As a new school year approaches, it is important to provide a safe learning environment 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 schools, allday 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 help.
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.
Make sure to touch base with your child’s new teacher so the teacher knows 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 to see 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 a 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!
**The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a Family Fun Night on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 4-7pm. The free event features Vet for a Day Pretend Clinic, games, facepainting, food and a special guest Marshall. For more information, contact Jaime Moore jaimem@awanj.org or visit awanj.org
**The third show of our Voorhees Township 2025 Summer Concert Series at Connolly Park is on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7:30pm when The Beat Tells will entertain the audience with their Tribute to the Beatles. The show will be even more enjoyable with Dooney’s Pub mobile bar and a variety of food trucks. For more information, visit voorheesnj.com, the Voorhees Township Facebook page or call the Show Hot Line 856-882-SHOW.
**The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Inspections Unit will be available on Thursday, Sept. 4 from 8:30am to 2:30pm at 6003 Voorhees Town Center (by old Macy’s on Somerdale Roadside across from Osage Elementary School). Vehicle inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis; you do not need to be a Voorhees resident to attend. You may present your vehicle for inspection up to two months before the expiration month (September, October, November). Bring your vehicle along with your driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and proof of insurance from New Jersey. For more visithttps://nj.gov/mvc/
** Voorhees Township is once again partnering with Morey’s Piers to offer discounted tickets for their amusement piers 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. Office hours now until Thursday, Aug. 28: Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:30pm.
** Summer hours for the Voorhees Township Town Hall will be in effect until Tuesday, Sept. 2. The Township offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5:30pm and will be closed on Friday.
**Voorhees Food Truck & Music Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Connolly Park from 11:00am to 7:00pmand admission is free! Enjoy a variety of 18-gourmet food trucks, live music, Craft Beers, Sangria & a Margarita Bar. We ask that all attendees bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the local food pantry. Seating is not provided so please bring blankets or chairs. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please contact justjerseyfest@aol.com.
