Welcome Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,                                                                                                                                                                                                                             September 2025

It is hard to believe that the summer is coming to a close, but before we know it your little one will be entering the second grade! We hope your family enjoyed a healthy, relaxing and fun-filled summer! This year, your child will be in an inclusion classroom with two teachers, which provides more opportunities for small groups and one-on-one instruction. We would like to take a few moments to introduce ourselves.

 My name is Melina Spitale and I have been given the wonderful opportunity to be one of your child’s second grade teachers. This is my 27th year teaching second grade at Harrison Township School.  I reside in Gibbstown with my husband Gabriel of 21 years, my 12 year old daughter, Gabrianna, who is entering 7th grade and  our sweet standard poodle, Topper and doberman pinscher, Gio. We’ve had a very fun-filled summer with friends and family! We  traveled to Key Largo Florida  where we enjoyed the beautiful beaches and weather. My daughter also finished her scuba diving certification there! We also went to Wildwood for Battle on the Beach, OCMD for a family reunion and spent other relaxing days by our pool.

My name is Lauren Jones and I will be co-teaching with Mrs. Melina Spitale. This will be our 7th year working together! This school year will be my 7th year teaching at Harrison Township School,  but my 18th year of teaching Special Education. I reside in Mullica Hill with my husband Erich and my 12 year old son Andrew, who will be entering the 7th grade at Pleasant Valley School, and our Belgian Malinois, Thor. We’ve had a very relaxing and exciting summer. Summer was the perfect time to enjoy the company of family and friends. We also spent lots of time at the beach and being Andrew’s chauffeur for all of his football and wrestling activities.

Now it is time to get back to school! We’re really looking forward to meeting your child in September! 

We feel that it is very important for us to communicate and work together as much as possible in order to ensure the best possible success for your child. We are always available should there be any ideas, problems, questions, or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us, via email, phone call, or note. This year will be filled with wonderful learning experiences and accomplishments for your child ~ it is great to know that we will all help to make it happen!

As you prepare for your child’s first few days of school, please be sure to label all of their school supplies. This will help to alleviate some of the confusion during that first week. This also includes pencil boxes, lunch boxes, book bags, jackets, gloves, and all of those important items that your child needs for school.  Enclosed is a name tag for your child to wear on the first day with name preference and a copy of our supply list. We look forward to meeting you soon! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

                                    Sincerely,

    Melina Spitale &  Lauren Jones

School Phone: 478-2016 (Ext. 1204)

spitalem@harrisontwp.k12.nj.us

jonesl@harrisontwp.k12.nj.us