WTHS Weekly Newsletter

How quickly summer break has passed! In just a few days, the halls of Winslow Township High School will once again be buzzing with excitement, filled with warm greetings and high-fives among friends and colleagues who have not seen one another in a while.

This week, our administrative team, support staff, facilities staff, and technology team have been hard at work preparing for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Throughout every task, we have shared one common goal: ensuring that our building, facilities, classrooms, and technology are ready to welcome our staff and students and provide the support needed for a smooth and successful transition into the new school year.

Soon, our classrooms will come alive with engaging learning experiences. Students will solve real-world mathematical problems, conduct scientific investigations, analyze important moments in history, explore meaningful literature, strengthen their writing and communication skills, create inspiring works of art, and make music together. Great ideas will be exchanged during thoughtful class discussions, and students will discover new interests and passions through our many hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. They will set goals, work toward excellence in their classes, express their creativity through clubs and activities, and showcase their talents as members of our competitive athletic teams.

To our students: This is your year to grow, discover, and shine. Arrive each day ready to learn, challenge yourself, ask questions, and take advantage of every opportunity available to you. There may be moments when the work feels difficult, but remember that growth often begins outside your comfort zone. Believe in yourself, support one another, and never be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff are here to encourage you and help you succeed. We cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish this year!

To our teachers and staff: Thank you for the dedication, energy, and care you bring to Winslow Township High School. This year, we will continue collaborating within and across departments to ensure that student achievement remains at the forefront of our work and that excellence is embedded in everything we do. Your ability to inspire, challenge, guide, and support our students makes a lasting difference. Together, we will create classrooms and learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving at the highest level.

To our parents and families: Please know that our building and staff are ready to welcome your children and provide them with a strong start to the school year. We encourage you to remain actively engaged throughout the year by attending school events, communicating with our staff, speaking regularly with your children about their progress, and encouraging them to give their very best in all they pursue. Our school and families share the same goal: ensuring that every student succeeds and reaches their full potential. Achieving that goal requires a strong, respectful, and two-way partnership between home and school. We look forward to working alongside you throughout the year.

As we begin this new chapter together, let us approach each day with optimism, purpose, and a commitment to excellence. Let us celebrate progress, learn from challenges, and continue lifting one another as we work toward our shared goals.

Our students and staff deserve the very best—and together, we will give them nothing less.

Welcome back, Winslow Eagles!

Let’s make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with growth, achievement, joy, and Eagle pride!

This week, our freshman and senior families joined us to learn about important procedures, requirements, opportunities, and information specific to their students’ grade levels. Although Thursday’s torrential downpours prevented some families from attending, the weather certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm of those who were able to join us!

Families had an opportunity to meet our administrative team and learn about several key changes for the 2026–2027 school year. These included the new bell-to-bell restrictions on the non-academic use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices, updated morning entry procedures, and our new ID and lanyard system designed to strengthen safety and security throughout the building.

Freshman families learned about the many resources and supports available to help students make a successful transition to high school. They also received information about graduation requirements—because it is never too early to begin planning for graduation—as well as the wide variety of school activities, clubs, athletic programs, and special events available to help students become engaged members of the Winslow community.

Senior families received an exciting overview of “all things senior!” Topics ranged from obtaining parking permits for students who drive to ensuring that all graduation requirements—including credits and state assessment requirements—are completed on time. Families also learned about memorable senior experiences ahead, including the local senior trip, the senior trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, prom, and, of course, the main event—Graduation Day!

We sincerely thank all the families who braved the weather to attend. Your presence, enthusiasm, and partnership reflect the strong support our students need to begin—and finish—their high school journeys successfully.

We look forward to working together to make the 2026–2027 school year an exceptional one for every Winslow Eagle!

To provide students and families with consistent, personalized support, assistant principal caseloads will be assigned alphabetically by students’ last names for the 2026–2027 school year.

If you have a question or concern related to student discipline, please contact the assistant principal assigned to your student according to the following alphabetical ranges:

• Mr. McEnnis: Last names Aasa–Deanley
• Mr. Minder: Last names Debose–Kamara
• New Assistant Principal (To Be Announced): Last names Kang–Reed
• Mr. Howard: Last names Reese–Zuniga-Arevalo

Our assistant principals are committed to building positive relationships with students and families while helping every student make responsible choices, learn from challenges, and remain focused on success. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure a safe, supportive, and productive school year for all Winslow Eagles!

Applications for the 2026–2027 Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program are now available online on the district website under Parent Resources → School Nutrition Program. Applications are also being mailed to families.

New this year, families can access helpful instructional videos and frequently asked questions on the district website.

Please remember that families who received benefits during the 2025–2026 school year must reapply to continue receiving benefits in 2026–2027. Completed applications may be submitted to any district school or the Board of Education Office.

We encourage eligible families to apply as soon as possible!

Beginning on the first day of school, Winslow Township High School will implement new procedures in accordance with New Jersey law (P.L. 2025, c.195), which prohibits the non-academic use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices throughout the school day.

Each student will receive a locking device pouch at no cost on Wednesday. Before entering the building, students must secure all cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds, and similar devices in their pouches. The locked pouch will remain with the student throughout the day.

