OTS Updates

Dear OTS Friends and Families,

Welcome back! It's been a great first two weeks of school here at OTS. Sports tryouts started last week and some teams have a game today! Many clubs will also be starting in the next few weeks. If you scroll down or click OTS Clubs in the table of contents to the left, you will find everything you need to know and do if your child wants to be in clubs at OTS this year.

Back to School Night for all OTS families is on September 12. Here is some essential information about the evening. We will also be sending this document home in an email blast from our school as well. Your child will bring home a copy of their schedule on Wednesday/Thursday for you to follow at Back to School Night so you know where to go. Please follow their MONDAY schedule.

Below are some essential reminders to help your students navigate the school year:

• Chromebooks have been delivered to students at school.

• Cell phones must be stored in student lockers all day long. Please see the Code of Conduct below for more information.

• The Parent Portal is open. You will be able to see your child's schedule as well as their Advisor/Homeroom teacher and grades once teachers begin with their assessments.

• Please click here and scroll down to the News and Announcements to see weekly updates from our Athletic Director about sports practices, games, etc.

• Picture Day is coming up...see flyer below...more information will follow. See Dee Krowl for any questions.

OTS would like to welcome Mrs. Kathy Gould as our new school counselor. Mrs. Gould comes to us with a decade of counseling experience, having spent the last five years serving as an elementary school counselor in Mount Olive and Frelinghuysen Township. As the OTS school counselor, Mrs. Gould will be providing counseling services, guidance lunches and character education lessons. She also serves as the anti-bullying specialist (ABS), the 504 coordinator, the school test coordinator for state testing, and is on the Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) committee. Additionally, Mrs. Gould will play an integral role in the transition from elementary to middle school and middle to high school. Mrs. Gould is so excited to be a part of OTS and is looking forward to getting to know everyone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her with any questions you may have.

This year at OTS we are happy to roll out a new and exciting program for our community called Inspiration Cafe. Inspiration Café is a program started at Black River Middle School in Chester, NJ by two teachers:

• Dr. Kenneth Piascik
• Mr. Joseph Pizzo

In the spring of 2024, Mrs. Femiano, our school social worker/case manager, read this article and shared it with Dr. Mitchell. They were curious and reached out to Dr. Piascik and Mr. Russo asking if they could visit Black River Middle School's Inspiration Cafe. Sure enough, they saw the last one shortly afterwards and became inspired to start this program here at OTS.

Students are invited to come to Inspiration Cafe during their lunch/E&R block to enjoy their lunch while also being nourished by the insights of a noted professional. The program does not focus on the preparation each professional has taken to reach their level of success. Rather, the focus is on the inspiration that sparked within each professional the passion to pursue their life’s work. The goal is for at least the students to be inspired by a professional’s “story” and begin to ignite a fire within the students. Please click here to learn more about Inspiration Cafe and how you can add value to this new and exciting learning opportunity for our community.

Lastly, I want to finish with reminding us all that our children receive the best education when you and our dedicated teachers work as a team. Please reach out to them with any concerns or issues regarding your children. Every child is unique and the teacher parent relationship helps us better support your child. The staff and I are looking forward to forming a strong educational partnership with you and your family during the 2024-25 school year. We value your enthusiasm, support, and involvement. Thank you in advance for helping us make this a great year. Thank you.

Dr. Mitchell

6th Grade English Language Arts - Ms. Buttgereit

6th Grade Science - Ms. Olla

6th Grade English Language Arts In- Class Support - Mrs. Kovalsky

7th Grade Science - Mr. Lovering

MD CLassroom (Maternity Leave) - Ms.Ticchio

5th/6th Grade Special Education/In-Class Support - Ms. DeVita

School Counselor - Mrs. Gould

School Nurse - Mrs. Medenilla

If your child is in 5th grade, he/she will have the following teachers:

• Ms. Nicole Amato - English Language Arts/Social Studies

• Ms. Bonnie Mendralla - Math/Social Studies

• Mrs. Yahna Fiscarelli - Science/Social Studies

If your child is in 6th grade, he/she will have the following teachers:

• Ms. Buttgereit - English Language Arts/Social Studies

• Ms. DiGiovanni - Math/Social Studies

• Ms. Olla - Science/Social Studies

If your child is in 7th grade, he/she will have the following teachers:

• Ms. Magro - English Language Arts

• Mrs. Jennings - Math 7 and Honors Math 7

• Mr. Lovering - Science

• Mrs. Zisk - Social Studies

If your child is in 8th grade, he/she will have the following teachers:

