Falcon Flyer

Last month, the district hosted a very successful STEM Night. Science and Math Honors and Academy students helped organize various STEM-related activities including engineering, science, and technology for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.

The JCPTA recently hosted its annual Fun Run fundraiser. Students ran laps while PTA volunteers and the Falcon mascot cheered them on. The number of laps completed was recorded for each student, and donations were collected from sponsors supporting their students. Classes earned prizes like Luau Lunch and Pajama Day, and the top fundraisers received individual awards. By reaching their goal, members of the Jefferson Township Police Department, Mayor Wilsusen, district principals, and Mrs. Howe are excited to be slimed in the spring.

Briggs students and staff honored veterans on Veterans Day. Students learned two different songs and colored various pictures that lined the halls to honor our veterans. Students lined up in the main hallway and participated in a clap-out for the veterans. The veterans and the students who sponsored them were also treated to breakfast before the activities.

Thanks to the dedication of Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Meghan Travers, Briggs was able to acquire 320 pumpkins. With help from parent volunteers, Briggs hosted pumpkin activities. Students conducted experiments to determine whether pumpkins sink or float with whole versus carved, explored the inside of a pumpkin, and helped create a simulated volcano eruption inside a pumpkin. Every student received a pumpkin to take home.

Preschool teacher Mrs. Amy LaPaz received a $500 grant from the Association of American Educators to purchase classroom supplies, ensuring a high-quality, effective educational experience for her students. Thank you, Mrs. LaPaz, for always going above and beyond for your students.

Parades and parties took place on Halloween. Students enjoyed wearing costumes and walking in front of family and friends. Our PTA class managers and parent helpers organized fun parties for each class.

Briggs students participated in Election Day by voting for their favorite brain break video. Over the two weeks before the election, students watched two different Danny Go or Jack Hartmann videos and voted for their favorite. The field was narrowed down to the students’ top Danny Go and top Jack Hartmann videos. On Election Day, students cast their votes for their favorite, and Danny Go was the winner!!

Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Jeanne Howe is pleased to announce that at the November 17th Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Jessica Brennan was appointed as the principal of Arthur Stanlick Elementary School. Mrs. Brennan's extensive knowledge and steadfast commitment to student success make her an exceptional choice for this leadership role. Please join Mrs. Howe in congratulating Mrs. Brennan on this well-deserved appointment.

Stanlick first-graders enjoyed learning about elections and voting in social studies. Students read books like "V is for Voting" and "Duck for President" to understand what voting is and what is voted for during an election. Students participated in a school-wide election and everyone made their voices heard by voting for a Movie Day during lunchtime. Some students even visited local polling places with their families to see the electoral process firsthand.

Third-graders studied the three branches of government this month and learned that each branch has distinct responsibilities, with the President leading the Executive Branch. Students worked in committees to create their own bills based on personal concerns for our community and voted to pass their bills into law. Mayor Wilsusen visited to talk to the third-graders about his responsibilities as the Mayor of Jefferson Township. They learned the importance of voting to make your voice heard, and students were excited to exercise their own right to vote in our Stanlick School election.

White Rock students collaborated with Stanlick third-graders, who worked in teams to design pumpkins. Students and staff then voted for their favorites, and the winning teams painted their pumpkins in time for Halloween parties.

Physical Education classes completed their Fall Sports Unit. The amazing students have been practicing their football skills, with the focus on enhancing their throwing, catching, and teamwork abilities. Throughout the entire unit, students displayed excellent sportsmanship and are excited to begin their next unit, Rock Wall.

Mayor Eric Wilsusen and Township Administrator Debra Miliken visited White Rock School. The mayor had the chance to speak and answer questions from the students about the role of government and how it functions in Jefferson. Thank you, Mrs. Modula, for leading this program.

In Miss Matienzo’s class, a parent visited and led a yoga session with the children. The students followed each pose, practiced balance and breathing, and showed excitement as they learned new ways to move and calm their bodies.

Students arrived prepared to pursue their dreams in pajamas and enjoyed choosing pumpkins at White Rock's pumpkin patch.

During preschool's clothing unit, Mrs. Bolka's 3-year-old class enjoyed a sock matching game. The children sorted socks by size, material, and color. They observed the differences, discussed what they saw, and cooperated to make matches. They liked this hands-on activity to explore clothes while practicing early sorting skills.

Mrs. Caraturo's talented second graders proudly shared their published personal narrative stories with the first-graders in Ms. Johansson's class.

To celebrate the 50th day of school, White Rock School students dressed in 1950s attire.

Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Jeanne Howe, is pleased to announce that at the November 17th Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Lauren Donohue was appointed as the new Assistant Principal of Jefferson Township Intermediate School. After serving in an interim role since July, Mrs. Donohue has officially joined our leadership team and will continue supporting students in grades 4–8 by promoting a safe, inclusive, and engaging school environment. She collaborates closely with staff, oversees daily operations, and helps ensure students are prepared for success both academically and personally. Mrs. Donohue brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, school counselor, advisor, and coach, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Congratulations for being recognized for your trustworthiness, respect, responsibility fairness, caring and citizenship… Keep up the great work!

• 4th Grade - Emilia Whitworth
• 5th Grade - Savannah Ludlow
• 6th Grade - Elanor Racansky
• 7th Grade - Vet Vincent
• 8th Grade - Skylas Werrell

Congratulations to 4th-grade student Liam Feuss for participating in The Aaron Judge RISE Foundation’s ALL RISE Book Club. Liam was among the 662 students who received a certificate for participating. Keep up the great work, Liam; you make JTIS proud!

With the support of PBSIS, JTIS held its first Red Ribbon Week event. Every student and staff member signed a paper chain link to pledge to stay drug-free. The entire school lined the hallways to connect the links, symbolizing our unity in this commitment. The finished chain will be displayed in the cafeteria. To celebrate, students enjoyed ice cream and ice pops after the event.

Dylan has demonstrated strong character, leadership, and involvement in the school community throughout high school, earning recognition from staff for his achievements. Nominated by Mrs. Schwimer and Ms. Serzan, Dylan consistently goes above and beyond to support his peers, focus on his studies, and, most importantly, do the right thing. According to his nominators, "Dylan is an outstanding human being. He is always ready to help out with the Spirit Club, and he motivates others to get involved. Dylan is the best; he's so polite and willing to help whoever needs it. He really wants school to be a fun and positive place. When we were trying to figure out if we should cancel the trunk or treat, he said he would track down people and get things done, and he did. When he was done, he followed up with an email letting us know who he talked to and the actions he took. Many students will sign up to do things or help, but often have no follow-through; that's not Dylan. He goes above and beyond to try and be helpful and is willing to participate in whatever he can do to make the school a better place." Congratulations, Dylan, and thank you for being ALL IN this school year. Dylan received a custom t-shirt, a certificate, and a gift card to a local business in the community.

Alcohol is responsible for 5,000 deaths annually among underage youth. The Jefferson Township Youth Coalition placed ribbons on the high school lawn to honor those lives lost. One pinwheel symbolizes ten lives lost.

Another successful Broadway Cabaret Night at JTHS! The event was hosted by seniors Eric Stuck and Madison Mathews. The evening was filled with amazing student performances from well-known musicals: The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Dear Evan Hansen, Little Shop of Horrors, The Great Gatsby, Into the Woods, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more. The night ended with a full company number of "Heart of Stone" from the musical Six!

Advisor Mr. Flynn also announced the highly anticipated news of this year's JTHS spring musical... Shrek! Congratulations to all our performers, and we look forward to seeing you all in Shrek! this spring.

JTHS and Division 1 Fall National Signing Day celebrate Josh Hale, who will attend Hofstra University to play baseball; Josie Myers, who will attend Boston University to play soccer; and Riley Strauch, who will attend the University of Rhode Island to play lacrosse. Congratulations to these three seniors on their remarkable achievements.

Mrs. Moya and Mrs. Vislosky spoke at the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies' Annual Conference at Rutgers University about incorporating disability history into the K–12 Social Studies curriculum. Their session demonstrated practical methods for incorporating this important topic and emphasized the need to collaborate with school media specialists to ensure successful and meaningful implementation.