HTSD Newsletter
Winter Edition: February 2023
A letter from Dr. Scott Rocco, HTSD Superintendent
Dear HTSD Community,
Welcome to the winter edition of our HTSD Newsletter. Please take a moment to go through the newsletter as it contains important information about current topics and future events. You will see information from each level of our schools (high school, middle school, and elementary school), as well as information from a number of HTSD departments. The purpose of the newsletter is to inform you of what is happening in our district and to celebrate the successes of those who learn and work in our district.
In just a week we will be at the end of February. This month our district celebrated Black History Month at all of our schools. Each school celebrated with announcements, activities, events, and presentations. For example:
Greenwood Elementary School students experienced an African Drumming and Dancing Assembly.
Klockner Elementary School students watched a Black History Month Laser Light Show.
Mercerville Elementary School students participated in an “I have a dream” read aloud and discussion activity.
Grice Middle School students heard daily Black History Month quotes to start the day and had hallway displays throughout the building.
Steinert High School students experienced Soul Sounds Assembly.
These are just a few examples of the many events and activities this month.
In March our schools will have lots of great experiences for our students. First, please see the musical performances coming up at our high schools and middle schools. Our students and their faculty advisors do an amazing job each year at our schools. If you have the opportunity, please go out and support the cast and crew of each school as they perform over the next two months.
In March our high school students begin preparation for the following school year. Please speak with your child about their courses, what they plan on taking next year, and what options they have for course work that will assist them in meeting their graduation requirements and post graduation plans. These conversations are important to your child’s academic success. If you have any questions please review the high school program of studies (posted on every high school website) and / or contact your child’s guidance counselor.
At our middle schools and elementary schools we are providing tutoring services for students who need assistance. This work started last year and will continue through next school year. Please contact your child’s principal should you feel your child could benefit from some academic tutoring. We will also provide tutoring programs in the summer for students at the high school, middle school, and elementary school levels.
Finally, as spring approaches our high school sports and middle school intramural sports seasons will begin. If your child is interested in participating please have them look for information about sign ups and tryouts (depending on the level) at each school.
Sincerely,
Scott Rocco
Superintendent of Schools
Nottingham High School Step Team performed at Grice and Reynolds Middle Schools in honor of Black History Month.
Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Teachers and Educational Services Providers of the Year!
HEF Awards Annual Teacher Grants. Congratulations, Teachers!
District Curriculum & Instruction Update from Mr. Anthony Scotto
Elementary Update
The year we expanded our current Reading Series/Program (Schoolwide) to grades K-2. The program focuses on reading fundamentals, writing fundamentals, grammar, and conventions. Mentor texts, guided reading materials, and other literacy resources play an important role during the literacy block. In addition, we will continue with implementation of the Fundations and Orton Gillingham programs. To learn more about Schoolwide, please click the links below:
- https://www.schoolwide.com/reading-fundamentals/
- https://www.schoolwide.com/writing-fundamentals/
- https://www.schoolwide.com/fundamentals-of-grammar-and-conventions/
Middle School Update
The district is now in year two of our new math and language arts textbooks/series. Last Spring we hosted virtual, family information sessions (and received a lot of positive feedback about the "at home" components). As a result, we would like to once again share these resources (see links below).
Into Mathematics (Grades 6-8 Math)
Into Literature (Grades 6-8 English Language Arts)
High School Update
This year our district implemented a new Grades 9-12 HS English Series - SpringBoard by the College Board. With this program, students are able to "build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through close observation and analysis of texts, evidence-based writing, higher-order questioning, and engaging academic conversation." Please click here for more information about the program.
Our 23/24 SY High School Program of Studies was released at the end of January. We encourage the HTSD Community to check out 29 Honors courses, 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, 10 Career Technical Education (CTE) courses, NCAA approved courses, Dual Enrollment Programs, and math & science pathways.
For more information about our High School Program of Studies, please click here to access the course offerings.
Professional Development Update
Once again, we have launched a robust list of professional development sessions for our staff. We are particularly excited about our Ed-Tech district book study. Several staff members are reading and discussing The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning (by Catlin R. Tucker & Katie Novak).
Human Resources Update from Dr. Dennis Copeland
The event provided an overview of district procedures for becoming a certified substitute teacher and a tutor for our schools. The recruitment and search for teachers and other district staff is a year round activity. This first of its kind event provided an opportunity to expose our future teaching force to the great experience of making a career in Hamilton Schools.
HTSD...
Offers a Summer Camp Program for grades K - 12 (grade level as of Fall 2023).
Registration is now open!
District Communications Relations Committee (DCR)
The District Community Relations Committee is comprised of community members and district staff members committed to meeting the needs of our Hamilton Township School District students.
Facilities Strategic Planning Committee
Did you know HTSD has its own broadcast channel?
