The WTHS Weekly Newsletter

How exciting is this? Some of our Winslow Township High School students from the 2025–2026 school year are now featured in the photo gallery on the Adorama Business Solutions K–12 website!

Adorama supports schools with professional equipment and technology for photography, video production, audio, lighting, drones, computing, and other career-focused learning experiences. Its K–12 initiatives emphasize career pathways and bringing meaningful, real-world learning into classrooms. adorama.com

Adorama representatives visited WTHS during our Director’s Cut event last May, where they spoke with students about careers in the production industry, toured our classroom and production spaces, and gave students the exciting opportunity to work with a high-end professional camera.

It was a memorable experience for everyone involved, and we are incredibly proud to see our Eagles representing WTHS on a national industry website! This feature highlights the power of connecting classroom learning with professional experiences and shows what can happen when our students have opportunities to explore their talents using industry-standard tools.

Congratulations to our featured students and everyone who helped make this incredible opportunity possible! Our Eagles are ready for their close-up! 🎬🦅

Visit the Adorama K–12 website and view the gallery

Submitted by Mr. Ingram

In Mrs. Rifkin’s World History CP classes, students stepped back into the Age of European Exploration during an interactive, hands-on lesson focusing on the global spice trade. Students investigated the vital role spices played in world history by rotating through the classroom in groups to analyze, smell, and identify 15 different spices and other goods. After decoding the aromatic mystery, students concluded the lesson with a discussion on why nations went to war to control these precious commodities. They discussed how the soaring demand for spices ultimately drove European powers to take to the seas in search of new maritime trade routes, mapping out the beginning of a truly connected world.

The lesson truly came alive as students engaged their senses, identifying different scents and sharing fond memories of their own families' favorite recipes. By the end of the activity, the class reached a consensus: without spices, all food would be incredibly bland!

Written by Mrs. Rifkin

This lesson was important because Early Childhood Education (ECE) is more than reading textbooks and completing worksheets; it is about learning by doing. Future educators need opportunities to experience the same types of purposeful, hands-on learning they will one day create for young children.

Through the puzzle activity, students practiced peer interaction, communication, problem-solving, cognitive development, patience, leadership, and fine motor skills. They had to make decisions, develop strategies, work together, and adjust their thinking when something did not work. Those are the same skills children build every day in a quality early childhood classroom.

Students were also able to see firsthand that play is not “just play.” When an activity is intentionally planned, it can be P.I.E. Purposeful, Interactive, and Educational. There should be a reason behind what students are doing, opportunities for them to engage with others, and meaningful learning taking place throughout the experience.

Most importantly, this lesson connects classroom knowledge to real practice. You can learn a concept from a textbook, but if you do not know how to apply it, adapt it, and use it with real children in real situations, the learning is incomplete.

That is what ECE is about: learning it, experiencing it, and eventually being able to teach it. 💚🧩

Written by Ms. Rouse

After more than a month of learning, teaching, and building relationships, Tuesday’s professional development session will provide the perfect opportunity for our staff to pause, reflect on their instructional practices, and gain fresh insights to strengthen student learning.

While our students begin the day on a two-hour delay, WTHS staff will be actively engaged in two hours of meaningful professional learning and development.

During the session, Dr. Sheeran will guide staff through universal strategies for increasing student engagement, strengthening small-group instruction, creating meaningful interactive groups, and using effective questioning and feedback. Staff members will also have time to share their experiences, discuss what has worked in their classrooms, and learn from one another in a collaborative and supportive environment.

During the remainder of the day, Dr. Sheeran will visit classrooms to see these instructional practices in action and provide teachers with feedback and guidance on student engagement, small-group instruction, interactive grouping, and effective questioning.

This will be an exciting opportunity to celebrate the great instruction already taking place throughout WTHS while continuing to learn and grow together. We look forward to a meaningful day of collaboration, reflection, and professional learning—all focused on creating engaging classroom experiences that help every student succeed!

Our Learning Round focus next week will be small-group instruction. Administrators will look for purposeful student groupings, instruction tailored to students’ needs, meaningful collaboration, active student participation, and opportunities for teachers to provide targeted support and feedback.

Thank you for continuing to create responsive and engaging classroom environments where students receive the support they need, work productively with their peers, and take an active role in their learning.

On Tuesday, October 13, WTHS juniors and seniors will participate in a special Voter Registration Assembly designed to help students understand the importance of civic engagement, voting, and making their voices heard.

• 11th Grade: 9:15–9:46 a.m. during Period 1
• 12th Grade: 9:50–10:18 a.m. during Period 2

Students will learn about the voter registration process and how they can become informed, active participants in their communities. Students will need either the last four digits of their Social Security number or their state ID number, to complete the voter registration form. Even if students are not yet eligible to register, it is never too early to understand their civic responsibilities and prepare to make a difference!

This week, eligible juniors and seniors met in the auditorium to learn about the application process for the National Honor Society. Ms. Paparo reviewed the membership requirements and explained the necessary documents that must accompany each application. Following the presentation, students received their applications and officially began their journey toward potential NHS membership!

Students are now tasked with completing the application and submitting documentation that demonstrates excellence in the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their academic achievements, leadership experiences, involvement in the school and community, and commitment to making a positive difference.

Following the application period, a team of faculty members will carefully review all submitted materials. Students selected for membership will be formally recognized and celebrated during the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on December 1 from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Congratulations to all eligible students! We wish you the very best as you complete your applications and take this exciting next step toward National Honor Society membership!

Mark your calendars and get ready to explore all that Winslow Township High School has to offer! Join us on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. for our exciting WTHS Open House Expo!

