Dear TES Families,

What an incredible start to the school year! As we approach October, our halls are filled with excitement, learning, and the warmth of community spirit.

This month, our students participated in a heartwarming "Leafing" Kindness activity during their first den day. Students creatively decorated leaves and wrote thoughtful, compassionate messages. These beautiful leaves will be distributed to local businesses, helping to spread joy and kindness throughout our community. Keep an eye out for them in town!

At TES, we believe in nurturing not just academic skills, but also the hearts of our students. Our commitment to showing kindness, respect, and empathy continues to be our foundation.

Lisa Moore

Principal

Lily Smith (Grade 3), Paige Smith (Grade 1), and their parents, Lindsay and Derek, created this wonderful tiger to welcome students back to school. Thank you, Smith Family, for the second year of kicking off the hay bale activity!

In the State of New Jersey, the week of October 6-10, 2025, is designated as the ‘Week of Respect’. The staff of Tewksbury Elementary School have planned a week’s worth of comprehensive and inclusive programming to celebrate and promote respect, kindness, and a positive school culture in order to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all. In celebration of the ‘Week of Respect,” our students will enjoy a meaningful spirit week. Please see below for our special spirit days:

● Monday October 6th : Wear your DEN SHIRT to join the TES Community.

● Tuesday October 7th: Wear a HAT to put a lid on BULLYING.

● Wednesday October 8th: Wear your SUNGLASSES because it’s cool to be KIND.

● Thursday October 9th: Wear a SPORTS JERSEY to join TEAM RESPECT.

● Friday October 10th: Wear your WACKY SOCKS to CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES.

District Calendar Updated 9/17/2025

Picture Day is Friday, October 17th. There are two ways to pre-order your photos:

1. An order form will be sent home on October 3rd. You may fill it out and return it with your child before October 17th.

OR

2. You may pre-order using this QR code with the Picture Day ID of EVTWNF3PV at mylifetouch.com.

Off to a Great Start!

Preschool is off to a great start this year. Our friend, Baby Echo, is helping us learn about the letters A though D. We use the Fundations Phonics program to build phonemic awareness and early reading and writing skills. One important time of our day is eating meals together. “Eating time is table time!” We use this phrase to remind students to participate in good eating habits and learn the extremely important skill for waiting for others. This is hard work but everyday we are getting better! Play is the guiding force in preschool and we are fortunate to have many play opportunities both inside our classroom and in our beautiful outdoor spaces including the big playground, preschool playground, Discovery Den, and our outdoor classroom and garden. Over the last couple of weeks we watched our caterpillars turn into chrysalis and then emerge as butterflies. It was pure joy to release our butterflies in the garden. We are in need of more playground sand. Any donations would be gratefully appreciated.

-Ms. Amanda, Ms. Mary & Mrs. Taylor

September in Kindergarten

What an exciting first month of school we’ve had in Kindergarten! September was all about learning new routines and procedures, meeting new friends, and settling into our classroom community. We’ve started practicing proper letter and number formation and are beginning to explore letter sounds, setting the stage for our reading and writing journey. During our “Child-Centered Learning Time,” students have been working on problem-solving skills and thinking outside the box through hands-on activities and play-based learning. We also attended our very first school assembly where we learned about school expectations, rules, and, most importantly, how to show kindness to others. It’s been a wonderful start to the school year, and we’re excited for all the learning and growing yet to come!

How to Be a Bucket Filler

This year is off to a great start! First graders have been busy getting to know one another and building a classroom community. We read the book, How to be a Bucket Filler! We have been filling other peoples buckets by showing kindness all over the school. We are also learning to be more independent, and have been working independently in literacy and math centers. We discovered that we are all readers. We had our first visit with the Therapy Dog this year, and we got to practice reading to her. In writing, we have been learning about opinions. We have learned to write a strong opinion sentence and support it with reasons. Students have also been busy working on identifying, representing, and comparing numbers 1-10, while also identifying and completing number patterns.

