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NEWS & EVENTS - EARLY EDITION
Week of May 1,
2020
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In Roxbury Township Public Schools, our students and schools are involved with more than just academics. They are active members of the community who give their time and efforts to important causes. Check out all the upcoming events happening throughout Roxbury in the coming weeks.
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ROXBURY SCHOOLS IN THE NEWS
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 Roxbury we want to hear from you! We're always looking for great stories of things happening in the Roxbury Schools and around town that involve our students, staff, and families! And now we've made it even easier to submit your content!
Stories, high quality pictures, and even videos can be submitted
here or by emailing
[email protected]. Please remember to include first and last names of individuals pictured!
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Share your Home Instruction Stories
 We know our students, staff, and families are hard at work during their Flexible Instruction Days.
We'd love to see pictures and videos of your home instruction both from our students and educators and hear your stories!
Put in the Subject Line:
#RoxburyFID and you might just see them on our website, on our Social Media pages, or in the news!
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New Roxbury School Budget to Bring Small Tax Increase
 The owners of a $300,000 house in Roxbury will pay about $5,124 in school taxes, about $138 more than they currently pay, under a budget approved Monday by the township school board.
Meeting remotely for the second time due to COVID-19 restrictions, the board adopted a nearly $81.5 million spending plan for 2020/2021. The budget calls for about $57.6 million to be raised by taxes.
It sets forth an estimated school tax rate of $1.708 per $100 of a property's assessed valuation.
"A big takeaway here is our reduction in state aid of $1,559,954," said Roxbury Schools Business Administrator Joseph Mondanaro. "Roxbury, over the next five years, is projected to lose more than $6 million" in state aid.
Mondanaro said the cut in Roxbury's share of state money is due to a 2018 law that modified New Jersey's school funding formula.
"We are also aware of a few recent bills that the state Senate passed in response to COVID-19," he said.
One, S-2338, extended the state's fiscal year until Sept. 30. Mondanaro said the governor will be submitting a revised budget on August 25, noting, "It is more than likely that his revised budget will include a reduction in education appropriations."
Mondanaro said he and Roxbury Schools Superintendent Loretta Radulic "have already begun to identify projects that we may have to forgo next year."
Click here
to read more from Tap Into Roxbury. Click here to view the 20/21 budget presentation from Monday night's meeting.
Jefferson School Celebrates Worldwide Gratitude Day
 Music classes this week at Jefferson and Kennedy School celebrated Worldwide Gratitude Day by learning the song "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers to help honor the health care workers and those working on the front line. Music teacher Devin Wason encouraged her students to sing, dance, write a poem, or draw pictures to help commemorate the day. "The goal is to share your art on any social media for the movement #LeanOnUs."
Click here to view just some of her Jefferson students
#LeanOnUs projects.
 There is some excitement to share and we are thankful that our students created an Instagram page to highlight what our seniors will be up to next year. Here i
s a sneak peak! May 1st has traditionally been the day to announce plans for next year. We are so excited to see what the future holds for our students.
All of these announcements have been submitted to an Instagram page roxbury2020decisions run by the students themselves. Seniors, make sure you add plans!
Revised School Calendar for the Remainder of the School Year
Below is the revised school calendar for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year that was board approved on April 6th.
Graduation Signs for the Class of 2020 - Order now thru May 15
 High School seniors received an email from Mrs. McCracken on Thursday regarding graduation signs. "
We have secured a vendor to print your senior class graduation signs. All signs will be ordered directly through the company using their website and a credit card. All deliveries will come directly to your house."
Please reach out to me ([email protected]) or Mrs. McLoughlin ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
Orders will be taken through May 15th.
Click here
to view this flyer in our Virtual Backpack under the flyer section.
Mindfulness, Stress Relief, and Family Activities
 We know how stressful times are right now. The district has a compiled a website of videos and resources for you and your family. We've also teamed up with Roxbury's Mindfulness Instructor, Amy Rubin to provide some well needed mindfulness, stress relief, and family activities.
Click here
to check out Amy's new video's
along with other helpful links and applications.
Flexible Instruction Days - Tech Help
 If you're having Internet Trouble or Technological difficulties during these Flexible Instruction Days, don't forget the Technology Department is here to help!
Contact Roxbury Public Schools' Tech Dept at 973-584-8121 or
complete our Help Desk Request Form.
We are also working on providing appointments for technology training for parents and students. Look for more information to follow in the coming days.
Get Your Roxbury Library Card Now!
 Roxbury Public Library is having children and adults sign up for library cards. This is wonderful as there are e-books and audio books available at your finger tips. What a great way to escape your quarantine by escaping into a good book!
