Weekly Update - Welcome Back!!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

The 2025-2026 school year is about to begin! We’ve spent the summer getting ready to welcome your children back, and we couldn’t be more excited! This year, our goal is investment and inclusivity because everyone should be proud to be a Greyhound!

Get ready for a year full of school spirit, competitions, and fun events that will bring us all together. The first big challenge kicks off on Friday, September 5, 2025 with Rep the Blue, Rock the Grey Day!

✅ Students A-L = Blue Team
✅ Students M-Z = Grey Team

Students are encouraged to show their spirit by wearing their team color ! The more students who participate, the more points your team earns. Let’s see who brings the most Greyhound pride!

Have a great end of the summer,

Kaitlin McCann

Aug. 28: PowerSchool Opens for Student Schedules after 4pm

Sept 3: First day of school for freshmen & new students only- 11:55 am dismissal

Sept 4: First day of school for all students- class meetings, schedule here

Sept 12: Activity Fair during opportunity period

Sept 18: HS Back to School Night - in person, 6:30-9 pm

Oct. 1-2: School Pictures will be taken during Health or PE class (grades 9-11)

Oct. 2-3: Senior Portrait Makeup Day by appointment only (see senior section for details)

Oct. 13: No School for Students

Oct 16: Paris Trip Parent Meeting (open to French Students and their parents)

Oct. 24: PSAT’s/ Homecoming Pep Rally

Oct. 25: Homecoming Dance

The first day for freshmen and NEW students is Wednesday, September 3th. School begins promptly at 7:20 am and dismisses at 11:55 am. Breakfast will be available. All students should report to the auditorium for a class meeting prior to going to homeroom and classes (check Powerschool for locations). Students will follow an abbreviated schedule, meet their teachers and become familiar with the high school. New students will receive their Chromebooks this day.

The first day for all students is Thursday, September 4th. School begins promptly at 7:20 am and dismisses at 2:28 pm. Students should report to their homeroom (check Powerschool for your homeroom). Please access PowerSchool to see your student’s schedule. Students will also be attending grade level assemblies during an extended Homeroom period.

Chromebook Repair and Protection Plan

We are pleased to continue our 1:1 Chromebook program at Northern Burlington to support your students’ learning. Please remember that families are responsible for care, maintenance, and potential repair or replacement costs for district-issued Chromebooks.

Optional Protection Plan:

For just $40 per year, the Chromebook Protection Plan covers accidental damage—such as drops, spills, and screen breaks—eliminating most repair costs for up to three incidents per device.

An agreement, full list of items, coverage details, exclusions, and FAQ is available in the complete Chromebook Repair Agreement on the district website – Chromebook Repair Agreement and Protection Plan.

Students are expected to bring their charged school-issued Chromebook & charger to school every day.
Please make sure that the student logs into their Chromebook prior to the

first day of school so that all system updates are completed prior to their arrival.

It is the students’ responsibility to have their Chromebook charged every day.
If a student does not have their Chromebook/charger, they will be sent to

the main office to call a parent/guardian to bring what they are missing.

Students who have non-working Chromebooks should report to the main office

for a loaner. When students receive their repaired Chromebook, it is expected that they return the loaner.

Students can find all bussing information on their Power School Account under Transportation. We do not provide PM times for Middle School and High School students due to after school activities and the number of students riding will differ.
Students are to be outside at their designated stops visible to the bus driver 10 minutes prior to their pick up time.
Students are not permitted to eat or drink on the school bus.
Students are to remain seated in their assigned seats at all times with seatbelt buckled. Assigned seats are assigned at the beginning of the school year and will remain this way for the entire school year.
Students are to ride their assigned bus and get off at their designated stops. Students are not permitted to ride other school bus routes or get off at a stop not designated to them.
Students are to demonstrate respectful behavior to the Bus Driver, aide and other students onboard. The following rules pertain to all students on board and any rules that are broken will result in a disciplinary write up to school administrators.

