To Our Thomas Jefferson School Families,

March has been a great month here at Thomas Jefferson School! Students have been finishing up the third marking period, beginning the spring sports season, and participating in many fun school activities. 

7th Grade Pyramid Mountain Field Trip on 3/12 - 7th grade students hiked part of the Blue Trail and observed several rocks and features previously discussed in class. Classes will follow up with a reflection and additional lessons about the formation of different types of rocks. Students did great and look forward to getting back outside with them. Students observed firsthand how geological forces like erosion, glaciation, and plate tectonics have shaped the landscape over millions of years, making abstract concepts from their classroom lessons tangible and relatable. Pyramid Mountain’s trails provide a safe and engaging outdoor environment for students to learn about the different types of rocks, fossils, and the timeline of Earth's history, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Earth science.

Matilda the Musical - The TJ School Play was Matilda Jr. performed Friday March 14-Sunday March 16. The students worked for months on acting, stage setup, costumes, lighting, music, etc.  We are proud of all of their efforts and grateful for the direction and expertise of Ms. Love, Ms. Barbosa, and the sound expertise of Mr. Bova. The shows were truly amazing!

Blue Titan - This self-defense class was an excellent addition to our middle school science curriculum. On March 26th, 8th grade students explored how forces such as push and pull, momentum, and leverage are used in real-world scenarios to enhance safety and self-protection. Students practicing staying calm and using body positioning, balance, and the transfer of energy can make movements more effective. Coach Cheryl was amazing. She talked to  the students about fighting being the last resort, but also gave us valuable insight about scenarios where we need to protect ourselves. Dr. Glen Katz (owner) participated in training the students and gave students a flyer for a complementary class. Overall this was a fantastic trip giving students skills that they will be able to take with them beyond life at TJ.

Kid with an IEP assembly - On March 6th Thomas Jefferson students in grades 5-8 were treated to a presentation from Jordan Toma. The ability for all of us to overcome obstacles and challenges and fulfill our potential was a centerpiece of this uplifting and energy filled event. 

MD trip to LifeTown - On March 13th, students in Mrs. Zangara’s classroom visited LifeTown in Livingston, thanks to a grant from LifeTown. During their visit, students participated in life skills activities while exploring a simulated community that includes a bank, grocery store, pet store, doctor's office, movie theater, and many other community businesses. Their first stop was the bank, where they each received $12.00 from the bank teller to spend in the town. Using real money, they purchased items at each store and practiced social skills while interacting with the store employees. The students had a fun-filled day, applying the life and social skills they have learned in the classroom to a naturally simulated community environment. The students will return to LifeTown on May 21st, along with Mrs. Rallie's students from Lincoln School, as part of the grant. We can’t wait to share this experience with them!

The Kindness Ambassadors will be hosting a spring food drive from April 1st through 10th for our Rockaway Borough Community.

• Food items needed include: Mac & Cheese, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Snacks, Juice Boxes, Fruit Cups, etc.

Thomas Jefferson School students will again be participating in the NJ Jackals Read Around the Bases reading incentive program.  Students must read for at least three hours, submit a log, and they will earn two free NJ Jackals tickets.  Thank you to Mrs. Vlacich for coordinating this program. 

Club Volleyball Champions - On March 4, the Rams participated in the GMCJSCA County Club Volleyball Tournament at Valleyview School in Denville. The other schools participating were: Briarcliff (Mt. Lakes), Rockaway Valley (Boonton Twp.), Valleyview (Denville), and Unity Charter School.  The tournament is a round robin format for boys and girls divisions, then a championship round comprised of co-ed play.  The Rams dominated boys and girls play with 9 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie to earn the 1 seed in the co-ed finals. The co-ed team dominated Rockaway Valley in the semifinal round and Valleyview in the finals to win the championship with an overall record of 11 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie. This marks the 9th championship in the last 10 tries over the 11 year existence of the club. In fact, since 2015, we have only lost the championship one time (the other year there was no tourney due to COVID.) It should also be noted that the Rams, in comparison to other teams, displayed great sportsmanship and behavior during the tournament which is to be commended.  If we had not won, I would still be proud of our students' character. Mr. O and Mr. Leahey are very proud of this group of students!

Upcoming Events

• Spring Break will be from Monday, April 14th, through Monday, April 21st.  Please note that Friday, April 11th, is an early dismissal day. (12:45 pm) 

• The third marking period ends on Wednesday, April 2nd.  Grades will be available to families at 4:00 PM on April 11th. A communication blast will be sent at that time as a reminder. 

Thank you all for partnering with our school and staff to benefit each child! 

Leon Samuels

Principal

From Miss Selikoff....

Link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCyncRAvCD7taJk1gmO6BlHafHV9vGOrdzto_8lmFpT6rAJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

From Mrs. Love and Mr. Bova...

Congratulations to the TJ Players on a successful run of their production of Matilda Jr!

Band students are working toward their performances in May and should be practicing regularly.

The TJ Spring Evening Concert will be held Tues. May 20 at the Rockaway Assembly, 7 pm

That performance will include:

6th-8th Grade Chorus

Select Chorus

Concert Band

Jazz Band

The TJ Spring Afternoon Concert will be held Wednesday May 21 at the Rockaway Assembly, 1:30 pm

That performance will include:

4th Grade Chorus

5th grade Chorus

Beginner Band

Junior Band

*The Night of the Arts will be held the evening of May 22*

*The High Note Festival will be held Thursday May 29h for eligible concert band and select chorus students*

Now is the time to look for summer playing opportunities as well. Please reach out to Mrs. Love for ideas and suggestions.

7th & 8th Graders-MHHS Band

You are eligible and invited to join the Morris Hills High School Marching Band for their next season.

If you are interested and/or planning on joining the 2025 MH Marching Scarlet Knights Marching Band, here’s some information for you:

THE SHOW:

The marching band staff and I are working on our 2025 show selection, and will make an official announcement as soon as we've confirmed everything! Our membership (as in who plays certain instruments or signs up for the color guard) dictates what type of show that we program, so please sign up to partake in a positively life-changing experience!

THE SCHEDULE:

While I'm waiting on information from the school and our competition organization to will help finalize the schedule, here's what I can share:

• Summer Practices - one evening a week starting in July (color guard members may have some additional practices as scheduled by Mrs. Moreno, our color guard director)
• Band Camp - August 4th through 8th at Morris Hills
• Two evening practices a week (we have to practice in the evening due to facility limitations) starting at the end of August, wrapping up at the end of October/first week of November. These practices are typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, although adjustments may need to be made based on the master school calendar.
• Occasional Friday evening football games
• Saturday competitions and football games in September and October (possibly the first weekend in November)
• Possibly ONE Sunday competition (for a championships performance)

*For note: high school sports teams typically operate, between practices and games/matches/meets, over 6 or 7 days a week throughout the fall. (I know this firsthand, as my oldest son was an athlete at MH!) The marching band meets 3 or 4 times a week!

HOW TO JOIN:

Here is the link to sign-up, and feel free to share this link with anyone you think would be interested:  2025-2026 MHMB Sign-Up Form

There is no experience necessary, and we can use members in all sections! Anyone in 8th through 12th grades is able to join, keeping in mind that any 8th grader interested must live in Wharton, Rockaway Township and/or Borough, or Denville.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Here is a link to a GREAT video put together by one of our outstanding band parents, showing past season highlights and “behind the scenes”: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g84r78sgfeeaz45/Final.mov?dl=0

Lastly, I’d like to share with potential new members (and their parents/guardians) a great article:  10 Lessons Your Child Will Learn in Marching Band. It’s a quick and informative read!

As we're coming off one of our most successful seasons in about a decade, as well as our largest group in at least 15 years, it goes without saying that this is an INCREDIBLY EXCITING time to be part of one of the most successful and storied programs in the state!!!!!!  

Please reach out with any questions you may have!

Take care,

Mr. H.

--

RICHARD HARTSUIKER

Director of Bands

Morris Hills High School

973-664-2300

rhartsuiker@mhrd.org

https://morrishillsbands.com/

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR

From the HSA...

Rockaway Borough Home and School Association

Co-Presidents - Jaclyn Long & Kimberly Merrick

Treasurer - Danielle Wheelock

Corresponding Secretary- Irma Brainard

Recording Secretary - Sarah Langan

From the 8th Grade Parent Fundraising Committee...

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Monthly Programs for April

April Programs at the Rockaway Borough Public Library

Please visit rblibrary.org or call 973-627-5709 to register.

PROJECT HEALTHY BONES*

Tuesdays, April 1 to September 9. 10:00am to 11:30am. Adults. *Registration required.

This program will be held at the Assembly of God Church, 113 East Main St., Rockaway.

Project Healthy Bones (PHB) is a 24 week, weight-bearing exercise and educational program for adults with or at risk for osteoporosis. PHB exercises target the body’s larger muscle groups to improve strength, balance and flexibility. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing and good footwear to class. Bring a water bottle.

SPRING STORYTIME & CRAFT w/Ms. GERI*

Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 ~ 11:00am. Ages 2-5. *Weekly registration is required.

Join Ms. Geri for four more weeks of Spring-themed stories and a craft through April 22.

MY FIRST BOOK CLUB*

Friday, April 4 ~ 3:30pm. Grades 1-3. *Registration required.

This month, we are reading the Dr. Seuss graphic novel Cat out of Water by Art Baltazar. We will discuss the book, create our own Seuss-style character, and have an aquatic snack. Be sure to stop into the library to pick up a copy of the book!

SPRING INTO THE LIBRARY FOR A DROP-IN CRAFT

Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12

11:00am. Ages 3-8

(while supplies last)

BOOK A TOUR OF THE MUSEUM ROOMS*

Monday, April 7 ~ 6:30pm. Recommended for ages 9 to Adult. *Registration required.

Learn about the history of our library building as well as the history of libraries in America.

AFTERNOON ARTS & CRAFTS*

Wednesday, April 9 ~ 3:30pm. Ages 6-10. *Registration required.

This month we will be crafting bunny portraits with Ms. Geri.

TIME FOR TOTS*

Friday, April 11 ~ 11:00-11:45am. Ages 1-5. *Registration required.

Meet friends for books, playtime, and coloring.

LET'S DISH!*

Monday, April 14 ~ 1:30pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Let's talk about our favorite Easter or Passover recipes.

COLLAGE JOURNALING HOUR!*

Tuesday, April 15 ~ 4:00pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Relax while working on creating a new page for your journal using our supplies or your own. First-time participants will receive a journal to start this process.

KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP

Thursday, April 17 ~ 11:00am-12:30pm. Adults 18 and up.

Bring in your knitting, crochet, or needlework project to work on.

AFTER SCHOOL GAME CLUB*

Thursday, April 17 ~ 3:30pm-4:30pm. Ages 8-18. *Registration required.

Kids and teens meet in the library to play board games and card games.

CRAFT STICK FLOWER POTS*

Saturday, April 26 ~ 11:00am. Ages 3-12. *Registration required.

Join us to create your own stick flower pot for spring! Wildflower seeds will be provided to start your garden.

BOOK LOVERS MEETING*

Wednesday, April 30 ~ 6:30pm-7:30pm. Adults 18 and up. *Registration required.

Reserve a copy of “Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty and participate in a discussion about the book at the meeting. Bring a book suggestion or two to share with the group.

--

Melissa Okerblom

Library Director

Rockaway Borough Public Library

82 East Main St

Rockaway, NJ 07866

973-627-5709

http://www.rblibrary.org/