Ashbrook News

There was a very exciting "buzz" around the preschool leading up to the discovery of the Gingerbread Man in my office! All preschool students took part in sharing the story, singing the song and helping to bake this special cookie. The absolute joy and surprised expressions on the students' faces as they looked for the cookie throughout the building, was really a highlight of my week. I know the students went home talking about it because they were so invested in following the clues. The ultimate reward for the students was eating the run-away cookie!

Thank you to all who came out for the Wizards vs. Lumberton game! It was a wonderful night for the students, staff and families. The PTO did a fabulous job once again.

Beginning with the third Monday in October, schools and districts across the country will be observing and recognizing the importance of a safe and positive learning environment. Staying safe is the S in our STAR principles and is very important. Safety is a must on the bus, playground, hallways, classroom, bathroom and everywhere you go. Each day we will talk about a different location where we can review how to stay safe with our students.

School Safety Awareness Week is 10/20/25-10/24/25

Monday - Safety in the classroom

Tuesday Safety on the playground

Wednesday - Safety in the hallways

Thursday - Safety in the cafeteria

Friday - Safety on the bus

Important Information:

Morning drop off for students begins at 8:40am and school begins at 8:50am. For students being dropped off at the K/1 side, please have your child ready to go with their backpack next to them in the back seat. Parents please don't get out of the car in the carline as we have to keep that moving. If you arrive after 8:50, please park and go directly to the office. We need to start our school day on time. Thank you!

Please make sure that there is someone waiting at the bus stop to receive your child every day. Students are not permitted to walk home unsupervised and, therefore, will be returned to the school to await pickup. Please know that this procedure is in place to ensure your child's safety.

All students are reminded to wear and keep their seatbelts on for the duration of the school bus ride. Thank you for reminding and encouraging your child to "stay safe" by keeping their seatbelts on and using a low voice on the bus; your partnership is appreciated and valued.

Good attendance is essential to student achievement and graduation. Nationwide, as many as one out of 10 students are chronically absent, meaning they miss 10 percent or more of school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences. This translates to about 18 missed days a year or about a month of school. Sporadic, not just consecutive, absences matter! Based on research, chronic absenteeism marks the point where students start to fall behind academically. Therefore, we as a district continue to be committed to focusing on reducing chronic absenteeism to give all our students an equitable opportunity to learn, grow and thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

The district has specific policy, regulations and procedures in place to record, monitor and track absences over time. Each child’s school will communicate with parents when absences begin to accumulate. The schools are committed to working with families in these instances to develop strategies for improving attendance to ensure minimal impact on educational programming.

We recognize that some absences are unavoidable. Occasionally children get sick and need to stay home. What is important is getting children to school as often as possible and avoiding any unnecessary absences. Together we can make a difference!

Some Attendance Tips to Promote Student Learning:

• Make sure your child keeps a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine so they are rested and alert when they get to school.
• Turn off all electronics including TVs, phones and tablets at bedtime.
• Pack backpacks and make sure clothes are ready the night before.
• Check with the school nurse if you are not sure about when to keep your child at home due to illness.
• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
• Talk to your child’s teacher and school counselor for advice if your child feels anxious about going to school.
• Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up or the bus is missed. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school, if needed.

Please communicate regularly with your child’s school staff and let them know how we can best support you and your child for a successful school year where students attend school on time every day, whenever possible.

https://forms.gle/LXzeHwM5F9LHyxT16

• 17th- Breast Cancer Awareness. Wear pink!

• 24th- Football Friday!

• 31st- Costume

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDsYQJaxSsU

Illustrated by Gail Yerrill

The Lumberton PTA has heard your requests and is thrilled to announce a YEAR-ROUND SPIRITWEAR website to purchase all of your school spirit apparel shipped directly to your home!

https://sites.google.com/lumberton.k12.nj.us/aeslearningportal/home - Counseling website

https://sites.google.com/lumberton.k12.nj.us/virtualcalmingroom/home - Virtual Calm Room

Our SEL topic of the month that we will be discussing is Self-Control. Please see the parent newsletter below.