Click HERE to visit the HTV webpage on www.htsdnj.org. HTSD YouTube link.
For more detailed information on HTSD, check out our HTSD 2022-2023 District Infographic.
HTSD 2023 Summer Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!
All 2023 Camps will be hosted at Crockett Middle School.
For more information and link to REGISTER.
Register early. Three of our Camps are already full! Space is limited.
Guidance Department Update from Guidance Director Kimberly Ferlauto
My name is Kim Ferlauto. It is an honor and privilege to serve as the new DIrector of Guidance for the Hamilton Township School District. Since joining the Hamilton school community in September, I have enjoyed meeting and working with our dedicated school board, committed district and building level leaders, and our enthusiastic staff, most especially the K-12 school counselors.
Prior to my arrival, the district had already devoted resources to focus on the academic, career, and social/emotional needs of our students. At the elementary level, we have added three full time counselors who split their time between two schools. With the assistance of ESSR funds, we have also provided schools with Student Support Specialists, who are licensed social workers. Because of both of these positions, all elementary schools in the district are receiving supplementary mental health support for our students.
Our eighth grade middle school students will begin to focus on their transition to high school. Students will take core subject area placement tests to identify which level of course will best support student success. Counselors will also be meeting with students to identify their career and elective interests. The HTSD Program of Studies contains all courses offered in the high school. Families are encouraged to review the courses offered to freshmen as well as develop a four-year plan based on their goals and interests.
As our twelfth grade students prepare for graduation and plan for their future after high school, our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are also beginning to plan their coursework for the upcoming year. Counselors will be working with students to build their high school schedule for the 2023-2024 school year. Students and parents are encouraged to review the Program of Studies to ensure students are meeting graduation requirements and have the proper prerequisites to enroll in classes. In addition, courses should align to student interests and their postsecondary goals.
If you have any questions or concerns related to the academic, career, and social emotional needs of your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor at any time.
Student Services and Program Event: Thursday, March 23, 2023 - Effective School Solutions
Elementary and Secondary Education Update from Director Dr. James Altobello
Elementary Update
Elementary schools are bustling with winter activities. Winter conferences are being held in the beginning of February as we move into the second half of trimester 2. In addition, we have begun Kindergarten Registration for the 2023 - 2024 school year and we encourage all families to visit our district website for additional information and access to our online registration portal.
Secondary Update
Secondary schools continue to offer students robust opportunities to be involved in numerous activities. We have recently begun our scheduling process for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Be on the lookout for additional information coming from the C&I Office as well as the Guidance Department. Marking Period 2 came to a close on January 31st and we look forward to a successful second half of the school year.
Technology Update from Director of Technology Jim O'Boyle
HTSD Families,
It is that time of year ... testing season is upon us. We'd like to ask all students who may be taking exams (NJSLA/Access/Seal of Biliteracy, etc.) to please work with their teachers to bring their devices in and power them on to make sure they are updating to the most recent version of chrome. If any students are having issues with their devices, please have them contact the Tech Support Zoom (7:30am - 4:00 pm during school days) listed on the district website as soon as possible so we can make sure they have a working device for testing.
Here is the link for reference:
https://hamilton-k12-nj-us.zoom.us/j/85070634985?pwd=Q1NZbUlQeE9ZWlQweWpZYkZmQVJudz09
Phone #1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 850 7063 4985
Passcode: 269536
High School Spring Musicals. Best of luck to the cast & crew!
Middle School Spring Musicals. Best of luck to the cast and crew!
Sports @HTSD
Click below to view each school's Athletic Calendars:
First Annual Tri-Swim Meet: Nottingham, Hamilton High School West & Steinert High School
Free or Reduced Lunch Application - Please submit.
This is a friendly reminder that during the 2022-23 school year, meals are no longer free for all students under the federal breakfast and lunch program. We strongly encourage all parents / guardians to complete a free or reduced price meal application to determine if your student(s) is eligible. Applications must be completed every school year. Parents need only to complete one application per household.
Applications are available online at www.myschoolapps.com/application. You may also request a paper application from the main office of your child’s school. You may complete the application on your phone by downloading the MySchoolApps mobile app. Both are available in multiple languages. Please note that if your household income changes at any time during the current school year, you may apply / re-apply.
To fund your student’s meal account, we recommend parents/guardians deposit money using MySchoolBucks. There is also a mobile app that you can download right to your phone.
Cash and check payments will also be accepted in the cafeteria. If you have not yet completed an application for the 2022-2023 school year, we ask that you please complete one now.
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Emergency Closing Information
Hamilton Township School District
Email: lgeltch@htsdnj.org
Website: https://www.htsdnj.org/
Location: 90 Park Avenue, Hamilton Township, NJ, USA
Phone: (609) 631-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreHTSD
Twitter: @WeAreHTSD