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 all day every day.
The first few days of school are always emotional, especially for younger children. Accept and validate your child’s emotions. Let your child know that their feelings make sense.
Parents should emphasize the positive aspects of starting school. 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. Make sure your child has a daily, predictable routine, with regular times for healthy meals, naps and night sleep at home. Having a rested body and knowing what to expect at home helps children cope. Set aside ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV and computer stay off during homework time. Make every effort to be available to answer questions and offer assistance.
Consider starting your child on their school sleep/wake schedule a week or so ahead of time so that the time change is not a factor in their first couple of days at school.
If it is a new school for your child, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school before the first day. Bring the child to school a few days prior to class to play on the playground and get comfortable in the new environment.
If you feel it is needed, drive your child (or walk your child) to school and pick your child up on the first day. Get there early on the first day to eliminate any unnecessary stress.
Make sure to touch base with your child’s new teacher at the beginning or end of the day so the teacher knows how much you want to be supportive of your child’s school experience. Monitor your child’s developmental milestones and learn what to do if there are concerns. Talk to a healthcare professional if your child’s symptoms of anxiety or behavioral problems are severe or persistent.
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. Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver. As drivers, we should always obey the activated “Stop” sign on the side of a school bus when students are either entering or exiting the bus.
Have a safe and happy school year!
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets for Morey’s Amusement Piers and Water Parks located on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. Tickets may be obtained in person from the Office of the Voorhees Township Clerk (856) 429-7757 and are payable by CASH ONLY. Tickets are available to residents and non-residents. The tickets do not expire.
** The Animal Welfare Association will host its “Luminaries for Lost Loves” event on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 6pm-8pm to view luminaries and celebrate their lives. There will be a certified Pet Bereavement Counselor, therapy dogs, refreshments and more.
Donate to AWA $10 per luminary and your pet’s luminary will be displayed outside of AWA’s shelter on September 13th for Pet Remembrance Day and shine all evening. You can purchase your luminary at https://tinyurl.com/3k87tm35
For more information, contact Meggin Olivo at (856)424-2288x113 or (609)706-984.
**The Vorhees Art Commission is hosting auditions for the “Voorhees Got Talent” competition. Singers, dancers, actors, musicians, poets, bands or any special talents are welcome. Auditions are on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 4pm and on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 4pm at the Voorhees Town Center. You will receive your number after registration. The location is the Atrium of the Voorhees Town Center, below Town Hall. Scan the QR code in the graphics or click
https://forms.gle/1MAEQyon333qKLESA for the registration form. Both auditions are on a first come– first serve basis and space is limited. The semifinals will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 4PM at the Voorhees Town Center. The finals will be heldduring Voorhees Township’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Date to be announced.) Prizes: 1st Place $1000, 2nd Place $500, 3rd Place $250. For more information, contact Gabrielle Horvitz at ghorvitz1@gmail.com
** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage is hosting its 27th Annual Woofstock Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11am-4pm at the Voorhees Town Center. It is a fun-filled, outdoor event with something for everyone in the family, even your four-legged friends! Enjoy food trucks, music, dog demonstrations, a beer garden, a humongous gift basket raffle pavilion, the ever-popular VAO Alumni Parade, and much more! For more information, email info@vaonj.org or call (856) 627-9111.
** Live Jazz Night featuring Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tannenbaum is on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6:30pm at the Voorhees Town Center courtyard. Bring your chairs and blankets and wrap up the summer with this classic jazz trio – organ, guitar and drums. The Beer Garden and food trucks will open at 5:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. For more information about this free event, visit voorheesnj.com or call the Show Hot Line at 856-882-SHOW.
**The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting a Voorhees Community Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10am to 2pm in the Voorhees Town Center parking lot.
All residents are welcome to participate. Cost is $25 for twoparking spaces. To sign up and for more information, contact Bob Scapicchio at my67pony@aol.com or Susan Bromley at sbromley14@gmail.com