Welcome to Second Grade - Building Community

Second Graders are well on their way to an exciting school year. Each classroom has been involved in various activities that help to build the all-important classroom community. Some of these activities include creating community pictures, playing games to get to know one another better, writing a poem about who we are, reading stories about including others and kindness, and working in cooperative groups throughout the day. To complement our work with creating a cohesive classroom environment, we have begun our Social Studies unit on Types of Communities and Meeting our Needs and Wants. The students are beginning to understand the Tewksbury Community that they are all a part of! We will also be involved in a project that will help celebrate Tewksbury's 270th birthday! What a great way to kick off the 2025-2026 school year!

Flexing Our Math Muscles

Math Update from 3rd Grade: We are hitting the ground running in Math, building upon prior skills from 1st & 2nd grades and reviewing the skills needed for our first chapter "Numbers to 10,000." The children are excited to learn about larger numbers! We will build skill knowledge with lots of hands-on practice using manipulatives like place value blocks. This first unit is the number sense foundation for our year of learning. We are comparing numbers using the <, >, and = symbols. (ex. 1,234 > 234 by 1000, 566 < 766 by 200, etc.) We are also patterning by adding 1, 10, or 100 (2125, 2135, 2145, etc.) and practicing math fact basics. This will help us to build a strong foundation for a year of problem solving and collaborative learning.

Leaders at TES

The fourth graders have done a great job settling into their role as the leaders of TES. During the first weeks of school each class wrote rules of conduct for the lunchroom, bus and playground. They presented these rules at the first “Tiger Time” of the year. In the classroom students are learning place value and rounding in math, exploring realistic fiction in both reading and writing, and studying maps in social studies. Oh yeah… and some of them may have saved a worm named Fred!

Fall into Art!

Welcome back to the Art Room! We have been practicing sitting and lining up in most of my classrooms, as well as singing our typical art clean up songs, to get us back into practice for this new school year. This year I have developed a new type of "Studio Choice" for my classes which includes STEAM activities to build, create, and think in a new way.

I am excited to set a yearly goal focused on integrating more STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics—into our art curriculum! This year, I aim to create a vibrant learning environment where students can explore the creative connections between these disciplines. By incorporating science concepts like color theory, utilizing technology, applying engineering principles in building sculptures, and practicing mathematics through geometric designs, we'll develop well-rounded young thinkers who understand that art is not just about creation, but also about innovation and problem-solving. Together, we will build a classroom where curiosity leads to creativity, and where the wonders of STEAM inspire our artistic adventures! Looking forward to a great and artistic year ahead!

- Mrs. Pecora

Soccer and Healthy Living

Welcome back! This September in PE, Ms. Sconda and Mr. Neuhs are kicking things off by working on soccer skills during single classes, while also focusing on cooperation, spatial awareness, fundamental motor skills, and problem-solving. During group PE time, we are dedicating our lessons to giving students the tools they need to lead healthy and active lives. Our goal is to build strong physical skills while also encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and confidence that students can carry with them both inside and outside the gym.

-Mr. Neuhs and Ms. Sconda

A New Chapter Begins...

A new chapter begins...The T.E.S. Library Media Center is full of excitement at the beginning of the year. Our Kindergarteners and new students discover the Library Media Center for the first time, and our returning students get to explore again! Students have been showing lots of enthusiasm and responsibility, as we read stories, learn about our amazing Library Media Center, and review how to take care of books. Ask your child about the “Dangerous Box for Books” (a silly and interactive way we review book care). It was great to have so many parents checking out library books at our Back to School Night! If you have any Library Media questions, don’t hesitate to reach out (email is best): arose-mason@tewksburyschools.org.

-Ms. Rose-Mason

Septiembre and Access Rockalingua At Home

We're off to a great start to the school year in K-4 Spanish. We're learning new routines and practicing old ones, singing songs, and guessing where the sticker is hiding on the calendar! If anyone wants to support Spanish learning at home, check out Rockalingua.com, our username and password are both "holatewks" and there are lots of great songs and games to play. I am looking forward to a great year of seeing everyone learn and grow in Spanish!

October 24th, thanks to the TEF, we are having a musical duo called "Musiquita" visit our school from Brooklyn, NY to share Spanish songs and music!

- Senora Obercian

Highlights of Activity in the Technology Lab

I’m excited to share some highlights of what your children have been working on in Technology class! All students have reviewed and signed the Acceptable Use Policy for Chromebook use. They are also enjoying our newly redesigned tech lab, complete with new furniture and flexible seating that helps create a fun, engaging, and productive learning environment.

