Calendar Information...
Tentative May Events:
May 4:
- Students--School Climate Survey Due.
- "Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week" -- May 4 to May 8.
May 11:
- AP United States Government & Politics at 4 p.m.
May 12:
- AP Calculus AB at 2 p.m.
May 13:
- AP English Literature & Composition at 2 p.m.
- AP European History at 4 p.m.
May 14:
- AP Chemistry at 2 p.m.
May 15:
- Progress Reports will be available after 2 p.m. in Genesis.
- AP United States History at 2 p.m.
May 18:
- AP Biology at 2 p.m.
May 20:
- AP English Language & Composition at 2 p.m.
- AP Microeconomics at 4 p.m.
May 21:
- AP French Language & Culture at 12 p.m.
May 22:
- AP Spanish Language & Culture at 4 p.m.
May 25:
- Memorial Day--School Closed.
May 26:
- Board of Education Meeting at 7 p.m.
Students who are currently in grades 9-11 should be on the lookout for a scheduling "assignment" in their English classes.
Counselors: Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga
No Place for Hate Committee
The "No Place for Hate Committee" is still working hard to spread kindness throughout the Florence Township School Community.
Please check out our kindness video ...
Principal’s List
At the end of the third marking period, students who earn A’s in all of their courses will be assigned to the “Principal’s Academic List.”
We added this program based upon the feedback we have received from students, staff and parents. We have students who are hungry to show what they can do, and we are eager to recognize them!
Thanks to our GENEROUS teachers and staff, four students – one from each grade level – were randomly chosen and treated to a $25 Wawa gift card!
Principal's List - Straight A's
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Aidan MacIntosh (Grade 9)
Rana Karsavran (Grade 10)
Marcus McIntyre (Grade 11)
Anusha Singha (Grade 12)
Academic Achievement Program
This is a wonderful program! We will once again be challenging our students to settle for nothing less than their best. We want to see our students succeed, and we will be communicating to them that we want them to set their sights on earning a GPA of at least a 3.0 (or a “B” average) with no “D” or “F” grades in any course for each marking period of the school year. Please join us in challenging your child to be content with nothing less than his or her best effort!
Students who earned at least a 3.0 (with no “D’s” or “F’s”) will be recognized at the end of the third marking period.
Thanks to our GENEROUS Parents Organization, four students – one from each grade level – were randomly chosen and treated to $25 Wawa gift card!
Academic Achievement Award
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Joaquin Real (Grade 9)
Chantal Galarza Ramirez (Grade 10)
Aaren Taylor (Grade 11)
Kaitlyn Bernhard (Grade 12)
Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be available in Genesis on May 15. To view your child’s progress report, simply login into Genesis (https://parents.genesisedu.com/florence) and click on the “Grading” tab at the top of the window.
Also, please feel free to log in to Genesis at any time to see how your child is progressing in his or her courses. Checking Genesis frequently will enable you to see clearly how your child is performing throughout the school year.
If you are having trouble logging in or need your email and password reset, please contact your child’s counselor as soon as possible.
French Classes
French I, II, III
Given the unusual circumstances, in addition to working together covering the curriculum in the textbooks, the French program will continue using various on-line resources.
We are also reading short stories and other fiction and non-fiction materials together. On-line resources to be used include several used in the classroom prior to the shut-down, and some new ones for the purposes indicated:
Conjuguemos for grammar study and testing,
Duolingo for grammar and vocabulary study as well as for reading and listening comprehension with stories and podcasts in intermediate French,
Quizlet for individual and group vocabulary study and maintaining pronunciation,
Gimkit for group vocabulary study
AP French Classroom
In AP French, the students each made a slideshow on a francophone artist or singer/songwriter. A draft was shared with classmates and students gave one another feedback and revised their slideshows before presenting them to the class using Google meet where we meet every day.
We are using College Board videos and other test preparation materials to prepare for the AP test which has been rescheduled for May 21.
We interviewed a French couple who live in Lyons via Google meet in April and learned how the quarantine is playing out in their lives.
Instructor: Ms. Bjornstad
Library Sites With Resources for All Ages
The NJASL (NJ Association of School Librarians) has put together a website with vetted resources for schools for the time we are home. There is also a Q & A feature that will be staffed by certified librarians each morning and afternoon for students and teachers, to ask questions as needed Monday through Friday.
There are many references to our local County Library--both links, as well as the press release, explains the whole site in more detail.
The Library is Open (NJASL site)
Burlington County Library System
Our County Library also is answering questions daily through its LibAnswers program on its website. If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Jensen at rjensen@florence.k12.nj.us
Florence Township Education Foundation Grants
Reminder to Teachers:
FTEF Grant information:
The Florence Township Education Foundation aims to support innovative and creative educational programs for the students and the faculty to enhance the excellence at our schools.
- Grant amounts have been extended up to $1,000 per grant and a total of $5,000 for the District.
- Visit www.smore.com/5sp0g for guidelines and the application form.
If it is technology related, you will have to email the grant to Mukesh for his signature prior to emailing it to your building principal.
- You may email a copy of the completed grant and all supporting documents to your building principal by 3:00 pm on June 1.
- Remember - think outside the box - we are looking for new and exciting programs for our students.
Cultural Awareness for Everyone Club (CAFE)
The Cultural Awareness for Everyone Club (CAFE) members met virtually on April 1 and April 24 to discuss the ongoing pandemic and the cultural interpretations of social distancing.
We also discussed the upcoming celebration of Ramadan and how this year's celebration will be different given remote learning.
Advisor: Ms. (Delgado) Diaz
Debate Team
The Debate Team had a mandatory debate meeting in April. All team members were invited to attend including our seniors.
The following information was discussed:
1. Teams for next year;
2. What team members are thinking in terms of choosing to be affirmative or negative;
3. The resolution and thoughts about how to research it, narrow one's focus, etc.;
4. Sweatshirts/letter jackets;
5. Procedures we will follow in reference to participation etc.
Advisor: Mrs. Bjornstad
Game Club
With the COVID-19 quarantine being extended, the Game Club is planning a Google Meet Social.
Nafisa Hasna and Gavin Embley are working on a date, time and title for the online social. We will be sending out a Google form to survey the interests of the group and to touch base.
We are searching for an old arcade online game where we can have a high score tournament, so any ideas are welcome. (I, personally, am hoping Galaga works out).
So be on the lookout soon for some activity specifics to be announced.
- Stay safe,
- practice social distancing and
- wash your hands because soon the Game Club is going to get down and dirty!
Advisors: Mr. Weatherbee and Ms. Fenn
Interact Club
The 2019-2020 Interact officers are:
President: Anita Chacko
Vice President: Leuna Sen
Secretary: Ayisha Nahar
Treasurer: Rajveer Kaur
Sergeant at Arms: Fabiha Usha
The Interact Club executive board has been developing "at home" service projects for club members to participate in. This includes: writing letters to deployed servicemen and women, sending cards to nursing home residents, making signs for frontline workers, and finding items to donate to local charities when collection sites reopen.
Students have also been encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to local pantries.
Advisor: Ms. Rodan
National Honor Society
Virtual Mentoring Program
The National Honor Society is pleased to announce a Virtual Mentoring Program at FTMHS, thanks to the hard work of our guidance department. The members of the NHS chapter are available to virtually mentor any student who is struggling and could use some peer guidance at this time.
If you would like to have one of your children participate, please contact the guidance department.
- Mr. Joseph Varga: jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us
- Mrs. Nancy Sebastian: nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us
The guidance department and NHS advisors will privately and discreetly match your student to an NHS student. This opportunity gives the struggling student another chance to succeed and gives NHS students a chance to earn volunteer hours online.
Attention all current members of the FTMHS chapter of the National Honor Society:
Due to our school's closure, we have reduced the total number of required volunteer hours to 20 per student (rather than 30). The yearly hour quota will be reviewed once more if our return to school is further delayed.
Please stay safe and healthy during your time away from school and continue to maintain and represent the four pillars of the NHS.
Advisors: Mrs. Hughes and Ms. (Delgado) Diaz
Student Council
Student Council
President: Kaitlyn Bernhard
Vice President: Madison Schubert
Secretary: Jayana Caesar
Treasurer: Bella Dunphy
BOE Rep.: Grace Skinner
Historians: Duygu Erzurum and Taylor Jusino
Executive Members: Jason Baldorossi and Leuna Sen
The Student Council executive board has been collaborating to create Virtual Spirit Weeks to keep student morale up during these unprecedented times.
The members also have special activities planned for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week which will take place from May 4-8, 2020.