Nearly 1,000,000 free titles for your mobile device to alleviate the boredom (and you know, maybe learn a thing or two). eBooks, Audiobooks, Comics, Magazines, Movies, TV, Music! If you're a Roxbury resident, get a card NOW at
roxburylibrary.org/apply.
#ShapeYourFuture and #BeCounted - US Census 2020
 Stuck at home because of the Stay at Home Order? Thank you if you are! Have an open schedule without the kids sports and activities? Just bored of it all? Here's a small task for everyone to eat up a few minutes of your day! Complete your 2020 Census!
It's happening now!
Correct data can help in future situations like the one we are in!
U.S. Census Day was April 1st but you can still respond
online, by phone, or by mail for the next few months.
Not sure who counts? Before completing the 2020 Census, you need to know where to count yourself and who to count with you in your home.
Click here
for some FAQ's from the Census Bureau to help!
This is our one chance until 2030 to ensure that every New Jersey child gets the resources they need for a quality education. Additional Information is available at
census.nj.gov.
Kindergarten Registration for Next Year - Franklin/Jefferson Postponed
 Roxbury Township Public Schools offers a full-day kindergarten program designed to develop knowledge and skills in the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive areas. Our goal is to help children develop skills and strategies that will help them learn and establish a foundation for lifelong success in education. The program allows more time for students to address curriculum in depth and allows teachers to provide additional activities in learning. Kindergarten registration for Franklin and Jefferson Schools has been postponed due to the COVID-19 school closures.
Revised dates will be posted once determined. To access more details, visit www.roxbury.org/KindergartenRegistration.
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ICYMI Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show with Roxbury Athletics
Roxbury High School Principal Dominick Miller and Athletic Director Stu Mason joined Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show on March 17th shortly after our school closures to discuss high school athletics and their hopes for the upcoming season.
 RHS Baseball Coach Greg Trotter joined the Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show at the end of March on March 27th to talk about the coming season, the talent level of his players, and what his hope for is for the coming season.
 Join RHS Athletic Trainer Joe Koch on Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show on March 30th as he and others discuss how to stay healthy and keep up with your workouts during these closures.
 RHS Track and Field Coach Derek Bischoff and RHS Senior Tiffany Zieba joined Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show on April 1st to talk about their winter cross country season and the upcoming track and field one that hasn't been.
 RHS Coaches Gail LaCosta, Wendy Schneider, and Erin Cautero talk cheerleading with
Morris Sussex Sports Talk Show on April 21st.
Click here
to
tune in at 1:10 to hear them talk about this past season, their athletes, the upcoming season, and the comaraderie with other teams!
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Gaels Going Green - Did you know...
 Since 2016, the Roxbury Township Public Schools has been striving to become more sustainable and green in its policies and practices. The Board of Education and administration made the decision to pursue district sustainability and green initiatives by creating and approving a half of dozen different policies outlining its position and efforts.
To that end, all seven schools in Roxbury Township attained Silver certification through Sustainable Jersey for Schools in August 2018. In this section, you will find various green initiatives, events, and tips to live a healthier, greener life.
Click here
for more information regarding our sustainability initiative.
Roxbury Clean Communities Paper Shredding Day - Cancelled for May 2
 Roxbury's Community Shredding Event scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd has been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.
The next paper shredding event it scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, 2020.
For more information, contact Kellie Ann Keyes at
[email protected]
or by calling 973-448-2053.
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Roxbury Collects Box Tops for Education
 Roxbury Township Public Schools are continuously collecting "Box Tops for Education" at our K-8 schools.
This is an easy, practically effortless way to raise funds for our schools by purchasing items you buy all the time.
Clipped box tops can be sent to any of our K-8 schools district-wide. School addresses can be found on our website at
www.roxbury.org
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Check out the Virtual Backpack!
 Here we will feature events of organizations, clubs, and teams throughout our communities that serve to enrich the lives of our students.
Announcements, upcoming events, documents and forms that were previously sent home via backpacks will now be included in the Virtual Backpack. (On occasion, some paper forms, and flyers and other important information, will come home with your student or be sent to you directly via email.)
This page is updated as flyers are received.
Check the backpack!
Check Your Honeywell Settings!
 Don't wait until severe weather hits to check your settings! You may want to change your time settings from Midnight to Midnight and have more than one way of being contacted...i.e., phone call/text message and/or email! This way if the phone lines are down/circuits are busy, etc., you are covered! Log into your Honeywell account
here.
Click here for parent instructions on creating an account.
