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NEWS & EVENTS
Week of April 3,
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
goodnews@roxbury.org.
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!
Superintendent Communications on COVID-19 - Mar 31
 Dear Roxbury Community:
We are beginning our third week of Flexible Instruction Days. During the first week, the administration and I discussed "all things academic" ensuring that our students were supported in continuous learning, focusing on our vision of "
preparing the children of today for tomorrow." The feedback we have received tells us that it's working, and we are grateful to the educators, students and parents for the roles they've played in making that happen.
In our second week, the administration and I discussed the need for emotional and social support, encouraging teachers to "connect" with students in real time as much as possible. Numerous examples of teachers reaching out to speak with students, of collaboration occurring during google meets, and stories of "being" with their students have been heartwarming. I know our teachers sincerely care about and love our students. The stories that have been shared serve to affirm that. Our teachers and staff are awe-inspiring!
Now, beginning our third week, I'd like to
thank parents for all that you are doing to support your (and our) children. We know it is hard work and truly appreciate your efforts. The administration and I have discussed the focus for week three. In a word:
BALANCE. Balance can be achieved by instituting the following - if you haven't done so already:
1. Create a work space for your children. Work with them to design the space so it becomes their "school room".
2. Create a balanced schedule that includes work time and play time.
A space and a schedule will support the key to success...BALANCE.
Click here to view the rest of Superintendent Radulic's March 31st update regarding Roxbury's Flexible Instruction Days and for further information on Novel Coronavirus.
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2019/2020 School Calendar Survey Results
 With 1,876 responses to the Calendar Survey, over 80% have voted to change the calendar to reflect 4-day weeks for a majority of the remainder of the school year.
The Board of Education will be voting on the new calendar at the upcoming BOE meeting on April 6th.
Roxbury Board of Ed Holds Virtual Meetings during School Closures
 For the foreseeable future, the Roxbury Township Board of Education will be holding virtual board of education meetings to conduct Board business while schools are closed due to the health-related emergency COVID-19.
Board of Education members will make every attempt to participate through a technology portal where they can be viewable for each other and members of the public. They will accomplish this through the use of WebEx, an online meeting platform that allows users to virtually meet without leaving their homes. A WebEx meeting allows members of the public to see the meeting virtually. They can call in using a conference phone number to hear the meeting and submit questions electronically.
The virtual location of the Board of Education meetings will be published through the traditional means and outlets as well as being available on the district's website (
www.roxbury.org) and in the Board of Education Office no less than 48 hours in advance. The district will make every effort to post the agenda for the meeting no later than 24 hours in advance for review and reference by members of the public.
Similar to the in-person format of Board Meetings, members of the public will be provided an opportunity to make comments on both agenda and non-agenda items. All comments will be read into the record by the Board of Education President or designee announcing both the member of the public and his/her address as is customary to provide with comments. These comments will be submitted through the WebEx Chat Feature. In the event that additional information can be provided by a member of the Board or the Superintendent, it will be provided.
A recording of these meetings with video will be posted in the same way that the audio is posted for traditional, in-person meetings of the Board. Roxbury's next Board of Education meeting will be Monday, April 6th at 6 p.m.
Prior to the start time of a meeting, please revisit www.roxbury.org for a link to join the meeting. Click here to read more about the virtual board of education meetings.
Thanks to the Caregivers during Flexible Instruction
 Roxbury's youngest students, the preschoolers at Jefferson School, are continuing to learn and making strides on their Flexible Instruction Days during the COVID-19 health-related school closure.
The parents and grandparents of Patti Klein's preschool students are certainly rising to the occasion to help their little ones in learning virtually.
"I'm impressed with all of our caregivers and siblings who have done so much to embrace flexible learning. I'm amazed at whether it's learning how to do a group meet or working on a science experiment, these caregivers are all in," said Klein.
Click here to read more and see some pictures of Preschool Flexible Instruction on our website under "In the News".
Nixon's Early Act Expands Their Thankful Thursday Messages
 Nixon Principal Danielle Lynch shared in her Thursday morning announcement during our Flexible Instruction Days for Thankful Thursday that she's thankful for Nixon School's Early Act Club.
Although school isn't in session due to the health-related school closure from COVID-19, the Nixon School Early Act Club is continuing its outreach efforts.
Nixon's Early Act Club Advisor Kerry Hamberger explained, "Early Act is comprised of third and fourth graders at Nixon School and we help in our community as well as at our school and we try to reach further than our community. Some of our projects this year that you've helped with have been for Veteran's Day when we did our collection for veterans. We've done a collection for the Food Pantry and since we're not in school we had to come up with something we could do. The club came up with the idea to write letters to the Merry Heart Nursing Home since they cannot have visitors."
Hamberger along with three student members of the club talked about the project how the Roxbury community could take part. Click here to read how you can show your Huskie Pride on our website under "In the News".
What a great way for Roxbury to stay strong and care for one another!
Paraprofessional Day Celebration in Roxbury
 This past Wednesday was Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and even though Roxbury Schools are closed due to the health-related emergency COVID-19, the appreciation was spread district-wide. Students and staff shared messages, videos, and pictures of thanks and appreciation during morning announcements and via email throughout the day.
Amy Gallagher, Roxbury's Director of Special Services and Jefferson Principal Melissa Cosgrove wanted to be sure that the wonderful paraprofessionals that support so many students were celebrated even if it meant doing it virtually.
Patti Klein's preschoolers helped celebrate Paraprofessional Appreciation Day with pictures and notes of thanks. Molly Babjak picked spring flowers in honor of the paras in her class and Gianna Cintron drew a picture thanking her aides for all they do. Click here to read more on our website under "In the News".
April is National Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness Day was Thursday, April 2nd but we celebrate Autism Awareness Month all month long during April.
Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place throughout the month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.
Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum condition" that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity.
Show your support Roxbury by wearing blue this Monday to help create a kinder, more inclusive world! #CelebrateDifferences
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 view two of Amy's video's on "
Pay Attention to Your Breath" and "Finding Your Calm Amidst the Chaos" along with other helpful links and applications.
Roxbury Girl Scout Gives Donated Cookies to Medical Staffs
 Unable to have the usual Girl Scout cookie sales booth - thanks to coronavirus restrictions - a Succasunna Scout recently conducted a "virtual" cookie sale and donated the treats to area hospital workers.
The Scout, 9-year-old Maren Nyback, is a member of Girl Scout Troup 9-7175. The troop's plan to have a cookie sales booth outside a Succasunna bagel shop were dashed by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, said Nyback's father, Glenn Nyback.
The cookie sale booth, like so many other things, was "indefinitely postponed," he said.
But Maren, her father and her mother, Melissa Scasny-Nyback, got creative. They launched a virtual cookie sale in which the cookies - bought with donations mainly from friends and family - were earmarked for medical teams in the Atlantic Health System, said Nyback.
"Through family and friends, we collected $450, enough for 90 boxes," said Nyback, who works in Atlantic Health System's corporate office in Morristown. "I delivered the snacks this week to point people at work to help me distribute the boxes in ways they can be enjoyed."
Nyback said the cookies will be given to "front-line clinical teams" at Atlantic Health's five area medical centers. Click here to read more about this Franklin third-grader from TAPinto Roxbury.
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
click here
to 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.
US Census 2020 - Statistics in School (SIS) Week
 The 2020 Census is happening now! You can respond online, by phone, or by mail. Invitations to respond from the US Census Bureau were being mailed out between March 12-20. Homes will receive official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond.
Check out the SIS take-home flyer - This flyer is available in 13 languages. It explains to adults the importance of the 2020 Census and how to count every child in their home.
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.
Discounted Hershey Park Tickets for Summer 2020 - Extended to Apr 24
 The Roxbury High School Band Parents Association is once again selling its annual discounted Hersey Park and Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom tickets. Tickets are available for purchase has been extended now through April 24th.
Click here to view the Hersey Park ticket form.
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.
Franklin and Jefferson's Kindergarten Registration dates have been postponed due to the school closures. Revised dates will be posted once determined.
To access more details, visit
www.roxbury.org/KindergartenRegistration
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Roxbury Ice Hockey Updates
 Morris County Secondary Schools Ice Hockey League postseason honors
Click here to see which Roxbury players received Morris County Secondary Schools Ice Hockey League postseason honors from the Daily Record.
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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 Spring Clean Up - Apr 25
 Roxbury Clean Communities's annual spring litter clean up will be Saturday, April 25th beginning at 9 a.m. at the Roxbury DPW building in Kenvil. Volunteers are needed! Help take pride in our town and help clean up our parks, trails, roadways, and neighborhoods. Bring a team! Ask friends and co-workers from your office, church, schools, clubs, and athletic teams.
Volunteer for community service hours and mini-grants are available for non-profit organizations on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to request a specific work site, contact Kellie Ann Keyes at keyesk@roxburynj.us or call 973-448-2053.
Click here to view this event flyer in our Virtual Backpack.
Roxbury Clean Communities Paper Shredding Day - May 2
 Roxbury's Community Shredding Event will be Saturday, May 2nd from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Roxbury Recycling Center at 96 N. Dell Avenue in Kenvil. Due to limited capacity, this service will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information, contact Kellie Ann Keyes at
kkeyes@roxburynj.us
or by calling 973-448-2053.
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RHS Athletic Events Calendar
Click here
for the most up-to-date calendar of Roxbury High School sporting events.
RHS Performing Arts Calendar
Click here for the major events in performing arts here in Roxbury!
Specific school related events can be found on their respective website calendars by visiting
www.roxbury.org
and selecting the school from the drop down at the top left of the screen.
RHS Project Graduation
 Roxbury Project Graduation is NOT just for senior parents! We need all high school parents to get involved. This group and event benefit all Roxbury students. Don't wait, we need your help now.
Each year on the night of graduation, we host Project Graduation, an all-night, alcohol/drug free event for Roxbury's graduating High School Seniors.
To make this happen each year we need your HELP!
Our meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the RHS guidance conference room. Check us out on our Facebook page, Roxbury Project Graduation or the link for our website on the RHS website.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering,
please contact
Alana Hayford or
Audra Sarafin. Click here to read more details about this year's Project Graduation from our Virtual Backpack under the Flyer section.
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
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