OTS Updates

Dear OTS Friends and Families,

We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving break with friends and family. These last few weeks of 2024 are extremely busy here at OTS. We have our Winter Concert on the 17th, holiday parties, boys and girls basketball games, our cheer squad, another Spirit Week led by our Student Council, Advisory Hallway Decoration Contest led by our Peer Leaders, and many other things. It truly is a fun and joyful time of the year!

This past week we also enjoyed our first Inspiration Cafe. The idea for Inspiration Cafe came about in the spring of 2024 when Mrs. Femiano read this article and shared it with Dr. Mitchell. They were curious and reached out to Dr. Piascik and Mr. Russo of Black River Middle School in Chester, NJ asking if they could visit Black River Middle School's Inspiration Cafe. Sure enough, they saw the last one shortly afterward 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 each professional's 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.

On Tuesday, December 10, we had our inaugural Inspiration Cafe and our first guest was Chris Liwski who is the father of three Tewksbury students, and the current North American General Counsel of Opella consumer healthcare. Chris is a former D1 college athlete, an Oxford Blue, a six-time U.S. National Team member, a double world championship medal winner, and a two-time member of the United States Olympic Rowing Team. Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, a Masters degree from Oxford University, and his law degree from Boston College. Chris discussed the importance of time management, hard work, and resilience with our students. Students learned about how he dealt with the victories and the defeats he faced as a professional athlete. All of the 24 students, as well as community members present, left inspired thanks to Chris. We look forward to our next guest for Inspiration Cafe and ask any of you to fill out this form if you or someone you know has a great story to tell and would like to be one of our speakers for Inspiration Cafe.

High School transition is underway. Our school counselor is deep into the process of working with 8th graders to get them ready for next year. Historically, we have had an in-person meeting with parents in December and have elected to do this session virtually as opposed to in-person because we want to increase attendance at this busy time of the year. This week our school counselor ran this meeting with 8th grade parents. In this meeting, an informational slide presentation was shared with time for questions and answers. While this transition may seem overwhelming, please know that mostly everything you need to know is in this presentation including a student-inspired website that is designed to help 8th graders transitioning to high school. If you need more help, please check out the Google Classroom for 8th-grade transition (your 8th-grade children are on this and many of you are as well). You can also email Mrs. Gould or call her with any questions. We are here to make this process easier.

Now that we are halfway finished with our second marking period, we hope your child continues to do well. We ask that you continue to communicate with your child's teachers when you have questions or concerns. The teacher-parent relationship is an essential part of your child's educational experience in middle school. Please take some time to continue to review your child's grades on the RealTime Parent Portal. We want each child to achieve his or her maximum potential. Being proactive and communicating with your child about your learning helps them with their success here at OTS. OTS teachers also recognize the importance of working and communicating with parents to support the well-being of their child. If you have any questions regarding your child's grades or other matters at any time, please reach out to their teacher first. Thank you for your support.

With that being said, the following message was sent home via letter in a sealed envelope with all students in basketball and cheer squad regarding the importance of being a student-athlete.

Congratulations on your achievement in making the team! Being a student-athlete is a privilege and a significant responsibility. As part of our commitment to your success both on and off the field, we want to emphasize the importance of academics in your journey. As it is outlined in the Code of Conduct under Extra-Curricular Activities, maintaining at least a 70% (C-) in all subjects is required to remain in good standing with the team. With this letter, you will find your current grades for review. On January 2, we will conduct another review of your academic progress. If any of your grades are below 70% at any time, you will be placed on academic probation. This probationary period will last for two weeks or until the grade is brought up to the minimum requirement. During this time, you will not be eligible to participate in games. You can attend practice and support the team during games as you work on bringing up your grade(s).

We encourage all parents to review this information carefully with their student athlete and sign and return the document if your child is a part of basketball or cheer squad (we will be doing this with Spring sports as well.)The responsibilities of being a student come first, and we are here to support all our learners in achieving their academic and athletic goals.

Lastly, with Winter Break quickly approaching, I want to remind parents that this time is one of our “No Homework Days” periods in the school year. During this time, students are not assigned homework and assessments will not be given the day after break. To encourage less screen time and to meet one of our Strategic Planning goals, student Chromebooks will be temporarily disabled from the end of the school day on Friday, December 20th until the start of school on January 2nd. This measure helps to ensure that students have an opportunity for a more balanced and restful “screen-free” break from school devices and technology software.

Thank you!

Here are some important reminders for students and parents:

• December 17 - Winter Concert 7 pm

• December 20 - Early Dismissal

• December 23 - January 1 - School Closed - Winter Recess

• January 20 - School Closed - MLK Day

Dr. Mitchell

On Thursday, December 19th, the OTS Theater Club proudly presents 3 Sideways Stories from Wayside School. This delightful, one-act, show is based on the novel, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, by Louis Sachar. 8 talented and courageous students have been meeting one day a week since mid-September to work on this production with Mr. Mortenson and they are excited to finally take to the stage with what they have created together.

Thanks to Chris Liwski for an inspiring inaugural Inspiration Cafe.

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.

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.

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.

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

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: 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 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.