The WTHS Weekly Newsletter

A little rain could not dampen the Eagle spirit at our Homecoming Dance last Saturday! Our gym was transformed into a dazzling cityscape as students arrived dressed to impress and ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening Under the City Lights.

From the moment the music began, the gyms were filled with energy, laughter, and plenty of great moves. Students danced, enjoyed delicious food and refreshments, took pictures with friends, and created memories that will last long after Homecoming Weekend.

The evening concluded with the highly anticipated crowning of our 2026 Homecoming Court! Congratulations to our newly crowned Freshman Lord and Lady, Sophomore Duke and Duchess, Junior Prince and Princess, and Senior Homecoming King and Queen. We were proud to celebrate each member of the court and the wonderful Eagle spirit they represented.

A very special thank-you to Mrs. Feighery, Ms. Hahn, Ms. Verrecchio, Ms. Wise, Ms. Sawyer, Ms. Bates, Mr. Jones, Ms. McCauley, Ms. Lewis-Caal, Ms. Rouse, Mr. Howard, Mr. Minder, Mr. McEnnis, and Ms. Lane for chaperoning the dance and helping to create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable evening for our students.

We also extend our immense appreciation to our Facilities and Maintenance Team for preparing the gyms and transforming the spaces for the event, as well as our Food Services staff for catering the evening. Thank you to every staff member who stopped by, stayed for part of the night, or assisted in any way. Your time, teamwork, and support helped make the celebration a success.

Most importantly, thank you to our students for bringing such positive energy and making the evening so special. Rain or shine, the Eagles know how to celebrate!

Calling all students, student-athletes, staff, parents, alumni, and members of the Winslow Township community! Join us for a powerful and inspiring FREE screening of the newly released Prime Video documentary, Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story.

📅 Thursday, October 8
🚪 Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
🎬 Film begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 WTHS Auditorium
🎟️ Admission is completely FREE!

Our auditorium can accommodate approximately 800 guests, so do not be shy—bring your family, teammates, friends, coaches, and neighbors for this unforgettable community event!

Go Deep takes audiences beyond the touchdowns and highlight reels to share DeSean Jackson’s remarkable journey from a nine-year-old Pop Warner standout to one of the NFL’s most electrifying wide receivers. Created from decades of personal footage captured by his older brother, filmmaker Byron Jackson, the documentary offers an honest and deeply personal look at the family relationships, sacrifices, pressures, talent, and relentless determination that helped shape DeSean’s life and career.

DeSean enjoyed a 15-year NFL career that included two memorable stretches with the Philadelphia Eagles, more than 11,000 receiving yards, and three Pro Bowl selections. Today, he is using his experience to mentor and develop the next generation as the head football coach at Delaware State University.

What makes this evening especially exciting? Members of the Los Angeles production team—including Byron Jackson—and DeSean Jackson himself will be at WTHS to meet the audience! This is a rare opportunity to watch an inspiring new film and connect with the people whose lives and work brought this powerful story to the screen.

This is much more than a football movie. It is a story about family, sacrifice, grit, determination, focus, goal-setting, vision, and the courage to keep pursuing a dream. Whether you are a student, an athlete or artist; a parent, educator, coach, or community member, this story offers lessons that can inspire us all.

Parents, bring your extended family for an evening that can spark meaningful conversations about dreams, perseverance, family support, and what it takes to turn a vision into reality.

Use the QR Code in the flyer below to save your seat!

You do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime WTHS experience—and the best part is that it is FREE! Fill the auditorium, bring your Eagle spirit, and get ready to Go Deep!

Ms. Paparo and Mrs. Hoffman, our ELA and Math Interventionists, visited Mrs. Young's and Ms. D'Amore's Senior classrooms this week to review testing procedures and support resources available ahead of their October NJGPA retest. Seniors were given information about the NJ pathways for graduation, available support and help before the retest and throughout their senior year, if needed.

Senior NJGPA retesting will be held October 19-21 during the school day. Please remind seniors to bring their fully charged devices and arrive on time to their testing locations. Testing schedule information will follow.

