FRSD Headlines & Virtual Backpack

Copper Hill School’s Heritage Night was a wonderful celebration of culture, community, and connection! Thank you to the volunteers, families who hosted tables and shared their food and cultural traditions, and everyone who attended the event and supported the Book Fair. A special thank-you to Mr. Lockett and Mrs. Kay for their continued support of the Copper Hill community. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a success!

There’s so much happening at Barley Sheaf School! Students are exploring new ideas, getting creative, and discovering new possibilities both indoors and outdoors.

Thanks to the support of the Barley Sheaf PTO, materials for the school’s Outdoor Learning Classroom in the courtyard are helping bring lessons outside. Mrs. Allgier recently led a “Bear Chat” with staff, sharing ideas and inspiration for making the most of this special space.

Inside, the new STEM Lab is buzzing with activity as students experiment, build, and put their problem-solving skills to the test.

Barley Sheaf educators Mrs. Lango and Mrs. Schrum also represented the school at the Inspiring Sustainable Futures through Innovative K–5 STEM Conference, sharing their expertise and connecting with others who are advancing STEM education.

Thank you to the Barley Sheaf PTO and the dedicated educators who make these experiences possible and inspire students to think creatively, explore their interests, and grow as innovators!

Click to view our Monthly Calendar with an events listing for all six schools. October dates have been updated!

Congratulations to Francis A. Desmares School Principal Mark Masessa! A 30-year FRSD staff member, Mr. Masessa was named a 2026 Hunterdon County United Way Legacy of Youth Honoree. The award recognizes his leadership and service to local youth and families.

Mr. Masessa helped bring United Way of Hunterdon County’s Pantries with Purpose program to Desmares. Opened in spring 2026, the in-school pantry provides students and families with discreet access to food, snacks, and personal care items, helping ensure they have essential resources to feel supported and ready to learn.

Mr. Masessa has dedicated his career to creating opportunities and providing meaningful support for children and families. His leadership and service reflects the positive impact he has made both within our schools and throughout the community.

He was honored at the October 14 Board of Education meeting. Congratulations, Mr. Masessa!

At Copper Hill School, a big Cougar shout-out is shared with physical education/health teacher, Ms. Vanglahn, for going above and beyond to meet the needs of students! Recognizing that learning to tie shoes is an important life skill, she took the initiative to create a hands-on tool that allows students to practice and build confidence. While she is always there to lend a helping hand, she also empowers the Cougars to develop independence, one loop at a time! Thank you, Ms. Vanglahn, for seeing a need, finding a solution, and reminding us that small skills make a big difference! 🐾

Mrs. Carmella Shaw and Mrs. Oz Hatke dressed to impress at J.P. Case Middle School for Dress Your Best Spirit Day, sporting ties and coat tails! The day was part of New Jersey’s Week of Respect, which encourages schools to promote kindness, prevent bullying, celebrate differences, and create a welcoming environment for all students.

Throughout the week, students and staff participated in themed spirit days with meaningful messages: Make Waves With Respect by wearing blue, Cozy Up to Kindness in pajamas or comfortable clothes, Team Up for Respect by representing a team or group, Dress Your Best to celebrate individuality, and One District, One Big Wave by showing school spirit.

Together, these activities reinforced an important message: respect, kindness, and inclusion help everyone feel safe, valued, and connected.

Click each link to access flyers posted for each school.

Barley Sheaf

Copper Hill

Desmares

Robert Hunter

Reading-Fleming

J.P. Case

Community

Find the FRSD App in the App Store or Google Play!

Holiday Hands helps eligible Hunterdon County families celebrate the holiday season with gifts for children and essential household items for adults. Application Deadline: October 31, 2026. Your completed application and all required documents must be submitted by October 31. Applications submitted after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist. Click for details.

Interested in becoming an FRSD sponsor? With each partnership, the district will place your business logo on our website and in future issues of Headlines. In addition, you'll be invited to include a Champion for Children Proud Sponsor digital badge on your business website. Please consider partnering with our schools in support of education. Click to learn more about Sponsorships or e-mail laura.bruhn@frsd.us.

FRSD is a regional, pre-K-8 district serving the children, parents and residents of Flemington Borough and Raritan Township. Our 3,300 students and 600+ certified teachers and support staff are housed in six buildings: four elementary schools (preK-4), an intermediate school (5-6), and a middle school (7-8).

As a Community of One, WE:

• Foster social, emotional, and academic growth within a connected learning community
• Respect, honor and embrace diverse family and community values by building collaborative partnerships
• Strengthen opportunities that nurture creative and critical thinkers
• Develop and inspire personal excellence.