High School Parent Message
February 25, 2022
Important Dates
Feb 22 - Feb 25: FFA Week
Mar 1: Make sure packets are in for Spring sports
Mar 7: Season begins for track, lacrosse and golf
Mar 11: Season begins for baseball, softball, boys tennis, & boys volleyball
Mar 15-18: NJ GPA (Grade 11 Testing)
Mar 15-17: Early Dismissal HS Students only
Mar 18: Early Dismissal of Students/Staff Development Day
Mar 25,26, & 27 Spring Musical - Legally Blonde
Mar 31: End of Q3
Apr 1: Beginning of Q4
Apr 14: Early Dismissal/Beginning of Spring Break
Revised District Calendar as of February 22, 2022.
High School Calendar Change
On March 15-18 the high school will follow an Early Dismissal Schedule for students, while students in Grade 11 are administered the New Jersey Graduation Performance Assessment (NJ GPA). Juniors will resume their class meetings following the testing window each day. A rotating A/B Day schedule of 4 periods per day will be implemented as follows:
|
Time/ Period | Tuesday, March 15 (A Day) | Wednesday, March 16 (B Day) | Thursday, March 17 (A Day) | Friday, March 18 (B Day) |
7:20-7:30 | Homeroom | Homeroom | Homeroom | Homeroom |
7:30-8:30 (60 min) | Period 1-2 Gr 11 Testing | Period 9/10/11 Gr 11 Testing | Period 5-6 Gr 11 Testing | Period 14/15 Gr 11 Testing |
8:34-9:38 (64 min) | Period 3-4 Gr 11 Testing | Period 11/12/13 Gr 11 Testing | Period 7/8/9 Gr 11 testing | Period 16/17 Gr 11 Testing |
9:42-10:46 (64 min) | Period 5-6 | Period 14-15 | Period 1-2 | Period 9/10/11 |
10:50-11:55 (65 min) | Period 7/8/9 | Period 16-17 | Period 3-4 | Period 11/12/13 |
NEW - New Jersey Graduation Performance Assessment for Grade 11
On March 14-18, students in Grade 11 will be administered the New Jersey Graduation Performance Assessment (NJ GPA). Effective for the Class of 2023, the NJ GPA is the primary graduation assessment pathway. Make up testing will occur March 22-25 for students who are absent during the initial testing window following a regular schedule. Students who need to test during the make up window will miss class time to test.
The NJ GPA includes content aligned to the grade 10 New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in ELA, and the NJSLS in Algebra 1 and Geometry. If after completing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment a student does not demonstrate proficiency on the ELA or mathematics section, the student may retake the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment in the following summer or fall, or access two additional pathways to meet this graduation requirement. Students must take the NJ GPA at least once to be eligible for additional pathways.
Additional information about the pathways is available at
https://www.state.nj.us/education/assessment/requirements/2023_2025.shtml
On March 15-18 the high school will follow an Early Dismissal Schedule for ALL students.
A rotating A/B Day schedule of 4 periods per day will be implemented as follows:
|
Time/ Period | Tuesday, March 15 (A Day) | Wednesday, March 16 (B Day) | Thursday, March 17 (A Day) | Friday, March 18 (B Day) |
7:20-7:30 | Homeroom | Homeroom | Homeroom | Homeroom |
7:30-8:30 (60 min) | Period 1-2 Gr 11 Testing | Period 9/10/11 Gr 11 Testing | Period 5-6 Gr 11 Testing | Period 14/15 Gr 11 Testing |
8:34-9:38 (64 min) | Period 3-4 Gr 11 Testing | Period 11/12/13 Gr 11 Testing | Period 7/8/9 Gr 11 testing | Period 16/17 Gr 11 Testing |
9:42-10:46 (64 min) | Period 5-6 | Period 14-15 | Period 1-2 | Period 9/10/11 |
10:50-11:55 (65 min) | Period 7/8/9 | Period 16-17 | Period 3-4 | Period 11/12/13 |
Juniors should check with their English 3 teachers, their Class of 2023 Google Classroom, or the posted assignments on the Office of Academics windows or outside the Media Center for their testing room assignments the week of March 7.
Juniors will resume their class meetings following the testing window each day.
KN-95 Masks
The school district has been provided with a supply of KN-95 masks that we will make available to the students and staff. If a student would like a KN-95 mask, they simply need to stop by the main office during their lunch to pick one up. These masks are designed to be reused multiple times. However, as students need replacements, they should stop by the main office again.
Black History Month
As a celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to display NB’s Museum of Black Excellence. Each content area created a display celebrating an African- American figure or figures(s) who influenced their field of study. These displays can be found in hallways and doorways throughout the school. On the 28th of this month, English classes will be touring the student-created museum to learn about these noteworthy figures.
