As a new school year approaches, it is important to provide a safe learning environment for our
students.
To that end, the Voorhees Township Committee and our school district continue to work together, and we will maintain police officers in all of our schools, all day every day.
The first few days of school are always emotional, especially for younger children. Accept and
validate your child’s emotions. Let them know that their feelings make sense. Parents should emphasize the positive aspects of starting school, and it’s important to develop good homework and study habits by creating an environment conducive to both. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in a bedroom or a part of the home that offers privacy.
Make sure your child has a daily, predictable routine, with regular times for healthy meals, naps
and sleeping through the night. Having a rested body and knowing what to expect at home helps
children cope. Set aside ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV and
computer stay off during that time. Be available to answer questions and help.
Consider starting your child on a school sleep/wake schedule a week or so ahead of the new school year so the November time change is not a factor. If your child is in a new school, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the building before the first day. Bring kids to school a few days prior to class to play on the playground and get comfortable in the new environment.
Make sure to touch base with your child’s new teacher so he or she knows you want to be supportive of your child’s school experience. Monitor your student’s developmental milestones and learn what to do if there are concerns. Talk to a health-care professional to learn if symptoms of anxiety or behavioral problems are severe or persistent.
Too often, we hear of tragic accidents involving school buses. Children should wait for the bus to
completely stop before approaching it from the curb. Make sure to always remain in clear view of
the bus driver and always obey the activated stop sign on the side of the vehicle when students are either entering or exiting.
Have a safe and happy school year!
The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a family night on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. The free event features Vet for a Day Pretend Clinic, games, face painting, food and a special guest. For more information, contact Jaime Moore jaimem@awanj.org or visit awanj.org.
The third performance of this year’s summer concert series at Connolly Park is on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The Beat Tells will entertain the audience with their tribute to the Beatles and there will be a Dooney’s Pub mobile bar and a variety of food trucks. For more information, visit voorheesnj.com or the township Facebook page or call the show hotline at (856) 882-SHOW.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Inspections Unit will be available on Thursday,
Sept. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the town center’s Somerdale Road side, across from Osage Elementary School. Inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis and they are also open to residents outside of Voorhees. You can present your vehicle for inspection up to two months before the expiration month. Bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. For more information, visit https://nj.gov/mvc.
The township’s food truck and music festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Connolly Park. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy 18 varied gourmet food trucks, live music, craft beers and a Sangria and Margarita bar. We ask that all attendees bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to help support the local food pantry.
Seating is not guaranteed, so bring blankets or chairs. To become a vendor, email justjerseyfest@aol.com.
