OTS Updates

March 17, 2025

Dear OTS Friends and Families,

Believe it or not, the 3rd marking period ends this week, and we begin our last marking period this coming Monday. The year is going fast!

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a season full of exciting events and opportunities for our students! As we move through this busy time of year, I want to take a moment to celebrate our students, staff, and families for their continued hard work and dedication.

8th Grade Play – Moana
We are thrilled to present our 8th grade play, Moana! Our students have been rehearsing tirelessly, and their hard work is sure to shine on stage. A special thank you to our dedicated teachers, parent volunteers, and especially our talented students for bringing this production to life. We look forward to seeing you in the audience to support their efforts!

Spring Sports Tryouts
Spring sports are here! Tryouts begin this week for baseball, softball, and track and field. We encourage all interested students to come out, do their best, and show their school spirit. Thank you to our coaches for their time and effort in making these programs possible.

6th Grade Field Trip – Museum of Natural History
Our 6th graders will soon embark on an exciting educational adventure to the Museum of Natural History. This trip promises to be an enriching experience filled with learning and discovery. A huge thank you to the 6th grade team for organizing and to our parent volunteers for making this trip possible.

March Mammal Madness Update

Our entire school, for the first time, is participating in the country-wide activity March Mammal Madness (MMM). MMM was inspired by the NCAA College Basketball tournament that occurs every March. Click here to see updates.

President's Volunteer Service Award

President's Volunteer Service Award is a great opportunity for students to be recognized for completing a certain number of community service hours over a 12-month period. Students must demonstrate volunteer service and civic participation to apply for this award. This does not include service you have been paid to complete, or work you do for your family. Students up to and including age 14 must complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service to apply:

50+ hours = Bronze Award

75+ hours = Silver Award

100+ hours = Gold Award

If your student wants to be involved in this, please come see our School Counselor Mrs. Gould.

Staying Focused This Spring
As the weather warms up, we all start to feel that familiar “spring fever.” This time of year can be challenging as we juggle responsibilities and excitement for the months ahead. I encourage all students to stay focused, make good choices, and finish the school year strong. Parents, your support and encouragement at home make all the difference! Thank you for your continued partnership in making Old Turnpike School a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.

Thank you,

Dr. Mitchell

Here are some important reminders for students and parents:

• March 19 6th Grade Field Trip to the Museum of Natural History

• April 3-5 8th Grade Play Moana

• April 7 Spring Sports Games/Meets Begin

• April 17 Early Dismissal

• April 18-28 School Closed - Spring Break

• April 29 - School Begins

At Old Turnpike School, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. We take harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) seriously and have proactive measures in place to prevent and address these behaviors.

When our school does an HIB investigation, parent/guardians of students who were named in the HIB 338 form will receive a notification. Receiving a notification about a possible HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying) investigation involving your child can feel overwhelming, even upsetting. It’s completely normal to want an immediate explanation and to defend your child. We understand these feelings and are here to help guide you through this process.

#1 Before reaching out to district staff, please take a moment to speak calmly with your child. Helping them process what happened and discussing ways to prevent future incidents can be very beneficial. It’s also essential to remember that, per school policy, there should be no retaliation from parents or students related to the investigation.

#2 Click here for the letter that is emailed out to possible student offenders. Please know that this notification simply means that our staff is thoroughly looking into the matter to ensure a fair outcome. The Principals and Anti-Bullying Specialist staff can not speak to the incident.

#3 Please know that NJ's HIB law is complicated with many criteria. The definition of an HIB may be different than what you may perceive to be bullying. The law deals with both on-campus and off-campus conduct.

#4 Even if a HIB investigation turns out not to be confirmed as an HIB DOES NOT mean that there may not be consequences for the events that led to the HIB investigation. Our school has a Code of Conduct and some issues are dealt with through the Code of Conduct, not HIB. Parents/guardians need to know that while you may want to know the consequences administered as a result of the investigation, we are only allowed to share this information with a parent/guardian of that child. It is important to uphold and respect the privacy of all of our students.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in supporting a safe, respectful environment for all students.

Click here to register and learn more.

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:

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: 3/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2

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 were due 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.