Advisor: Ms. Rodan
Yearbook
The 2019-2020 edition of the Florence Township Memorial High School Clavis YEARBOOK is on sale NOW!
These are unprecedented times with unforgettable memories. We have a limited number of yearbooks still available which are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yearbooks cost $75 and can be purchased online under the student or parent resources tab on the school website or the link below. Yearbooks can also be bought through the website using three payments if purchased now! Any questions, please contact Mrs. Eckart or Mrs. (Finamore) Holmstedt.
Any staff members interested in contributing ideas for next year’s yearbook, please visit our google classroom for details!
Advisors: Mrs. Eckart and Mrs. (Finamore) Holmstedt
Counseling Office News
The high school counselors, Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga, invite you to visit the updated Counseling Department website which is accessible from the high school main page or by clicking here. There you will find useful information and links for academic support, mental health resources, college planning and research, post-secondary financial aid, etc. Students should also join the Counseling Department Google Classroom. The code is: kajumuv
Course Scheduling for 2020-21
Due to our virtual environment, students will make their elective course selections for next year via Google Forms. In each student’s English class, there will be an assignment to complete the Course Request Form. The students will then make their top 10 elective selections, and they will be asked to discuss their choices with their family. Core course selections are based on teacher recommendations and are visible in Genesis. Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns.
Operating Virtually
During the closure of schools due to the health emergency, the FTMHS School Counseling Department will be operating virtually. School counselors are available through email and virtual meetings. Email is the best avenue to reach your school counselor. To schedule an appointment, students and parents may email the school counselor directly to find a mutually agreed upon date/time.
Mr. Joseph Varga: jvarga@florence.k12.nj.us
Mrs. Nancy Sebastian: nsebastian@florence.k12.nj.us
Mr. John Lamaestra: jlamaestra@florence.k12.nj.us
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
We will try to respond to parent and student emails and inquiries as promptly as possible, but if they are made after school is over for the day, then we may not be able to connect with you until the following school day.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out to their parent or guardian and these local agencies:
NJ PerformCare Mobile Response: 877-652-7624
Screening & Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP): 609-835-6180
For emergencies: call 911
Our website also lists many available resources:
https://sites.google.com/a/florence.k12.nj.us/ftmhs-counseling-department/home?overridemobile=true
The FTMHS School Counseling Department would like to ensure that students and parents are fully informed about the benefits and limitations of a virtual platform.
Benefits:
Online platforms provide school counselors with the ability to communicate and disseminate information to the student body as well as parents/guardians in an efficient manner.
Communicating online provides flexibility for the counselors as well as accessibility for students to review information at their convenience.
Parents also have more flexibility to participate in meetings through alternative methods (e.g. Google Meet).
School counselors have the ability to collaborate with other staff/teachers online to make sure the students are receiving the proper services needed for their success within and outside of the classroom.
Limitations:
Confidentiality and Privacy cannot be guaranteed with services provided through online platforms.
In the event that a student/parent identifies or a school counselor believes that the virtual meeting is not private or other participants not anticipated are observed, the meeting will be rescheduled for another time when confidentiality and privacy can be ensured.
Depending on each individual student’s needs, telehealth may or may not be the best medium. School counselors will try to recommend the best medium based on each individual student and their visual and/or verbal needs.
In a crisis situation, please dial 911.
The timing of connections with students and parents varies based on virtual activity.
If technological failure interferes with the goals of the meeting being achieved, another meeting will be scheduled at a mutually convenient date and time.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health
During Coronavirus Closures:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to social media and news stories about COVID-19. It’s okay to stay informed, but overexposing ourselves to too much information can be stressful and overwhelming.
Make sure you are still taking care of your body! Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and making sure we are still moving around can help us take care of our mental health. Some ideas to consider:
Practice mindfulness and/or meditation.
Make sure to get some fresh air and sunlight, maybe sit by a window while doing homework/or reading, do a quick workout in your own yard, etc.
Use home workout videos to keep moving and exercising.
Find some healthy recipes and try your hand at cooking, not only are you fueling your body with healthy food, but it could also be a fun experience!
Make time to connect with others who live in your home or with friends through phone calls or video chats. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Practice hobbies and activities you enjoy. It's important to keep up on school and work, but fun and enjoyment are also factors that promote positive mental health. This could also be a good time to try something you’ve never had the time to do. Sites like Youtube have plenty of free how-to videos that can help you learn new skills, such as new dance moves, or cooking techniques.