NO HITTING / FIGHTING / PUSHING
NO BULLYING
NO CURSING / YELLING
NO THROWING OBJECTS IN OR OUTSIDE THE BUS
NO SMOKING / VAPING
NO ARMS, LEGS OR ITEMS IN THE AISLE OF THE BUS OR OUTSIDE THE WINDOWS
NO VANDALISM TO THE SCHOOL BUS OR EQUIPMENT

EMERGENCY EXITS ARE TO REMAIN CLOSE UNLESS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

Lost Items

Any items left on the bus are held by the driver until retrieved by the student. Students are to check with the bus driver for any lost items and obtain them from the driver on the afternoon route or the next morning. Items that are left on a Friday afternoon will need to be obtained the next school day.
We understand items have tracking on them but we ask you not to use this feature. Our buses complete multiple runs as well as we do not allow outside personnel to enter our bus lot.

Late Buses

Students will find their late bus information in power school under transportation.

Late buses leave the High School at 3:30pm. Students are to be out of the school and already have boarded the buses before the above times.

There is a 5:30 late bus that will leave the High School. Students are to be out of the school and already boarded the buses before the above times.

ALL STUDENTS BOARDING LATE BUSES MUST HAVE A SEASONAL OR DAILY BUS PASS FROM A TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR.

Parent Resources

Any change in address needs to be discussed and approved by the registrar prior to bus changes. Please note that any new student or change of address will take three school days to work the student onto a new bus. A bus pass will be given to the corresponding office to provide to the student.

Please note our buses are normally full and we sometimes need to assign students to different routes in the same area. New Jersey state law is that a student is allowed to walk up to 2miles from their residence to the bus stop. We will try to assign the student to the closest possible stop to their residence but sometimes this is not possible with the amount of students designated for a certain area.

If a student is needed to go home with another student for any reason, a letter or email must be provided to the administrators of the corresponding school for approval. Once approved a temporary pass will be provided to the student. Students will not be permitted to ride or get off at a different bus or stop unless a temporary pass is provided.

Please see above in student resources regarding important bussing information.

The Northern FFA Chapter will be holding its annual end of Summer/Fall Plant Sale on the following days:

Thursday, August 28th, 2025 - 8am-12pm

Saturday, September 6th, 2025 - 9am-12pm

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT! - Thursday, September 18th, 2025 - 6pm-8pm

Saturday, September 20th, 2025 - 9am-12pm

FALL MUMS: Mums will be available for sale starting on Thursday, August 28th and throughout the month of September.

Thanks to the hard work of our horticultural students, this year our mums are bigger and better than ever before!

9" Mum pots are only $6.00 each. 10" Mum hanging baskets are only $10.00 each. 12" Mixed Mum planters are only $12.00 each. Students enrolled in horticultural classes at the end of the last school year planted mums in May/June and summer ag worker students have worked to grow, fertilize, and maintain them throughout the months of July and August!

FALL EVERGREEN TREES: Students will also be selling potted evergreen/shade/Christmas trees throughout the months of September and October. Students have been planting seedlings and raising the young trees that vary in age and size over the last 6 months to 2 years. All trees are in 1-gallon pots and are only $10.00 each. Varieties include Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, Eastern White Pine and Norway Spruce. Fall is the best time to plant trees!

CLEARANCE SALE: Horticultural students need to make room in the greenhouse for upcoming projects and will be selling various herbs, succulents, and flowering & foliage potted plants, including hanging baskets, at discounted prices during the four sale days. Be sure to check out the greenhouse during any of the sale days to snag a deal on some plants!

Please see the attachments below for the sales flyer, plant availability list, price list and save the date reminder.

