Embedded Files
Beekeeper's Corner:
Beekeeper's Corner:
Message from the Principal
Message from the Principal
Happy Fall!
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We had a great start of the school year and we appreciate all of your support! Please see below for more information regarding upcoming events such as dress up days for Week of Respect, School Violence Awareness Week (Kindness Week), Grandparent Night Event, Book Fair, Pumpkin Day, and Picture Make Up Day.
As the new year gets underway, please don’t forget to complete the “Back to School Packet” for returning students located in PowerSchool. This is where all of our back to school forms are located that must be completed for every student each school year. This includes all of the dismissal, emergency, and medical information that the school needs for your child. * Please note that returning students riding a bus must have the dismissal bus protocol information completed by October 2nd to continue riding the bus. Please contact the main office if you have any questions or if you need assistance.
Thank you!
Mrs. Fordham, Principal
Calendar
Calendar
Please see link to Calendar page above for the District Calendar as well as the VPS events calendar for the entire year.
Please see link to Calendar page above for the District Calendar as well as the VPS events calendar for the entire year.
Thank you!
Thank you!
October 2: Spirit Day
October 5: Week of Respect
October 9: Early Dismissal-Staff In-Service
October 12: No School, Columbus Day
October 13: Grandparents' Night, Goodies with the Grands!
October 16: Pumpkin Day
October 19: School Violence Awareness Week (Kindness Week)
October 23: Picture Retakes
October 29: Bee Spirit Day
October 28-30: PRESCHOOL ONLY-parent teacher conferences/Early Dismissal
Attendance Pro
Attendance Pro
The district is pleased to announce an exciting new component aimed at improving communication with families about student attendance as part of our commitment to reduce missed class time and ensuring timely, two-way communication about your child's attendance. Here’s what to expect:
The designated guardian will receive a personalized text directly from our AI-supported 24-7 Attendance Assistant, Attendance Pro, from the Valley Park number: 1-856-492-8703.
You can text back directly to this number, ask questions about your child's attendance, and text pictures of parent or doctor notes regarding your child's absence.
The Attendance Assistant will process your response and update your child’s absence according to this information.
Week of Respect
Monday, 10/5: Power Up for Kindness!
Dress up in Marvel superhero gear or your favorite character.
Tuesday, 10/6: Respect Shines Bright!
Wear bright colors to light up the hallways with positivity and kindness.
Wednesday, 10/7: Sweet Dreams, Kind Hearts
Wear pajamas to show that dreaming big includes respecting others.
Thursday, 10/8: Team Up for Respect!
Wear your favorite team or sports attire!
Friday, 10/9: Pennsville United for Respect!
Wear Pennsville blue and gold!
NJ Goes Gold and Blue Certificate
NJ Goes Gold and Blue Certificate
Valley Park has been recognized by the State for our participation in the NJ Goes Gold and Blue Pledge during the 2026 Week of Respect for demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering a positive school climate and advancing the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). Thank you to all who support our efforts!
Certificate of Commitment - Valley Park School.pdfSchool Violence Awareness Week
School Violence Awareness Week
(Kindness Week)
(Kindness Week)
Monday 10/19: Violence-Free is the Way to Be! Wear Purple
Tuesday 10/20; “Lei” off of Bullying! Wear a Lei / Hawaiian Attire!
Wednesday 10/21: Turn Your Back on Violence! Wear Your Clothes “Backwards Day”!
Thursday 10/22:Don’t Get TIED Up in Bad Choices! Wear Neckties, Hair Ties, or Tie Dye
Friday 10/23: Put a Cap on Name-Calling! Crazy Hat Day!
Staff Appreciation Recognition Form
Staff Appreciation Recognition Form
Please check out our Staff Appreciation Nomination Form that is below! As recommended by parents on our ECAC committee, parents are now able to recognize staff to show their appreciation as part of our school staff recognition program. Staff who are nominated will receive a ticket for special prize drawings throughout the year. A great way to say thank you for staff who go above and beyond!
Feel free to recognize staff throughout the year any time they go above and beyond and you want to say "Thank you!"
PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Please check out our PSD APP and PUSH NOTIFICATIONS!
This app will allow you to receive push notifications on your phone.
You can keep up on all of the important events at Valley Park!
To get the app, you can search for "Pennsville School District" or you can go to PSDNET.ORG to find more information, including a how to video. With the app, you will be able to access the "Live Feed" that has school updates and information, access daily lunch menus, contact staff, and more! More information can be found
HERE.
School Counselor’s Corner (K/1)
School Counselor’s Corner (K/1)
About Me
Hello Valley Park families! My name is Carolyn Johnson, and I am the School Counselor for students in Kindergarten and First grade at Valley Park School. I bring nineteen years of diverse experiences in school counseling, teaching, and educational leadership primarily at the lower elementary level. School counseling is my passion. As a school counselor, my main focus is to support students with their social, emotional, and academic development as it relates to and enhances their school environment to promote student success. I am committed to working closely with Pennsville teachers, parents, and administration for the benefit of all students. Please feel free to introduce yourself, check in, or contact me with questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to meeting and speaking with you in the days ahead!
Small Group/Individual School Counseling
Students have the wonderful opportunity to participate in either small group or individual school-based counseling throughout the school year. School Counseling services are short-term and solution-focused and typically consist of three to six students. Small Group sessions meet approximately one time per week for 25 minutes for five to six sessions and are formed based on need and student participation. Topics of small groups may include: school success skills, self-esteem, changing families/divorce, social skills, and coping skills. Permission forms to participate in small groups will be sent home throughout the school year. The first cycle of small group permission forms will be sent home with students in mid-September. Please contact me if you would like to request individual school-based counseling for your child or to discuss more immediate questions or concerns.
Guidance Lessons
Students in Kindergarten and First Grade will participate in weekly School Guidance Lessons. Lessons will include content from A Little Spot series by Diane Alber. This curriculum helps students understand and manage feelings (such as happiness, sadness, anger, love, worry, belonging, etc.) through colorful and relatable characters that embody each emotion. Through the use of books, activities, and role play, students will learn coping strategies and life skills that promote positive character traits and assist in emotional regulation, building empathy, and practicing positive self-talk. Additional parent/guardian resources about A Little Spot can be found here.
Additional Resources
The mission of the Pennsville School District Wellness Committee is to provide our families and students with local and county resources to support their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being. Support Services for families can be found here as listed on our website. Additional resources are available through Care Solace in partnership with Pennsville School District. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider, call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language or visit www.caresolace.com/psdnet and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone. Please reach out with additional questions or concerns.
The mission of the Pennsville School District Wellness Committee is to provide our families and students with local and county resources to support their physical, emotional, intellectual, and social well-being. Support Services for families can be found here as listed on our website. Additional resources are available through Care Solace in partnership with Pennsville School District. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider, call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language or visit www.caresolace.com/psdnet and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone. Please reach out with additional questions or concerns.
Contact Information
Carolyn Johnson, School Counselor
Valley Park Elementary School
Email: cjohnson4@pv-eagles.org
Phone: (856) 540-6200 x7829
PRESCHOOL WEBSITE
PRESCHOOL WEBSITE
Check out our Preschool Website for more detailed information about our Preschool Program at Valley Park such as curriculum, staff information, policies/procedures, and more! Click HERE
Change of Clothes
Change of Clothes
Sometimes accidents happen and a change of clothes can really help! Please send a change of clothes, especially a set of underwear and pants if your child is attending in person. Please put clothing in a baggie labeled with your child's name and replace as needed when soiled clothing is sent home.
Sometimes accidents happen and a change of clothes can really help! Please send a change of clothes, especially a set of underwear and pants if your child is attending in person. Please put clothing in a baggie labeled with your child's name and replace as needed when soiled clothing is sent home.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Strong attendance is key to academic success.
Strong attendance is key to academic success.
