District Newsletter
January 4, 2024: Reorganization 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:
One of the characteristics of a thriving organization is its commitment to professional development (PD). Our recent fall break included three days of PD, and I took a little time to consider its value in the Haddonfield School District (HSD).
By definition, PD allows people to apply new knowledge and learn new skills that may help them to improve in their profession. In a school district with multiple departments and buildings, it is also a chance for collaboration between those who teach in different locations and at different grade levels.
In our district, PD is directed by a group known as LPDC, the Local Professional Development Committee, led by Christopher Gwin. Gwin taught German at Haddonfield Memorial High School full time for 28 years. After retirement, he returned to the high school as a part time German teacher in 2018. During the 2021-22 school year he was asked to lead the efforts of the LPDC to plan PD for that school year and moving forward.
The LPDC consists of 24 teachers representing all subject areas as well as all three grade-level divisions. They work closely with the administration, first identifying any training that is mandated by the state. These required topics are placed into a schedule that normally includes:
Three full days in November
One full day in February
Three morning sessions (“late start days”) spread throughout the academic year
After accommodating the required training, the LPDC reaches out to the staff for suggestions and self-described needs. These topics are widely varied and may include curricular work, student engagement techniques, educational innovations, grant opportunities, technology training and much, much more.
In discussion with Gwin, it is clear that what makes these experiences particularly valuable here in Haddonfield is that the faculty lead the efforts to create a robust schedule of PD.
“As Executive Director of the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers, I work on PD all across the country,” Gwin said. “What we have in the HSD is rare. Our superintendents and principals listen to the teachers and empower them to direct plans for PD. The result is more engagement and a greater authenticity for teachers to amplify their voices, build community and increase their self-efficacy as educators.”
I am proud to work with the LPDC and with all of the staff who are part of continuous PD planning, who produce an effective schedule with topics that will improve their professionalism and, in the end, improve the learning experiences of our students.
Chuck Klaus, Superintendent of Schools
DISTRICT NEWS
COMMUNICATION for SCHEDULE CHANGES due to INCLEMENT WEATHER
As we move into the winter season, it is important that we are all ready for the possibility of inclement weather and resultant changes to school schedules. Here is some information about the decision-making process as well as our methods of notification to families.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION TO OPEN OR CLOSE SCHOOLS?
The decision is based on a careful analysis of many factors, such as:
- Information on road conditions from the borough
- The amount of accumulated snow and ice
- Weather predictions, including whether precipitation will continue
- Building and grounds conditions
- Decisions made by neighboring districts. Many superintendents (colleagues in adjacent districts) confer. However, please keep in mind that, because Haddonfield is a "walking district," there will be times we will be open while other schools around us are closed due to busing issues.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
Superintendent Chuck Klaus in consultation with the Director of Facilities, our Business Administrator and our Transportation Director
HOW ARE FAMILIES NOTIFIED?
You will receive an e-mail and text message. Also you may check our district website for information.
Checking local TV and radio stations (KYW News Radio, CBS Philly, 6 ABC, NBC 10, Fox 29) should be your last resort as there is always a delay between our reporting to the media and their posting the information. Our school’s number is 560.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
We try very hard to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. or earlier.
FAMILY DECISIONS
Although we all do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. Just as you trust us to do our best, we trust you to make the best personal decisions for your family as well. For example,
- If, based on current weather conditions, you do not feel as though it is safe for your children to attend school, please keep them at home.
- Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives. We firmly believe that students should be in school when possible, but, when the weather is inclement, our top priority is student and staff safety.
DISTRICT EDUCATORS HONORED
During the week of December 4th, eight Haddonfield School District staff members were named “Governor’s Educator of the Year” representing each of our five schools.
After receiving numerous nominations by staff, parents and students, a committee of teachers, parents, students, board members and administrators met to review submitted statements, finally narrowing the field to these talented and dedicated individuals. The following represent a very small portion of the comments received as part of their nominations. Congratulations to all!
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jennifer Gregory, Fourth Grade
Mrs. Gregory teaches life skills such as cooperation and communication, in addition to
thoroughly covering the course curriculum. She has a subtle manner and sets the tone that
provides a supportive and safe learning environment.
ELIZABETH HADDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Katie McKeon, First Grade
Katie is clearly a skilled teacher who differentiates, integrates technology, and utilizes
multiple modalities of instruction to reach all learners. However, the best thing about Katie
is that she makes it a point to develop a relationship with her students' families and maintain that relationship throughout the school year and beyond.
J.F. TATEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Stacey Brown-Downham, Special Education
Stacey has worked with two of my children and has never missed a chance to reach out to
me when needed. She is not only concerned about my children’s academic success, but their
overall well-being. She shares ideas on how to help them become more confident, more
comfortable at school and to be their best selves.