Kindergarten: Our youngest learners are practicing logging in and memorizing their passwords. Parent support at home makes a big difference in helping them become confident and independent with this skill. Please review their passwords together and help them locate the letters on the keyboard.

Grades 1 & 2: Students are reviewing important technology terms while practicing proper mouse and keyboard use. Typing was just introduced to 2nd grade and a letter was sent home with details about how to access the program from home. Regular practice is encouraged as typing is a skill that improves most with consistent use.

Grades 3 & 4: Students have also begun practicing typing using our new program, available in Clever under Code Monkey. Both their classroom teachers and I strongly encourage at-home practice. Typing is a valuable skill for success in school and beyond, and logging in from home through Clever is simple and quick.

Special Project: We also celebrated International Dot Day! Using iPads and the Quiver app, students created 2D dots that magically transformed into 3D designs—a creative and exciting way to blend art and technology.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: krinehart@tewksburyschools.org.

- Ms. Rinehart Havens

Enjoying September

September has been a fun and exciting month in music classes! Our TES Tigers have been busy singing, moving, and playing their way through the start of the school year. We’ve learned several different songs and had a great time dancing along to the music. The energy and creativity in the music room have made each class so much fun!

One especially exciting opportunity for our 4th graders is the 4th Grade Instrument Club. This club gives students the chance to try out real concert band instruments and learn how to play them. Instruments include the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and drums. It’s a wonderful way to experience what it feels like to be in band while building new skills and making music together. We can’t wait to see all the amazing progress our students will make this year, both in music class and in the PTA-sponsored 4th Grade Instrument Club!

- Mr. Shaffer

The Great Potato Harvest

TES has many outdoor learning spaces for students to enjoy. Recently, students from last year's Garden Club (sponsored by our PTA) harvested the potato seeds planted last May. The students were ecstatic to see the life cycle of a plant come full circle and all of this was done by working together with their peers.

Did you know that TES has an outdoor stage, an author's chair corner, a sensory garden bed, raised bed planters, a makerspace (aka Discovery Den) and a butterfly gardens? If you would like to become more involved with maintaining or enhancing our spaces, please reach out to Karen Morrow (teacher) at kmorrow@tewksburyschools.org.

Welcome Newcomers and New Lunch Bunch Attendees

Welcome to TES! In addition to our new kindergarteners, we as a school community, are lucky to be welcoming twelve new students -- 10 new families to our TES family. I appreciate the efforts of our TEF, our families, and our students in both welcoming our newest members and creating a community that is inviting and positive. Here at TES, our teachers/staff work consciously to create a culture of community and connectedness throughout our school. We know that every student grows/learns/ thrives best in communities where they feel supported and connected. We enjoy partnering with all our families in the growing of each of our students.

TES LUNCH BUNCH:

Lunch Bunches are back at TES. Lunch Bunch is a fun opportunity for a small group of students to eat together with our school counselor, Mrs. Donovan, away from the busy lunch room. It is the perfect setting to chat about our school day around a lunch table and get to know our classmates. Any student may request a lunch bunch, and sometimes a student may be invited by another student to “join” their lunch bunch. It is wonderful to see our students talking, laughing and enjoying spending time together. If your child attends a lunch bunch, you will receive an email or note to let you know. Typically students really enjoy attending a lunch bunch. If you do not want your child to attend a lunch bunch, please send an email to: sdonovan@tewksburyschools.org

- Sheila Donovan

Important Preschool Information and Annual Health Screenings for K through Grade 4 Students

PRESCHOOL: The New Jersey Health and Senior Services require children under the age 5 and attending preschool receive one dose of the seasonal influenza vaccine by December 31, 2025. If your child is in preschool, please submit this documentation by December 23, 2025. If you are seeking an exemption from vaccination, please contact the Health Office. Flu vaccine documentation is not required for grades K-4.

GRADE K THROUGH 4 HEALTH SCREENINGS: Annual health screening pursuant to N.J.A.C. will begin in October and run until completed for each student. Screenings for height, weight, and blood pressure are conducted annually for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Hearing screenings for auditory acuity are conducted for students in Kindergarten through Grade 3. Screening for visual acuity is mandated biennially and is conducted for students in Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade 4. If there is a deviation for the recommended standards parents will be notified. If you wish to opt your child out of the screenings, please contact the Health Office.