PDF:

2025 Summer-Fall Plant Sale - Flyer & Price List

PNG:

2025 Summer-Fall Plant Sale - Flyer

2025 Summer-Fall Plant Sale - Price List

Address:

Northern Burlington County Regional High School

Greenhouse Complex

Address: 160 Mansfield Road East

Columbus, NJ 08022

Contact: Brian Hayes, Teacher of Agriculture

Email: bhayes@nburlington.com

Thank you to everyone who supports Northern FFA and the ag program at Northern Burlington!

Our school’s handbook is created to share all of the norms and expectations of the building with families and students. Each year, we hold grade level meetings to ensure students have an understanding of the rules and expectations, however this meeting cannot be all encompassing. We encourage all students and families to review the handbook here and reach out to the main office with any questions.
Here is a link to the most recent changes made to the handbook.

District Norms:

How we treat one another at Northern Burlington is important and we want all of our students to feel welcome. We want to create a safe and orderly environment to promote the best opportunity for learning.. To that end, we have three key expectations in our school community.

As school begins, we will be talking to the students about how these expectations apply in all the classrooms and common spaces. Throughout the year we plan to revisit these concepts and reinforce them. In addition, eliminating bullying is another key part of our expectations for student conduct. There will be a variety of student activities throughout the school year to better educate our students on how to stop bullying.

Finally, our school has been recognized as a No Place for Hate school by the Anti-Defamation League. We look forward to continued programming and activities that support the mission of No Place for Hate throughout the school year. Please look for updates in the weekly parent message that comes out every Friday via email.

Vaping:

Vaping is inappropriate and dangerous. Students who are found in possession of a vape or who are vaping on campus will receive discipline as outlined in our code of conduct. This year, in addition to the normal consequences, students will be expected to participate in an anti-vaping program entitled, ASPIRE sponsored by MD Anderson. The program is virtual, self-directed and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Students will learn about the dangers of traditional nicotine products and the new and emerging products such as e-cigarettes, hookah and marijuana use.

Cell Phone Use

The use of electronic devices can be a distraction to student learning. Students are expected to have phones away, unless instructed to use them for an educational activity, this includes during homeroom. Teachers will outline for students times where phones may be used. Students who do not comply with these expectations will be subject to disciplinary action, as outlined in the student handbook. It is crucial we adhere to these policies to ensure student learning can occur. Students may use phones in study hall and during the opportunity period. Cell Phone Expectations 2025-26

Student IDs have gone virtual! We know students frequently have their devices on their person, so will use the electronic ID feature on SmartPass this year. Students should download the SmartPass App to access their ID, which will include their student ID (for buying lunch) and their Bus Numbers.

We will continue to use the SmartPass system for student passes. It is a web-based program that will allow students to use their Chromebooks to create a pass. All passes must be initiated on a Chromebook, not their phones.

Communication is crucial to our organization, students and families.

Students:

Important school related information will be shared with students via their grade level Google classroom and their school email. Teachers and counselors also send emails to students and share information in Google classrooms. Daily and weekly updates can also be accessed via Instagram. Please follow nbc_hsprincipal on Instagram for more information.

Parents:

Parent Messages are sent regularly at the end of every week. We use email communications on a regular basis so it is essential that we have an accurate email address. Parents should log into PowerSchool to review the email address shown and update as necessary. Parents may enter more than one email address. Please note that adding an email address in the Parent/Student Portal does not change the email address on file in PowerSchool demographics, to do this you must email the school registrar your request. Parents are also encouraged to follow us on Instagram at nbc_hsprincipal.

Breakfast

Breakfast will be available for students every day in the Main Cafeteria from 6:45 am - 7:15 am. Grab and go breakfast will be available from 7:20am-7:30am, and can only be purchased after checking into their homeroom and receiving a pass from your teacher. The cost for breakfast is $2.50 for a breakfast bundle which will include a grain and/ or protein, a fruit, and a milk. This will be the free/reduced option and will also be available for purchase. Ala Carte items are available for purchase as well.

Lunch & Opportunity Period

Similar to last year, we are excited to have all students eating lunch during the opportunity period. This will allow students time to relax with peers, receive extra support from teachers, and participate in meetings and activities.

Students will have the opportunity to choose the location where they will eat lunch and spend the remainder of their time. The time will be split into two 34 minute sections. Students can choose a location for each section.

We have four locations where students can buy lunch: West Cafe, East Cafe, Main Cafe and the kiosk located outside West Gym.

Students can participate in activities, tutoring, and athletics during the opportunity period as well as sitting in the cafeteria, lunch and patio locations. Please look at the options here with your student and discuss where they may spend their time. Activities are rotated at each marking period.

We encourage all parents and guardians to complete a new 2025-2026 Application for

Free and Reduced Price School Meals prior to the first day of school.

The application can be found on our webpage under parent/student resources and at this LINK.

The cost for a regular school lunch is $3.50, and a premium lunch is $3.75. Students will use their school ID to move through the lunch line. Parents are welcome to establish an online lunch account through the lunchtime parent portal found under Food Services on the parent/student page and at this Acct Link.

Students are welcome to pack their lunch, please no glass bottles.

Menu Links

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

PowerSchool will be available to parents and students on August 28 after 4:00 pm as long as the Opening of School Forms have been completed–see the paragraph below. PowerSchool allows parents and students to view attendance, grades, and assignments.

Please note that every effort was made to schedule students based on their requests. At this point, electives and schedule assignments are not able to be changed. If you cannot access your Parent Portal account, please contact your child’s counselor for assistance.

Similar to last year, the typical opening of school forms that have to be completed, are available for completion in PowerSchool. Please log on to your Parent PowerSchool account and complete the two required electronic annual forms:

Emergency Information & Trip/Activity Medical form.
Parent Consent Form
Free and Reduced Lunch Form (as needed) LINK
Class of 2026 Senior Diploma (Seniors Only)

These three (3) forms need to be completed before your child’s schedule can be accessed. If you cannot access your Parent Portal account, please contact your child’s counselor for assistance. Thank you!

This year, we will be using an A/B Day schedule to rotate courses. That schedule can be found here. Additionally, our schedule has been updated to allow for four 80-minute classes each day and a 68 minute lunch/opportunity period.

Below is the bell schedule that will be used starting September 5 and for all full days unless otherwise noted.

Drop Off:

Students are expected to be in their HR no later than 7:20 am. Students may be dropped off outside the 400 hallway (West Gym side) beginning at 6:45 am.
From 7:20 am on, students must be dropped off at the front entrance near the main office.
Students who are late MUST sign in on a kiosk to be updated from the mark of “absent”.

Pick Up:

Students needing to be picked up before the end of the day, must be signed out in the Main Office.
Any student returning to school after an appointment should sign back in using the main office kiosk/sign in sheet.
After dismissal, students must be picked up at the west gym entrance.

For students 18 years old or older; The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the adult pupil shall submit a written request for approval of an early dismissal to the Principal and Attendance Officer (attendance@nburlington.com). The request must include the reason for the pupil's early dismissal to excuse them before the end of the school day.

Please be reminded that there is a dress code. Please review the following with your children and reference the student handbook for the following information:

NO sheer clothing
Undergarments may NOT be exposed
Both tops and bottoms MUST cover personal areas

Students in violation of the dress code will be asked to change their clothing. If they have nothing in their locker, they will call a parent/guardian to bring them appropriate clothing. If the student refuses to change their clothing - they will be placed in In School Suspension.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month with World Suicide Prevention Day being September 10th. Newest research from 2022 (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) states that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). The Trevor Project is a 24/7 hotline to offer crisis assistance to LGBTQ+youth. The outreach number is listed below. Here is also a helpful reminder of what red flags we need to look out for when it comes to suicide. Listed below are signs that someone may be thinking about hurting themselves:

Drastic changes in mood and behavior even if for the better
Engaging in risky behaviors
Aggressiveness and irritability
Possessing lethal means
Feeling like a burden
Isolating or feeling alone
Self-harm like cutting etc.
A sense of hopelessness
Making suicide threats
Giving things away
Making funeral arrangements
Substance abuse

Sometimes signs are not always perfectly clear either so trust your gut if you are not sure and ask. Let them know that this is a scary topic but one you are not afraid to talk about. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation. When we bring our thoughts out into the light they become a little less scary than carrying them around in the dark alone.

Here is a list of local crisis resources:

988lifeline.org or call or text 988

The Trevor Project Hotline is 100% free and confidential: 1-866-488-7386 www.thetrevorproject.org for more information and resources

SCIP(Screening and Crisis Intervention Program)-609-835-6180

Oaks Integrated Care-1-800-963-3377

Lastly, below is a picture of a bulletin board outside our Counseling Office to support awareness of suicide prevention:

Parent Teacher Student Connection (PTSC):

Parent Teacher Student Connection (PTSC): The Parent Teacher Student Connection (www.nburlingtonptsc.org) is a non-profit organization committed to educational excellence and service in the Northern Burlington County High School and Middle School community by developing a close working relationship with parents, teachers, staff, and administration. Your membership and participation will ensure the continued success of our organization. Please read our Welcome letter here and consider joining the PTSC for the new school year! https://www.nburlingtonptsc.org/membership

The PTSC is excited to host our 1st annual Designer Bag Bingo & Basket Raffle on Saturday, September 27 at the high school. Doors open at 5:00pm; Games begin at 6:00pm. 12 gorgeous bags from Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and more. Final blackout game bag valued at $395. 70+ baskets will be raffled and a special $1900 Gucci bag raffle as well. Tickets are $35 online until 9/20 or we sell out. At the door, tickets will be $40. Tickets at https://www.nburlingtonptsc.org/bag-bingo.

Looking to know about the happenings at NB? Follow us at nbc_hsprincipal

NB’s own 6 week SAT Prep program continues in-person on Saturdays from October 4, 2025- November 22, 2025 (No Class October 25). The program is contingent on sufficient enrollment of at least 17 students. An afternoon session will be added if needed to meet all registration requests. The registration deadline is Tuesday Sept 30, 2025 2025/2026 FALL SAT Prep Program Registration.

Several important pieces of information are available on our district website at www.nburlington.com, MORE, Parent/Guardian Resources:

· District Calendar

· Free and Reduced Lunch Application

· Student Handbook

· Parent Teacher Student Connection (PTSC) Announcement: This is the parent group for

the school district.

· Medication at School Form: Must be completed in order for a child to take any medication

at school.

· Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

· Anti-Bullying Policy

· Asbestos Abatement Notification (AHERA) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan

· Health Insurance Brochure/Application

· Vaccine Information

Finally, make sure you enjoy these final days of summer with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing your children return.

Best wishes as we embark on another exciting school year.

Senior Trip information was shared on the Class of 2026 Google Classroom in June and sent via email mid/late Aug to members of the Class of 2026 and their parents/guardians. The Senior Trip is from April 14-18th. The first payment of $770 is due by Friday, Sept 19th Mr. Godoy or Mrs. McWilliams

Senior Trip 2026 - Info Letter

If your senior missed the summer portrait session, there are two more opportunities coming up in school 10/2 and 10/3. An email has been sent from Lors to anyone who has not taken their portraits, and will soon be sent to all seniors, in case anyone wants to do retakes.

To schedule an appointment, call Customer Service at (908) 964-0847, ext 405 or go to www.lorsstudio.com, click on Seniors, then Schedule an Appointment. The login is your last name and the password is your school ID.

Seniors are eligible to apply for parking on campus. Please find the link below for the 2025–2026 Senior Parking Application that can be accessed in Google Classroom.

Senior Parking Application

If you have already applied and have been approved, you should have received a parking decal pickup information email from Ms. Gupta

SENIOR PARKING FORM

Weekly Update - Welcome Back!!