As a new school year approaches, it is important to provide a safe learning environment for our students.
In an ongoing effort to protect our children, the Voorhees Township Committee and our schools continue to work together. We will continue to have 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 your child know that their feelings are valid.
Parents should emphasize the positive aspects of starting school. It is important to develop good homework and study habits. Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. 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 night sleep at home. 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 homework time. Make every effort to be available to answer questions and help.
Consider starting your child on their school sleep/wake schedule a week or so in advance so the time change is not a factor in their first couple of days at school.
If it is a new school for your child, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school before the first day. Bring the child to school a few days before 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 they know you want to be supportive of your child’s school experience. Monitor your child’s developmental milestones and learn what to do if there are concerns. Talk to a healthcare professional to see if your child’s 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. As drivers, we should always obey the activated “Stop” sign on the side of a school bus when students are either entering or exiting the bus.
Have a safe and happy school year!
The final concert of the Summer Concert Series will be on Thursday, August 20, with a performance by “The FM Band.” Known for their crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock favorites, nostalgic throwbacks, and today’s biggest hits, “The FM Band” brings high-energy entertainment for all ages. Their versatile repertoire and engaging stage presence have made them a favorite throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia music scene.
Summer hours for the Voorhees Town Hall will be in effect until Tuesday, September 8. The Township offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM and will be closed on Fridays.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Inspection Unit will be on site on September 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6003 Voorhees Town Center. Vehicle inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and participation is open to all, regardless of residency. Vehicles may be presented for inspection up to two months before the expiration month. Please bring your vehicle, driver’s license, current registration, and valid, New Jersey proof of insurance. For more information, visit nj.gov/mvc/.
Voorhees Township is hosting a blood drive on September 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lions Lake Community Center. Be sure to check out our social media platforms for more details.
