Buzz From the Hive
November 2025
- Spirit Wear
- Attendance Policy Update
- Change of Clothes
- Student Breakfast and Lunches
- K/1 Bee Reaching Challenge
Embedded Files
Beekeeper's Corner:
Beekeeper's Corner:
Message from the Principal
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am so thankful for the support of our staff and families that make Valley Park such a special place to be. Thank you for all you do to help our school in so many ways and thank you for your support our staff, including recognizing them for their special efforts and hard work. Staff who receive a parent recognition nomination (link HERE) receive a ticket that they can use for drawings of special prize. Please consider thanking those staff who have gone above and beyond to make a difference! Nominations are ongoing throughout the school year. Feel free to nominate staff as many times throughout the year any time that you want to acknowledge them for going above and beyond or making a difference in some way.
I am so thankful for the support of our staff and families that make Valley Park such a special place to be. Thank you for all you do to help our school in so many ways and thank you for your support our staff, including recognizing them for their special efforts and hard work. Staff who receive a parent recognition nomination (link HERE) receive a ticket that they can use for drawings of special prize. Please consider thanking those staff who have gone above and beyond to make a difference! Nominations are ongoing throughout the school year. Feel free to nominate staff as many times throughout the year any time that you want to acknowledge them for going above and beyond or making a difference in some way.
Some have asked if they can donate a prize for one of the drawings throughout the year, which has really touched our hearts with appreciation for your kindness and support to our staff! Donated prizes for drawings are labeled with the name of the donor for all staff to see in our display area. Please feel free to contact the main office if you are interested.
Some have asked if they can donate a prize for one of the drawings throughout the year, which has really touched our hearts with appreciation for your kindness and support to our staff! Donated prizes for drawings are labeled with the name of the donor for all staff to see in our display area. Please feel free to contact the main office if you are interested.
This month we will be holding parent conferences, retake picture day on the 14th, and Thanksgiving celebrations! Please see information sent home with your child's teacher or you can contact the main office with any questions, including requesting a picture retake form. This month's Spirit Day when students receive their Busy Bee Awards, will be on the 24th. Students can wear their Valley Park wear or blue and yellow.
This month we will be holding parent conferences, retake picture day on the 14th, and Thanksgiving celebrations! Please see information sent home with your child's teacher or you can contact the main office with any questions, including requesting a picture retake form. This month's Spirit Day when students receive their Busy Bee Awards, will be on the 24th. Students can wear their Valley Park wear or blue and yellow.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the main office at 540-6200 x7800. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the main office at 540-6200 x7800. Thank you!
Mrs. Fordham, Principal
Mrs. Fordham, Principal
Arrival
Arrival
Parking spaces in the side parking lot are for those who have a Kindergarten and/or First Grade student. The crosswalk at the K/1 entrance must be used for safety. Please do not walk through the K/1 car line.
Parking spaces in the side parking lot are for those who have a Kindergarten and/or First Grade student. The crosswalk at the K/1 entrance must be used for safety. Please do not walk through the K/1 car line.
Thank you!
Thank you!
School Counselor’s Corner (K/1)
School Counselor’s Corner (K/1)
Monthly Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter
Small Group/Individual School Counseling
Small Group/Individual School Counseling
Small groups and lunch bunches are underway for students who signed up for this first cycle. Our Coping Skills small group is focusing on identifying feelings and stressors, zones of regulation, and effective coping strategies to manage big emotions. Lunch Bunches continue to provide opportunities for students to engage in activities and games that promote positive self-esteem and friendship. Sign-ups for our next cycle of small groups will be sent home in December. Please contact me if you would like to request individual school counseling for your child or to discuss more immediate questions or concerns.
Guidance Lessons
Guidance Lessons
Students in Kindergarten and First Grade participated in weekly School Guidance Lessons focusing on Valley Park’s “Bee” rules (Bee-lieve in Yourself, Bee A Good Listener, Bee a Hard Worker, and Bee Responsible). In the upcoming weeks, we will discuss the importance and how to “Bee” Respectful and “Bee” Kind to others, with a focus on empathy and being a good friend.
Resources
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. Health and Wellness resources can be found here as listed on our website. Additional resources are available through Care Solace in partnership with Pennsville School District. 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. Health and Wellness resources can be found here as listed on our website. Additional resources are available through Care Solace in partnership with Pennsville School District. Please reach out with additional questions or concerns.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Carolyn Johnson, School Counselor
Valley Park Elementary School
Email: cjohnson4@pv-eagles.org
Phone: (856) 540-6200 x7812
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!
