Week of December 11, 2020
Roxbury Schools News & Events
Preparing the children of today for tomorrow...
Navy blue background. Roxbury in gold letters and Gaels in white letters. Roxbury R in gold outlined in white and navy.
Our students, staff, and schools are active members of the community who give their time to academics, athletics, the arts, and causes close to their hearts. Check out news and events throughout Roxbury.

Spotlight on Roxbury!

We want to hear from you Roxbury! We're always looking for great stories or things happening in the Roxbury Schools and around town that involve our students, staff, and families! Share your stories with us at goodnews@roxbury.org or by submitting the online form here.
Superintendent Communications: Remote Learning

Dear Roxbury Community:

As a school district, we have been committed to our vision of “preparing the children of today for tomorrow” and you have been a supportive partner in the effort. As a result, we have been able to keep our schools open for inperson learning for three and a half months. Therefore, I offer my highest praise and respect for this partnership, for the hard work, flexibility, and dedication of our administrators, teachers, and staff and for the vigilance, patience, and support of our families. However, due to factors beyond our control and in an effort to protect the health and safety of our staff and students, we will be transitioning to remote learning beginning on Monday, December 14th. The district projects that it will resume in-person learning on January 19th. However, we will continue to monitor the local health situation.

The decision to move to remote learning was not made lightly. In working with our local health officials, I have been notified of the health trends in Roxbury which have often vacillated over the weeks. However, recently the trend is moving in one direction with a continued increase in the number of positive cases reported. Friday, December 4th, the reported positive cases doubled and have continued to rise. Among them were a number of high school individuals.

Along with an upward trajectory of positive cases in the community, the state is classified in the “high risk” category of the COVID-19 Regional Risk Matrix which necessitates increased quarantining. The Center for Disease Control’s Exclusion Table requires us to exclude any individual who exhibits COVID-19 compatible symptoms as well as close contacts until a negative test result is provided. As a result, we have had to quarantine classes with probable cases. Once a negative test result is obtained, classes can resume. This, of course, creates strain on our families who may seek childcare only to be told that it is no longer needed once a negative test result is provided. The winter is generally a time when the district encounters an increase of illness of all types, this coupled with the new health guidelines will increase the frequency that whole classes and/or entire schools will have to quarantine. It is clear that this scenario has the potential to create fractured learning experiences for our students, place undue stress on our students, staff, and families, and pressure on individuals who are symptomatic to quickly take a COVID-19 test so that others can return to school.

In addition, we have been experiencing an increase in the number of staff members who are considered close contacts and therefore, are required to quarantine. With the cases on the rise, we expect this trend to continue which will make it difficult to safely supervise students and provide consistency in in-person instruction.

These factors along with consultation with our local health officials have resulted in the decision to transition to remote learning from Monday, December 14th until at least Tuesday, January 19th. We believe that through this vigilant and sensible approach, we can work to slow the spread of infections that may be the result of our much needed time to celebrate the holiday season. Happily, a vaccine is around the corner and, according to the Department of Health, educators are categorized as essential workers who will be part of Phase 1 distribution which is scheduled to begin by the end of December. Vaccines will be available, as expected, initially to our heroic healthcare workers. If you would like to know more about the vaccine, please review the information here.

We will do all that we can to support families during this time. Communications from your building principal, the special education department, and food service will follow on Wednesday, December 9th. Most importantly, please note, that while we are in remote learning, classes will be conducted “live” daily with details from your building principals.

Though we are entering a period of rising cases, we are finally able to see the end of this pandemic in the near future. It will be a memory to be proud of due to our resilience, compassion, and care. Let’s complete this difficult journey in celebration for all that has been achieved together. Let’s strive to conclude 2020 with positivity, kindness, and patience. Let’s remain Roxbury Strong.

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. May you find strength and peace in your family and confidence in the future we will build together in 2021.

Warmest regards,

Loretta L. Radulic, Superintendent of Schools

Click here to view Roxbury's Schools Reopening Information and Correspondence.

Para ver la carta en español, haga clic aquí.
New Meal Delivery Sites
from Roxbury Schools
The Roxbury School District has enrolled as an open site through the National School Lunch Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which means the district can provide free meals (breakfast and lunch) to anyone under the age of 18 years old, whether you live in Roxbury or not through June 2021.

On Tuesday of this week, the Roxbury Superintendent announced that the district would be switching to remote learning beginning Monday, December 14th. With this switch, the following will go into effect in regards to Roxbury Schools meal pickups and deliveries through December 23rd.

Meals will continue to be available Monday through Friday, weekends, and holidays.
        
  • Evening Meal Pickups - All families will only be able to pick up meals on Mondays from 4-6 p.m. at Roxbury High School located at 1 Bryant Drive, Succasunna.
  • Multi-Day Meal Order Pickups - Families picking up multiple meals for the week can do so, but are encouraged to go to Roxbury High School from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as there
  • maybe more of a variety to choose from.
  • Free/Reduced Families - All free and reduced families will continue to have their meals delivered Monday through Friday.
  • Meal Order Form Update - During remote learning and until further notice, completion of the meal order form is no longer necessary.

