MAYOR’S COLUMN
As we approach the beginning of a new school year, it is of utmost importance that a safe learning environment be provided for our students.
In an ongoing effort to protect our children, the Voorhees Township Committee and our schools continue to work together. We will continue to have police officers in all of our public schools for the full school day.
Police Chief Lou Bordi has been at the forefront of school security. He and other members of his staff have attended several seminars and have worked with school officials to make sure the most current security measures are in place.
Our children are our most important asset and they must be protected.
Returning to school after a relaxing summer can be a trying experience for both children and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers help and safety tips to ease back into the school year. The first few days are always emotional, especially for younger children. Parents should emphasize the positive aspects of starting school. Remind children of the fun in seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
It is important to develop good homework and study habits. Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in a bedroom or a part of the home that offers privacy. Set aside ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV stays off during homework time. Always be available to answer questions and offer assistance. To help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying, children should take a 10-minute break for every hour of study.
Too often, we hear of tragic accidents involving school buses. Children should wait for the bus to completely stop before approaching it from the curb. Never move around on the bus; always check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing. Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
When traveling to and from school in a car, all passengers should wear a seatbelt or use an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear of the vehicle.
Have a safe and happy school year!
** The third show in our Summer Concert Series will be Thursday, Aug. 24, and will feature Long Live the Beatles, the premier Beatles cover band. If you want to know what the Beatles experience was all about, this is the band to see. This mind blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park. The “Beer Garden” and food trucks will open at 6:30 p.m.
** The 9th Annual Chad Gunther Memorial Fundraising Dinner will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Lakeside Manor in Gibbsboro. Cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Michael Lazar and Magical Entertainment by Peter Cuddihy. Tickets are $58 per person. This year, the organization plans to continue to support youth athletic and community programs in Voorhees and Gibbsboro, including the Voorhees Girls Softball Association and the Bancroft Special Olympics. Reservations/donations can be sent to the Chad Gunther Memorial Fund (CGMF) at P.O. Box 404, Voorhees, New Jersey 08043. For more information, contact Ted Lachman at tedlock@verizon.net.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information about tickets visit www.voorheesnj.com.
