November 2023 Update
From the Office of the Superintendent
Dear Families,
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. It is a perfect time in all of our lives to reflect and show gratitude for those things in our lives each day that bring us joy. I hope you did that, and spent some time relaxing as the busy holiday season is now upon us!
This week each school held their fall conferences for teachers to meet with parents to discuss the best ways to help each child grow in their time here at school. It is important that we continue to work collaboratively with a child-centered approach. There may be issues that arise throughout the year in which you wish to speak to school personnel. For your concern to be handled efficiently and appropriately, I ask that you continue to follow the Chain of Communication which can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Czr4n8r2Ivj8GSpdh_vbiMkKTgU0OYe_/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110958575261299360408&rtpof=true&sd=true
On another note, our referendum work continues. If you've driven by Wolf Hill recently, you've definitely noticed some significant changes. These changes on the outside are quite noticeable as the color of the building shifts from yellow to gray, but the changes on the inside are also pretty significant! In the next few weeks the attic expansion project will be complete and our teachers and students will be moving into the new and renovated rooms. The many projects have spanned years at this point, and it is truly exciting to see so many things come to fruition and the buildings transform to modern and beautiful learning spaces for our students.
Lastly, this week our thermometer readings took a dip (brrrrr!), which means the winter weather will soon be upon us. As you are aware, there are potential snow days each winter. To make our weather communications little more fun, I wanted to open up the opportunity for students(and families) to submit videos to be used to communicate an inclement weather delay or closure. Check out the flyer below. This is open to all students and families and the deadline to submit entries is 12/17/23.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season!
Best,
Laura Godlesky, Ed.D.
PreK Expansion at Wolf Hill School!
The Wolf Hill community is about to get larger as our PreK program will gain two additional classes with 15 students each. Over the summer, the District became eligible to apply for PreK Expansion Aid which provides additional state funding to increase opportunity for our community's three and four year old children to attend PreK. The district administrative team worked diligently on the application, knowing that our eligibility required us to earn the maximum number of points for each section, as we were the fourth of four tiers of eligible schools (based on our percentage of free/reduced lunch). We were thrilled to learn that we were in receipt of this funding and immediately got to work planning for our January 2, 2024 start date.
Our current PreK program has three classes (mixed 3 and 4 year old children), and in January we will be adding two more classes. This required us to advertise and hire personnel. Our hiring is nearly complete as we have approved the appointment of two new teachers, who are both joining the Oceanport staff with significant experience in preK instruction as well as an experienced paraprofessional for one of the classrooms. At our next Board of Education meeting, there is a motion to appoint the additional paraprofessional for the second new classroom. Supplies have been ordered, and planning has ensued to make room for these new classes. The state provides guidelines on classroom size and amenities, which will require some shifts. While this growth is a wonderful step for our community, our District, and most importantly, our students, it does come with location changes. Luckily, the attic addition and second floor renovations are both nearing completion, so actually having space will not be an issue.
The additional state aid will provide this high level preschool experience to residents of Oceanport and Sea Bright at no cost. Additionally, busing will be provided (but can be waived). Our preschool program uses HighScope curriculum which is one of the approved curriculum choices by the state of New Jersey for districts that receive Preschool Expansion Aid. Through HighScope, teachers create an environment of learning through student interest and play. It is a heavily scaffolded approach that provides our early childhood learners opportunities to make decisions, develop social and emotional skills, work to be a contributing member of the classroom community, and build academic skills. As we continue to grow in our implementation of HighScope, parents/guardians will be invited to attend family nights to better understand the goals and objectives of this curriculum and what to expect day-to-day in the preschool classroom.
On November 27, 2023, a lottery was held for the available seats and all families were notified if they received a seat or were placed on a waitlist. As families confirm their spot, they must officially register with the school district and provide necessary medical documentation. Registration information can be found on the school website. As the date gets closer, families will receive orientation information about the district, their child's teacher, and the program.
The Two River Times also did a nice piece on our preschool expansion and can be seen in the link below. We are so excited to welcome our new families and new students on January 2, 2024!
Change in Law Regarding Residency
New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-3) was recently amended to require a Board of Education to
charge tuition for non-resident students. Previously, a school district was permitted to admit non-
resident students with or without the payment of tuition with the Board's consent. The amended law now disallows non-resident students from attending a school district without payment of tuition, which includes families who move to Oceanport after the start of the school year or who move out prior to the school year finishing. This also excludes any exceptions for families who have homes under construction. Exceptions can only be made in a few instances that are clearly outlined in our new policy. Note that students residing in Sea Bright are legally considered residents of Oceanport for purposes of school attendance. If you have a question about your residency and your child’s eligibility to attend school in the Oceanport School District, it is important that you contact your school principal as soon as possible to avoid the potential assessment of tuition.
Due to these changes and a review of our documents, the District will be re-registering students at certain grade levels. This will begin this spring, and more information and specific grade levels will be shared at a later date.
Save the Date for the 8th Grade Fundraiser- Oceanport's Got Talent!
The Oceanport School District definitely has a LOT of talent! It's time to get your acts together and create a flip grid to be selected for the Oceanport's Got Talent Variety Show that will take place at Maple Place School on January 25th and 26th, 2024. Each principal will be including all of the information in this Friday's newsletter, but wanted to let everyone know to save the date!
All proceeds from this event will be used to support the Class of 2024's end of year activities and celebrations! They thank you in advance for your support!
Save the Date: Advocates for Diverse Learners (ADL) Special Meeting
The Oceanport School District Advocates for Diverse Learners will be holding a special meeting with the regional special education advisory committees from Monmouth Beach, West Long Branch, and Shore Regional. For this meeting, they have procured a guest speaker, Dr. Strobel, who will discuss the importance of mental health in our children. All are welcome on December 4, 2023 at 7pm at Maple Place School (cafeteria). Thank you for our dedicated parent volunteers that lead the ADL for putting together this amazing event! See flyer below for more information: