The Mount Laurel Leaflet

2

First Day of School

4

Early Dismissal

7

Schools Closed

21

Schools Closed

Visitor Safety and Security Reminder

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As we begin the new school year, we want to remind all parents and visitors of the following safety and security procedures in place at our school buildings:

🔹 Schedule Your Visit
Please make an appointment in advance whenever possible.

🔹 Dropping off Items

Whenever dropping student items off at the school, schools will often use the security vestibule for you to place the items rather than admitting you to the buildng.

🔹 Entry Procedures
All visitors must ring the buzzer and wait to be buzzed in by office staff.
Do not allow anyone else to enter the building with you, even if you recognize them—this is known as “piggybacking” and is a security risk.

🔹 Photo ID Required
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID every time you visit. You may be asked to show it and sign in at the main office.

🔹 Visitor Badges
All visitors must wear a visitor badge or pass while in the building. Please return it when you leave.

🔹 Restricted Areas
Visitors are only permitted in areas relevant to their visit. Please do not wander the building or enter classrooms unless authorized.

🔹 Follow Staff Instructions
Always follow directions from school staff and administration. In the event of an emergency or drill, please remain calm and follow all safety procedures.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe, secure environment for all students and staff. By working together, we can ensure our schools remain welcoming places to learn while prioritizing everyone’s well-being.

Thank you for your cooperation!

As we prepare to welcome students back for the first day of school, our team has been working hard all summer to ensure that our school buses are safe, clean, and ready to roll. We know that timely, reliable transportation is essential to a successful school year—for students and families alike.

What to Expect During the First Week

Please know that during the first few days of school, it’s normal for bus routes to take a little longer as students get used to routines, drivers adjust to new rosters, and traffic patterns settle in. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through those early transitions.

We kindly ask families to:

• Be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes early for the first week.

• Wait with younger students so drivers can clearly identify riders.

• Update your contact information in the school system to receive transportation alerts.

• Remind students of bus safety rules: stay seated, listen to the driver, and cross safely.

Working Together

Please know we are here to support you. If you have any concerns or experience ongoing transportation issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or our transportation department.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We’re looking forward to a strong, successful start to the new school year—and we can’t wait to see your child stepping onto the bus and into a year of learning, growth, and opportunity.

Tuesday, September 8th

Fleetwood and Larchmont

Wednesday, September 9th

Countryside and Parkway

Thursday, September 10th

Hillside and Springville

Monday, September 14th

Harrington Grade 7

Tuesday, September 15th

Harrington Grade 8

Wednesday, September 16th

Hartford Grade 5

Thursday, September 24th

Hartford Grade 6

• Check here for:

  • Lunch Menu and Ingredient/Calorie Information
  • Free and Reduced Lunch Information
  • School Lunch Payment Portal

We know that challenges in education persist, but we face them with determination and optimism. As a school community, we are stronger when we work together—and we believe in the power of partnership with our families to help every child thrive.

This year, we remain focused on key goals and initiatives, including:

• Creating a culture of inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for all students
  
  

• Using data-driven approaches to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs
  
  

• Continuously enhancing and evaluating our educational programs
  
  

• Expanding universal preschool access for all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds
  
  

These goals are aspirational by design—meant to push us toward our highest potential. With your continued partnership, we know we can achieve them together.

All new and returning families must register to utilize the registration program. Only those who were registered by August 25, 2026, to be enrolled in the program the first week of school.

Click here for registration information.

In July, Mrs. Sonnie, Dr. Clark, Dr. Switzer, and Mrs. Vastardis attended the "Developing Women in Leadership Through Reflection" workshop at Maple Shade High School. Alongside fellow Burlington County administrators, they collaborated, engaged in meaningful reflection, and explored leadership strategies to help prepare for a successful and inspiring upcoming school year.

On August 13, nearly 200 staff members came together for this year’s Summer Summit EdCamp, a day dedicated to professional learning and collaboration. With 35 sessions led primarily by our own teachers and administrators—along with one guest presenter—the event showcased the depth of expertise within our district. Participants left with new strategies, fresh ideas, and stronger connections with colleagues, making the Summit a meaningful kickoff to the school year.

From August 24–27, our district welcomed 34 new staff members during New Teacher Orientation. Over four days, our newest colleagues explored district priorities, instructional practices, and available resources while connecting with one another and building relationships that will support them throughout the school year.

We are excited to welcome these talented educators to our school community and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the lives of our students. Welcome to the Mount Laurel Schools family!

Mitchell Clifford, a former student and current rising senior at Lenape High School, completed his Eagle Scout project at Harrington Middle School this week. Mitchell has spent the past couple of years prepping the area, gathering materials, and building tables to enhance our courtyard at Harrington. Due to Mitchell's efforts, current and future students at Harrington Middle School can now earn a privilege to eat outside for lunch. We greatly appreciate all of the grit and hard work that Mitchell put into completing this project.

Website: http://www.mtlaurelschools.org
Location: 330 Mount Laurel Road, Mount Laurel Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 856-235-3387
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlschools/
Twitter: @MTL_Super