November 6-7: No School, NJEA Convention
November 10: No School, Veteran's Day
November 11-14: Early Dismissal for Parent Conferences
November 14: Picture Retakes
November 24: Spirit Day (wear your VP shirts or blue and yellow
November 25: PreK Concert
November 26: Early Student Dismissal, Thanksgiving; Thanksgiving Activities
November 27-28: No School, Thanksgiving
December 10: Grinch Day
December 12: K/1 Report Cards
December 15: Winter Dress Up Week
December 23: Early Student Dismissal, Winter Break
December 24-January 2: No School, Winter Break
VPS Bee Spirit Wear
VPS Bee Spirit Wear
VP student sized spirit wear is available for purchase this school year! Students will be able to wear their spirit wear on spirit days each month.
VP student sized spirit wear is available for purchase this school year! Students will be able to wear their spirit wear on spirit days each month.
Many parents have shown interest, so we have made Spirit Wear available. Shirts are $15 and Bee Antennae Headbands are $1.
Many parents have shown interest, so we have made Spirit Wear available. Shirts are $15 and Bee Antennae Headbands are $1.
Student shirts will be available in various sizes while supplies last.
Student shirts will be available in various sizes while supplies last.
Shirt sales will be cash only. All proceeds will be used towards the playground shade project.
Shirt sales will be cash only. All proceeds will be used towards the playground shade project.
Thank you!
Thank you!
K/1 Bee Reading Challenge
K/1 Bee Reading Challenge
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We would like to invite your child to participate in a school wide reading challenge. The rules are simple! Each time your child reads a book at home either independently or with an adult, write the title of the book on the list provided until ten books have been read. Your child should choose one book to tell us about either by writing a sentence about the story or drawing a picture of the story on the back of the reading list.
We would like to invite your child to participate in a school wide reading challenge. The rules are simple! Each time your child reads a book at home either independently or with an adult, write the title of the book on the list provided until ten books have been read. Your child should choose one book to tell us about either by writing a sentence about the story or drawing a picture of the story on the back of the reading list.
Please encourage your child to read books that are developmentally appropriate. For example, if your child is reading a chapter book they may write each chapter as a book on the log. Once completed, have your child return the paper to his or her teacher. At that point your child will have his/her photo or name placed on a hive in our bee challenge showcase. Your child then has the option to continue the challenge by reading ten more books. Each time the student returns a list to school, he or she will get his/her picture taken and move to the next hive in our showcase. Incentives will be given to students at specific milestones to praise them for their efforts and encourage them to keep reading.
Please encourage your child to read books that are developmentally appropriate. For example, if your child is reading a chapter book they may write each chapter as a book on the log. Once completed, have your child return the paper to his or her teacher. At that point your child will have his/her photo or name placed on a hive in our bee challenge showcase. Your child then has the option to continue the challenge by reading ten more books. Each time the student returns a list to school, he or she will get his/her picture taken and move to the next hive in our showcase. Incentives will be given to students at specific milestones to praise them for their efforts and encourage them to keep reading.
Once your child has reached the 100 book milestone a special reward will be given on behalf of the Pennsville Education Association. Also, at the end of the year the school’s top readers will be acknowledged. According to the National Education Association, having kids read frequently is one of the crucial components of becoming a good reader. We are excited to kickoff this reading challenge and hope you will consider participating.
Once your child has reached the 100 book milestone a special reward will be given on behalf of the Pennsville Education Association. Also, at the end of the year the school’s top readers will be acknowledged. According to the National Education Association, having kids read frequently is one of the crucial components of becoming a good reader. We are excited to kickoff this reading challenge and hope you will consider participating.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time. Thank you and happy reading!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time. Thank you and happy reading!
The Reading Challenge Committee
The Reading Challenge Committee
Mrs. Jen Miller JMiller@pv-eagles.org
Mrs. Jen Miller JMiller@pv-eagles.org
Mrs. Monika Puitz MPuitz@pv-eagles.org
Mrs. Monika Puitz MPuitz@pv-eagles.org
Mrs. Colleen Press Cpress@pv-eagles.org
Mrs. Colleen Press Cpress@pv-eagles.org
Reading Challenge 25-26.pdf
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.
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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