Beginning, Monday, December 14th, the district will also have ten meal delivery sites set up throughout Roxbury Township. Meals (breakfast and lunch) will be available daily (Monday-Friday) for pick up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from a Roxbury School Bus at the following delivery sites:

  • Zone 1 - Berkshire Valley Firehouse - Corner of Berkshire Valley and Gordon
  • Zone 2 - Nixon Elementary School - 275 Mt. Arlington Blvd., Landing
  • Zone 3 - St. Dunstan’s Church - 179 South Hillside Avenue, Succasunna
  • Zone 4 - Port Morris Firehouse - 580 Main Street, Port Morris
  • Zone 5 - Mountain Road/Conklin Pond - Corner of Kennedy and Conklin
  • Zone 6 - Kenvil Food Store Lot - Corner of Route 46 and Halsey Road, Kenvil
  • Zone 7 - Redeemer Lutheran Church - 203 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna
  • Zone 8 - Eisenhower Middle School - 47 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna
  • Zone 9 - Lincoln/Roosevelt School Rear Lot - 34 North Hillside Avenue, Succasunna
  • Zone 10 - St. Therese School - 135 Main Street, Succasunna

Click here to view samples of some of the Maschio meals. Roxbury Schools/Maschio’s reserves the right to modify the menu based on food/product availability for that day. 

Lastly, please feel free to share this information with any families interested in participating. Daycares and preschools in the surrounding area can also take advantage of this opportunity. If your daycare/preschool provider is interested, please reach out to Joe Mondanaro, Roxbury Schools Business Administrator directly. Otherwise, families can always go to Roxbury High School or the Meal Delivery Sites at the designated pick up times noted above.

Para ver la carta en español, haga clic aquí.
Board of Education Meeting - Dec 14
Notice is hereby given that the December 14, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Roxbury Township Board of Education will not be a hybrid meeting. The meeting will be held remotely with virtual access only. The December 14th Board meeting will be called to order at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Executive Session. Public Session will begin at 7:30 PM. Formal Action will be taken.

Members of the public are welcome to attend virtually. If you wish to attend virtually, registration is required at www.roxbury.org. To view a copy of that upcoming agenda and past ones, please click here!
Roxbury Pajama Day Thank you for Donating graphic
Roxbury Pajama Day - Thanks!
Thank you to everyone who donated to last Friday’s Pajama Day to support the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)!

Your generosity helped us far surpass our goal of $1,000. By the end of the fundraiser, we raised over $5,000! This is so wonderful for the children and families that are helped through the CHOP!

Many of our students, families, and staff have spent a lot of time at CHOP, so this was a nice way to give back this holiday season. Thank you all again!
Staples Donates 180 Supply Kits to Franklin School
Franklin Elementary School received an unexpected donation this afternoon of 180 student supply kits from the local Staples store in Succasunna. Each care package included a pack of Crayola colored pencils, a pack of Crayola crayons, a Staples 2-pocket folder, a 2 oz. hand sanitizer, and a 3-pack of pink erasers, valued at approximately $5 a care package.
 
Scott Maurer, the Staples Store Manager made the delivery Wednesday afternoon and shared that his store receives at least 1-2 bags worth of donations a day and that Staples will be collecting for at least another two weeks. Individuals can make a donation at the store as they are checking out. Click here to read more about this donation on our website under "In the News".
"We Three Kings" Performed by RHS Classic Sounds Honors
Roxbury High School Classic Sounds Honors has been working hard to maintain some sense of normalcy during this complicated time. During our hybrid and virtual instruction, we have been preparing Darmon Meader's arrangement of "We Three Kings". Without the possibility of a live concert, we worked toward creating a virtual choir performance of the piece. Enjoy & Merry Christmas! Click the video above to hear their rendition.
Roxbury’s
“My Favorite Book”
Essay Contest Winners
Three sixth-grade students from Lincoln/Roosevelt Elementary School won the “My Favorite Book” essay contest sponsored by the Roxbury Woman’s Club in conjunction with the Roxbury Public Library.
 
Lynn Gaillard, Roxbury Library’s supervising librarian for youth services announced this year’s winners via email, “It is my pleasure to announce this year's winners of the My Favorite Book Contest sponsored by the Roxbury Woman's Club.”
 
The winners are:
  • Gianna Benfatti, First Place Winner
  • Carina Campos, Second Place Winner
  • Erianna De Los Santos, Third Place Winner
 
Winners each received a Barnes and Noble gift card ranging from $20-30. Click here to read more about this program on our website under "In the News".
“Our Giving Tree” Jefferson 1st Grade Community Service Project
First graders at Jefferson Elementary School will be participating in a community service project this holiday season and are looking for help and support from the Roxbury community.
 
First Grade Teacher Barbara Derrick helped to organize this “Our Giving Tree” collection of new hats, mittens/gloves, socks, and scarves for Roxbury Social Services. “We are looking for these donations in child or adult sizes.”
 
Prior to the district’s announcement on Tuesday, Jefferson students were encouraged to make the donation as they entered school in the morning. However, with the district going fully remote beginning Monday, December 14th, the first graders will need more help in making their “Giving Tree” a success.
 
The first graders are asking families and the Roxbury community interested in donating to drop off items at Jefferson Elementary School located at 35 Cornhollow Road in Succasunna on Tuesdays thru Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. now until December 23rd. Click here to read this article on our website under "In the News".
Rox-THON Holds Holiday
Fundraisers for Pediatric Cancer
Roxbury High School’s Rox-THON is holding two fundraisers this holiday season. The first is a virtual Santa fundraiser which is a virtual holiday meet and greet with the big man himself! The cost is a $10 donation that includes a 10-minute visit with Santa. $5 per extra child. Your children will be able to speak with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself! This event takes place on December 16th, 17th, and 18th, between 5:00-6:30 p.m.
 
The second holiday fundraiser brings in our furry friends. Rox-THON is hosting a Holiday Pet Photo Contest. Dress and snap the cutest picture of your pet in its holiday best and submit by Wednesday, December 23rd by emailing rhsroxthon@gmail.com. The entry fee is $5 for the initial submission. Any additional submissions are $3 per photo. The winner of the Holiday Pet Photo Contest will receive a $25 gift card.
 
Register for one or both events now online at https://rhsroxthon.salsalabs.org/roxthon2021.
 
Rox-THON is both an event and a club at Roxbury High School to fight pediatric cancer. Proceeds from these events will support local families and cancer research. Click here to read this coverage on our website under "In the News".
RHS Gift Card Blitz of Walmart and Speedway gift cards to support Roxbury Social Services.
Roxbury HS Holds Gift Card Blitz
to Support Roxbury Social Services
In lieu of food, toys, and clothing, Roxbury Special Services is providing families in need with gift cards to Walmart and Speedway. 

If you would like to help those in our community in need, Roxbury High School is doing a gift card “blitz” until Wednesday, December 16. No amount is too small. 

Drop off gift card donations to the security office at Roxbury HS located at 1 Bryant Drive, Succasunna.
Roxbury High School's
Winter Dance Showcase - Dec 18

Save the date for Roxbury High School's 4th Annual “Winter Dance Showcase” which will be held on Friday, December 18th at 7:00 p.m.


Click here to read about this event on our website under "In the News".
Roxbury Band Group Forced to Be Creative in Fundraising
With COVID-19 forcing the cancelation of its two biggest annual fundraising events, the Roxbury High School Band Parents Association (RHSBPA) found itself about $20,000 in the hole this year compared to most years.

That meant it was time to think outside the box for the organization, which helps raise money not only for band members in the high school but also for those in Lincoln-Roosevelt School and Eisenhower Middle School.

Since the beginning of the school year, the RHSBPA has been selling – as face mask or earbud holders - small pouches on which the Roxbury “R” is printed (with or without a treble clef). The zippered pouches have key rings and can easily be attached to backpacks and cost $8 each and can be ordered through the RHSBPA’s Facebook page.

As another way to raise money, the organization is offering music-related merchandise from Musically Inclined. The items include jewelry, trinkets, key rings, and little statues of musicians. These can be ordered through the company’s website by entering “Roxbury” as a coupon code.

One final push for donations will take place Dec. 19 when small groups of young Roxbury musicians will perform holiday music - and collect contributions - outside several Roxbury businesses.

These extra efforts are required because the pandemic forced the cancelation of the RHSBPA’s two main annual fundraisers, the Metropolitan Wind Band Invitational, normally held in March, and the Marching Band Classic, normally held in late September. Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
"12 Days of Exercise" by Jefferson Elementary School
Looking for motivation to get moving? Click the video link above to follow our Jefferson School students move to the 12 Days of Exercise.
STEM in Jefferson PreK

Jefferson Preschoolers love science, especially STEM science activities. Add STEM science activities to the story of the gingerbread man and the children really enjoyed themselves said Preschool Teacher Patti Klein.
 
Preschoolers in her class were given gumdrops, marshmallows, popsicle sticks, and toothpicks and let their imaginations run wild.
 
The creativity was amazing to see and the students didn’t want to leave their projects!

Click here to read this story on our website under "In the News".
Morris Arts
Offering Annual Scholarships
Morris Arts is offering two scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary studies at an accredited institution or acknowledged arts school or fine arts program.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, in the amount of $5,000, and The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, in the amount of $1,500, were created to recognize artistic excellence, encourage the artists of the future, and to celebrate the value of the arts to the human experience.

Morris County high school seniors graduating in June 2021 who are currently attending public, private, or parochial school in New Jersey are eligible. Applicants must be Morris County residents, plan to pursue post-secondary studies at an accredited institution or acknowledged arts school or fine arts program, and have demonstrated artistic excellence in dance, drama, music, or visual arts.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Applications must be emailed to Lsiebert@morrisarts.org – with the subject line marked “Scholarship.” Applications are available through high school guidance offices as well as online at the Morris Arts website, http://goo.gl/q7DFVj. Click here to read more about these scholarships from the Roxbury Register.
Kennedy Playground in the background with the words "Roxbury Schools Playgrounds are closed to public use until further notice" on top in navy blue letters.
Roxbury Schools Playground Use
Until further notice, Roxbury school playgrounds will remain closed to public use in an effort to maintain a safe and clean environment. This includes evenings, weekends, and when school is not in session. We encourage you to utilize Township parks during this time.

Our staff is working very hard to disinfect our facilities and to maintain a safe environment. We ask that you cooperate with us and as soon as we feel confident that we can provide a safe environment we will re-open public access. Thank you for understanding and cooperation!
rSchooltoday app logo: light blue baseball cap with white letters rSt on it.
rSchooltoday App
Roxbury Schools is using the rSchoolToday app to do the Daily Health Screening. 

Please keep in mind that the rSchoolToday health screening is ONLY for students who are attending school in person on a given day. Therefore, ONLY students in the Blue cohort will need to conduct a health screening and submit through the app on Tuesday. Any student who is exhibiting symptoms or responds affirmatively to any of the screening questions should not attend school that day. Fully virtual students do not need to complete a health screening unless they are participating in an on-site event, such as sports. 