Morning Entry Locations

• Auditorium Entrance: Parent/guardian drop-off
• D Hallway Entrance: Students report to the auditorium
• Main Gymnasium Entrance: Breakfast entry
• Cafeteria Entrance: Student drivers and breakfast entry

Students will remain in their assigned locations until the 7:15 a.m. bell. Staff will verify that devices are secured and that students are wearing their school-issued ID on a green Winslow lanyard around their neck. Lanyards and IDs will be distributed to students as soon as the lanyards arrive, we are expecting the shipment to arrive by the end of next week.

Students arriving after 7:19 a.m. must enter through the Main Office Lobby and be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Students without a pouch must surrender their devices to the Main Office for secure storage until dismissal. After three consecutive school days without a pouch, a replacement will be issued and the applicable fee assessed.

At dismissal, unlocking stations will be available throughout the exits in the building. Students must unlock their pouches before leaving campus.

For additional information, families may review the New Jersey law, NJDOE guidance, and frequently asked questions.

Thank you to our students and families for partnering with us to create focused, engaging classrooms where every student is ready to learn, connect, and succeed!

The safety of our Eagle family remains a top priority. This school year, WTHS will introduce a color-coded ID and lanyard system to help our community quickly identify students, staff, and approved guests:

• 💚 Green: Students and staff
• ❤️ Red: Parents and visitors
• 🧡 Orange: Substitute staff
• 💙 Blue: Contractors and vendors

We are currently awaiting the arrival of our lanyard shipment. IDs and lanyards will be distributed to students and staff as soon as the shipment is received.

Each student and staff member will receive their first Winslow ID and green breakaway lanyard at no cost. Once distributed, both must be worn visibly around the neck while in the building. A $5 replacement fee will apply to lost or replaced IDs and lanyards.

All parents, visitors, substitutes, contractors, and vendors must check in at the Main Office, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and wear the assigned color-coded lanyard throughout their visit.

Thank you for helping us keep WTHS safe, welcoming, and ready for learning.

Wear it proudly, wear it visibly, and help protect our Eagle family!

Last Saturday, families and community members came together for a wonderful day of connection, entertainment, and celebration at Winslow Family Day!

Among the many vendors and organizations sharing valuable information and resources, the Winslow Township School District was proudly represented. Members of the Board of Education warmly greeted families and distributed helpful back-to-school information packets as we prepared for the exciting year ahead.

A special highlight of the day came from one of our talented ninth-grade students, Landon Moore. Landon opened the musical presentations with a beautiful performance of the national anthem and later returned to the stage for an inspiring rendition of “This Girl Is on Fire.”

It was truly a proud moment to see one of Winslow’s bright young stars confidently sharing her exceptional vocal talents with our community. Landon, you made your Eagle family proud!

The WTHS Marching Band proudly marked the conclusion of Band Camp with its Family and Friends Show Preview - Through The Looking Glass! Although Thursday’s storm moved the performance indoors to the gym, it certainly did not dampen the powerful sounds, energy, or enthusiasm of our talented young musicians and Color Guard.

The performance was a wonderful reflection of the students’ hard work, perseverance, and dedication throughout Band Camp—even during some extremely hot summer days.

We extend our immense gratitude to Band Director Adam Jarvela, Assistant Band Director Karshena Merce, and the entire band staff for their commitment to training, guiding, and encouraging our students.

A very special thank-you also goes to the parents, families, and friends who continue to support our Marching Band. Your presence, engagement, and encouragement help make our band program—and all our school events—truly exceptional.

Congratulations to our Marching Band and Color Guard on a fantastic preview. We cannot wait to see and hear you shine throughout the season!

Do you enjoy creating stories, poetry, or expressing your ideas through writing? The Rutgers–Camden High School Writers Conference offers high school students an exciting opportunity to strengthen their skills, explore their creativity, and connect with other young writers.

The annual conference is free for high school students, and information for the 2026 program will be announced soon. Interested students are encouraged to visit the Rutgers–Camden Writers House website for upcoming details.

Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be written—consider participating and let your creativity shine!

Students and families are invited to visit the Winslow Township High School website to review the updated 2026–2027 Student Handbook, which contains important policies, procedures, and information for the new school year.

The handbook will not be printed and distributed. Instead, please visit the website and look under News and Announcements to access and review it.

Thank you for staying informed and helping us begin the school year prepared for success!

In preparation for the new school year, our ESS staff participated in a training and informational meeting to ensure they are ready to support our students and teachers from the very first day.

Our ESS team includes substitute teachers, teachers’ assistants, and non-instructional aides who work with our students each day and play an important role in creating a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment.

We warmly welcome our ESS staff back to Winslow Township High School and thank them for their dedication to our Eagle family. We look forward to continuing our valued partnership with ESS as we work together to help every student learn, grow, and succeed!

Calling all Winslow Township School District staff, students, families, and friends! Join us on Saturday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. at Rowan University as our Winslow Eagles Varsity Football Team takes on Neptune!

Our student-athletes have trained hard all summer, and now it is our turn to show up and support them. Wear your Eagle green, bring your green cowbells and noisemakers, and get ready to cheer loudly and proudly!

Come one, come all—let’s fill the stands, bring the energy, and show everyone the power of Eagle spirit!

💚🤍💛 Go Eagles! 💚🤍💛

• September 1, 2026: Freshman Student Orientation 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• September 2, 2026: First Day of School for Students
• September 7, 2026: Labor Day - School Closed
• September 21, 2026: Yom Kippur - School Closed
• September 22, 2026 – September 25, 2026: Spirit Week
• 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