Thomas Jefferson School


October 2025



To Our Thomas Jefferson School Families,


As we conclude October, we are rapidly approaching the end of Marking Period One. November 10th will be the final day of the marking period - time flies! Students should ensure that they have submitted all their work. Teachers are always available to answer questions on assignments and content. 


October included the following weeks: Respect, Fire Prevention, School Violence Awareness, and Red Ribbon. Students showed a tremendous level of participation in our themed attire days, and numerous lessons accompanied these important topics. 


This past month also included a highly successful Talent Show, with eighteen (21) student acts showing their confidence, showmanship, and abilities by performing in front of a highly supportive and well-attended crowd. Their acts were nothing short of impressive!  


Halloween was celebrated with students attending school in various creative costumes. Fourth-grade and fifth-grade students joined Lincoln School for a parade, and grades 6-8 had the traditional Halloween Dance with seventh-grade ELA teacher Mr. Leahey as the DJ! This year, we added a well-attended, fun after-school 4th- and 5th-grade dance that students loved! 


On two dates in mid-October, band and chorus members practiced with middle school students from other sending districts and high school students from Morris Hills and Morris Knolls. Concerts were held at the end, with students performing the music they had learned throughout the day. 


The 8th grade had a wonderful Murder Mystery Authentic Performance Task on 10/31. Teachers decorated the gym, and in accordance with the Mystery Genre Unit in ELA, students spent the day interacting, critically thinking, and analyzing, all while having fun in a unique learning environment! The 8th grade also attended the Poe Theater field trip the day before, on 10/30. 


Our fall sports, including Cross Country, Girls Soccer, and Boys Soccer, recently concluded their seasons. Our student athletes competed rigorously and made the RAMS nation proud! Our Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Onischuk, will provide more details later in the next newsletter. 


Upcoming Events

  • Veterans Day - celebrated at school on Monday, November 11th. Wear Red, White, or Blue! Students will also be writing letters to Veterans to honor their service to our country. 
  • Teachers Convention November 6-7. School is not in session these days. 
  • Parent Conference Days - November 21, 24, 25. These days will be half days with a 12:45 dismissal. These conferences are designed to discuss your child’s progress. Teachers will reach out to families should they see any potential concerns to schedule a meeting. Also, families are encouraged to communicate with teachers and request a meeting at any point in the school year to discuss their child. 
  • Thanksgiving Break - There will be a half day on Wednesday, November 26th(also a 12:45 dismissal) and school will not be in session for the remainder of the week. 


Thank you all for partnering with our school and staff to benefit each child! Please reach out with any questions.  


Leon Samuels

Principal


Nurses Corner


Reminder to all parents.

If your child needs to take medication during the school day, whether it be prescription or over the counter a signed medical form must be signed by the prescribing healthcare provider. These forms are found on the District website, or you can request one be sent home with your student. All medications must be brought in by an adult and in its original packaging.

Any students who need Inhalers must have a signed Asthma Action Plan by the prescribing healthcare provider. The inhaler must be brought into and kept in the Health Office unless the prescribing healthcare provider states the student is capable of self carrying and self administering the Inhaler.

EpiPens must have a signed healthcare provider order and the EpiPen must be brought to the Health Office.

If your child needs cough drops a note from the parent can be sent in with the cough drops and kept in the Health Office.

Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day, please make sure your child eats breakfast prior to coming to school and they also should have a refillable water bottle.

Last but not least if your child is not feeling well, please do not send them to school. If they have a temperature of 100.4 they MUST be kept home for 24 hours and must be fever free for 24 hours. If your child vomits during the night they must be kept home for 24 hours with no vomiting.

If you need to reach me - the best way is through email: lsavercool@rockboro.org or by leaving a message on my office phone # 973-625-8603 x 305.


I hope everyone has a great 25-26 school year.


Thank you,

Mrs. Savercool


Student Picture Retake Day Is Coming!



Tuesday, November 18th


Photos may be ordered online at: mylifetouch.com


From Miss Selikoff...

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November


Please don’t forget that students are scheduled once a week for Band Lessons and should be logging home practice. Please be sure to check the Full Band rehearsals that meet before school according to the Band schedule. Stay tuned to Mrs. Love's Google Classroom and feel free to contact her at hlove@rockboro.org


The Winter Concerts will be held Dec. 2 & 4 at the Rockaway Assembly of God Facility as follows:


Tues. Dec 2 Evening Concert

The 7 pm performance will include:

TJ Choir (6th-8th grade)

Concert Band - 7th & 8th Graders (Advanced players in lower grades may be included)

Jazz Band


Thur. Dec 4 Afternoon Concert

The 1:00 pm performance will include:

4th Grade Chorus

5th grade Chorus

Beginner Band - 4th Graders (Beginner players in upper grades may be included)

Junior Band - 5th & 6th Graders (​O​ther grades may be included​ based on playing level)


Get excited for the Wizard of Oz!


The TJ Musical is open to any interested 6th-8th grader with fewer than 5 behavior points and a passing grade in all academic classes. Rehearsals will take place between Jan.- March culminating in performances the weekend of March 13-15. Please submit a TJ Musical interest form if you would like to participate!


There will be an information session and JAM audition workshop Wed. Nov 19 until 5 pm (ALL 6-8th graders are invited to attend.)


Audition/Sign Up week for the TJ Musical will be the week of Dec 8th.


Stage crew sign-ups can be done after school Wed & Thurs Dec. 9 &10.


Cast tryouts will be Tues Dec 9 & Wed Dec. 10 after school until 5.


Call backs will be Thurs Dec 11 & Fri Dec. 12.


Any questions, please contact Mrs. Barbosa jennifer@rockboro.org or Mr. Bova at nbova@rockboro.org



************************************************************************


Congratulations

to All Our Talented Perfomers

 on A Great Show!

2025-2026 School Calendar

From the RBEF...

From the HSA...

Rockaway Borough Home and School Association

President - Sarah Langan

Vice President - Irma Brainard

Treasurer - Danielle Wheelock

Corresponding Secretary- Megan Salerno

Recording Secretary - Gillian O'Dell


LOCAL ACTIVITIES


Monthly Programs for November


What's New in Our Schools and in Our Community
Respect Yourself and Others
Achieve Excellence
Make Good Choices
Stay Safe
Thomas Jefferson School - 95 East Main Street, Rockaway NJ 07866 - Phone: 973-625-8603