Food Service/Lunch
Please be reminded that Door Dash and other food delivery services are not permitted. The cafeteria functions on a daily basis for all students. Students may only receive food brought by a parent/guardian. Parents must bring food to the main office. (Page 46 of Student Handbook)
Bathrooms
We understand that there have been some challenges with the restrooms this year. As a result, we revised our procedures and increased our supervision in the late fall. Regretfully, despite our efforts, we continued to experience challenges with students vaping in the bathrooms. Recently, we revised our procedures again and increased our supervision even more. We are also looking to install vape detectors in our restrooms. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve these issues.
Stay Healthy
COVID Precautions: Our COVID precautions are in the midst of changing. Next week will be the last week masks will be required in schools. Masks will become optional on Monday, March 7. This will not apply to school buses, as masks will still be required on these vehicles.
As we move toward this next stage it is important that students recognize that each will make their own choice regarding whether they wear a mask or not, and it is important that we respect each others’ choices without bullying, harassment, or other unkind actions.
The school district has ceased contact tracing tracing in school. Of course, students who contract COVID should still remain home for the required isolation period.
While we look forward to the decreasing incidence of COVID-19 infections in our community, it is critical to maintain our basic prevention strategies as reinforced in the latest NJDOH Guidance:
Parental Symptom Screening
Parents/caregivers must continue to monitor children for signs of illness every day prior to leaving for school as they are the front line for assessing illness in their children.
Students who are sick should not attend school.
COVID-19 Compatible SICK Symptoms that indicate school absence and a COVID Test:
• At least one of the following symptoms: new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste and/or smell OR
• At least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, shivers, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, congestion, or runny nose
Students who come to school with a combination of these symptoms will be sent home by the school nurse and require a negative COVID test before they can return to school. So save yourself the trouble and simply keep your child home if they have any of these symptoms. You can report your child’s absence on the attendance line: 609.298.3900 x 2029.
Any questions, please contact our school nurses, Ms. Crane & Ms. Nocon mcrane@nburlington.com gnocon@nburlington.com please include both nurses in your email. Sometimes they must deliver bad news. Please know that the directions given are based on the information they have from the public health authorities. Please be patient as they navigate these many challenges and work to keep our school a safe place to be for everyone. Thank you :)
If you need it, the Burlington County Health Department is offering walk-in testing for COVID. Please follow this LINK for location and information.
Burlington County COVID Vaccination Sites: Of course, the CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the best way to prevent the spread of COVID. Please see this LINK regarding more information on vaccination sites in Burlington County.
PTSC
The PTSC is excited to be hosting our Spring Book Fair in the Middle School, coming up the Week of February 28 - March 4! If you have any time available, please consider signing up for a shift using the link below. Remember, we would not be able to run the book fair without our generous parent volunteers. https://www.signupgenius.com/g...
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PTSC TO OUR 2022 SENIOR FAMILIES:
If you have a Senior graduating this year please make sure that you become a member so that your child is eligible to apply for a Scholarship. You must be a member in order to be considered. There are other requirements which will be listed in the application but again, your family must be a member. The deadline for us to receive the membership is February 28th,2022. You can pay via check or Paypal by visiting our site through the Northern Burlington Webpage. Membership is only $10. If you have any questions please reach out to us via email at nburlingtonptsc@gmail.com.
PTSC and Amazon Smile: The Parent Teacher Student Connection (PTSC) has an Amazon Smile account for any community members who would like to support the PTSC while shopping online. Simply go to http://smile.amazon.com and search for the "Parent Teacher Student Connection" in the list of organizations (it is listed as being in Columbus, NJ) and then go through that portal to do your Amazon shopping. Amazon will donate 0.5% of all purchases to the PTSC. Please email nburlingtonptsc@gmail.com with any login questions.
SAT Prep Program Registration
NB’s 6 week SAT Prep program continues in-person on Saturdays from March 12 - April 30, 2022. An afternoon session will be added if needed to meet all registration requests. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Spring 2022 Registration Form.
Looking to Spring Sports
We are now accepting Athletic Participation packets for the Sprinter/Spring Seasons. A link to the packets can be found here.
The anticipated start date is March 7th, for track, lacrosse and golf and March 11th, for baseball, softball, boys tennis, & boys volleyball. Packets must be submitted and approved by our school doctor before students are permitted to participate. This process can take several weeks due to the volume and the medical review of each one. Please plan to submit the packets at least three weeks in advance. All students must be medically cleared prior to participation. It is important to plan accordingly.
If your child’s physical exam is current on the first day of practice for their specific sport, please complete pages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 of the packet and submit them electronically to highschoolathletics@nburlington.com
If your child is in need of a new physical, please contact your physician’s office at your earliest convenience to secure an appointment. Please take page 3, 5 and 6 of the packet with you so that your doctor can complete the physical forms. Please submit the entire packet (pages 1-7) electronically to highschoolathletics@nburlington.com
Spring Musical Fundraiser
Support the Spring Musical, Legally Blonde, by purchasing Gertrude Hawk Chocolate! Click the link to browse the catalog of delicious chocolate that will ship directly to you. Purchase now through April 1st just in time for Easter! https://tinyurl.com/nbchocolate
SENIORS
Important Update on Cap & Gown Orders
The updated message below, regarding how to order their Cap and Gown, was shared today, in the class of 2022 Google Classroom. All orders will be placed through Jostens’ website. The site is now updated to accept payments for the caps and gown units which include a cap, gown and tassel. The standard Cap and Gown Unit cost is $23.05.
If you ordered prior to the payment option being open and your order was $0.00, an invoice from Jostens’ will be emailed to you. The Cap and Gown Unit is NOT free.
The Cap & Gown Units will be delivered to the school directly for distribution. All additional specialty items ordered through Jostens will be delivered to the address attached to the order. This information was posted in the Class of 2022 Google Classroom.
Northern Burlington Seniors...If you HAVE NOT ORDERED your Cap and Gown...watch this short information video, then place your order online using the link that appears after the video. Click on the SHOP NOW button to order cap and gown unit. If you HAVE ORDERED your cap and gown, you will receive an email with your balance due and payment instructions. Please make that payment promptly so that we can reserve your cap and gown unit. Also...It's not too late to order your class ring. Click here (Jostens.com) to order your ring. Send us your address and we will mail you a plastic ring gauge to measure your finger. |
Congratulations NBHS Class of '22!!! |
PowerSchool Senior Form
It is important that we have students’ names correct for their diplomas. Therefore, we will be posting the following information in the Class of 2022 Google Classroom:
Seniors, please complete the form entitled “Class of 2022 Senior Diploma Form” in YOUR PowerSchool account no later than Friday, February 25th. In order to find this form - students need to locate Forms - then Senior Forms - then Class of 2022 Senior Diploma Form. Please consult with your parent or guardian when completing the form.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Guevara at rguevara@nburlington.com.
Early Dismissal of Students
Please be advised that no student under the age of 18 can sign themselves out from school early even if they are drivers. As per our Board of Education Regulations:
5230 LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DISMISSAL
No pupil under the age of eighteen shall be released from school before the end of the school day except in the presence of the pupil's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or an agent of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
2021-2022 Yearbook
Pre-order the 2021-2022 yearbook at jostensyearbooks.com
2020-2021 Yearbook
Limited copies of last year's yearbooks are still available for purchase. Please contact Tina Kim, tkim@nburlington.com for details.
Assessment Schedule 2021-2022
During the course of the school year, students will participate in various standardized assessments. Assessment Information and NB’s Assessment Schedule is available on the website: Student Assessment
Clinical Corner Spotlight:
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month - Every February advocates educate young people nationwide about dating violence, healthy relationship skills and the devastating cycle of abuse. This annual, month-long push helps to stop dating abuse before it starts. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Teen Dating Violence is devastatingly common, with approximately 1.5 million high school students in the U.S. that experience physical abuse from a dating partner. The CDC also developed resources (link to resources) that describes strategies and approaches based on the best available evidence for preventing intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence:
Teach safe and healthy relationship skills
Engage influential adults and peers
Disrupt the developmental pathways toward partner violence
Create protective environments
Strengthen economic supports for families
Support survivors to increase safety and lessen harm
See pages 15 to 44 for the above strategies and approaches.
If someone you know has been the victim of dating violence, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day through the National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 and website: https://www.loveisrespect.org/https://www.loveisrespect.org/
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) trainings are being held through Partners For Kids and Families, in 2022. Please see link for the flyer - NHA calendar link. All trainings are virtual. For those who need a refresher on what NHA is: “The Nurtured Heart Approach consists of a set of strategies that assist children and adults in further developing self-regulation and has been found to be effective with individuals of all ages. It focuses on transforming the way someone perceives themselves, and the world around them.”
Care Solace helps our Northern Burlington community find mental health care providers and substance use treatment centers. Their Care Companion™ team is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year to quickly connect you to carefully verified providers in your community. Students, staff, and families may access Care Solace services in two ways:
Call (888) 515-0595 at any time. Support is available in 200+ languages. A dedicated Care Companion™ will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments, and follow up to make sure it is a good fit.
For an anonymous search, answer a few questions to get matched with an extensive list of care providers at https://caresolace.com/site/nbcrsd
Are you or your children in need of winter coats? Generations has new winter coats available in sizes 2T to adult XL. Please call 609-267-4001 to make an appointment to come in & pick up coats.
Looking for parent support for your child with special needs? The Mom2Mom Helpline connects parents of children with special needs to our trained counselors who are also parents. Talk to someone who understands you and your family. Call 1-877-914-MOM2 (1-877-914-6662).
Sally López, Ed.D.
Principal
Follow the Principal on twitter @nbc_hsprincipal
Follow the Superintendent on twitter: @NBCSUPER
Webpage at www.nburlington.com