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Roxbury Alumni In the News
Roxbury Alumni Association -- Get Involved!
 The Roxbury Alumni Association was established in the early 1900s and formally incorporated in 1968. Every year the Alumni Association provides a scholarship to a graduating senior. The association also purchases a Echo yearbook and donates it to the Roxbury Township Library for its archive. Membership is only $10 and with your gift, you directly support the ability for the Alumni Association to continue giving a RHS grad a scholarship. You are also supporting the association as it develops new programs and events for you to enjoy. Looking to get involved? The Roxbury Alumni Association is looking to expand its current board of directors. They are looking for energetic alumni interested in getting involved with the Association and to add new members to its board. Interested individuals should reach out to Mr. Charlie Alpaugh the president of the association at 973-584-8805.
RHS Alumni Reunion Calendar
Are you planning a class reunion or get together or do you have a reunion coming up and want to see if anything is planned? Then
click here to check out the Roxbury High School Reunion Calendar!
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Roxbury Employment Opportunities
Roxbury Schools
To view all available employment opportunities for Roxbury Township Public Schools and to apply online, visit
www.roxbury.org/employment.
Roxbury Township
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Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
 Mondays:
05/11/2020 - Regular Meeting (Virtual Meeting @ 6 p.m.)
06/08/2020 - Workshop Meeting (RHS - Auditorium)
06/22/2020 - Regular Meeting (RHS - Auditorium)
07/20/2020 - Regular Meeting (RHS - Media Center)
07/22/2020 - (Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.) Retreat (Office of Public Works)
08/31/2020 - Regular Meeting (RHS - Media Center)
09/21/2020 - Regular Meeting
10/12/2020 - Regular Meeting
11/23/2020 - Regular Meeting
12/14/2020 - Regular Meeting
01/04/2021 - Reorganization Meeting
Location:
Lincoln/Roosevelt Auditorium, 34 N. Hillside Ave., Succasunna, NJ (unless indicated otherwise)
Time:
7:30 p.m. (unless indicated otherwise)
View the Meeting Dates, Agendas, and Minutes
here!
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ROXBURY COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPCOMING PROGRAMS/EVENTS
Register Now!
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Registrations are now being accepted for the Roxbury Community School Preschool for the 2020/2021 school year!
For more information about our high-quality program and to register for the Roxbury Community School Preschool, please visit
www.roxbury.org/preschool.
The Roxbury Community School Preschool is a tuition-based program open to children ages 3-5 as of October 1st and runs congruently with the district calendar and is open to non-Roxbury residents as well!
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 Registrations are now being accepted for the Roxbury Community School B.A.S.E.S. for the 2020/2021 school year!
The Roxbury Community School Before and After School Enrichment Services (RCS B.A.S.E.S.) is a tuition-based program of Roxbury Township Public Schools operated by the Roxbury Community School. RCS B.A.S.E.S. provides high-quality care for children in Grades Kindergarten through Sixth. All programs offer an enriching, nurturing care for children during out-of-school hours between 6:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Choose the program and schedule that is right for you. For more information and to register for RCS B.A.S.E.S., please visit
www.roxbury.org/BASES.
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Roxbury Community School - College Prep
 The Roxbury Community School is dedicated to helping students prepare for college through a few different avenues.
The Roxbury Community School has also partnered with Kaplan SAT/ACT Prep, Lentz & Lentz SAT/ACT Prep, and My 3 Sons Family Tutoring to empower students to excel on standardized tests like the SAT's and ACT's.
Registrations are ongoing throughout the year!
Click here to see what upcoming college prep programs are offered!
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Roxbury Community School - Summer Camps
 The Roxbury Community School offers courses and workshops year-round for children of all ages.
Our summer events and programs are open to non-Roxbury residents as well as those who are enrolled in our school district. There are lots of summer activities to choose from.
Here's what's scheduled so far:
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Roxbury Community School - Adult Programs
 At the Roxbury Community School we understand adults of all ages are busy with kids, work, and life in general. Sometimes though you need to just do something for yourself.
That's where we come in! We offer evening and weekend programs and workshops geared towards adults that help to enrich your mind and body.
Join us for these fun-filled and informative programs! These programs are all open to Roxbury and non-Roxbury residents! Click here to view the adult community school programs on our website.
Community School Programs through June 30th have been cancelled due to COVID-19 closures.
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Roxbury Community School - Kids Corner
 The Roxbury Community School offers courses and workshops year-round for children of all ages.
Children need to be registered in the school's they attend for the after-school programs. Evening and weekend programs are open to Roxbury and non-Roxbury residents.
Click here
to view the adult community school programs on our website.
