COMMUNITY LION'S ROAR
July 2026
Families, thank you very much for participating in our district survey. Once again, we received more responses than we have had in the previous years. It means a lot and we appreciate your time.
The data is currently being analyzed and will be posted on our Strategic Planning webpage at the start of the 26 - 27 school year. Families will be notified once the information is live.
We REALLY would like to thank you for your recommendations for future additional questions. You had great ideas that we will incorporate. A District committee will integrate your suggestions into the Spring 2027 end of year survey for next year.
THANK YOU!
Please see the message below: Sports Physicals this weekend at AFC Urgent care are not free. Sports physicals are $45.00 and AFC Urgent Care and NJSIAA are partnering to give out a free backpack with medical supplies for those students that participate.
This is a friendly reminder that all student-athletes entering grades 6–12 must have a current sports physical on file in order to participate in interscholastic athletics. Sports physicals are valid for one calendar year from the date of the examination.
While the district will be offering an in-house sports physical opportunity in late September, families are encouraged to schedule physicals with their healthcare provider over the summer if their child's physical will expire before or during the athletic season.
Attachment: Updated Summer 2026 District Physical Information.pdf
The NJSIAA has also shared an important message regarding sports physicals that I would like to pass along to our families. Please review the information below, as well as the attached Lindenwold School District Summer Physical Information Letter for 2026, for additional details and requirements.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletic Department.
Any questions, please email Athletic Director, Noel Maloney- nmaloney@lindenwold.k12.nj.us.
Thank you,
Lindenwold Physical Forms: https://www.lindenwold.k12.nj.us/departments/athletics/forms
The NJSIAA also shared an important message regarding sports physicals that is provided below.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletic Department .
Athletic Director: Noel Maloney
Email Address: nmaloney@lindenwold.k12.nj.us.
Thank you,
Noel Maloney
Lindenwold Athletics Administration
Please see the following message from the NJSIAA:
The NJSIAA is excited to announce a new partnership with AFC Urgent Care, who will serve as the Official Urgent Care Partner of the NJSIAA during the 2026-27 school year.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the health, wellness, and success of New Jersey's student-athletes while providing schools with new opportunities to engage students, recognize outstanding individuals, and promote healthy participation in high school athletics.
Throughout the school year, NJSIAA member schools can look forward to several new programs and initiatives, including:
NJSIAA/AFC Cleared for Play Weekend
Before the start of each athletic season (Fall/Winter/Spring), a dedicated NJSIAA Weekend will be hosted at AFC locations throughout the state, encouraging student-athletes to visit their local AFC Urgent Care center to complete required athletic clearance and health screenings. This statewide initiative is designed to make it easy and convenient for student-athletes and families to prepare for the upcoming athletic season. Every athlete leaves with an AFC gift bag stocked with a band-aid kit, cold pack, and gear!
BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FALL WEEKEND COMING UP ON AUGUST 1ST & 2ND.
As the Official Urgent Care Partner of the NJSIAA, AFC Urgent Care is committed to helping schools promote athlete wellness, encourage injury prevention, and ensure students have access to convenient healthcare resources throughout the year.
Additional information, participation details, and promotional materials for each initiative will be distributed as the school year progresses, but we encourage everyone to visit the link below to find the AFC Urgent Care location nearest you https://www.afcurgentcare.com/new-jersey/
Dear Families,
At the end of the school year, elementary school students received three printed Summer Learning Packets:
Summer Reading Log
Phonics Activities
Math Project Packet
These resources are designed to help keep your child’s reading and math skills sharp. Without regular practice, students can experience the “summer slide,” but just a little weekly review can make a big difference!
Let’s work together to help your child’s brain grow this summer—alongside all the fun and play!
We are encouraging all students to complete and return their packets to their new teacher in September. Completed packets will be rewarded with a special celebration when school resumes! Don't miss out!
If you need to reprint any packet, use the link below:
Thank you for your continued support. Have a safe and joyful summer!
Our secondary students can also engage in some Summer Reading Fun!!!! It's important to keep your brains active over the summer months!!! Our LHS Media Specialist sent home the following Bingo Boards for students to complete over the summer months. Give it a try!!!
New Jersey “Bell-to-Bell” Device Ban Begins September 2026
On January 8, 2026, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2025, c. 195 into law. This legislation requires all New Jersey public school districts to prohibit students from using internet-enabled devices during the school day beginning in September 2026. This requirement is commonly referred to as the “Bell-to-Bell” device ban and will apply in all Lindenwold schools.
This is not just a Lindenwold policy; it is now New Jersey law.
We encourage families to begin speaking with their children now about this new statewide requirement and what it will mean for all students during the school day. We strongly encourage students to keep all internet-enabled devices at home. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and similar devices. However, if a student chooses to bring a device to school due to a student needing the device before or after school hours, the devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or bookbag for the entire school day. Devices may not be accessed at any time during the regular school day, including during instructional class time, lunch, transitions between periods, or time spent in the hallways.