Written by Mrs. Hoffman

A friendly reminder that NJGPA retakes in English Language Arts and Mathematics will take place October 19–21 (actual dates of test). Seniors who are scheduled to participate should pay close attention to testing information and reminders shared by their counselors and teachers.

We encourage every student to approach the assessment with confidence. You have prepared for this opportunity—believe in yourself, take your time, and do your best. We are cheering you on!

This week, 9th grade English students in Ms. Arnold’s class took to the imaginary court room for a heated debate.

Students became passionate about their classwork as they cooperated to defend or prosecute fictional characters in 3 different scenarios. As they took to the stand, or sparkly microphone in this case, teams read their arguments aloud to try and convince the judge, Miss Arnold, of the character’s position.

Written by Ms. Arnold

Our Learning Round focus next week will be small-group instruction. Administrators will look for purposeful student groupings, instruction tailored to students’ needs, meaningful collaboration, active student participation, and opportunities for teachers to provide targeted support and feedback.

Thank you for continuing to create responsive and engaging classroom environments where students receive the support they need, work productively with their peers, and take an active role in their learning.

Our marching band director’s impact extends far beyond the music program. He is a constant presence throughout our school community, consistently stepping up to support students, staff, and school events in any way he can. Whether preparing the band for a pep rally, performing under the Friday night lights at a football game, representing our school during a championship parade, or appearing on a news broadcast, he is always willing to answer the call. His commitment helps create the energy, pride, and school spirit that make these moments memorable for our entire school community.

Behind every performance are countless hours of preparation that often go unseen. Long after the school day has ended, he can regularly be found working with students, organizing music and equipment, coordinating performances, and making sure the band is prepared for whatever opportunity comes next. His dedication is especially impressive because he never seems to view these additional responsibilities as an inconvenience. Instead, he embraces each opportunity to showcase his students and support the school. Through his example, students see firsthand what dedication, teamwork, reliability, and pride in one's school community look like.

Perhaps the best reflection of his character came when he was recently recognized as a Staff Member of the Month. Upon receiving the award, his response was simply, "I never win anything." The comment was humble, genuine, and fitting for someone who spends so much of his time making sure others have their moment to shine. While he may not seek recognition for himself, his contributions do not go unnoticed. Our marching band director represents the very best of what it means to be part of a school community: showing up, giving your best, supporting others, and doing whatever is needed to make the entire school better.

Written by Mr. Minder

On Saturday, October 3, we will be competing in our next competition at Palmyra High School, followed by supporting our Football team at Red Bank Catholic High School! Report time to WTHS is 8:30AM SHARP!! We will have a brief rehearsal to review the work we put in this week before getting the buses and equipment loaded up. Please make sure your child has their Black Shirt, Black Pants, and Black Socks as they will be in Full Uniform. Color guard members will be in their All Black. We should be leaving to head to Palmyra no later than 10:30AM.

The competition is scheduled to begin at 1PM. We are scheduled to open the show at 1PM. After performing, students will have some time to visit the Concession Stand. Please make sure your child has money if they plan to visit the Concession Stand. Likewise, students may choose to bring food with them to eat instead. Any parents who plan to attend and are available to help move equipment on and off the field, please reach out to Kori. Awards are tentatively scheduled for 3PM, pending the show running on time and the Judge's Meeting. We should be leaving Palmyra no later than 3:45PM to head up to Red Bank Catholic for the Football Game. For those who are planning to attend the competition, the address for Palmyra High School is at the end of this email.

After the competition, we are then headed up to Red Bank Catholic High School to support our Football Team. Pending traffic, we should be arriving at Red Bank around 5:30PM. The game is scheduled to begin at 6PM. Again, students will have time to visit the Concession Stand during Halftime if they choose to do so. The game should be over around 8:30PM, pending any delays. We should be leaving Red Bank to head back to WTHS around 9PM, and returning to WTHS by 11PM pending traffic. After unloading and dismissing, students should be ready for pickup by 11:30PM. Keep an eye out for emails from Kori with updates on the game and arrival time back to WTHS! For those who are planning on attending the game, the address for Red Bank Catholic is at the end of the email.