Additional Resources
Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies
10 Things To Do With Your Teens While ‘Social Distancing’ During the COVID-19 Pandemic
RCBC Spring Ahead
Seniors who have been involved in the Spring Ahead process since October are waiting for information from RCBC regarding scheduling their fall semester courses. At this time there are no plans to take the group to tour the college and meet their advisers. We will inform these seniors once we hear from the college. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can contact their admissions department or financial aid department. https://rcbc.edu/admissions and https://rcbc.edu/financial-aid. Also, if any senior would like to schedule an appointment with the admissions office, they are open to remote service from Mon - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm via: https://forms.gle/QKNDLY4MnjtgpNtw8
College and Trade School Visitations
Students who are researching colleges may be able to do a virtual tour from the college’s website or from virtual tour sites such as https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/.
BCIT Adult Education is a great, local trade school that is taxpayer-funded. Visit their website www.bcit.cc/AdultEdu and click on Registration to learn about their various programs.
College Admissions Testing
The SAT and ACT have undergone significant changes due to COVID-19. Please visit their official websites below for the most current information. Many colleges are now test-optional in response to the effects the pandemic has had on admissions testing. Check a particular college’s Admissions Office site for their admissions requirements and testing information.
SAT
Go to collegeboard.org to register for the SAT and for accurate dates, registration deadlines, and locations. SAT Fee Waivers are available for 11th and 12th graders on the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations on College Board tests. Please contact your child’s counselor or Child Study Team case manager to discuss the process and answer your questions.
ACT
Go to act.org to register for the ACT and for accurate testing dates, registration deadlines, and locations. ACT Fee Waivers are available for 11th and 12th graders on the Free/Reduced Lunch Program.
College Financial Aid Information
Seniors and parents -The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-21 school year will open on October 1, 2019. You will need information from the parent’s and student’s 2018 tax return. Visit fafsa.gov to get started.
If you are applying to any New Jersey schools, you can find your state financial aid information on the HESAA website in your NJFAMS account which can be found under the Students tab.
https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/Default.aspx
CSS Profile
Many colleges require the FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. Check the college website for requirements and deadlines. The CSS profile can be accessed here https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority or HESAA
This has valuable resources for college and career planning and financial assistance. One important ebooklet is the Student Loan Guide. Here is the link to several of their publications and ebooklets: http://www.hesaa.org/Pages/HESAAPublications.aspx
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
All college-bound student-athletes should explore the NCAA eligibility qualifications early in their high school careers. Please visit the following websites for more information: www.eligibilitycenter.org and www.2point3.org
College Scorecard
The College Scorecard provides clear, accessible, and reliable national data on college costs, graduation rates, student debt, and post-college earnings. collegescorecard.ed.gov
College Cost Calculator
What does college really cost? Colleges are required to have a college cost calculator (aka Net Price Calculator) available on their websites. Please check them out when researching colleges.
Counselors: Mrs. Sebastian and Mr. Varga
Athletic Department--Contact Information:
Spring Sports
The official start date of spring sports is to be determined.
All student-athletes must have a current physical on file and completed the on-line registration for the team of participation.
2020 Spring Athletic Coaching Staff
Baseball: Kyle Ballay
Softball: Alyssa Zucchero, Mackenzie Pyne
Tennis: Sue LaBaw, Dave Tindall
Girl's Track & Field: Mike Flynn, Carol Ballay
Boy's Track & Field: Ross O'Neill, Anthony Arecchi
Contact Information
Mary Ellen Cassidy, AD Secretary x4149 (x6)
Audrey Tannenbaum, Athletic Trainer x 4154
John Cogan, Principal x4202
Maria E. Sadar, Vice Principal x4204
Please visit the Florence Athletic web page for all athletic information and schedules. Also, make sure to follow us for up-to-date Athletic information on our Facebook page @FlorenceAthletics and our Twitter Account @FTSD_athletics. LET’S GO FLASHES!
Visit the Florence Athletic Schedule Website for game dates, times, locations, and any changes due to weather.
GO FLASHES!
Florence Township Memorial High School
Website: www.florence.k12.nj.us
Location: 1050 Cedar Lane, Florence, NJ, 08016
Phone: (609) 499-4620
Twitter: @FTSD_HS