If you are still having difficulty with the app, please complete the Student and Parent Help Desk Request form or contact rSchoolToday at support@rschooltoday.com.
Roxbury Technology Help Desk for Students & Parents
For Technical assistance, please complete the Tech Request Form for Students & Parents and a technician will work with you to resolve any issues.

The name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form. Thank you.
Optimum's Free 60 Day Student Broadband Offer
Altice is offering Altice Advantage Internet 30Mbps service complimentary for 60 days to new households with K-12 and/or college students who do not currently have home internet access. 

Households in the Optimum service area can call to sign up at 866.200.9522 or visit AlticeAdvantageInternet.com for more information. 
State of Our Gaels Nation
Roxbury High School Gaelvision
Follow Gaelvision on Twitter
Follow Gaelvision on Facebook
Follow Gaelvision on Instagram
Gael head with shield and helmet

RHS Athletic Events Calendar

Click here for the most up-to-date calendar of Roxbury High School sporting events.

Roxbury HS PSA - Stay safe, so we can play! Let's Go Gaels!
Thanks to the Sports and News Class at RHS for putting together this PSA below. Let's play! Stay safe! Practice Social Distancing, Wear your Mask, Wash your Hands and Stay home if you are not feeling well! Let's Go Gaels!
Sword and a shield with the Roxbury R in the center of the shield with word Roxbury Gaels outlining them.
Analysis | Multiple factors to be weighed in determining NJSIAA spring sports calendar
About 100,000 student-athletes and their coaches are awaiting word from the NJSIAA regarding a 2021 spring sports calendar, which the state’s governing body for high school athletics is expected to unveil before the end of next week.

The NJSIAA wants to minimize the disruption for spring athletes after the coronavirus pandemic wiped out their 2020 campaign, and appears to want to avoid overlapping seasons, as well.

Any plan is contingent upon the spread of COVID-19 and other health-related factors.

The NJSIAA must weigh myriad issues in determining the spring sports calendar. They include equity, Title IX, gymnasium space, preparation time for athletes such as baseball pitchers, participation numbers, conflicts for those who coach multiple seasons, the threat of club team or travel league takeovers, dates of college-recruiting showcases, and the possibility of inclement weather postponing an inordinate number of games, thus shortening a team’s season. Click here to read more from the Daily Record.

Roxbury XC Team End-of-Season Honors
Roxbury High School’s cross-country team’s end-of-season honors were recently announced. The following team members received All-Conference Honors.
 
First Team All-Conference: Nate Hajel, Thomas Schulz, Gabby Daskalova, and Madison Gargiulo.
 
Second Team All-Conference: Bella Campiglia.
 
Honorable Mention All-Conference: Abby Dietz and Schafer Sembrat.
 
The boys team was voted the winner of the Sportsmanship Award this year by the teams in the conference. The boys team placed second at the NJSIAA State Sectional Championship and the girls team placed 4th. In a normal year, both teams would have qualified for the NJSIAA State Group Championship. Click here to read this coverage on our website under "In the News".
Roxbury HS NJAC Red North XC All-State Conference Honors
Boys Soccer: Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference all-stars, 2020
Click here to read which boys soccer players were named Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference All-Stars for 2020 from NJ.com. Click here to read additional coverage on this from the Daily Record.

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference girls soccer honors
Click here to read which girls soccer players were named with honors this year from the Daily Record. Click here to read additional coverage on this from NJ.com.

Four Roxbury Girls Included in County Soccer Coaches' Top Player Lists
Four Roxbury High School athletes were among the players recognized recently by Morris County high school girls soccer coaches who created a top-22 list, named an all-county team and bestowed some honorable mentions. Making the top-22 list was Roxbury senior goalie Emily Honig. The coaches included seniors Morgan Joyce and Dylan Fay in their all-county team. Freshman Juliana Osterman received an honorable mention. Chatham senior and Purdue signee Elizabeth Droner was named Player of the Year. Click here to read this coverage from TAPinto Roxbury.

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference girls tennis honors
Click here to read which girls tennis players were named with honors this year from the Daily Record.
Gaels Going Green
Did you know...
Since 2016, the Roxbury Township Public Schools has been striving to become more sustainable and green in its policies and practices. The Board of Education and administration made the decision to pursue district sustainability and green initiatives by creating and approving policies and regulations outlining its position and efforts. 

To that end, all seven schools in Roxbury Township attained Bronze certification through Sustainable Jersey for Schools in August 2018 and now we are striving to renew that certification and attain the next level, Silver! In this section, you will find various green initiatives, events, and tips to live a healthier, greener life. Click here for more information regarding our sustainability initiative.
Victoria Tips and Tricks on Recycling
KES Student Spotlight: Victoria's Tips, Tricks, and Facts to Help Save our Planet by Recycling
As our minds continue to be filled with thoughts and uncertainties about the pandemic. Victoria Phelan Fonseca, a 4th-grade student at Kennedy School in Mrs. Leister's class, has bigger concerns about the lasting effects of pollution, especially plastics filling our landfills, environments, and oceans. Plastics are destroying our oceans and the habitats that millions of sea animals call home.

Each week Victoria will be giving tips, tricks, and facts to all Roxbury families so we can help slow this effort and continue to raise awareness on this important crisis. Check back each week to hear more tips, tricks, and facts from Victoria.
School Community Asset Map - You Can Help!
As part of our initiative to maintain Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, we continuously need to update our Community Asset Map. This is a collective inventory of the positive and valued aspects of a community by identifying the places, institutions, programs, and people that contribute to making our communities great places to learn and live.

Community assets can include information on local artists, scientists, and other experts, parks, local historic buildings, and green businesses, but can also include resources like cultural activities and events, arts, cultural and service organizations, social service agencies, and community organizations that are part of the great community context.

We've come up with over 700 businesses, restaurants, educational institutions, medical facilities, transportation hubs, and community organizations since 2018, but we need your help up in updating this list as we know things are ever changing.

Please take a few minutes and jot down a few places and/or groups that you can think of to help round out our list. Click here for more information regarding the Roxbury Community Asset Map and how you can contribute.
Sort your waste correcting this holiday season with the Recycle Coach app that can be downloaded using the QR code.
Recycling, trash collection changes in Roxbury
The township has rearranged its year-end holiday recycling and trash collection schedule in partnership with the hauler, Blue Diamond, which is mutually beneficial to both residents and the hauler.

This year’s Christmas and New Year’s holidays fall on a Friday, leaving Thursday and Friday’s routes missing two weeks’ worth of recycling collection.

The new schedule allows for the Thursday and Friday routes to have a full recycling and trash collection over the two back-to-back holiday weeks, helping to minimize the significant volume of recycling that many residents would have collected due to lack of recycling pickups.

The new schedule is as follows:
Collection services for Routes 4 & 5 will change to the following:
  • Thursday, Dec. 24 – Trash and Comingle collection – Route 4
  • Friday, Dec. 25 – No collection – Route 5
  • Saturday, Dec. 26 – Trash and Comingle collection – Route 5
  • Thursday, Dec. 31 – Trash and Paper collection – Route 4
  • Friday, Jan. 1 – No collection – Route 5
  • Saturday, Jan. 2 – Trash and Paper collection – Route 5

We strongly encourage our residents to download the free waste and recycling app: Recycle Coach. The app is a great tool for us to stay connected with our residents. The web-app contains information our residents need to know about our residential garbage and recycling services.

"We also want to remind our residents that the recycling center will be open during the holiday weekends, standard working hours Saturday and Sunday 8-4 for recycling drop off," said Kellie Ann Keyes, Roxbury Township Recycling Coordinator. For more information, contact Kellie Ann Keyes at 973-448-2053 or keyesk@roxburynj.us. Click here to read more from the Roxbury Register.
Species on the Edge
Art & Essay Contest
Attention 5th grade students and teachers, submissions are now being accepted for the "Species on the Edge 2021" Art and Essay Contest.

The contest empowers 5th grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece. It's simple, fun, and free to enter! Students may enter the contest with their class, or on their own. One winner will be selected from each county in New Jersey. Entries are being accepted through January 31, 2021. Click here for more information and for the contest kit which includes the rules, species list, and entry form.
Roxbury Trails: Take a Hike in Roxbury, NJ
Visit HikeRoxbury.org to find trails close to home.

It’s a great opportunity to get out of the house and into the sunshine, no matter what the temperature is! There are five parks in Roxbury with trails, with varying levels of difficulty. Several trails have great views this time of year. Descriptions, images, maps as well as links to other local trails are available.
Helpful Things to Know
Roxbury Collects  
Box Tops for Education
Roxbury Schools collects "Box Tops for Education" at the K-8 schools. It's an easy, practically effortless way to raise funds for our schools by purchasing items you buy all the time. Clipped box tops can be sent to our K-8 schools.

Skip the Clip with the next generation of Box Tops! Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online.

for more information.
Virtual Backpack!
Here we will feature events of organizations, clubs, and teams throughout our community that serve to enrich the lives of our students. 

Announcements, upcoming events, documents and forms that were previously sent home via backpacks will now be included in the Virtual Backpack.

Let's continue to work to go green! (On occasion though, some paper forms, and flyers and other important information, will come home with your student or be sent to you directly via email.) This page is updated as flyers and events are received. Check the backpack!
Check Your
Honeywell Settings!
Don't wait until severe weather hits to check your settings! You may want to change your time settings from Midnight to Midnight and have more than one way of being contacted (i.e., phone call or text message and/or email)! This way if the phone lines are down/circuits are busy, etc., you are covered! Log into your Honeywell account here

Click here for parent instructions on creating an account.
Roxbury Employment Opportunities
Roxbury R in while in a navy blue circle with a yellow path
Roxbury Schools
To view all available employment opportunities for Roxbury Township Public Schools and to apply online, visit www.roxbury.org/employment.

Roxbury Township
To view all available employment opportunities for Roxbury Township, visit www.roxburynj.us/301/Township-Employment-Information.
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
Mondays:
12/14/2020 - Regular Meeting (Virtual)
01/04/2021 - Reorganization Meeting

Location:  
Lincoln/Roosevelt Auditorium, 34 N. Hillside Ave., Succasunna, NJ (unless indicated otherwise)

Time:
7:30 p.m. (unless indicated otherwise)

View the Meeting Dates, Agendas, and Minutes here!
Roxbury Alumni in News
RHS Alumni Reunion Calendar
Are you planning a class reunion or get together or do you have a reunion coming up and want to see if anything is planned? Then click here to check out the Roxbury High School Reunion Calendar!

Find Us on Facebook too at Roxbury High School Alumni Association
Roxbury's LaManna Becomes
Mount Olive Police Officer
Roxbury resident Anthony LaManna is Mount Olive's newest police officer, it was announced December 4th.

