District Newsletter
March 14, 2024: Work Session
March 21, 2024: Regular Meeting
All meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the high school library.
Board of Education meetings are open to the public and will continue to be live-streamed:
Link to Live-Streamed Meetings
Presentations from Recent Board Meetings:
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
GREETINGS!
On February 8, 2024, the Board of Education meeting included a “committee of the whole” discussion to bring the entire Board and community up to speed on the current status of the referendum. Begun in January 2022, the two-year process has been through many phases, and the project's scope has fluctuated due to several factors. Yet throughout, we have maintained our commitment to address our needs and to be as fiscally responsible as possible.
The one constant of the two-year process has been our focus on seven priority areas identified by members of our community.
Accessibility
Additional classrooms
Athletic facilities
Auditoriums
Early Childhood Education
Investments in our buildings
Specialized learning & media centers
Accessibility, auditorium, and investment in buildings are areas with straightforward solutions and, therefore, were omitted from the discussion. Instead, we reconsidered our path and explored different ways to address the remaining priorities. We reviewed suggestions from stakeholders, including administration, BOE members, and the community at large.
Space is the common element of these other areas of need. The initial question of where the district could place a full-day kindergarten program was a linchpin of the discussion. Using 1 Lincoln Avenue (the former Board office) or 95 Grove Street (the current Board office) as a kindergarten or early childhood landing zone was dismissed because those spaces are too small. This shifted the focus to the best use of the Hopkins’ parcel adjacent to the high school. Is using this space a viable solution for a district-wide kindergarten building, a new middle school, or an athletic field?
The idea of a state-of-the-art kindergarten building has a lot of positives; however, the two most prominent pieces of feedback we received from the community when 144 Kings Highway West was in the scope were concerns about detaching kindergarten students from the neighborhood schools and shuttling them to the building. Placing a new facility on the Hopkins’ parcel would not eliminate those questions.
Constructing a new middle school at Hopkins would mean a state-of-the-art middle school adjacent to the high school. There are many positives about that as well. The challenge is that the space needed for an appropriately sized middle school building would absorb the entire property. It would also require Central Elementary School students to move into the current middle school spaces and all kindergarteners to move into the current Central spaces. Technically, the number of students would fit, but middle school classrooms are not designed for young children, and our kindergarteners would once again require daily shuttles.
State funding for the referendum is also a critical consideration in our decision-making process. Renovations of current educational spaces receive roughly 34% of funding from the state. Unless the district has “unhoused” students, new construction – including additions – and non-educational spaces, such as an athletic field, receive no state funding. (A New Jersey Department of Education formula based on enrollment projections determines the number of unhoused students, and both Elizabeth Haddon and Tatem have funding allowances for such students. Additions in those two buildings would be eligible for partial state aid.) Additions to Haddon and Tatem and expanding Central School classrooms into 1 Lincoln Avenue could provide additional classroom space for full-day kindergarten and specialized classrooms.
This last potential solution permits the district to explore building a multipurpose turf field on the Hopkins’ parcel. This project would receive no state funding, so we could develop that space using capital reserves, thereby reducing the dollar amount of the referendum. Additionally, the new field space could be built for both the school and the community without waiting for a successful referendum.
I hope you will review the “status of the referendum” presentation given on that evening and the recorded meeting. The committee of the whole discussion occurs at the 48:31 time stamp.
Thank you for your continued support and for sharing your voices as we move ahead. You may provide feedback and ask questions by sending an email to questions@haddonfield.k12.nj.us.
Chuck Klaus, Superintendent of Schools
DISTRICT NEWS
Staff Professional Development
On Tuesday, February 20, Haddonfield School District held a professional development (PD) day. Our staff gathered in small and medium-sized groups to explore topics such as: using art to enhance instruction, fostering reading in a digital world, taking climate change lessons to the next level, maximizing outdoor resources, developing common assessments, and MANY more. PD days such as this one advance our efforts to continuously improve our understanding and application of effective teaching and learning methods.
Student Publication of Oral Histories of Historic Haddonfield's African-American Community Released at Special Ceremony
The 2024 collection of oral histories — PRESERVE: NARRATIVES FROM HISTORIC HADDONFIELD'S AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY — was released at a special ceremony on Saturday, February 24 in Haddonfield. It was produced under the leadership of executive editor and The Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project (PBHHP) co-founder C. Adrienne Rhodes in collaboration with Stacey Brown-Downham, Haddonfield Memorial High School’s Preserving Black Haddonfield History (PBHH) club advisor and teacher.
The anthology is among a four-pronged program conducted by the Haddonfield Alumni Society's PBHHP. This work is designed to celebrate the contributions of members of a long-overlooked segment of our community. In preparation for conducting interviews, students received sensitivity training (via selected readings as well as Ms. Rhodes' on-site coaching) and an abridged history of the town (via borough historian Douglass Rauschenberger's introduction to the first anthology). The publication release festivities facilitated dialogue by bringing individuals together across generational and racial lines.
There are over 25 active members in the HMHS PBHH club, new this year. Co-presidents are Arlene Young and Catherine McCarron. The students learned about the rich multi-generational history of the once-vibrant Black neighborhood in Haddonfield, affectionately known as The Point. They learned of the discrimination that community members face(d), as well as their resilience, close sense of community, and the joy and comfort they found growing up in and around The Point.
Students also learned about the important contributions made by members of this community that extend well beyond Haddonfield. The 2024 anthology subjects include but are not limited to a chef, educators, a government official, a pastor, a leader in philanthropy, and a ski rescuer.
HMHS students who attended the special ceremony include McCarron and Young as well as Jonathan McLaughlin Durham, Mackenzie McMillan, William "Liam" Mitchell, and Phoebe Rynkar.
Learn more in comments from PBHHP co-founder Rhodes and PBH club co-president Young in this CBS3 news story aired on February 20, 2024.
These activities are made possible with the generous support of the Haddonfield Education Association, Haddonfield Antiracist Coalition, the Haddonfield Public Library, and other PBHHP partners. For additional info, visit the Haddonfield Public Library website. Visit the Haddonfield Educational Trust website to make donations to support future work.
Third-Grade Black Haddonfield History Challenge Lessons Shared
One of our favorite guest teachers, genealogist Shamele Jordon, completed several weeks of the third-grade Black Haddonfield History Challenge trivia game-centered lessons at all three of our elementary schools. Nine students, three from each school, were awarded Best in School for the project, now in its third year. These students spoke about what they learned in this video. They are:
From Elizabeth Haddon:
- Anna L. (Comfort classroom),
- Elaine E (Smith)
- Brennan M. (Yaniak)
From Tatem:
- Evan C. (Strohmeyer)
- Jacob P. (Lloyd)
- Sienna B. (Harding)
From Central:
- Viviana Z. (Gaffney)
- Shanaya R. (Hessert)
- Audrey M. (Hsieh)
Pictured below are a few of our third-grade learners from (top down) Elizabeth Haddon, Central and Tatem. Preserving Black Haddonfield History Project's C. Adrienne Rhodes has extended an invitation to the students and their guardians to attend the Black Haddonfield tour in June, date TBD. Well done!
HMHS Held Multicultural Day
The HMHS Multicultural Day was Tuesday, February 27. Slated for two hours in the afternoon, the day engaged students and teachers in a variety of ways. Students in various affinity groups and clubs prepared and served food representative of various cultures, made bread and held "tasting" sessions. Señor Donnelly played Spanish music on his guitar, a German student band performed, and French language students led a trivia game. There was dancing, origami, henna tattooing, jewelry-making and much, much more!
"I am very proud of the students who brought this idea to me and put it all together," said Principal Tammy McHale. "It was a collaborative effort between the student affinity groups, the cafeteria staff and teacher Rachel Gould who led and supported the students' efforts."
To get a look at and feel for the enormous variety of displays and activities, click here for an album of photos.
HET Grants Support Teachers and Learning
Thank you to the Haddonfield Educational Trust that awarded over $14,000 in Teacher Grants for Haddonfield’s innovative teachers for the 2023-2024 school year. Since the Teacher Grants Program started in 2015, the HET has awarded $97,000 in funding to our teachers.
This year’s awards-funded projects such as:
- An elementary-level drumming program in all three schools
- New computers for the high school’s music production programs
- Partial funding for a pugmill for HMHS artists
- Equipment and a field trip for HMHS students to learn podcasting at WHYY studios
- A hydroponic garden for seventh-graders
- A pilot program for a decodable text library from kindergarten through second grade
HMHS art teacher Allie Westerside shared her feelings about the importance of the pugmill, a machine that recycles scraps of clay.
"Last June, following a temporary repair by our always helpful maintenance crew, our 20-year-old pugmill became irreparable due to lack of available parts. Having a pugmill in the ceramics classroom is essential for a variety of reasons, but most importantly to provide an opportunity for students to safely learn how to maintain and operate machinery. In my sculpture class, students learn how to use a drill press, power drill, buffer, and a plastic cutter. Similarly, ceramics students learn how to use wheels, kilns, and pugmills. According to my students, ceramics class is popular due to the physicality of the medium. Members of the class are required to work together, lift and move clay (less than 25 lbs.), throw pottery on a wheel, and work as a team to recycle clay, making sure that there is wet clay for students to use every day, every period.
"The pugmill creates and strengthens community, teamwork, and provides visible and tangible results that are very exciting for students. All students in ceramics class come in to recycle clay, under my supervision, four times each semester or twice each marking period. Daily, recognition is given to students who have recycled the clay that is used on that day, improving the sense of belonging.
"In addition, there will be a district-wide clay recycling event that will provide k-12 connections and mentorship opportunities."
HMHS Students Opening a Thrift Store
HMHS students are opening a thrift store to raise money for Peer Leaders and their activities. Please bring any Haddonfield gear / spirit wear that you are willing to donate.
DROP OFF at the LIBRARY and CAFETERIA MARCH 4-8
Be on the lookout for our Haddonfield thrift shop opening soon!
BOE Building Undergoing Improvements, Inside and Out
The Board of Education and Business Office staff moved into the new building at 95 Grove Street in January 2023. During the last few weeks, this space has been improved in two big ways.
Student creations from elementary, middle and high school artists have begun to migrate to the building. Thanks to our hard-working art teachers, hallways, conference rooms, the vestibule and even the kitchen area have been brightened up by both two- and three-dimensional pieces. The conference room sculptures will change monthly. For every 3D or ceramics project at HMHS, six students will be named "sculptor of the month" and their works will be displayed as a celebration of their diligence and talent.
The "backyard" adjacent to the Tatem playground is being cleared of overgrowth and old fencing. Thanks to our conscientious grounds crew, this area will eventually boast grass and shrubs. Well done to all!
student art
student art
Cleaning up the grounds at the BOE are Rick Sparks and Merced Valenzuela.
SCHOOL STORIES
Central Third-Graders Learned about Chinese New Year
The third graders at Central Elementary learned a lot about Chinese New Year last week. Each of 10 different stations had a different artifact, and the students wrote what they noticed and wondered about them. These items included red envelopes, oranges, firecrackers, lychee fruits, and traditional qipao. Then teacher Karin Hsieh talked to them about each artifact. As a concluding activity, students made origami dragons.
Lizzy First-Grade Writers Created Chapter Books
First-graders at Elizabeth Haddon have created chapter books about ocean animals as part of their unit on nonfiction writing! The students chose an ocean animal, such as the narwhal or jellyfish, and completed research about that animal at home. After bringing their information to school, they organized it, wrote a table of contents and glossary, and then drew illustrations of various facts such as their animal’s prey. They created a cover and used their best handwriting to produce the interior pages. This project creates a great deal of excitement. The children love to read each other’s books, and they can’t wait to visit the Camden Aquarium in April.
Tatem Held Multicultural Fair
Tatem Elementary held its third annual Multicultural Fair on February 26. Sponsored by the Tatem PTA with support from the HEA, coordinators Kay Flannery and Nousheen Sadiq had 13 tables representing different cultures and a "Philadelphia" welcome station where every child was treated to a soft pretzel and passport. The children took their passport booklets to each station and received a sticker with that country's name. The community loved seeing ethnic outfits, tasting food from around the world, and engaging in activities from henna tattooing to Chinese calligraphy. A major highlight of the night was seeing families perform the Irish jig, an Indian Bollywood dance, and a mother-son duet from the Dominican Republic.
The Rancier family represented the Dominican Republic
Nik Ronca, PTA president-elect and Nousheen Sadiq with Principal Beatty (center)
Event organizers Nousheen Sadiq and Kay Yoon Flannery
HMS Students Enjoyed Black History Month Assembly
A Black History Month assembly was held for HMS students in February. Sixth and seventh-graders enjoyed the assembly on Feb 12 and eighth-graders on Feb 26. The focus of the assembly was understanding Black History through the evolution of music, from Gospel, to Philly's own MoTown, to today’s pop singers. Thank you to Key Arts Productions for a great experience!
HMHS Named a Unified Champion School
Haddonfield Memorial High School was awarded a Unified Champion Schools grant through The Special Olympics New Jersey organization for the 2023-24 school year.
As part of the Special Olympics’ commitment to inclusion and awareness, Unified Champion Schools ensure that all students, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, become part of the school’s social fabric. The program encourages meaningful interaction, relationship-building, and creating equal opportunity, leveling the playing field so that students discover their uniquely different abilities.
HMHS students formed The Unified Bowling Club in January 2024. A group of 18 students enjoyed their first bowling event on Wednesday, February 21 at The Big Event bowling alley in Cherry Hill. Club advisors Colleen Carroll (occupational therapist) and Maddie Brzozowski (special education) reported that everyone had a great time.
Student Brandon R. agreed. "I had no idea this was going to be so much fun!"
The group has planned three more bowling events this year, as well as lunchtime bowling club meetings to brainstorm fundraising ideas for the club as well as other school-wide activities that center around inclusion.
VIRAL VIDEO OF BUZZER-BEATER SHOT
Buzzer-Beater Video Goes Viral
The beyond half-court, buzzer-beater shot made by HMS seventh-grader Sara Guveiyian during OT of Sunday night’s Haddonfield Youth Basketball Association game against Washington Township has gone viral. Thanks to middle school teacher Maya Argano who shot the video and HMS dad/PR guru Eric Nemeth, Sara’s amazing shot was shared broadly and even made it as #7 on the ESPN SportsCenter Top10 Daily. Congratulations to Sara, her entire team and coach Casey Langel. You will never forget this!
If you missed it, the links below provide a few examples of Sara's interviews, general news coverage and of course the video itself. Enjoy!
FROM THE BOROUGH
Crossing Guards Needed: NOW HIRING
The Borough of Haddonfield is currently seeking to fill multiple crossing guard positions. No experience required.
- $19.06 per hour
- 10-12 hours per week
- All training provided
For more information, please call 856-429-4700 ext. 249 or visit the website
We look forward to having you join our close knit community working to make our kids safer!
WORTH REPEATING
HSD STUDENTS to TAKE NJSLA in SPRING
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) are statewide assessments that measure students’ progress toward the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. All public schools in New Jersey administer these tests annually.
In Haddonfield, computer-based testing is scheduled from April 30, through May 20, 2024. Make-up testing will be administered from May 28 through May 31, 2024.
The following grade levels will take the NJSLA:
- ELA: Grades 3-9
- Math: Grades 3 to High School (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II)
- Science: Grades 5, 8 and 11
Grade-level-specific testing dates are:
- Elementary Grades 3-4-5: May 13 to May 17
- Middle School Grades 6-7-8: May 14 to May 20
- High School: April 30 to May 3
COMMUNICATION for SCHEDULE CHANGES due to INCLEMENT WEATHER
As we move through the winter season, it is important that we are all ready for the possibility of inclement weather and resultant changes to school schedules.
HOW ARE FAMILIES NOTIFIED?
We try very hard to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. or earlier. Staff and families will receive an e-mail and text message. Also you may check our district website for current information.
Take Advantage of ParentSquare, our School and District Communications App
Parents, we use ParentSquare to communicate with you via text or email.
We encourage you to download the app and register with ParentSquare so that you can take advantage of settings such as how and when you will receive school communications. For example, you may choose to receive them immediately or late in the day when you have time to digest the message.
Here are some helpful tips and instructions:
Click here to download the mobile app.
Click here for instructions how to register for PS from the app.
Watch the "getting started" video here.
Manage PS account settings here.
Thank you!
2023-24 Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
Due to an uptick in cases nationwide, we have posted updated COVID-19 guidelines to our website.
- Testing is recommended for students/staff with COVID-19 Symptoms.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, you are encouraged to contact your school nurse.
Specific information and more details can be found on this single-page document. Thank you!
School Lunch Reminder
We encourage parents to consider applying for Free or Reduced-Price lunch. This document explains why and provides further information.
We encourage all parents to become familiar with the Food Services website .
Tell a Friend about HSD Employment
IN THE LOOP
Student Newspapers:
The HMHS Bulldawg Bulletin
Social Media:
District Facebook: @HaddonfieldSchoolDistrict
District Instagram: haddonfieldschooldistrict
District Twitter: @HaddonSchools
- Look for your school's Twitter feed.
- Ask if your student's team or club uses social media.
- Look for your particular PTA on social media. Our PTAs do a wonderful job communicating with families!
SAC Corner:
Enjoy the February issue posted on the HMHS website here. These monthly newsletters include helpful information from our SAC (Student Assistance Counselor), Holly Penna.