Auri Grisi, Kindergarten Educational Assistant
Auri serves as a great reminder that "innovation" doesn't just have to mean "hi-tech;" she uses a
variety of tools and methods to help children achieve their personal best learning goals. She
is well versed in the SEL component of the curriculum and is able to tap into what kids need
to succeed.
HADDONFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kevin Kozak, Eighth-Grade Science
As I see every day in my science class, Mr. Kozak is really great at ensuring that every student understands and is confident in whatever we are studying. What I believe is more important, and more effective in inspiring students to learn, is getting to know each student personally and understanding their situation.
(Mr. Kozak is pictured below with, left to right, Assistant Superintendent Priolo, Principal Tarrant, Assistant Principal Rubin, himself, and Superintendent Klaus.)
Heather Radovich, Educational Assistant
Heather has been a special education 1:1 for over 15 years. She works on making sure that
her students are successful in all classrooms. She ensures that modifications and accommodations are being followed and that her students are included in every aspect of the day.
HADDONFIELD MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Michele Scott, Child Study Team
Ms. Scott is very good at advocating for her students. She communicates very well exactly what they need because she goes out of her way to really understand her students. This form of leadership is extremely helpful for me because she is always my number one supporter no matter what.
(Ms. Scott is pictured below with, left to right, Assistant Principal Licata, Assistant Superintendent Priolo, Principal McHale, herself, Superintendent Klaus and Director of Special Education Blair.)
Christa Wesley, Math
Ms. Wesley is notable for making non-math people into students who love coming to her class every day. Many of the people in my class have always complained about learning math, yet in her class not a single student expressed a true distaste for math. Projects such as the "parabolas in real life" as well as her guest speakers are just a few of the reasons people love learning with her.
Tatem to Celebrate NBRS Status
In the September 29th issue of the district newsletter, we shared the spectacular news that J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School had been named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS). This announcement was made on Tuesday, September 19, placing Tatem among only 353 public and private schools honored nationwide this year.
On Thursday, November 16, Tatem principal Donnetta Beatty, Administrative Assistant Kathleen Stoltzfus and Superintendent Chuck Klaus attended the national ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Board of Education recognized this great accomplishment on December 6, and plans are underway for a week of celebrations at Tatem, December 18 to 22. Congratulations to all staff and students for being part of an OUTSTANDING school!
The official national event was in Washington, D.C.
A week of celebration has been planned!
The NBRS banner was displayed at the December 6th Board meeting.
HMS Ranked as a U.S. News Best Middle School
Mid-November, U.S. News published its rankings for the 2024 Best Middle Schools, and Haddonfield Middle School placed among the top 40% in the state of New Jersey. This position makes HMS a U.S. News Best Middle School.
Take a look here at what was published about HMS including its new ranking. Congratulations!
Onsite College Admission Event Held at HMHS
On Wednesday, November 29, the HMHS Counseling Department held an on-site admissions program for the benefit of students at our school as well as students from Haddon Township High School. Representatives from various local colleges and universities attended, interviewing interested seniors and reviewing their college applications, high school transcripts, and other credentials. The college reps were able to provide feedback regarding students' admission prospects, and, in some cases, offered admission on the spot!
Overall, 35 HMHS and 18 Haddon Township students participated in the program.
Community Service Programs Abound in the HSD
Throughout the school year, students and staff participate in many different kinds of community service projects. The desire to sustain others seems especially prevalent during the holiday season.
We are raising money, collecting toys, packing lunches, and supporting those in need in countless ways in all five of our school buildings. The following description is JUST ONE example of the effort our community puts into helping others.
At Tatem Elementary, Student Council and Peer Leaders created a three-part Snow Ball community service project.
- On December 6, they held a dance (the Snow "Ball"), selling tickets to students, staff and families. They raised more than their goal of $1500 for a local family of six they are sponsoring.
- Last Monday, students went to Target to shop for the family, using a budget and making decisions as to appropriate gifts.
- On the following day, the group met together to wrap all of the gifts. Later on that evening, Bethany Kirk and Auri Grisi, educational assistants at Tatem, dropped everything off at a location in Collingswood.
Grisi is the advisor for Student Council, and she and Kirk are co-advisors for the Peer Leaders. But projects like this one require a lot of help! They were supported by staff Christina Parady, Kelli Tomeo, Kathleen Stoltzfus, Donnetta Beatty, Lynn Groon, Kelliann Haney and Doris Davenport.
"It was a fantastic experience for our students, staff and families," said Grisi. "We worked together to think outside of ourselves, to share resources that are not available to everyone, and to make someone else's holiday better."