Students who are observed with a phone or reported to be using or possessing a device during the school day will be considered in violation of the District’s Code of Conduct. The student will be required to surrender the device immediately to an administrator. A parent or guardian must then retrieve the device from the school’s main office. Devices will not be returned directly to students, regardless of the student’s age.
Refusal to surrender a device upon request will be considered insubordination. A student who refuses to surrender an internet-enabled device will be sent home, and the incident will be recorded as a suspension. It is very important that families discuss this law and the consequences of violating it with their children.
Please also ensure that you provide reliable emergency contacts—individuals who are able and willing to assist when called. It is essential that you or your emergency contact must arrive at the school to pick your student up within 60 minutes of being notified. A timely response is essential, and the District defines a timely response to be within 60 minutes.
Note: Limited exceptions may be provided for students who require an internet-enabled device to monitor a documented medical condition, such as diabetes. Any medical exception must be included in an approved health care plan or Section 504 Plan. A school-approved process for accessing the internet-enabled device will be established, clearly communicated, and included in the student’s health care plan.
For students who are in need of communicating with a parent or guardian, school-based communication supports will be available through the guidance office, Child Study Team, and main office.
We appreciate the cooperation of our students and families as Lindenwold prepares to implement this new statewide law. It is imperative that student learning once again becomes the primary focus of students’ time during the school day, free from cell phone use and outside distractions.
Early Childhood Center (ECC): Grades Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade
Principal: Mr. Jeffrey Patterson
Assistant Principal: Ms. Melanie Martin
PK: 9:40 am - 3:40 pm
K & 1st Grade: 9:05 am - 3:40 pm
School 4: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
Principal: Dr. Martinez-Preyor
8:35 am - 3:10 pm
School 5: 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Principal: Ms. Amber Callow
8:25 am - 3:00 pm
LMS: 6th Grade - 8th Grade
Principal: Mr. Joe Tabasco
Assistant Principal: Ms. Jennifer Ruffino
Assistant Principal: Mr. Ryan Strothers
7:40 am - 2:15 pm
LHS: 9th Grade – 12th Grade
Principal: Mr. Fred Geardino
Assistant Principal: Mr. Ron DiMattia
Assistant Principal: Ms. Dina Holmes
7:15 am - 2:00 pm
It is essential that your contact information remains current, as the school primarily communicates with families via email, text, and phone.
Please also ensure that you provide reliable emergency contacts—individuals who are able and willing to assist when called. For example, if your child becomes ill, either you or your emergency contact must arrive at the school to pick them up within 60 minutes of being notified.
This same expectation applies if the school contacts you due to social-emotional, behavioral, or physical health concerns. A timely response is essential, and the District defines a timely response to be within 60 minutes.
Summer Letters Mailed: You should receive your mailing during the week of August 26th.
(If you have not received your mailing by Monday, August 31st, please contact your child’s school.)
Bus passes will be mailed the week of August 31, 2026 to students eligible for bus transportation. Bus passes will also be available through the Realtime Parent Portal before the start of the school year.
Remember - this year the first student school day is Monday, September 14th!!
September 8th:
6th Grade Orientation: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
September 9th:
Preschool Early Childhood Center Open House: 6 pm
September 10th:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Early Childhood Center Open House: 6 pm
September 11th:
Grade 9 Orientation: 9:45 am
September 14th:
First day of school for all students
September 17th:
LHS Open House
Twilight Open House
September 22nd:
School 4 (Grades 2 & 3) Open House
September 23rd:
School 5 (Grades 4 & 5) Back-to-School Open House
September 24th:
LMS (Grades 6 - 8) Open House
POLICY: 5511
The Lindenwold School District has established a dress code policy for all students to follow. It is important that the following are considered:
- Pajama pants are not permitted to be worn during the school day.
- Shirts must cover one's back and abdomen region. Crop tops are not permitted to be worn during the school day.
- Hoodies, head wraps, and hats may not be worn in school during the school day. (This is a school safety issue as we do need to see everyone's full faces when in a school building.)
Please take time to review the Board Policy to ensure you child's choice of school clothing aligns with District expectations. If your child is in need to clothing support, please let us know. Please inform your child's teacher, building administration, guidance counselor, or a representative from the Central Office and we are happy to assist you and your family.
The District's Safety Specialist, Ms. Adrienne McManis, has continued her dedicated focus on the safety of our staff and students throughout the Lindenwold School District. You can reach her using this email address: amcmanis@lindenwold.k12.nj.us.
Please take some time to review the below important safety measures:
Identification:
One measure will include the requirement that ALL students, staff, approved guests, and substitutes are required to wear a school issued ID each day. Students in grades 4 - 12 will be required to wear their ID on a lanyard every day and our elementary student IDs will be secured to their backpacks.
On the first day of school, students in Grades 4 through high school will receive a temporary ID on the in homeroom. Permanent IDs will be provided following school picture days, which will occur later in the fall. Students will be required to WEAR their ID tag lanyard each day.
Food Delivery Services (Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.):
Food delivery services will be denied, and student orders will be turned away from any of our schools during normal business hours. Please be aware, if this results in the loss of student money, the student assumed that risk. This is a violation of school district safety procedures.