Community School Programs through June 30th have been cancelled due to COVID-19 closures.
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AROUND TOWN
Information from Roxbury Township and Local Organizations
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Keep up-to-date with everything going on in Roxbury Township.
Click here
for township information.
Click here for the latest edition of the Township's Monthly What's Happening E-Newsletter filled with upcoming district, township, and recreation events for all ages!
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'Adopt a Road' in Roxbury
Help Roxbury's Clean Communities keep Roxbury Township clean with it's comprehensive litter abatement program.
Roxbury's Adopt-a-Road and Adopt-a-Spot programs are looking for individuals, school groups, churches, or businesses willing to donate some time to continue to keep this township trash and litter free.
Click here for more information regarding Roxbury Clean Communities!
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Roxbury's Self-Serve Portal 24/7
Roxbury continues to deliver innovative customer service with their self-serve online portal called 24/7 Rox. You can keep up-to-date with all the exciting news in Roxbury Township. On any day at any time, you can query property information, search and track your permit schedule a building inspection, receive status updates, file a service request, or research any property in town. Roxbury Township is open 24/7! 24/7 Rox is accessible
here and via the mobile app, Connected Roxbury NJ.
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Roxbury Emergency Alert Program
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Roxbury's Emergency Alert Program. This system enables Roxbury to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
Click here to sign up now for these time-sensitive notifications.
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Community Bulletin Board and News
Roxbury Rescinds Closure of Community Garden
 Closed earlier this month as part of the township's effort to thwart the spread of COVID-19, the Roxbury Community Garden will re-open tomorrow (May 1) with restrictions.
"As we promised at our last meeting, we have revisited our decision to close the Community Garden which we know provides a much needed outlet for residents as well as a source of fresh produce," said Roxbury Mayor Bob DeFillippo on Tuesday.
The main restrictions involved in the re-opening of the garden - situated on Eyland Avenue in Succasunna - involve wearing protective masks and gloves and maintaining safe distance from others, said DeFillippo and Roxbury Councilman Fred Hall. They said no more than five people will be allowed in the garden at once.
Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
Morris County Re-Opens Some Parks and Trails
 The Morris County Park Commission will have a partial reopening of its 38 distinct park facilities on Saturday thanks to an order issued today by Gov. Phil Murphy, who reopened state parks and allowed county parks to also reopen but only if they can allow for proper social distancing.
In Morris County, many trails and grounds of county parks managed by the Morris County Park Commission will reopen, including all four county golf courses.
(Editor's note: The re-opened trails include the portion of the West Morris Greenway Trail that begins at Horseshoe Lake Park in Roxbury and goes south through Randolph to Chester.)
Click here
to read more about what's open and still closed from TAPinto Roxbury.
"No longer working on the front line in the healthcare system, I sometimes feel like I am not doing enough," she wrote. "What these doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, medical assistants, techs are doing daily to fight this pandemic is truly inspirational."
She launched the site a week ago and raised more than $1,000 in the first day.
Groner planned to run in this year's Pittsburgh Marathon on May 3. That event has been canceled due to the coronavirus, but runners are being urged to participate in "virtual" marathons. Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
 The Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce 14th annual Taste of Roxbury culinary event that was due to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020 at the Roxbury High School has been postponed.
Please check back here. They are hoping to reschedule this event in the fall of 2020.
Lake Hopatcong Veterans Cruise for 2020 - June 27
 The date has been set as Saturday, June 27th for the 5th Annual Veterans Cruise on Lake Hopatcong, and that means the scramble for seats has already started for this special tribute to our veterans - America's heroes.
Each year Lake Hopatcong Cruises honors our veterans from the lake's four border towns - Hopatcong, Jefferson, Mount Arlington, and Roxbury - with a two-hour complimentary cruise around the lake, and a special tribute is paid to the veterans throughout the cruise as residents line the bridges and docks with waving flags in honor of the service that they have provided to our country.
This event is extremely popular with the Veterans and will fill quickly, so please contact your appropriate town representative to have your name added to the list as soon as possible. Last year in Hopatcong the first-come-first-served list filled within days and overflowed into a long waiting list. Click here to read more from Hopatcong Lake Regional News.
Lake Hopatong Block Party will now be held on Oct. 10
 The annual Lake Hopatcong Block Party has been moved to Saturday, Oct. 10.
"As was announced earlier, in following the CDC directive on public gatherings, we unfortunately cannot hold the Lake Hopatcong Block Party on May 9," a statement from Lee Moreau of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation states.
