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October Principal's Message 2023

Dear Holman Families,

 

The leaves are turning colors, the temperatures are finally beginning to fall, and the night sky is getting darker more quickly each day.  Fall is here!  It was great to hear that many families joined in for our Back to School Nights. It’s nice to be a part of a great community that is invested in the education of their children.   We have many things planned at Holman Elementary School this October.

 

 

Schools Closed

As a reminder, please note that students will be off from school on Monday, October 9th as Holman School will be closed for staff in-service.  Please note that secretaries will also be attending workshops, so there will not be anyone in the building answering phone calls on that day.

 

 

Picture Day

Say CHEESE! Students in grades PK-5 will have their school pictures taken on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

 

 

Week of Respect (October 2 - 6)

During the week of October 2-6, Holman will be celebrating Week of Respect

  • Monday, Stomp Out Bullying - Wear a Blue Shirt to Stomp Out Bullying

  • Tuesday, Be a HERO- Help everyone respect others Students & staff invited to dress like your favorite superhero

  • Wednesday, We are Positive- Wear A Positive Vibe/Saying Shirt

  • Thursday, Follow the Golden Rule - Students & Staff are invited to wear Yellow or Gold

  • Friday, We Are All Different - Wear mismatched clothes

 

 

School Safety Week (October 16 - 20)

During the week of October 16-20, Holman School will be celebrating School Safety Week.

  • Monday, Crazy for Kindness - Crazy hair day

  • Tuesday, Peace, Love and Happiness - Wear peace signs/tie dye

  • Wednesday, Unity Day - Wear Orange -  Unite for a safe school

  • Thursday, Kindness is Classy - Dress to impress - It’s picture Day

  • Friday, United as One - Wear Holman School spiritwear

 

 

Red Ribbon Week (October 23 - 27)

October 23-27, This week and every day hereafter, Holman students will pledge to lead a drug and alcohol-free life.  Each day this week, we will show each other and our friends and family in and out of school that we will not become involved with drugs by showing all different ways we can do that.  Every day this week will have a different theme, bringing focus to us all leading healthier, drug-free lives:

  • Monday,  Proud to be Drug Free - Wear RED to kick off Red Ribbon Week

  • Tuesday, Team up Against Drugs - Wear a team jersey or shirt 

  • Wednesday, Put a Cap on Drugs – Wear your favorite hat 

  • Thursday,  Lei Off Drugs - Wear a Hawaiian shirt or lei

  • Friday,  My Future is Bright. No Drugs in Sight - Wear neon or bright colors 

 

 

Title I Parent Night/ Fall Festival

We are thrilled to announce we are hosting a Holman Family Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 24th from 6pm until 7:30pm. Bring the whole family to this event that is bursting at the seams with wonderful information and helpful tools for parents. And let’s not forget about the kids. Our amazing teachers are ready to have plenty of fall fun through a variety of  activities, crafts, games and, of course, prizes. Refreshments will be served throughout the evening and you may even be one of the lucky families to leave with a delicious gift basket.  This is one event you don’t want to miss!

 

 

Halloween (Tuesday, October 31, 2023)

In keeping with the spirit of fun, children may dress in costumes on Tuesday, October 31st, if they wish.  Children who choose to participate should come to school dressed in their costumes and be prepared to remain in their costumes all day.   Please keep in mind that costumes should be comfortable and allow for children to move freely and should not depict any sort of violence.  Remember that your child, while in his/her costume, will need to be able to sit, write, walk, and eat lunch and/or snack, as well as do other school-related activities.  If your child chooses to wear a costume, it should lend itself to these activities. 

Of course, safety is the utmost concern.    In order to provide for a safe and fun experience for all, please be sure to adhere to the following precautions:

  • COSTUME MASKS may NOT be worn at any time.

  • Please plan to apply make-up at home.

  • Costumes must be school dress code appropriate.

  • Fake weapon accessories are prohibited. (All costume peripherals should stay at home, please.)

 

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

(Parent Portal opens October 23, 2023 and closes November 1, 2023)

Parent-Teacher Conferences Will Be Held Nov. 6-8, 2023. You can schedule your conference on the portal beginning Oct. 23 through Nov. 1. You will be given the option to schedule a conference IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY. See our district website announcement for more details and instructions.

 

 

Food Services

You may apply for free/reduced price lunch benefits. Applications were sent home with students in September, and are always available on our website or at your child’s school. Only one application is required per household, but must be completed annually.  Please complete and return the Free and Reduced Lunch forms.  Submitting this form provides opportunities for other reduced or free opportunities for our families.  Please click this link to the Jackson Food Service Department to  complete your Free and Reduced Lunch forms.

 

 

HOPE (Holman’s Organization of Parent and Educators)

Please mark your calendars for our next HOPE meeting which will be held in person at 6:30 PM on October 18th.  

 

 

H.O.P.E.'s  Trunk or Treat

Join us on Thursday, October 26th for Holman’s Trunk or Treat. More details will be forthcoming about this fun-filled evening.

 

 

Additional Date(s) to Remember in October and Looking Forward

 

Special Question is Being Proposed

The Jackson School District will be seeking voter approval on Nov. 7, 2023 for a special question to add strategic positions to our district staff (some details are below). We are committed to ensuring the entire Jackson community is able to make an informed decision - and we are looking for your help as we create informational materials and brainstorm opportunities for community engagement on this proposal. 

 

The Nov. 7 Special Question is being proposed to raise an additional $4,035,000 for the General Fund for 2023-2024. If approved by voters, the funds will result in a permanent increase to the tax base. These funds would be used exclusively to add the following positions:

 

  • 6 Guidance Counselors - Needed for an increase in mental health needs and for better student-to-counselor ratios

  • 2 Student Assistance Counselors - Needed for increases we are experiencing in substance abuse

  • 8 Interventionist Teachers - Needed for academic intervention to improve academic progress

  • 10 Elementary Teachers - Needed for class size reduction

  • 12 Secondary Teachers - Needed for class size reduction

  • 1 Nonpublic Student Coordinator and 1 Nonpublic Secretary - Needed for management of all state non-public funds that are required to be managed by the school district (e.g. Title I)

  • 4 Child Study Team Members - Needed for a better ratio of special education student-to-case manager 

  • 4 ESL Teachers - Needed for increases in student population and instructional needs for ESL students

 

BOE Meeting

There will be a BOE Meeting on Wednesday, October 18th at 6:30 pm in the Fine Arts Center at Jackson Memorial High School.

 

 

Holman Elementary School will be closed to staff and students on the 9th and 10th of November for NJEA Convention.

 

 

Enjoy everything that Fall has to offer!

 

 

Sincerely,

Rich Karas

Principal, Holman Elementary