Side Door Access:
Students opening side doors for unauthorized guests (family or friends) and food delivery services will receive consequences as doing so compromises the safety of all staff and students within the building.
ECC & School 4 - First Day of School Information:
Elementary Students will be mailed a name tag in their “Welcome Back to School” informational mailing in late August. Mailings will take place around 8/26 and you should receive your information no later than 8/30.
Students will then receive their permanent ID tag which will be connected to their book bag on the first day of school. Please leave this tag connected to your child’s bookbag for the entire year, as it will assist in the dismissal process each day.
School 5, LMS, and LHS Information:
ALL grade 4- 12 students will be required to wear their IDs starting on day 1 of school, September 14th. This visual identifier will help school staff quickly know who has been approved to be inside our schools as well as on our school property. Bus drivers will also require these IDs to properly identify students on their bus.
Head Coverings:
Students may NOT wear hoods or head coverings (hats, ball caps, fashion hats, head wraps, etc.) of any kind during the school day. Head coverings compromise our ability to visually identify students / staff/ guest faces on our camera system. Disregarding this guideline is considered a violation of student/staff/school safety procedures. (Exception: A religious exemption regarding head coverings will be granted; however, documentation and a meeting with administration will be required prior to receiving an approval.)
Note: Often students prefer a head covering when he/she is in need of a haircut. If your child is in need of support in this area, please reach out! We have a significant number of resources that we can access, and we want all of our students to be comfortable and feel good about themselves.
Please review the District information regarding the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Process (HIB). Reports may be shared with ANY District Staff Member; however, the following individuals are always available to assist you:
Dr. Kristin P O'Neil - Superintendent
ECC Principal:
JPatterson@lindenwold.k12.nj.us
School 4 Principal:
Smartinez-preyor@lindenwold.k12.nj.us
School 5 Principal:
agresik-callow@lindenwold.k12.nj.us
LMS Principal:
LHS Principal:
FGeardino@lindenwold.k12.nj.us
District HIB Specialist
All complaints & concerns are taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated. Additional information may be found on our District webpage along with our anonymous reporting system.
The District utilizes the STOP IT APP & STOP IT Website to permit members of our community (family, friends, students, etc.) report concerns anonymously. All anonymous reports are shared with District administration upon submission. You do NOT have to identify yourself by name or community affiliation when reporting a situation.
Access to this information is found on our main webpage. You can also use this link:
Summer time is a significant time of hiring. We plan for long term leaves, new positions, and replacement positions for the upcoming school year. At the time of employment, all Lindenwold staff members undergo a comprehensive and required criminal background check prior to employment.
Furthermore, the District adheres to P.L. 2018 c.5. (N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7-6 et. seq.), which has been in effect since June 1, 2018. This law requires all NJ Districts to conduct a 20-year review of each prospective candidate's employment history. Lindenwold contacts all employers in which applicant was employed in a position that had direct contact with children to determine if the prospective employee has any pending or substantiated allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct over the past 20 years.
Additionally, as part of a Memorandum of Agreement with the schools, both the Lindenwold Police Department and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office provide ongoing notifications to school districts regarding any reportable offenses involving individuals who work with children.
Our Commitment to Student Safety and Due Process:
The safety and well-being of our students remain the Lindenwold School District’s highest priority.
When the District receives a report alleging inappropriate conduct by any adult, including a staff member, established protocols are immediately implemented to ensure that the matter is investigated thoroughly, fairly, and impartially. These protocols include communication with the families of the students directly involved. Depending on the circumstances, the process may also include placing the identified staff member or adult on administrative leave while the investigation is conducted.
The District may also collaborate with the Lindenwold Police Department, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and other appropriate agencies.
When an outside agency assumes responsibility for an investigation, the District respects that agency’s authority and does not interfere with their investigation which includes refraining from public commentary as that could interfere with the investigative process.
Placing a staff member on administrative leave is a standard and precautionary measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and the interests of everyone involved. It should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt or wrongdoing. The District takes every allegation seriously while also respecting the legal rights, confidentiality, and due process protections of all individuals involved.
Even the possibility of an inappropriate situation involving a student can cause stress and concern for students, families, staff members, and the broader school community. The most responsible way to protect all parties is to allow the established investigative process to proceed without speculation.
Gossip, rumors, and incomplete information—even when shared on social media while assuming positive intentions—can cause significant and unnecessary harm to students, families, employees, and the community. In many situations, the District is working closely with law enforcement, legal counsel, and other agencies. The District will not compromise an investigation or violate the rights of any individual by providing information or commentary that it is legally or ethically prohibited from sharing.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the staff members and families directly involved will be contacted by the District or by the appropriate agency responsible for conducting the investigation, as permitted by law. Only when appropropriate and upon approval of law enforcement will a public statement be shared. Students, adults, including staff members, all have legal protections and rights that must not be forgotten or ignored.
We ask all members of the Lindenwold community to follow the “See Something, Say Something” principle and report any concerns regarding student safety through the appropriate channels. We also ask community members to respond with patience, grace, and respect for the confidentiality and due process requirements that must remain in place while the appropriate agencies complete their work.
Please respect the process.