"We are now moving forward on rescheduling the Lake Hopatcong Block Party to Saturday, October 10, the day before the LHF Lake Loop, also at Hopatcong State Park," he said.
"For those who have already responded requesting a refund, those checks will be issued April 13 and put into the mail.
Thank you for being a part of the Lake Hopatcong Block Party, and please stay safe and healthy," he said. Click here to read this coverage from the Roxbury Register.
UPDATED: Buy-A-Brick Campaign to Help Improve Main Street
 Roxbury Township's Main Street Committee invites you to help support their fundraising efforts to continue the beautification of Main Street in Succasunna. Remember a loved one or engrave your name in history! Engraved bricks cost $150 each. Group/bulk orders of ten (10) or more bricks submitted together can pay a discounted price of $125 per brick. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification of Main Street in Succasunna.
The bricks are installed in the courtyard surrounding the Victorian Clock by the Gazebo at the Library.
Remember a loved one. Honor your family's name on historic Main Street. Salute your graduate!
Click here for more information and the order form or contact Michele O'Halloran at Town Hall
973-448-2002
or
[email protected]
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Roxbury & Mt Arlington Recreation Programs & Events
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Roxbury Recreation
The Recreation Department at Roxbury Township is proud to offer programs for residents of all ages. Here in Roxbury there are an abundant number of youth sports and activities, a lake complex which provides for summer beach fun, beautiful parks, immaculate athletic fields, playgrounds for the little ones and trails for the adventurous.
Click here to visit Roxbury Recreation's website for upcoming sports, activities, and information!
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Mount Arlington Recreation
Mt Arlington Rec is a group of volunteers appointed by the Mayor with the goal to coordinate and administer the recreation needs of the Borough. They work together with community volunteers to offer quality recreational programs for the entire family.
Click here to visit Mount Arlington Recreation's website for upcoming programs, events, and activities!
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Roxbury Public Library Upcoming Programs & Events!
 Go to
roxburylibrary.org
to access Roxbury's Library's upcoming Events Calendar for adults and children. Register online for programs or call the library at (973) 584-2400. For general information, contact
[email protected]
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Adult Services
Membership Drive and Fundraiser
The Friends of the Roxbury Township Public Library 2020 Membership Drive and Fundraiser kick-off has begun. Membership covers the period January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020. In addition to knowing that you are supporting a vital part of our community, membership entitles you to attend the Friends-only preview night to our popular fundraiser book sale. Donations to the Friends are tax deductible. To all our Friends who supported the Library in 2019, and in previous years, we thank you for your continued support. Please look for your renewal notice in the mail. Applications for membership are available at the Library's circulation desk or by going on line at
https://roxburylibrary.org/friends/.
S.H.I.P.
A State Health Insurance Assistance Program that offers counseling on Medicare for NJ residents. Tuesdays at 10:00 am.
Mah Jongg
All skill levels welcome. Games are every Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Knit One, Bead, Too!
Do you like to make your own original jewelry? Enjoy knitting or working with fabric? Join us on Mondays from 6:15 pm - 8 pm, and share your knowledge with others. Please bring your own supplies.
Book Groups
New members always welcome!
Monday Evening: 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm
Thursday Afternoon: 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:00 am
Literary Horizons: 1st Wednesday of the month at 1 pm.
New members always welcome.
Walking Talking Book Group: Call the library for meeting dates and times.
Youth Services
Weekly Events
- Books for Babies for ages Infant - 2 - Tuesdays @10:30 am
- STEAM for Kids - Tuesdays @ 4:00 pm
- Toddler Story Time-35 months and younger - Wednesdays @ 10:30 am
- Preschool Story Time (3 years and older) - Wednesdays @ 11:30 am
- Chess Club (K-6th graders) - Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm
- Story Time @ the Lake - Friday, December 13 @ 11:00 am
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SURVEYS AND REVIEWS
Give the district feedback and share your thoughts.
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Review Your School on GreatSchools.org!
Will you share your experience? Tell your Roxbury School story on GreatSchools.org, which many parents use to research school districts as they scout for houses.
As we continue to prepare the children of today for tomorrow, we need your help to tell future Roxbury parents about the great things happening in our district!
Please take a moment to find your school and your Roxbury story today
here!
Your feedback matters! Give us your thoughts on Roxbury.org.
Roxbury Public Schools is committed to listening to the views and experiences of parents on our website. We want to hear from you! Your feedback is important because it helps our web team understand where they need to make improvements and what you do like about our website.
Click here to complete the survey today!
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The Roxbury Township Public Schools, a K-12 School District preparing the children of today for tomorrow.
42 N. Hillside Avenue, Succasunna, NJ 07876
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