Here are a few tips and recommendations to help get ready for the start of the school year:

• Make a fun goodbye ritual in the morning/model a positive goodbye

• Practice a dry run going to school to get more familiar

• Have a predictable routine

• Send in a family picture with your child

• Let them see your excitement about going to school

• Read books about connections

• Validate their feelings

Tips for a Successful School Year:

• Establish a bed time/morning routine

• Homework/reading space

• Communicate with the school

• Make attendance a priority

• Coming to school on time

• Get involved

• Attend school events

• Read together

• Positive reinforcement

• Limit screen time

• Get homework help/tutoring if needed

Lumberton School District has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider: Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language. Visit www.caresolace.com/lumberton and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

WHEN TO STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL

· Fever over 100 orally within 24hr without fever reducing medications

· Has thrown up in the past 24 hours

· Has had diarrhea two or more times in the past 24 hours

· Seems ill

· Is not able to comfortably participate in school activities

· Coughs or sneezes more than usual

· Has pain in ears, throat, head or chest

· Young students: continual yellow or green drainage from the nose that is unable to be contained or cared for by the student themselves.

· Injury or illness which requires further immediate treatment. Antibiotic treatment of less than 24 hours and the possibility that a student may be communicable to others.

· Suspected contagious diseases (until treatment for 24 - 48hrs)

· chicken pox

· Flu or viral symptoms

· conjunctivitis (pink eye) with drainage

· pediculosis (head lice)

· scabies

· undiagnosed rashes

· untreated and uncovered ringworm

Staying safe means you are making careful choices that keep yourself and others from getting hurt.

Responsibility is an action we take to show we can make good choices, do what is expected of us, and take ownership of our behavior and actions.

Being kind means that you show others you care and do things to make them feel happy.

Interact with others in a way that shows that you care about their well-being and how they feel.

One approach we use to increase self-regulation skills in the classroom is the Zones of Regulation. The Zones is a framework that teaches students to identify feelings and use appropriate coping tools. Feelings and state of alertness are sorted into four colored zones. Students who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time. We encourage you to try using some of the "Zones" language at home with your child.

Blue Zone: Your body is running slowly. You may feel sad, bored, tired or sick.

Green Zone: Your body is ready to learn! You may feel happy, calm or focused. This is the Zone we expect students to be in for most of the day.

Yellow Zone: This is the caution zone, and your body starts to lose control. You may feel worried, stressed, annoyed, frustrated, silly or excited.

Red Zone: Your body is out of control. You may feel anger, aggression, or terror. This may look like a child having a tantrum or a meltdown.

It’s important to note that there is not a “bad” Zone as all of the Zones are expected at one time or another. More information on the Zones of Regulation can be found here. Kids Like Me also has tips and suggestions for using Zones of Regulation at home.

October 16th 2025

Bobby's Run School- PAC

32 Dimsdale Drive

7:00PM

We're excited to keep you informed and involved in all things PTA through this week's PTA Bulletin.

As always, be sure to visit our Facebook page and website regularly for the latest updates and upcoming events.

Ashbrook is working with our PTA to bring in volunteers to help out with our lunch and recess periods. Interested parties can continue to contact the PTA. A big thank you to those volunteers who have served this year in the lunchroom!

The EDC Program is now in its 35th year; program offers a safe, affordable and convenient (on-site) before and after-school childcare for Lumberton students in PreK-3 through 8th grade.

• Hours: open at 6:35am; close at 6pm (open most school days, with exception of a few half day afternoons)

• Program fully funded by parent tuition; discounted tuition offered to income eligible families

• Children are offered a fun, safe and relaxed atmosphere with opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities

• All activities conducted/monitored by professional and caring staff

For more information, contact Mrs. Diane Solan, Coordinator, or Mrs. Jennifer Grimm, Secretary, by email or phone at 609-267-1406, Ext. 2004

Please make sure you have photo permission turned on in our Genesis Parent Portal.

Email: jkilgore@lumberton.k12.nj.us
Website: lumberton.k12.nj.us
Location: 33 Municipal Drive, Lumberton, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-518-0030