The weather looks to be a little cool this weekend in the morning and evening, so please plan accordingly!

Spirit Gear orders are still available for purchase! Payment can be in multiple forms, including cash, check, and electronic. For those who plan to write checks, please make them out to Bandwagon Prints. The order form is attached to this email.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mr. Jarvela.

Thanks again for all your support!!!

Addresses:

Palmyra High School

311 W 5th St

Palmyra, NJ 08065

Red Bank Catholic High School

112 Broad St

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Written by WTHS Marching Band Staff

Each month a department is responsible for selecting the Students-of-the Month. The September Students-of-the-Month were selected by the History Department.

12th grade student: Lawrence (LJ) Robinson:

GREAT kid! I have him in Study Hall right now and he has helped me with some class set up. He has also helped Katie Alexander in the school store during Study Hall. I had him search for the new security guard, Officer Garcia and introduce himself because LJ plays baseball (pitcher and potential varsity captain). LJ is a stand-up student athlete and respectful young man.”

11th Grade Student: Adrian Dominguez-Zafra:

“Adrian has demonstrated a positive attitude, consistent effort, and a strong commitment to his classwork. He is respectful, responsible, and comes to class ready to learn. Adrian’s effort and positive presence in the classroom make him an excellent choice for Student of the Month. Congratulations, Adrian!”

10th Grade Student: Arianna Ross

"I am proud to nominate Arianna Ross for Student of the Month. Arianna is a standout 10th-grade student in my United States History Honors I class who consistently leads by example.

Every day, she comes to class with a genuine curiosity and a clear readiness to learn. She is diligent in checking for understanding, always follows directions, and approaches her coursework with focus and enthusiasm. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her truly refreshing to have in class. It is an absolute pleasure having Arianna in class, and she is well-deserving of this recognition!”

9th Grade Student: Aeris Middlebrook

“I am pleased to nominate Aeris Middlebrook who is in 9th grade for Student of the Month. I would like to nominate Aeris because she comes to Honors World History every day eager and excited to learn. She shows a genuine interest in the material we are studying and is always willing to ask questions when she wants to understand something more deeply. She actively participates in class discussions and often shows curiosity about how historical events, people, and cultures connect to the world we live in today. Aeris is also very respectful, kind, and considerate toward everyone around her. Her enthusiasm for learning and positive attitude make her such an amazing student to have this year in our class."

The Students-of-the-Month received a coupon for a free meal at Texas RoadHouse, a $10 gift certificate from the HSA, and a Student-of-the-Month pin.

Thanks to the HSA for supporting our students!

Students and staff who missed Picture Day will have another opportunity to smile for the camera on November 20. Please mark your calendar for Makeup Picture Day—we look forward to seeing your best smile!

Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing at WTHS, and our students and staff are proudly celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities!

Each morning following the announcements, students helped our school begin the day with interesting heritage facts and meaningful quotes from influential Hispanic and Latino figures. Throughout the building, our Spanish teachers brought culture to life by creatively decorating their classroom doors to highlight traditions, history, art, and other aspects of Hispanic heritage.

The celebration also made its way into athletics! Our Volleyball Team created posters featuring important historical facts and displayed them in the gym alongside the colorful flags of Spanish-speaking countries from around the world.

Thank you to our students, teachers, and student-athletes for sharing their creativity, knowledge, and pride with the entire WTHS community. These activities remind us that learning about one another’s cultures helps strengthen our understanding, appreciation, and sense of belonging.

We want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our custodians and maintenance staff! So much of what they do happens quietly and behind the scenes, yet the impact of their work is visible and felt throughout our school every single day.

From keeping our classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces clean and safe to ensuring that our building remains well-maintained and welcoming, their efforts help create an environment where our students and staff can learn, work, and thrive.

Their dedication, reliability, and attention to detail reflect the very heart of the WTHS community. We are deeply grateful for the pride, care, and professionalism they bring to their work each day.