LaManna is a 2011 Roxbury High School graduate and the son of Lawrence and Susan LaManna.

After graduating from high school, LaManna attended Centenary College in Hackettstown and
graduated in May 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, said the department. He was hired by Mount Olive in September 2017 as a part-time communications officer. He became a full-time communications officer on Jan. 1, 2019; and a year later Mount Olive Mayor Robert Greenbaum approved his recommendation for hire as a police officer. LaManna is a graduate of the 94th Basic Police Class of the Morris County Police Academy. He graduated July 10. Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
Roxbury Community School
Upcoming Programs & Events
Twilight Ski Club Programs
Due to COVID, the individual Ski and Snowboard Clubs for Grades 5-12 (Lincoln/Roosevelt School, Eisenhower Middle School, and Roxbury High School) through the Roxbury Community School WILL NOT be operating for the 2020/2021 school year.
 
However, we have arranged with Shawnee Mountain to offer Friday and Saturday Twilight Clubs where individuals and families can go up on their own and ski. We know skiing and/or snowboarding are lifetime sports and we still wanted to provide our families and the surrounding communities the opportunity to ski and snowboard at local mountain resorts this winter. For more information, visit www.roxbury.org/Ski.
Register now for the
Roxbury Community School Preschool for the 2020/2021 school year!

For more information about our high-quality program and to register for the Roxbury Community School Preschool, please visit www.roxbury.org/preschool

The Roxbury Community School Preschool is a tuition-based program open to children ages 3-5 as of October 1st and runs congruently with the district calendar and is open to non-Roxbury residents as well!
RCS College Prep
The Roxbury Community School is dedicated to helping students prepare for college through a few different avenues.

The Roxbury Community School has also partnered with Kaplan SAT/ACT Prep, Lentz & Lentz SAT/ACT Prep, and My 3 Sons/NJ Tutoring to empower students to excel on standardized tests like the SAT's and ACT's. Registrations are ongoing throughout the year! Click here to see what upcoming college prep programs are offered!
RCS Kids Corner
The Roxbury Community School offers courses and workshops year-round for children of all ages. 

Children need to be registered in the school's they attend for the after-school programs. Evening and weekend programs are open to Roxbury and non-Roxbury residents. Click here to view the kid's corner community school programs on our website.
RCS Adult Programs
At the Roxbury Community School we understand adults of all ages are busy with kids, work, and life in general. Sometimes though you need to just do something for yourself.  That's where we come in! We offer evening and weekend programs and workshops geared towards adults that help to enrich your mind and body.  Join us for these fun-filled and informative programs! These programs are all open to Roxbury and non-Roxbury residents! 

Click here to view the adult community school programs on our website.
Around Town
Information from Roxbury Township and Local Organizations
Roxbury Township logo in a circle. Teepee and canoe along water with a mountain in the background.
Keep up-to-date with everything going on in Roxbury Township. 
Click here for township information.

Click here for the latest edition of the Township's Monthly What's Happening E-Newsletter filled with upcoming district, township, and recreation events for all ages!
Roxbury Public Library
Go to roxburylibrary.org to access Roxbury Library's upcoming Events Calendar for adults and children. Register online for programs or call the library at (973) 584-2400. For general information, contact comments@roxburylibrary.orgClick here to view Roxbury Library's upcoming programs in events in our Virtual Backpack under the flyer section.
Roxbury Library Hosts Holiday Pop-Up Book Sale
The Roxbury Public Library is filling another need in our community. Without a local bookstore, residents can now look to the library for gently used, recent release books for children, teens and adults. The Friends of the Roxbury Public Library will host a pop-up holiday book sale from Dec. 5 through Dec. 18. All proceeds from this fundraiser will support library program expenses, museum passes, equipment and services.

Whether to visit the holiday pop up sale or the library in general, everyone is required to make an appointment at https://www.roxburylibrary.org/visit or by calling the library at (973) 584-2400. Click here to read more about this event from TAPinto Roxbury.
Roxbury Library Launches
Online Homework Tutoring Service
Roxbury Public Library has announced the launch of Brainfuse -- on-demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. 

Brainfuse HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. 

JobNow provides services and tools helping with resumes, interviews and careers. VetNow is a significant resources center for veterans and their families, with help to access benefits, and job and transition help. 

Brainfuse is now available to all Roxbury library cardholders and can be accessed from any device at home or in the library with live service available seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Click here to read more about these resources from TAPinto Roxbury.

Follow Roxbury Township Public Library on Facebook for updates.
Roxbury Recreation
The Recreation Department at Roxbury Township is proud to offer programs for residents of all ages. Here in Roxbury there are an abundant number of youth sports and activities, a lake complex which provides for summer beach fun, beautiful parks, immaculate athletic fields, playgrounds for the little ones and trails for the adventurous. Click here to visit Roxbury Recreation's website for upcoming sports, activities, and information!

Follow Roxbury Recreation on Facebook for updates and programs.

Follow Roxbury Recreation on Instagram for updates and programs.
Mount Arlington Recreation
Mt Arlington Rec is a group of volunteers appointed by the Mayor with the goal to coordinate and administer the recreation needs of the Borough. They work together with community volunteers to offer quality recreational programs for the entire family. Click here to visit Mount Arlington Recreation's website for upcoming programs, events, and activities!

Follow Mount Arlington Borough on Facebook for updates and programs.
Santa's Making Roxbury Rounds but Keep Your Distance
Hoping to lift the COVID-dampened spirits of Roxbury residents, township fire and first-aid volunteers will be driving Santa around town, but the big guy won't be giving out hugs, handing out toys, or signing autographs.

