Dear Thomas Jefferson Families,

In my newsletter to our families this month, I am sharing the incredible and inspiring programs that we, as a learning community, have all provided for the students and families of our learning community and how we connected with our outside community. To cap off 2022, I just want to say that I am so grateful for all of the incredible work that our team does for our kids, families and community. I am grateful for our community of Rockaway Borough--the close-knit community this is and provides us the opportunity to make so many powerful connections in so many ways. I am grateful for our special partnership and connection with all of you. Here is a small list of some programs as we continue to work hard to give our kids these incredible opportunities; 

Peer leaders, our TJ garden, instrumental peformances in the front lobby during school arrival, Winter Wonderland, donating food and money to the food pantry, school sports, school clubs, 8th grade Broadway trip, 4th grade Polar Express, Lego Brick Bash Family Night, Staff Ugly Sweater Picture, Winter Concerts, MD trips to Shop Rite and Walmart, Jack Elsmore Hopes and Dreams/Drugs/Smoking/Alcohol sessions with 6th-8th graders, and so many more. 

This holiday season, we try our best to think of everyone…many are fortunate to be able to be spending the holidays and start of the New Year with family and friends. Healthy---with plenty of food, presents and good times. While others, during this time, may not be as fortunate as many of us, are. And sometimes when we are in our ‘bubble’ we don’t think of this--not that is it wrong,, but with the hustle and bustle of the real world and our lives, we are stuck in our own worlds sometimes. We do try to think of those in need and those less fortunate by putting some programs together for our students throughout the year, such as some of those listed above. Please consider helping the less fortunate, especially during this time---and if you are not able to, just spreading some positivity during this time of year is sometimes just as special. 

During this season, my family and I will be traveling so that we can be with other family members. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing--I wish you only good health and happiness. This is a special time of year--please enjoy it. And I look forward to seeing everyone in 2023. 

Warm Regards,

David Waxman

Thomas Jefferson School Principal

Please call us with any questions: (973) 625-8603

Join our Instagram to be in touch: @tjprincipal

Constant Contact Link

Nurse: 973 625-8603 ext. 305

Counselor: 973 625-8603 ext. 331

Virtual Backpack Link

Rockaway Borough District Website

FROM the GUIDANCE OFFICE

High School Information

The following information is pertinent to current 8th graders and their parents:

December 14th, 2022 - Morris Hills High School visited TJ. Representatives from each content area met with the 8th graders to go over high school courses and what to expect.

January 10th, 2022 - 8th Grade High School Parent & Student Orientation (@Morris Hills)

January 12th, 2023 - 8th Grade High School Parent & Student Orientation (@Morris Knolls) 

January 13th, 2023 - Ms. Dennison will begin setting up 1 on 1 meetings with 8th Graders throughout January/February to go over Course Recommendations and Selections 

For a complete list of the 2022-2023 8th Grade Calendar Of Events for High School Entry and more information click this link 

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for your generosity! Over 1,100 food items were brought in to help replenish our local pantry. The pantry received these items on December 16th.

From The Media Lab......

Day of the Cycle for January

HOME AND SCHOOL NEWS

Enjoy a happy, healthy and safe winter break! See you in 2023!

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Monthly Programs for January

January 2023 Programs at the Rockaway Borough Public Library

GEORGE WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY, AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR*

Monday, January 9, 2023 ~ 6:30 pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Presenter Joel Farkas looks at George Washington’s military career and history of the Revolutionary War including the battles and winter encampments in NJ. Hybrid program - choose in-person or Zoom option when registering for this event.

WINTER STORYTIME & CRAFT w/Ms. GERI*

Tuesday, January 10 ~ 11:00am. Ages 2-6. *Registration required.

Ms. Geri starts 6 weeks of Winter Storytime and Craft beginning Tuesday, January 10 thru Tuesday, February 14.

CREATING WITH CLAY SNOWMAN DISH*

Wednesday, January 11. Ages 9 and up. *Registration required.

Sign up to make a snowman dish made with clay. This is a take home craft with instructionsto create on your own. Once registered, to-go kits will be available to pick up on this day.

WINTER GREETING CARD PAPER CRAFT*

Saturday, January 14 ~ 10:30am. Ages 5-9. *Registration required.

Create a wintery scene greeting card to send to someone special!

KNIT AND CROCHET CLUB

Thursday, January 19 ~ 11:00am-12:30pm. Adults 18 and up. Registration is no longer required.

TIME FOR TOTS w/Ms. LAUREN*

Friday, January 20 ~ 11:00-11:45am. Ages 1-3.*Registration required. Meet friends for books, coloring and play time.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS DEMO*

Fridays, January 20 - February 10 ~ 3:45-5:45pm. Ages 13-17. *Registration required.

Learn the basics of one of the most popular role playing games, create your own character, and take part in a four week long sample of a Dungeons and Dragons adventure. Start by learning the game, understanding character creation, and use what you learn in a short but exciting adventure where you get to be the hero!

AN HOUR OF CODE: MINECRAFT!*

Saturday, January 21 ~ 11:00-12:00. Ages 7-12. *Registration required.

Join Ms. Debbi to learn some of the fundamentals of coding. It’s fun and easy, especially when coding for Steve or Alex from Minecraft.

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? SOCK SNOWMAN CRAFT*

Monday, January 23 ~ 6:30pm. Ages 9 and up. *Registration required.

Register to make an adorable stuffed sock snowman with Ms. Geri.

PAJAMA STORYTIME w/Ms. GERI*

Tuesday, January 25 ~ 6:30pm. Ages 2-6. *Registration required.

Join Ms. Geri for stories and crafts ~ be sure to wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed friend.

BOOK LOVERS MEETING*

Wednesday, January 25 ~ 6:30pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Registrants will receive a notification when the selected book is ready to pick up at the library. We will discuss the specific book at the meeting and share other great book suggestions.

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART - “THE MAN BEHIND THE MUSIC”*

Thursday, January 26, 2023 ~ 6:30pm-7:30pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Presented by: Dan Lupo, Pianist/Presenter of Five Minute Mozart©.

Take a glimpse into the world of one of music's biggest heroes as we appreciate his genius and attempt to untangle the mystery of his untimely death. This Zoom program consists of spoken lecture as well as live piano performance.

LET'S DISH!*

Monday, January 30 ~ 6:30pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Geri will discuss recipes & share tips. Bring a copy of your favorite healthy recipe to share!

--

Melissa Okerblom

Library Director

Rockaway Borough Public Library

82 East Main St

Rockaway, NJ 07866

973-627-5709

http://www.rblibrary.org/