• Mr. Steinman - English Language Arts

• Mr. deJaager - Math 8 and Algebra

• Mrs.Wu - Science

• Mr. Sipos - Social Studies

In-Class Support (ICS) and Resource Room (RR) Teachers

Ms. DeVita - Grade 5/6 ELA RR, Grade 6 Math ICS, Grade 6 Science ICS, Grade 6 Social Studies ICS

Mrs. Pill - Grade 7/8 Math and ELA RR, Grade 5 ELA ICS, Grade 5 Math ICS, Grade 5 Science ICS

Ms. Capece - Grade 7 Social Studies ICS, Grade 5/6 Math RR, Grade 7 ELA ICS, Grade 7 Science ICS

Mrs. Allen - Grade 8 Science ICS, Grade 8 ELA ICS, Grade 5 Social Studies ICS, Grade 8 Math ICS, Grade 8 Social Studies ICS

Ms. DiGiovanni - Grade 7 Math ICS

Mrs. Kovalsky - Grade 6 ELA ICS

Specials Teachers:

• Mr. Lobb and Ms. Sconda - Health/PE

• Mrs. Moore Grades 6-8 and Mrs. Obercian Grade 5 - Spanish

• Mrs. Polinger and Mr. Shaffer - Music

• Mrs. Brinkoff - Art

• Mr. Berg - STEM

Lunches

Maschio's Food Services, Inc. is the contracted lunch provider at OTS. See the following links for more information about the lunch service provided by Maschio's as well as PaySchools, our point of sale service system. You can find their menu on our school website at the following link:

https://tewksburyschools.nutrislice.com/

Maschios Welcome Letter

Lunch Price List

Snack Price List

PaySchools Central

Recess

All 5th grade students have recess every day

Grade 6-8 students have recess one day a week

You will receive an email in the near future with your child’s bus assignment and schedule from the district’s transportation coordinator, Bob Hoffman (bhoffmanjr@tewksburyschools.org).

Dismissal will be at 2:30pm and students taking the bus will go to their lockers and leave the school to their assigned bus.

Student and bus driver safety are of the utmost importance and are taken with extreme seriousness. Students are under the authority of the Tewksbury Board of Education when riding on a school bus. It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide for the safety and welfare of pupils at all times.

• The school bus and bus stop are extensions of the school day. All student Code of Conduct and expectations are extended to their time at bus stops and on the school bus. School bus transportation is a privilege. The bus driver is completely in charge of the bus and its riders at all times.
• Students must comply with all the rules and directions of the driver.
• Students are given assigned seats on their bus.
• Should a violation of the rules take place, a bus conduct report will be submitted to the school’s administration.
• Consequences will follow if a student(s) is violating the code of conduct on the way to school and/or on the way home from school. Consequences could include suspension from the bus.

All students are assigned to a bus route and bus stop at the beginning of the year. Changing these routes and stops is not permitted. Only students officially assigned to a bus may enter or ride that bus. Any questions or concerns regarding transportation should be directed to the district’s transportation coordinator, Bob Hoffman (bhoffmanjr@tewksburyschools.org).

If you are going to pick up your child early from school, please inform the office by an email to Dee Krowl dkrowl@tewksburyschools.org or a call to Dee Krowl at 908-439-2010 ext. 4221.

Doors to the school open at 7:15am. Students are not to be dropped off before this time as there is no supervision nor protection from the elements until then. Please understand that traffic does become heavy at times at drop off, so please plan accordingly if you are choosing to bring your child(ren) to school.

The school day begins at 7:35am. The door to school will close at that time so staff can begin their school day. If students are not in homeroom at that time, they may be marked late to school. Any cars dropping off students late will need their students to buzz into the main doors. Below is a diagram for Car Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures.

Students at OTS can participate in many clubs. Students who want to partake in the clubs at OTS must register first before showing up at the club. Students can register for a club by clicking the OTS Club Registration button below. Clubs must have at least 10 students fully registered to run. If there aren't 10 students, the club will be canceled. (A list of the club offerings with club advisors, days of the week, dates being run, and description is below the registration link. More clubs may be added throughout the year).

Once a student has registered, they will require a signed permission form (please click and download or use the form your child brought home) to be submitted to the specific club advisor before they can participate in the club. Students should listen to morning and afternoon announcements for all updates on clubs and activities. Please contact the advisor with any questions or concerns.