THIRD GRADE PHYSICALS:All students in third grade are required to have a physical completed within the last twelve months. If you have not submitted the physical for your student in third grade, please submit it by October 15th. If you have a physical scheduled after October 15th, please let me know.

HEAD LICE INFORMATION -Please check out the new Head Lice Information Tab on the Health Services page of the TES and OTS websites. Head checks should be part of routine hygiene. Be proactive and remember to “once a week take a peek” at your child’s scalp.

- Nancy Morogiello, RN,

School Nurse

908-832-2594 x2011

nmorogiello@tewksburyschools.org

The TEF is a volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing and expanding educational opportunities at TES and our middle school, OTS. The TEF is governed by a board of dedicated volunteers and includes representation from Tewksbury schools. The TEF is a 100% volunteer-run organization. They have several opportunities for you to get involved...click here for more information.

Maschio's Food Service

Maschio's Food Services, Inc. is the contracted lunch provider at TES. 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:

https://tewksburyschools.nutrislice.com/menu/tewksbury-elementary/lunch

Link to PaySchools Central

Upcoming Dates:

October 2 - School Closed - Rosh Hashanah

October 6 - Den Day - wear your den shirt

October 6 - 10 - Week of Respect (see above)

October 13 - Columbus Day - School Closed for Students - Teacher Professional Day

October 17 - Lifetouch Picture Day

October 24 - "Musiquita" Assembly

October 25 - PTA Trunk or Treat

October 31 - Halloween Parades

The TES Times September

September 2025

Dear TES Families,

Off to a Great Start!

September in Kindergarten

How to Be a Bucket Filler

Welcome to Second Grade - Building Community

Flexing Our Math Muscles

Leaders at TES

Fall into Art!

Soccer and Healthy Living

A New Chapter Begins...

Septiembre and Access Rockalingua At Home

Highlights of Activity in the Technology Lab

Enjoying September

The Great Potato Harvest

Welcome Newcomers and New Lunch Bunch Attendees

Important Preschool Information and Annual Health Screenings for K through Grade 4 Students

Maschio's Food Service

Upcoming Dates:

Dear TES Families,

Spreading Kindness - One Leaf at a Time Spreading Kindness - One Leaf at a Time

✅Click HERE For Bond Referendum Information ✅Click HERE For Bond Referendum Information

Thank You, Smith Family! Thank You, Smith Family!

Week of Respect October 6th to 10th Week of Respect October 6th to 10th

District Calendar District Calendar

Picture Day - October 17th Picture Day - October 17th

Pre-K Corner Pre-K Corner

Off to a Great Start!

Kindergarten Happenings Kindergarten Happenings

September in Kindergarten

First Grade Chronicles First Grade Chronicles

How to Be a Bucket Filler

Second Grade Scoop Second Grade Scoop

Welcome to Second Grade - Building Community

Third Grade Buzz Third Grade Buzz

Flexing Our Math Muscles

Fourth Grade Press Fourth Grade Press

Leaders at TES

Art News Art News

Fall into Art!

Health & Physical Education Update Health & Physical Education Update

Soccer and Healthy Living

The Library Review The Library Review

A New Chapter Begins...

Espanol Espanol

Septiembre and Access Rockalingua At Home

Technology Talk Technology Talk

Highlights of Activity in the Technology Lab

Musical Notes Musical Notes

Enjoying September

Gardening Help Needed Gardening Help Needed

The Great Potato Harvest

From Mrs. Donovan, School Counselor From Mrs. Donovan, School Counselor

Welcome Newcomers and New Lunch Bunch Attendees

From Mrs. Morogiello, School Nurse From Mrs. Morogiello, School Nurse

Important Preschool Information and Annual Health Screenings for K through Grade 4 Students

Tewksbury Education Foundation Tewksbury Education Foundation

Tewksbury PTA Upcoming Events Tewksbury PTA Upcoming Events

Lunch at TES Lunch at TES

Maschio's Food Service

Odyssey of the Mind Odyssey of the Mind

Save the Dates Save the Dates

Upcoming Dates: