. All you need is your child’s name, student ID number (can be found on Genesis) and school ZIP code (Roebling 08554, Riverfront 08518, FHS 08016). Information can also be found on our district website.

Join us for our monthly Parent Organization Meetings to be held on the 1st Monday of every month.

President - Katrina Nesmith

Vice President - Rachel Lester

Vice President - Carina Escolastico

Treasurer - Gina Dunphy

Recording Secretary - Rebecca Pagano

Membership Secretary - Katie Wittkamp

Please let us know how you can help by emailing us at ftmhspo@gmail.com

Our district participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which is a federally-assisted meal program operating in public schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. Free and Reduced Lunch Applications are available at our website.

Only one application is required for all children in the household attending Florence Twp. School District. A new application must be submitted each school year.

The objective of the NJ School Lunch Program is to “provide a nutritious, well-balanced lunch for children in order to promote sound eating habits, to foster good health and academic achievement, and to reinforce the nutrition education taught in the classroom.”

The high school counselors, Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga, hope you have a great and productive new school year! We invite you to visit the Counseling Department website which is accessible from the high school main page or by clicking here. There you will find useful information and links for academic support, mental health resources, college planning and research, post-secondary financial aid, etc.

Schedules

Student schedules were carefully made using teacher recommendations and student course requests. We cannot entertain requests to rearrange a complete and accurate schedule to be with friends or to simply change your lunch period. If you find errors in your class schedule or if you wish to change your electives, email your counselor.

Mrs. Sebastian: nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us

Seniors……………………………………………………………...A-K

Juniors……………………………………………………………...A-K

Sophomores…………………………………………………....A-K

Freshmen………………………………………………………....A-J

Mr. Varga: jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us

Seniors…………………………………………………….…..……L-Z

Juniors…………………………………………………….………...L-Z

Sophomores………………………………………....………….L-Z

Freshmen………………………………………………..………...K-Z

Mrs. Sebastian -- nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us

Mr. Varga -- jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us

Rewired Realities: CUD and Psychosis

Recent studies show that Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) (using cannabis excessively or problematically) is increasingly linked to psychosis, a mental health condition where someone may lose touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations or delusions. Over the past 20 years, cases of psychosis tied to cannabis use have risen significantly. Teens are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing.

Cannabis use, especially during adolescence, can disrupt brain processes that affect thinking, emotions, and decision-making.

Cannabis can alter brain signaling related to dopamine (a chemical tied to reward and motivation), as well as other systems that control emotions and behavior. These changes may increase the risk of both CUD and psychosis. The risk is higher with frequent use or stronger cannabis products, which are more common today.

What Can Be Done:

Talk to Your Teen:

Educate them about the risks of cannabis, especially high-potency products like edibles or vapes. Emphasize that the teenage years are a critical time for brain development.

Watch for Warning Signs:

Be alert for changes in behavior, mood, or thinking, such as withdrawal, confusion, or unusual beliefs, which could indicate problematic cannabis use or early signs of psychosis.

Seek Help Early:

If you suspect your teen is using cannabis heavily or showing mental health symptoms, consult a doctor or mental health professional. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Contact John Lamaestra at jlamaestra@florence.k12.nj.us if you have questions or are concerned about your child’s substance use.

Important Resources:

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or just want to talk to someone, the following resources are available:

• 2nd Floor Youth Hotline of New Jersey: 888-222-2228

• PerformCare/Mobile Response: 877-652-7624

• Camden County Crisis Intervention - Twin Oaks: 856-428-HELP (4357)

• New Jersey Mental Health Warm Line (Mental Health Resources): 877-294-4357

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Counseling Support Services:

I'm available for consultation, support, counseling and referral services including:

• Academic

• Family Alcohol/Drug Use

• Technology Dependence

• Anxiety and Depression

• Divorce

• Behavior Management

• Other Mental Health Concerns

Contact Information:

Please contact Mr. Lamaestra, Student Assistance Coordinator, at the high school at (609)499-4620 x 4225 or email at jlamaestra@florence.k12.nj.us.

Follow us on Facebook- Florence Athletics

Follow us on X- @FTSD_Athletics

We are looking forward to a GREAT Fall 2025 Season.

Contact Information:

Derrick Goduto, Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Extension 4150.

Drew Andrews, Athletic Trainer, Extension 4154.

Carly Jones, AD Secretary (609) 4620, Extension 4149.

Website: www.florence.k12.nj.us
Location: 1050 Cedar Lane, Burlington, NJ, 08016
Phone: (609) 499-4620
Twitter: @FTSD_HS