FTMHS NewsFLASH

Welcome to a new school year! September brings a renewed sense of energy, possibility, and opportunity, and I am excited about all that our students will accomplish this year.

Our goal is simple: to create a school where every student feels known, valued, challenged, and supported. We will expect our students to attend school each day, work hard, take responsibility for their choices, and treat one another with kindness and respect. Just as importantly, we will be here to help them when they struggle, celebrate their successes, and encourage them to keep growing.

I encourage every student to find a way to become part of our school community—through athletics, clubs, the arts, service, leadership, or simply by reaching out and building new relationships. These experiences often become some of the most meaningful parts of high school.

Families are essential partners in this work. Thank you for supporting good attendance, healthy routines, academic effort, and positive communication.

Let’s make this a year of growth, belonging, and purpose. Together, we can make it a great year for every student.

Thursday, September 3, 2026

• First Day of School--7:30 a.m.; One Session Day; 11:40 a.m. dismissal.

Monday, September 7, 2026

• Labor Day; School Closed.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

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

Thursday, September 24, 2026

• Picture Day

Friday, September 25, 2026

• Powder Puff; 7 p.m.

Monday, September 28, 2026

• Spirit Week Begins.

For all school events, activities, athletics, meetings and schedule details, please visit the school website and district calendar.

Date: October 1, 2026

Location: Auxiliary Gym

Customer Service: (908) 964-8200

PORTRAIT ATTIRE:

PERSONALITY POSES:

This is where you let your personality shine with your

favorite outfit, school jersey, Varsity jacket, etc. (appropriate for portrait)

Bring props: medals, musical instrument, football/soccer ball, athletic gear, etc.

YEARBOOK POSES:

Tuxedo (supplied by Lors) or Drape (supplied by Lors)

Undergarments for yearbook pose: For drape- a tube top or

thin strapped tank. NO RACER BACK TANKS.

CAP AND GOWN POSES:

Caps/gowns will be provided by Lors and will include multiple pose options.

At this year’s band camp the 52 students involved in the FTMHS Marching Band worked hard to learn their field show, “Stand Up, Stand Out.” It was one of the most successful band camps to date, with the band learning their entire show and culminating in a fantastic public PreFormance on Friday, August 28. Thank you to all that came to support us!”

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Seniors arrived at 6 a.m. and enjoyed bagels, games, and spending time with their classmates.

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Perfect Attendance Program for the upcoming school year!

Each month, we will recognize students who demonstrate excellent attendance. Any student who is present at school every school day of the month will be eligible to have their name entered into our Perfect Attendance “Hat.”

At the end of each month, three lucky students will be randomly selected from the hat to receive a special reward, generously sponsored by our wonderful Parents Organization!

We are excited to recognize and celebrate our students for their commitment to being present and ready to learn each day. We look forward to celebrating our students throughout the school year!

The high school counselors, Mrs. Duffy and Mr. Varga, 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 to academic support, mental health resources, college planning and research, post-secondary financial aid, and more.

Schedules

Student schedules were carefully developed based on teacher recommendations and students' 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 assigned academic counselor.

Mrs. Duffy: mduffy@florence.k12.nj.us

Seniors……………………………………………………………...A-K

Juniors……………………………………………………………...A-Mc

Sophomores…………………………………………………....A-J

Freshmen………………………………………………………....A-La

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

Seniors…………………………………………………….…..……L-Z

Juniors…………………………………………………….………...Me-Z

Sophomores………………………………………....………….K-Z

Freshmen………………………………………………..………...Le-Z

Hello, Flashes!

My name is Mrs. Duffy and I am thrilled to join the FTMHS team as a school counselor! While this is my first year in Florence, I have been a school counselor for over 15 years, and I can't wait to bring that experience to FTMHS and learn from all of you as well! My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and collaborative space to support you in navigating your journey through high school and planning for your next step after graduation. To our families and staff: thank you in advance for welcoming me into this incredible community. I can’t wait to collaborate with you!

Mrs. Duffy

The counseling department is excited to announce that one of our very own teachers will be interning with us for the 2026–27 school year! This year, Mrs. Fisher will be working closely with Mr. Varga each day as part of our counseling team. She will be supporting students and families throughout the year, and you may hear from her regarding your child. Mrs. Fisher and Mr. Varga are both here to support your child and help make this a successful school year. Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions; they’re always happy to help!

We are excited to welcome college admission representatives to our school throughout the fall. Click here to see which colleges will be visiting and when. If interested in attending please see Ms. Gola the day prior to the meeting to receive a pass to show your teacher allowing you to attend the visit. Be sure to check back regularly as we're continuously adding new visits to the schedule!