Today on Custodian Appreciation Day, on behalf of our entire school community, thank you for your tireless efforts and for the meaningful difference you make in the daily lives of our students and staff.

We see you, we appreciate you, and we are truly grateful for all that you do!

The National Honor Society application process is beginning at WTHS! Eligible juniors and seniors will receive an invitation to attend an informational session on October 8 during second period in the auditorium, where they will receive their NHS application and learn more about the selection process.

Completed applications are due by October 22. Students selected for membership will be recognized during the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on December 1 from 6:00–8:00 PM.

We are excited to celebrate students who demonstrate excellence in the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Eligible students should be on the lookout for their invitations!

Please see Ms. Paparo for more information.

Do you know an 8th-grade student who lives in the Winslow Township School District and wants a high school experience that connects learning with future career opportunities? Look no further than Winslow Township High School!

8th-grade students and their families are invited to attend the:

WTHS Open House Expo
Thursday, October 15
6:00–8:00 PM
Winslow Township High School

Come explore our exciting academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, where students develop hands-on, industry-valued skills and can pursue credentials that prepare them for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Families will learn about our CTE courses, pathways to careers, professions aligned with each program, and the potential earnings and opportunities available within those fields.

The WTHS experience extends beyond the classroom! We are also proud of our highly regarded athletic program, which includes championship-winning football, a nationally renowned track and field team, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, field hockey, wrestling, and many more opportunities for student-athletes.

Come discover how you can become part of a vibrant school community offering engaging academics, innovative CTE programs, hands-on learning, industry-valued credentials, and some of the top athletic teams in South Jersey.

Explore your interests. Develop your talents. Find your team. Your future starts at WTHS!

A few spooky friendly have arrived at WTHS, and they are on a mission to spread kindness, laughter, and staff camaraderie throughout our school!

The School Leadership Committee (SLC) has launched its “You’ve Been BOO’d!” Staff Boo Gram activity. Our first recipients received a special Boo Gram, directions, and Boo'd cut-outs in their mailboxes. Their mission—should they choose to accept it—is to keep the fun going!

By Monday, October 5, each recipient will select ten colleagues who have not yet been BOO’d, place a small treat in their mailboxes, and add a Boo'd cut-out to show that they have officially joined the fun.

The SLC hopes to reach every member of the WTHS team before the end of October. This lighthearted activity is a wonderful way to surprise a colleague, brighten someone’s day, and celebrate the amazing staff members who make our school community so special.

Check your mailbox—you never know when a little spooky surprise may be waiting for you!

Happy BOO-ing from the SLC Team! 🎃

Our students’ creativity and learning are on display beyond the walls of WTHS! Each month, one of our departments has the opportunity to showcase authentic student work on the high school’s bulletin board at the Board of Education Office.

For October, the Business Department is taking center stage with exciting projects created by students in Ms. Alexander’s Period 2 and Period 6 Sports and Entertainment Marketing classes.

For this assignment, students applied the seven functions of marketing by designing an Instagram post or printed promotional flyer for an NFL Monday Night Football game. The finished products demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, visual communication, and an understanding of how marketing principles are used in the sports and entertainment industries.

The next time you visit the Board of Education Office, be sure to stop by the WTHS bulletin board and check out our students’ impressive work. We are proud to see their talent, knowledge, and creativity on display!

Submitted by Ms. Alexander

Get ready for a spooktacular attendance challenge! From October 26–30, the first-period class with every student present for the entire week will win a special prize!

Every student matters, so encourage your classmates to be in school, arrive on time, and help your first-period class reach perfect attendance. The winning class will be announced during the morning announcements on Monday, November 2.

Be here, be on time, and help your class claim the prize!

• October 8, 2026: NHS Application Distribution
• October 8, 2026: Go Deep - The DeSean Jackson Story - Free Screening - 5:30pm
• 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 22, 2026: NHS Application Due
• 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 1, 2026: NHS Induction 6 PM - 8 PM
• 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