If a club is canceled, we will make an announcement to our students in school that that particular club(s) are canceled and students should contact their parent(s)/guardian(s). Students can contact their parent(s)/guardian(s) the following way:

1. Come down to the main office and call them to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home
2. Email them to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home
3. If they have a cell phone, they can ask a teacher if they use their cell phone to inform them the club is canceled and they need to be picked up or will take the bus home

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS MAY BE SPONSORING CLUBS AND WILL BE SHARED WHEN AVAILABLE

Advisors: Ms. Magro and Mrs. Mason

Students work together to read a list of predetermined books. We meet to discuss the books and strategize, culminating in an exciting county-wide competition, where students face off against teams from other schools. Last year, one of our teams took home first place at the 2024 competition!

Half Year Club - Dates: TBD

Advisors: Mrs. Krowl and Ms. Mendralla

Each meeting will focus on a different craft project while students will have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. One week may involve painting pottery while another could be dedicated to making chocolate desserts or holiday candles. Provides opportunities for self expression, stress relief and skill development.

Half Year Club on Mondays -

Dates: 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24

Advisor: Ms. Polinger

Unique club offering the opportunity for students to explore jewelry making. Members will learn a variety of techniques including beading, working with polymer clay, resin crafting, and basic construction methods. Sessions are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing students to develop a new skill in a creative, supportive environment.

Full Year Club on Mondays -

Dates: 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/30

Advisor: Mr. Mortenson

Introduction to the Performing Arts. Students will take the script of a play through all the necessary steps required to turn it from the page into a full production. Participants will take part in all aspects of the collaborative process of staging a show, from the design process to casting, rehearsing, costuming, lighting, and the final staging of the play. Students will explore cooperation, collaboration, and the celebration of everyone’s unique talents and skills, culminating our efforts towards one common goal.

Half Year Club on Tuesdays-

Dates: 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17

Advisors: Ms. Mendralla and Ms. Amato

Assisting students wanting help with homework, or students wishing for a quiet place to do homework, with assistance available. Drop-ins Welcome - Students DO NOT need a permission form for this club but are expected to communicate with their parents the days they want to drop in to this club.

Full Year Club on Wednesdays -

Dates: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/16, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11

Advisors: Ms. Mendralla and Ms. Amato

Assisting students wanting help in ELA, or students wishing for a quiet place to do homework, with assistance available. Drop-ins Welcome - Students DO NOT need a permission form for this club but are expected to communicate with their parents the days they want to drop in to this club.

Full Year Club on Thursdays -

Dates: 9/5, 9/19, 9/26, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5

Advisor: Ms. Polinger

Video Game Club offering the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of video games on the Nintendo Switch, classic NES, and Sega consoles. Come share our passion for gaming, engage in friendly competitions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and fun environment.

Half Year or Full Year Club on Fridays -

Dates: 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30

Advisor: Ms. Mendralla

Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN and Youth and Government experience allows students to cultivate skills and enrich their global and local affairs knowledge. Model UN and Youth and Government is dedicated to empowering young Americans with tools and experiences that prepare them to be the next generation of leaders. There are student fees for conferences (there will be two weekend conferences). Conferences are for students in grades 6-8 only but 5th graders can participate in the school but not the weekend conferences. Email Ms. Mendralla for any questions.

Full Year Club on Tuesdays -

Dates: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/10, 1/11, 1/12, 1/21, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22

Advisor: Mrs. Brinkoff

Students will be creating 2D pieces that include large scale paintings in acrylic. The students will also build 3D pieces using cardboard, foam, wood, and recycled materials. Students will be encouraged to play and be resourceful with the materials to take their ideas from a plan to a finished project. Any questions, please email Mrs. Brinkoff.

Half Year Club on Thursdays -

Dates: 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13

Advisor: Ms. DeVita

The Lego Club aims to provide a fun and educational environment for students to explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities through building with Legos. Any questions, please email Ms. DeVita.

Half Year Club on Wednesdays -

Dates: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5

Click here to check out our sports website.

OTS offers 10 sports throughout the school year. Physicals and Health Forms are due prior to the start of all seasons. Contact the school nurse smedenilla@tewksburyschool for the sports physical forms.

Fall Sports

Open to students in Grades 5-8 Cross Country

Open to students in Grades 6-8 - (Co-Ed) Soccer

Open to students in Grades 6-8 - Girls Volleyball

Winter Sports

Open to grades 5-8 - Spirit Squad

Open to Grades 6-8 - Girls and Boys Basketball

Spring Sports

Open to grades 5-8 - Girls and Boys Lacrosse, Track and Field (coed), and Softball

Open to grades 6-8 - Baseball

Practices run until 4:15pm unless designated by a coach

All home games/meets start at 4:00pm unless otherwise stated

All winter physicals must be returned to the OTS school nurse by November 1, 2024

Our school management software program is called Realtime. The data contained in Realtime is used as the preferred method of communication for mass emails from the district, text messages, and voice messages. This information is used for emergency situations like weather delays, school closing, etc. Please keep this information updated. You will be requested to review and update your contact information and to whom and how you want information sent.

The Parent Portal will open August 26 at 12:00pm. There are several documents in Realtime that you will need to read and acknowledge prior to viewing your child's schedule and Advisor/Homeroom teacher. If you are having trouble accessing the portal, please contact our front office; dkrowl@tewksburyschools.org

RealTime is also where student records will be visible for parents including grades and any disciplinary infractions and points.

In an advisory system, each student has an adult/Advisor who knows them and helps them navigate middle school. Each student needs to know they have at least one adult who they can go to for advice, help, and support. During Advisory the Advisor may facilitate a meaningful activity, play some games, and foster connections during this time. Advisory will provide times for the Advisor to talk and consult with students on issues relating to the academic, social, and emotional.

FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ASSIGNED TO STUDENTS DURING THE FOLLOWING DATES AND NO ASSESSMENT WILL BE GIVEN ON THE DAY THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL

• Rosh Hashanah (October 2 through October 4)

• Thanksgiving Recess (November 27 through December 2)

• Winter Recess (December 20 through January 2)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20)

• Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13 through February 18)

• Spring Recess (April 17 through April 29)

• Memorial Day Weekend (May 22 through May 27)

As a reminder, Tewksbury Township Schools uses our Virtual Backpack to share things happening in and around our community. Click here to see what's going on!

Every OTS student will have a locker this year. We expect students to keep their lockers locked with their own lock or a school provided lock.

Students should not leave any food or water overnight in their lockers.

Students will not be getting changed for Physical Education (PE) and should wear comfortable clothes they can run around in as well as sneakers on the days they have PE. PE is three days a week for each student at OTS.

Starting this school year 2024-25, Tewksbury is increasing the cost of Chromebook insurance to line up with the rate increases we are getting from the insurance carriers. Chromebook insurance will be going from the $25 it was during the 23-24 school year to $35 for all students next year. We are eliminating any additional charges for Chromebook damage that may have been incurred in the past and moving to a “full coverage” insurance model for all student devices. All accidental damage will be covered by our new insurance with no additional cost to parents.

Parents will now be able to pay student Chromebook insurance fees via their Payschools portal starting on 7/1/24. Parents will also have the option of mailing a physical check to school during the summer before school starts. We are not accepting checks in person. Please do not send your student in with a check.

Please mail checks to:

Old Turnpike School

171 Old Turnpike Rd.

Tewksbury, NJ 07830

Attn: Heather Valenta

Please make checks payable to:

Tewksbury Twp. Board of Education

Chromebook Handouts 2024-25:

We are eliminating the need to come to OTS during the summer and pick up your child's device. All Chromebooks will be in your child's homeroom on the 1st day of school. Each child will receive a Dell Chromebook, and a USB-C charger. The Chromebook will be clearly labeled with your child's name and in a hard shell drop case to prevent damage.

For more information about the insurance policy as well as parent/student expectations, please click here.

Click here for the 2024-25 Code of Conduct and Student Handbook

• Code of Conduct
• Social Media, Cell Phones, and ECRD (Electronic Recording Device) Technology
• High Honor Roll
• Chain of Command

Parental/guardian support of school disciplinary actions is also a vital part of the program as it aids in reinforcing consequences and improving student behavior. It’s also important for our parent/guardian community to understand that teachers and Administration may struggle to find appropriate consequences for alleged actions that can’t be substantiated. NOTE The Administration reserves the right to assign penalties for offenses not listed or to adjust a particular penalty when the severity of the offense warrants. Additionally, a counseling component may be included if necessary with all general discipline procedures.

We have a very active PTA and hope you will join!

The Tewksbury Education Foundation (TEF) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization established to bring innovative, inspiring, and cutting-edge events and programs to the students in the Tewksbury Township School District. In collaboration with teachers, the TEF procures enrichment programs for each grade as well as assemblies for each school. The TEF also partners with outside organizations to bring parent speaker programming and provides mini-grants directly to teachers. This year, look out for exciting community events such as STEM Night and the Barn Dance! Please visit our website https://www.tewksburytef.org to find out how to get involved and donate, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TewksburyTEF.