Upcoming School Concerts - Mark Your Calendar
12/19/23: HMHS- Winter Concert @ 7:30
1/4/24: HMHS Dance Concert @ 7:30
1/23/24: Central Winter Concert @ 7:00 (HMS Auditorium)
1/24/24: Tatem Winter Concert @ 7:00 (HMS Auditorium)
1/25/24: Elizabeth Haddon Winter Concert @ 7:00 (HMS Auditorium)
SCHOOL STORIES
Central Students Study Environmental Topics
Students in fourth and fifth grades at Central Elementary have formed an environmental club to learn about animals, plants and environmental advocacy. They meet twice monthly after school either outside in the garden bed or in the library with the club's advisor and Central's media specialist, Taylor Oskowiak. At a recent meeting, students planned an experiment in which they would bury objects made of different materials. Before the end of the year, they will dig up these items to observe the rate of decomposition, if any. The students discussed their predictions and why decomposition (of things we discard) matters.
Elizabeth Haddon Kindies Add and Subtract within Five
In kindergarten, students are working on adding and subtracting within 5. In the photo to the left, Piper W. is playing a "math by myself" game during math workshop. She chose a domino and drew dots on the domino work mat to show each domino in the order they would add or subtract. Piper then adds or subtracts the domino and writes her answer by herself! Well done to all.
Tatem Students Create School Paper
A group of six fifth-grade students formed "the Tatem NewsCrew" as an extracurricular activity with the aim of producing a school newspaper. The group convened in mid-October, meeting weekly with advisor and publisher of Haddonfield Today, David Hunter. They published 400 copies of the first issue on December 1. You can read it on our website here.
The first issue includes reports on the National Blue Ribbon award that Tatem received recently from the U.S. Department of Education; an interview with John Giannotti (the Haddy sculptor), conducted on the 20th anniversary of the sculpture's unveiling; stories about Tatem's Chess Club, the Metat Mile and a Veterans Day visit by two Haddonfield vets; photos of Tatem's Halloween parade; an interview with a teacher; a winning cookie recipe; and a word search puzzle and riddles. There's also a story about how the NewsCrew came up with the name "Tiger Times."
The NewsCrew plans to produce a second issue in the spring. A copy of the first issue will be placed inside Tatem's 100th anniversary time capsule.
HMS Hosted Veterans for Moving Program
In November, seventh- and eighth-grade students took part in an assembly in recognition of Veterans Day. John Farrell (Navy cook) and VFW Post 38 started this program 25 years ago. Teacher Travis Thomas has planned the event with him for the last 20 years at HMS. Students learned why veterans are honored and when the national day was named (1954).
The HMS band played the Star Spangled Banner, and a seventh-grader played taps. Local veterans attended in uniform. Guest speaker and Chief Petty Officer Matthew Hirshland spoke to the students about the Coast Guard, sharing many interesting facts. He is a member of the The Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Mr. Thomas introduced Mr. Farrell
Veterans attended in uniform
Sean O. played Taps
HMHS Spirit Week was a Big Success
Students participated in their annual class competitions, raising money and awareness for particular charities. Activities progressed from November 13 with PJ Day through the 22nd with the faculty judging of the hallways and the concluding pep rally. Other events were the Powderpuff football game, penny count, Spirit Week dance, search for the Golden Bulldawg, canned goods collection and the much-anticipated hallway decorating contest.
HALLWAY THEMES
- Freshman Class: The Lorax
- Sophomore Class: "Sophs' up"
- Junior Class: Barbie
- Senior Class: The Oscars
Seniors won the hallway competition and were the overall winner of Spirit Week, but every class raised money for a charity. Enjoy the Spirit Week video here.
- Freshmen - The Tyanna Foundation
- Sophomore - Feeding America
- Juniors - Clean Ocean Action
- Seniors - For Petes Sake
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TIP
- Give homemade gifts this holiday season. Take time to give the gift of your creativity, something that is connected to nature and earth-friendly.
- Save bags and gift-wrapping for next season.
- Take a walk in nature with your friends and family.
WORTH REPEATING
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!
Playground Ambassadors Needed
We are looking for midday aides at two of our elementary schools! These important staff members assist on the playgrounds, in the cafeteria and in the auditorium.
Please take a look at the Playground Ambassadors flyer posted on our website. It includes all information you need as well as an "apply here" link.
These are part time, paid positions that follow the district calendar so parents and their children can be in school on the same schedule. Thank you for your consideration.
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
District Instagram: haddonfieldschooldistrict
District Facebook: @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: Both the November and December issues are posted on the HMHS website here. These monthly newsletters include helpful information from our SAC (Student Assistance Counselor), Holly Penna.