All three fire and EMS companies in the township have announced plans to escort Jolly St. Nick through their neighborhoods. However, in an effort to keep things safe, they are not planning any up-close-and-personal encounters. Also, none will be doing the holiday gift deliveries to less fortunate children, something done in past years.

Two of the Santa tours are taking place tomorrow, (Dec. 12), and one is slated for Dec. 19. The decision to even tour the town with Santa was not easy for department officials unwilling to risk either their member or the public to coronavirus exposure. On Nov. 20, Roxbury Fire and First Aid Co. 2, in Landing, said the "Santa Run" wasn’t going to happen. Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
Morris freeholders roll out free,
at-home COVID tests for county residents, workers
Morris County launched its at-home, no-cost COVID-19 testing program Saturday for Morris County residents and people who work in Morris County, as the number of new cases continues to increase in correlation with a statewide spike in the virus.

A portal through which qualified Morris County residents and workers can apply for testing materials to be sent to their homes may be found on the Morris County’s Office of Health Management COVID-19 information page.

People applying to receive the home tests will reach a landing page informing them of two available tests – one involving saliva and one nasal – and directing them to select one. Click here to read more from MorristownGreen.com.
Watch for JCP&L Helicopter Work Dec 13 or 14, weather permitting
Please be advised that the Haverfield Aviation will be assisting in the completion of various JCP&L maintenance items on December 13 or 14, weather permitting.

The helicopter will either be seen transporting line workers and equipment to and from the work area(s) or will be seen hovering extensively while in the work area(s) as a line worker performs repair work via platform that’s attached to the helicopter. The pilot will be in communication with any local airports, when in their airspace. The helicopter is a black MD500 helicopter with red tail number N4265J. Click here to read about this work from Hopatcong Lake Regional News.
Light Up Roxbury Cub Pack 54 is selling Luminary Kits for $10
Cub Scout Pack 54 of Succasunna is selling Luminary Kits for $10 this holiday season.

Our hopes are to light up Roxbury but more importantly, bring a smile to everyone driving through our wonderful town!

Please spread the word and sign up to get yours today. On behalf of the Pack 54 family, we thank you and wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Place your order via email at fundraiser@cubscoutpack54.org.

For more information, visit www.cubscoutpack54.org.

Follow Cub Scout Pack 54 on Facebook!

Click here to read about this event from TAPinto Roxbury.
Game On:
Roxbury Launches
Holiday Decorating Contest
A few questions for the holiday decoration fanatics of Roxbury: Do you have what it takes to be a master of the festive front yard? Will you risk the frustration of one bad bulb killing a string of 100 tiny lights? Can you rationalize the jaw-dropping, post holidays JCP&L bill? If so, you have about a month to do what it takes to become a winner in the 2020 Roxbury Recreation Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

The contest is the township’s effort to help Roxbury residents end a depressing, COVID-tinged year with a little cheer and good-natured competition, said Recreation Department Program Director Ryan Williams. “This contest is a salute to those who brave the elements, meticulously stringing up lights for everyone to enjoy,” Williams wrote on the department’s Facebook page. It’s on that page that all submitted entries will be displayed. Winners, to be announced Dec. 22, will be based on the number of “likes” they receive. Click here for more information from TAPinto Roxbury.
Wreaths to Be Placed
on 622 Roxbury Veteran Graves
The goal is to place a wreath on every military veteran grave in Succasunna’s cemeteries later this month. Even with COVID-19 causing hardship, the Ferro Monte Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (FMDAR) will get that done. The organization has secured wreath donations for all 622 graves, said FMDAR State Recording Secretary Kim Armstrong. “We have made our goal,” she said. “We have always made the goal except for our very first year in 2014.”

The wreath placements by family members and volunteers - part of the annual Wreaths Across America program - will take place Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. In past years, when the weather allowed it, the wreath placements happened on one day and included a large public ceremony. Not this year, thanks to COVID-19.

Watch it Online
The wreath laying will be done by appointment only on Dec 18 and on Dec. 19. There will be a virtual ceremony that can be viewed online Dec. 19, not the usual event that included dozens of people – including public officials – gathering at the cemeteries on Main Street in Succasunna. Armstrong said the pre-recorded ceremony will include appearances by local Scouts, some U.S. Marines, Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Adam Woytovich and some elected officials. She said people interested in watching the virtual ceremony should keep checking the organization’s Facebook page for details on when it will be available. People who want to participate in placing the wreaths can sign-up at RoxburyWAA.org, email Anderson at FerroMonteDAR@gmail.com or call her at 973-584-9255. Click here to read more from TAPinto Roxbury.
Join us for a night of laughs as we raise money for the Rotary Club of Roxbury Scholarship Fund! Jersey Night Live Entertainment Presents Rotary Club of Roxbury Comedy Night on Saturday, January 30, 2021. Zoom opens at 6:30 with the show starting at 7 pm.