The attendance policy has been revised and will be implemented this September. Regular attendance is crucial to student success. Please see the information below as well as the link to the slideshow summary, Attendance FAQ’s Slide Show . Thank you!
The attendance policy has been revised and will be implemented this September. Regular attendance is crucial to student success. Please see the information below as well as the link to the slideshow summary, Attendance FAQ’s Slide Show . Thank you!
We ask all students and families to help us reinforce the importance of being present every day and arriving on time for school each day.
We ask all students and families to help us reinforce the importance of being present every day and arriving on time for school each day.
Attendance:
Students will be deemed excessively absent at 17.5 school days regardless of reason.
The ONLY excused absences as defined by state code: Religious observance as defined by law; A college visit (only grades 11 and 12); “Take Our Children to Work Day”; Veterans Day;or district board of election membership activities
Parent notes of students who are ill, doctor's notes, and dismissals from the Nurse's office count towards the total number of absences. Please provide doctor’s notes for any medical issues within 3 days following the absence.
Once a student reaches a total of 10 days absent regardless of reason, parents and students will meet with administration to complete an “Attendance Success Plan” outlining goals to help students be successful.
At a total of 18 absences or 20 lateness tardies, regardless of reason, students will be denied access to extra/co-curricular activities, in addition to credit denial/grade retention.
All students who wish to participate in an extra/co-curricular event/activity MUST be in attendance the day of or preceding the event, unless there is a medical note. Students who have been suspended, have been determined to be excessively absent (as described above), and/or excessively tardy will not be permitted to participate in all extra-curricular activities.
Truancy charges may be filed with the municipal court at 10 days absent for students ages 6-16 as well as at 20 times late to school. Every 5th lateness may result in an administrative detention. A student will be on the restricted list for 5, 10, and 15 school days, depending on the lateness infraction number. 5x late=Detention Only; 10x late=5 days on restricted list; 15x late=10 days on restricted list; 20x late=PERMANENT RESTRICTED LIST and possible grade retention/credit denial.
If your student is absent a handwritten note, Valley Park Student Absentee or Change of Dismissal Form, and/or Medical Note must be submitted to the main office. Documentation can be emailed to kkiger@psdnet.org.
*PHONE CALLS FOR CHANGE OF DISMISSALS SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE 2:45 P.M. Thank you!
Student Breakfast and Lunches
Student Breakfast and Lunches
Completion of Free/Reduced forms will be required for preschool and strongly encouraged for K/1. Thank you!
Menus are available at www.psdnet.org and more information is available HERE .
Metz payments for snacks: cash, check, or schoolcafe.com: Student ID number from PowerSchool is needed. A fee is charged by the company. Please contact the main office for assistance accessing PowerSchool.
Cost of breakfast is located on the website. Free and reduced prices also apply.
PRESCHOOL:
Preschool breakfast will be served during school hours. Please see further information from your preschool teacher.
KINDERGARTEN/FIRST GRADE:
K/1 Breakfast is available before school or in the classroom after arrival. Due to limitations in the classroom, participation before school by those not riding a bus is strongly encouraged. A limited selection is available in the classroom, but students must "Opt-In" to have breakfast delivered to the classroom daily at arrival.
To opt- in, please complete the form HERE or contact your child's teacher.
Please contact the main office or your child's teacher if you would like to make any changes after you complete the form, otherwise your student will be provided with a breakfast daily in the classroom. *This form only needs to be completed once for your student to have breakfast in the classroom daily.
K/1 students, especially those who do not ride a bus to school, are strongly encouraged to attend the Before School Breakfast Program. Entrance is from 8:25 a.m.-8:40 a.m. and no sign up form is needed. If arriving after 8:25, please ring the buzzer at the door to let the staff know that your student has arrived. Students must eat breakfast to participate before school.
Thank you!
Pennsville
Education Foundation
Pennsville
Education Foundation
The Ed Foundation is the district-wide Parent and Teacher group that assists with activities and events at the schools. Meetings are held in the library at Valley Park School. More information is available at www.psdnet.org. Please join us to hear about and help with all the wonderful things we have planned for our schools!
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