August 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians:
The 2021-2022 school year is about to begin! This summer we have been reviewing “The Road Forward.” This is the document released by the New Jersey Department of Education outlining the return plan for school in September. It offers many different recommendations to reduce risks, but the common theme throughout is that our priority is to reopen schools and resume our educational programs for all students on a full time basis. We are very excited to have everyone return in person. Below you will find information to help us start the year together as smoothly as possible:
Student Schedules
PowerSchool will be available to parents and students on Friday, September 3rd on or about 5 pm. PowerSchool allows parents and students to view attendance, grades, and assignments. If you have any questions about a schedule, please contact your child’s counselor. However, please note that changes cannot be made simply because a different elective class would be preferred or a change to be with friends.
School Forms
Please log on to your Parent PowerSchool account and complete the three electronic forms. These can be found by selecting the “Forms” tab once logged into PowerSchool.
Emergency Information & Trip/Activity Medical Form
Parent Consent Form
COVID Screening Form
Although parents need to screen their children daily, this COVID screening form replaces our daily screening that we did before the start of school everyday last year. This form will need to be completed and submitted quarterly.
These three (3) forms need to be completed no later than Friday, September 3rd. If you cannot access your Parent Portal account, please contact your child’s counselor for assistance. Thank you.
The school uses email communications on a regular basis so it is essential that the school has an accurate email address. Parents should log into PowerSchool to review the email address shown and update as necessary. Parents may enter more than one email address. Please note that adding an email address in the Parent/Student Portal does not change the email address on file in the PowerSchool School Demographics, to do this you must email the school registrar your request.
Opening Day
The first day for students is Tuesday, September 7th. School begins promptly at 7:30 am and dismisses at 2:38 pm. Students should report to their homeroom/first period class (they are the same). The homerooms are listed in PowerSchool (and available upon entry to school). We will have teachers standing by to assist any student who needs help identifying and/or finding his/her homeroom. In homeroom students will also receive a paper copy of their schedule, be issued a hall locker, and do other opening day activities, such as touring the building. We know many of our students are coming into the middle school for the first time and there will be opportunities to go on a tour of the school and to engage in other orientation activities as well.
Students should bring their chromebooks with them the first day of school. It is important that the chromebook is fully charged everyday when it comes to school. We would recommend keeping the charging cord in the backpack and storing it in the locker in case of an unforeseen issue with the battery. However, students should not anticipate being able to charge their chromebooks in school due to space and outlet limitations.
Bus Assignments
Bus Assignments can be found in PowerSchool under Transportation and these will be available beginning Wednesday, September 1. Please be aware that students must ride their assigned bus. Temporary requests for a student to ride a different bus will be considered only for emergency situations and only with the Principal’s approval. Such a request must be submitted in writing from both the parent of the child and the parent who will be receiving the child, along with phone numbers to confirm the request.
Masks
No doubt you have heard, masks must be worn by everyone while riding a school bus or while in a school building. There are exceptions, such as when eating lunch, and the exceptions are noted on the district web page (www.nburlington.com).
School Lunches
Every day there are four lunch periods and each is 30 minutes long.
Similar to last year, lunches are free for students. However, they must have their school ID to have the lunch scanned. Students may purchase a second lunch if they choose.
Students are welcome to pack their lunch, please no glass bottles.
We have expanded the eating area into the hallway outside of the cafeteira to be able to increase the spacing between tables.
Weather permitting, there will be outside eating areas available beginning the second week of school.
Student Interaction
How we treat one another at Northern Burlington is important and we want all of our students to feel welcome. Northern Burlington has focused on reducing bullying for many years. In addition, we have been recognized as a No Place for Hate school two years in a row by the Anti-Defamation League. We plan to continue these efforts as we resume the 2021-22 school year.
High School Construction Project: Please view our construction updates on the website at this link: https://nbreferendum.com/quarterly-update/
Other Important Information
Several important pieces of information are available on our district website at www.nburlington.com, Explore, Students & Parents Resources:
District Calendar
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Student Handbook
Parent Teacher Student Connection (PTSC) Announcement: This is the parent group for the school district.
Medication at School Form: Must be completed in order for a child to take any medication at school.
Acceptable Use of Technology Policy
Anti-Bullying Policy
Asbestos Abatement Notification (AHERA) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan
Health Insurance Brochure/Application
Vaccine Information
Clinical Corner Spotlight
Returning to school, let’s help kids get back on track this fall: The 2020-2021 school year was unlike any other. Millions of students spent part or most of the year learning remotely. After months physically away from teachers, classmates and a traditional school day structure, some kids may feel a little out of practice when it comes to tackling the start of a “normal” school year this fall. Please click the article for some practical tips from educators, administrators and counselors to help students get the school year started off right: Back to school tips
Group Counseling for students: NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL SESSIONS - Northern Burlington School District has collaborated with First Children Services (FCS) to provide therapeutic mental health services in-person to our student via group counseling. This is a free 6-week group in-person support group for students to engage with a licensed clinician and their peers to discuss various topics in a safe space setting. The main topics will include anxiety/stress management, emotional regulation, gaining self-awareness, self-esteem, friendship and relationship issues, communication skills, and the upcoming transition back to in-person school. If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions about the group, please contact your child’s School Counselor. Limited spaces available, deadline is October 1st Transportation is available.
High School – every Tuesday October 5th – November 9th after school
Middle School – every Wednesday, October 6th – November 10th after school
Managing Your Child’s Behavior: A Virtual Workshop for Parents – Need Help Managing Your Child's Behavior? This 7 week parent workshop was developed by the Child Psychologists at Children’s Specialized Hospital to help parents of children of all ages learn how to manage their behavior. The course will cover:
Causes of misbehavior
Setting limits and dealing with tantrums
Managing sibling conflicts
Developing and implementing behavioral systems
Parent stress management, self-care, and support system
Participants should attend all of the classes in the cycle to get the most out of this program. This program is free, but registration is required. You will be provided the workshop link once you’ve registered.
Event Date: Oct 13, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Click to register online: https://www.rwjbh.org/events/event/?event=22676
Important Dates
September 7: First Day of School for Students
October 13: Middle School Student Picture Day
We look forward to welcoming all of our students, in person, on the first day of school.
Best wishes as we embark on another exciting school year.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kearns, Ed.D.
Principal