Performing is National Headliner, JOHN PIZZI, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT - One of the hottest rising comics in the entertainment industry has brought his unique brand of comedy to audiences around the country! Ticket Zoom Package is $50 which provides online Zoom ticket and event access. For further information or to purchase tickets directly, contact Steve Alford 973-204-1204. Click here to view this event on Roxbury Rotary's Facebook page.
Kindness for Christopher
Blood Drive - Jan 14

Celebrate life and make a difference by giving blood. Blood is needed for many different kinds of patients. It could be a young child with a rare blood disorder, a family member fighting cancer, or a friend involved in a car accident. Please schedule an appointment to donate at this special blood drive in honor of Kindness for Christopher on Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 2-7 p.m. at the Roxbury Senior Center (72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna). You'll feel good knowing you've helped change the lives of patients in need.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor keyword: Kindness for Christopher

Click here to see this event flyer in our Virtual Backpack.
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey is kicking off the 2021 year with an exciting new virtual event for girls are interested in joining Girl Scout in grades Kindergarten-5th.

Winter Wonderland at Home are activities that focus on the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship, while having lots of fun and making new friends. This great adventure into Girl Scouts is $40 and includes a fun box of supplies!

Register now at www.gsnnj.org/winterwonderland.

Click here to view this event flyer in our Virtual Backpack.
Roxbury New Jersey - The IFGS Travel Guide (History)
Click on the image above to see a video about Roxbury, New Jersey from IFGS. This video will give you a little history about Roxbury New Jersey...From the skies, to the road and ground. You will be learning about Roxbury History, school history, Hercules power plant explosion, a Resort that is long gone and much more.
NJ families can get money to help with child care during remote learning. Here's how to apply
New Jersey families struggling to afford child care during remote learning can now apply for state grants under a new $150 million state program. The Department of Human Services said Monday that it had begun taking applications for its COVID-19 child care tuition assistance program. Families with incomes up to $75,000 that need either full or part-time child care due to their child's remote learning schedule are eligible to apply.

Tuition assistance will be available through Dec. 30 for eligible residents with children 5 to 13 years old. Applicants must show proof of income and a notice or announcement from their child's school of a remote learning schedule. Families can apply online at www.ChildCareNJ.gov. Click here to read more about this from the Daily Record. Information regarding this program can also be found in our Virtual Backpack flyer section.
It's never been easier to take a Quick Peek at your child's early development.

Get a FREE, Quick Early Developmental Screening. Join the experts from Children's Specialized Hospital for a developmental screening for children ages 1 to 5 years old.

You will receive practical tools and resources about early childhood development.

Click here for more information or to register for a virtual quick developmental screening, or call 908-301-5498.

Click here to view this flyer in English and Spanish in our Virtual Backpack.
Roxbury Woman's Club seeks monetary donations to continue philanthropy work
The Roxbury Woman's Club is seeking donations to help keep its local philanthropic efforts alive. According to the group, the COVID-19 pandemic is curtailing fundraising plans, and the club may have to fold its local contributions if donations are not raised. As such, for the first time in its 61-year-history, the club is reaching out for financial support. In prior years scholarships have been awarded to help defray continuing education expenses of Roxbury High School girls and to women attending County College of Morris who will re-enter the workforce. Financial and in-kind assistance has also been provided to local non-profit organizations and to help with urgent financial needs of veterans, individuals and families facing devastating health challenges or crises.

Donations may be made by sending a check payable to Roxbury Woman’s Club and mailing to Roxbury Woman’s Club PO Box 13, Succasunna, N.J. 07876.

To date, members have kept active with several socially-distanced projects, including sewing face masks for local hospitals and the Roxbury Public Library’s mask project; setting up seasonal displays at the corner of Eyland Ave. and Route 10 West; collecting sweatshirts for Operation Chillout – an organization dedicated to assisting homeless veterans; filling Holiday Stockings with personal necessities for troops overseas; raising funds and walking for Alzheimer’s Association Greater NJ Chapter; collecting shoes for Soles4Souls, and supporting Social Services with donations of food and gift cards. Membership is open to all women over 18. For more information, contact membership chair Heather Champagne at (862) 207-9767 or email roxburywomansclub@gmail.com. Click here to read more from the Roxbury Register.
Roxbury Woman’s Club – Soles4Souls Shoe Donation
Once again, the Roxbury Woman’s Club is organizing a "Soles4Souls" shoe donation, joining the ranks of non-profits in distributing free shoes to those in need in an effort to help "Wear out Poverty" and create sustainable jobs in the United States and throughout the world.

Now through December 31, join them in donating your “gently-used” footwear for all types and help us reach our goal of collecting 1000 shoes! They may be donated (tied together please) to the collection containers conveniently placed inside:

  • Investors Bank Lobby - 2 Commerce Blvd., Succasunna
  • Ashley Farms - 25 Hillside Ave., Flanders
  • Absolute Home Mortgage - 77 Union St., Suite B, Dover
  • Roxbury Twp. Recreation Office, 72 Eyland Ave., Succasunna

As always, The Roxbury Woman's Club thanks you for your kindness and generosity as we continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of others!

Follow the Roxbury Woman's Club on Facebook for updates.
Click here for more information and the order form or contact Michele O'Halloran at Town Hall 973-448-2002 or
Buy-A-Brick Campaign to Help Improve Main Street
Roxbury Township's Main Street Committee invites you to help support their fundraising efforts to continue the beautification of Main Street in Succasunna. Remember a loved one or engrave your name in history! Engraved bricks cost $150 each. Group/bulk orders of ten (10) or more bricks submitted together can pay a discounted price of $125 per brick. Proceeds benefit the continued beautification of Main Street in Succasunna. The bricks are installed in the courtyard surrounding the Victorian Clock by the Gazebo at the Library. Remember a loved one. Honor your family's name on historic Main Street. Salute your graduate!