FTMHS NewsFLASH

As we enter November, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the progress we have made and recognize the many people who help make our school community a positive place to learn and grow. Each day brings new opportunities for our students and staff to show kindness, support one another, and make choices that contribute to a welcoming and respectful environment.

This month, we encourage our students to practice gratitude, recognize the efforts of others, and appreciate the importance of being part of a community. Simple actions, such as offering a word of encouragement, helping a classmate, thanking a teacher, or including someone who may feel left out, can make a meaningful difference. These small moments help strengthen relationships and remind us that everyone has a role in creating a positive school culture.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage every student to continue taking responsibility for their learning, demonstrating respect, and persevering through challenges. High school is a time to build independence, develop confidence, and prepare for the future. The daily choices our students make—in the classroom, in the hallways, and with one another—help shape the kind of individuals and community we become.

To our families, thank you for your continued partnership and support. When schools and families work together to reinforce gratitude, responsibility, kindness, and respect, we help our students develop the skills and character they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Let’s make November a month of appreciation, connection, and personal growth. By recognizing the good in others and doing our part each day, we can continue to build a school community where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Wishing everyone a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 1, 2026

• NJ State Championship Competition for the Marching Band at Toms River East High School.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

• No School; NJEA Convention.

Friday, November 6, 2026

• No School; NJEA Convention.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

• Marking Period 1 Ends.

Thursday, November 12, 2026

• Afternoon Recital (Music Department) at 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

• Report Cards will be available after 2 p.m. in Genesis.

Thursday, November 19, 2026

• One Session Day with 11:40 a.m. Dismissal.
• Parent Conferences from 12:20 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, November 20, 2026

• One Session Day with 11:40 a.m. Dismissal.
• Parent Conferences from 12:20 p.m. tp 2:20 p.m.

Tuesday, November 24, 2026

• Future Teachers of America Club will visit the district schools.

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

• One Session Day with 11:40 a.m. Dismissal.

Thursay, November 26, 2026

• School Closed--Celebrate-- "Happy Thanksgiving."

For all school events, activities, athletics, meetings and schedule details, please visit the school website and district calendar.

We believe in building strong connections and meaningful relationships with our high school students. Their success is our success! This year, we are implementing Responsive Classroom practices to support our students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.

Responsive Classroom helps create a positive, supportive learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging, build meaningful relationships, and take ownership of their learning. At the high school level, these practices strengthen communication, encourage responsibility and collaboration, and support students’ social-emotional growth. By fostering a respectful classroom community, Responsive Classroom helps students develop the confidence, independence, and interpersonal skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Please visit the link below for more information:

Responsive Classroom

The Golden Apple Award recognizes and celebrates the exceptional contributions of staff. Each month, one individual from each school will be honored for their excellence and dedication to the school community. Nominations are submitted by colleagues who have witnessed the nominee's positive impact. Congratulations to our October Golden Apple Awardee.

The Bordentown Lodge No. 2085 B.P.O. Elks has a program whereby, once a month, they recognize and award an FTMHS "Student of the Month." This student must be a senior. It is our pleasure to recognize Logan Saintz.

Every month, students will be recognized for the fine job they have done in bringing the word of the month to life. Students are nominated by our school staff. The Character Education Word of the Month for October was "Respect." We will communicate the rest of our character education traits to you over the course of the school year. The Character Education "Word of the Month" for November is "Citizenship/Responsibility."

Let’s work together to get our students to focus on why each trait matters! We need all our students to see that they can help others through their positive words and actions.

The "Word of the Month" for October was "Respect."

Here are the students of the month for October:

Mohid Amer, Ashlyn Beaver, Rachel Enache (missing from photo), Joshua Fink, Azaan Hussain, Ethan Johnson, Kanu Uchechi, Ethan O'Hare, Giselle Ramos and Charles Sudler.

With this program, one student from each grade level will be selected for the “Grit & Gratitude Award” each month. It is for students who try their best, show resilience, and express appreciation to those who help them. Our October "Grit and Gratitude" recipients were:

Grade 9: Brianna Phillips

"Brianna comes into class with a positive attitude and energy. She volunteered to decorate our Homeroom's Pumpkin and did a fantastic job."

Nominated by: Mr. Candiotti

Grade 10: Jazlynn Boone

"Jazlynn asks on topic and great questions during class. She is not afraid to mess things up in dance as she always tries again."

Nominated by: Ms. Sandoval

Grade 11: Kaylee Ricks

"Kaylee follows directions well and asks for clarification for herself and the class if needed!"

Nominated by: Ms. Sandoval

Grade 12: Anastasia Nutter

"Anastasia provides help and participates in class readings."

Nominated by: Mr. Brown

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Perfect Attendance Program for the upcoming school year!

Each month, we will recognize students who demonstrate excellent attendance. Any student who is present at school every school day of the month will be eligible to have their name entered into our Perfect Attendance “Hat.”

At the end of each month, three lucky students will be randomly selected from the hat to receive a special reward, generously sponsored by our wonderful Parents Organization!

We are excited to recognize and celebrate our students for their commitment to being present and ready to learn each day. We look forward to celebrating our students throughout the school year!

We are proud to share that 224 of our students had perfect attendance for the month of October! Three lucky winners were selected from that list of students, and they are:

FTMHS BLSU visited the TASK soup kitchen! Our club member were able to deliver over 500 lunches to those in need!

Mrs. Duffy and Mr. Varga, invite you to visit the Counseling Department website, which is accessible from the high school main page. There you will find useful information and links for academic support, mental health resources, college planning and research, post-secondary financial aid, etc.

College Info Packets can be found in the Class of 2027 Google Classroom and on our counseling department website.The Senior Brag Sheet, located in your English class Google Classroom, should be filled out prior to requesting teacher recommendation letters. It also serves as an automatic entry for certain scholarships offered by local organizations. The counselors are visiting senior English classes and meeting with seniors individually to talk with them about post-high school planning.

We're excited to welcome College Admissions Representatives to our school throughout the fall. Click here to see which colleges will be visiting and when. Interested 11th and 12th graders should register through Naviance or contact their counselors prior to the meeting to receive a Securely appointment to attend. Be sure to check back regularly as we're continuously adding new visits to the schedule!

Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair

FTMHS Black and Latin Student Union are hosting an in-school trip to the Malcolm Bernard Historically Black College/University Fair, November 16 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Interested 11th and 12th graders should see Mrs. Fisher if they are interested.

The 2027-28 FAFSA is live!

The FAFSA for the 2027–28 school year is open at fafsa.gov or studentaid.gov; students and a parent need FSA ID accounts, which can be created at studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.

NJ HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority)

HESAA offers relevant information and financial resources to help guide families through the college process. As the State agency administering grants, scholarships, and loan opportunities on behalf of residents pursuing a college degree, we provide helpful information via printed and online publications.

Take at look at their Student Loan Guide: https://www.hesaa.org/Documents/Publications/Student_Loan_Guide.pdf

The Going to College in New Jersey resource guide includes an extensive degree directory and college profiles can be accessed online at www.gtcinj.com.

For more information on State and Federal financial aid programs, students and parents can visit www.hesaa.org/Pages/HESAAPublications.aspx.

The PO/PTA are collecting candy for the troops. Candy will be collected from November 2 to November 12. This initiative is in partnership with a local organization that will assist with shipping.

Bonus:The principal of the school that collects the most candy has agreed to be "pied."