Attendees will have an opportunity to visit and actively engage with our E.A.G.L.E. Academies—Empowering Achievement, Guiding Learning, and Launching Excellence. These academies provide focused pathways through which students can develop real-world skills, explore future careers, earn industry-recognized credentials, and pursue college-credit opportunities.

Come experience our diverse academy offerings:

• Fine and Performing Arts
• Career Education Business Academy
• Early Childhood Education
• Business Education Academy—Marketing
• Digital Imaging
• TV Production
• Computer Science
• The Art of Game Design

Families will be able to meet teachers, explore learning spaces, discover hands-on projects, and learn how our students create, perform, design, code, communicate, collaborate, and prepare for life beyond high school.

The excitement does not stop with our academies! Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn about our athletic programs, marching band, clubs, student organizations, academic offerings, family resources, and the many other opportunities available throughout WTHS.

Whether you are interested in technology, business, the arts, education, athletics, media production, or simply discovering where your talents may take you, there will be something for everyone!

Bring the whole family, ask questions, meet our Eagle community, and begin imagining your future at WTHS. Come discover where your interests can lead—you may just find your future waiting for you! 💚💛

A friendly reminder that NJGPA retakes in English Language Arts and Mathematics will take place October 19–21 (actual dates of test). Seniors who are scheduled to participate should pay close attention to testing information and reminders shared by their counselors and teachers.

We encourage every student to approach the assessment with confidence. You have prepared for this opportunity—believe in yourself, take your time, and do your best. We are cheering you on!

Get ready for a spooktacular attendance challenge! From October 26–30, the first-period class with every student present for the entire week will win a special prize!

Every student matters, so encourage your classmates to be in school, arrive on time, and help your first-period class reach perfect attendance. The winning class will be announced during the morning announcements on Monday, November 2.

Be here, be on time, and help your class claim the prize!

The WTHS Marching Band is ready to take the field again, and we are inviting our entire Eagle community to come out and cheer them on as they compete in the Tournament of Bands double competition on Saturday, October 10!

Our talented student musicians, color guard members, and performers have been working incredibly hard to perfect their show. Let’s bring the Eagle energy and show them how proud we are!

Saturday’s TOB Competitions:

• Clayton High School
  55 Pop Kramer Boulevard, Clayton, NJ
  Competition begins at 12:00 p.m. njatob.org

• Washington Township High School
  529 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ
  Competition begins at 4:00 p.m. njatob.org

Wear your Eagle green, bring your family and friends, and help us fill the stands with WTHS pride! Your cheers, applause, and encouragement mean so much to our students as they represent Winslow Township High School with talent, dedication, and pride.

Let’s show up, bring your cow bells, make some noise, and cheer our Marching Eagles on to another amazing performance! 💚💛🎺🥁

Winslow Township School District is embarking on an exciting and important journey—the development of a new five-year strategic plan!

A strategic plan serves as a long-term roadmap for a school district. It identifies shared priorities, establishes clear goals, and outlines the actions needed to strengthen teaching, learning, student support, family engagement, school culture, operations, and future opportunities for students.

The first meeting in this collaborative planning series was held this week. Board members, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members came together to work in groups and identify the district’s current strengths and challenges. The thoughtful conversations and diverse perspectives provided an important foundation for determining where we are today and where we want to go together.

Additional strategic-planning meetings will be held on:

• Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. — Administration Building
• Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. — Administration Building

Every voice matters as we plan the next five years of our district’s future. We invite staff, families, students, and community members to come out, share their ideas, and be part of this meaningful process. Visit the Strategic Plan tab on the website for more information.

Join the conversation and help shape a stronger future for every Winslow student! 💚💛

As a friendly reminder, we will operate on a two-hour delayed opening for all students on Tuesday, October 13. Please plan accordingly and review the two-hour delay bell schedule before arriving at school.

We look forward to welcoming everyone for a great day of learning after a long weekend!

• October 12, 2026: Columbus Day - School Closed
• October 13, 2026: Two Hour Delay for Students
• October 13, 2026 – November 16, 2026: Thanksgiving Food Drive
• October 15, 2026: Open House Expo 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• October 22, 2026: NHS Application Due
• October 27, 2026: College Readiness Night 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• November 3, 2026: Staff In-Service - Closed for Students
• November 5 & 6, 2026: NJEA Convention - School Closed
• November 11, 2026: Veterans Day - School Closed
• November 12, 2026: Last Day of 1st Marking Period
• November 12, 2026: Coffee with the Counselors 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• November 15, 2026 – December 18, 2026: Giving Tree Drive
• November 18, 2026: Report Card Mailing
• November 18, 2026: Elective Fair Middle School Visit 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• November 19, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Evening Parent Conferences
• November 23, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Afternoon Parent Conferences
• November 24, 2026: Early Dismissal for Students - Afternoon Parent Conferences
• November 25, 2026: Early Dismissal
• November 26 & 27: Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
• December 1, 2026: NHS Induction 6 PM - 8 PM
• December 10, 2026: Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6:00 PM
• December 1, 2026: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony 6:00 PM
• December 12, 2026: Santa Saturday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (set up Friday, December 11, 2026 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
• December 15, 2026: Winter Concert 6:00 PM
• February 11, 2027: Transition Fair 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• March 2, 2027: NJSLA/NJGPA Night 6:00 PM
• April 28, 2027: Honors Recital 9:00 AM
• May 13, 2027: Thespian Awards 6:00 PM
• May 18, 2027: Spring Concert 6:00 PM
• May 20, 2027: Director’s Cut 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• May 25, 2027: Senior Awards 6:00 PM
• June 8, 2027: Small Ensemble Concert 6:00 PM
• June 17, 2027: Senior Class Brunch 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM