June message
It is hard to believe that another school year is quickly coming to an end. Surely, this has been a memorable school year in some way(s) for everyone! As I am sure most of your schedules are truly hectic, please know that there is constantly an array of activity in our schools as well. Many of us are getting ready to say brief goodbyes to friends and colleagues that have been a part of this year as we embark on yet another leg of life’s journeys! Some of the goodbyes we need to say this particular year are to three of our building administrators who have given so much of their time and energy to the families of Lopatcong Township. As of June 30th, we need to bid farewell to our Middle School Principal, Mrs. Rosemary Kowalchuk who has given 14 years of service to Lopatcong Township. In addition, our Middle School Assistant Principal, Mr. Steve Geisel, will be retiring after 5.25 years of service to our district. Our best wishes and tons of thanks go to these individuals who have given so much to our staff, families, and most of all our children. They will truly be missed, but I know that our best wishes go to them and their families for a healthy and happy retirement. Their legacy will long be a part of Lopatcong Township! Aside from the retirements at the Middle School, our Elementary School Principal, Mr. Matthew Eagleburger, is leaving our school district to serve as the Superintendent/Principal of Franklin Township School District in Warren County. He has diligently served the families of Lopatcong Township for nine years and I know you join me in wishing him the best in this new endeavor! With three of our administrators leaving our district, rest assured that there is ample attention being paid to the details of hiring replacements. Although it is difficult to replace such talent, we are working diligently to assure that those replacements will be committed to our district and its children while understanding all of the aspects of teaching and learning that are part of our fine school system.
As the end of the year has quickly come upon us, it would be advantageous for all to be able to include our last week’s schedule as part of our plans. With that in mind, note that our students will enjoy their last full day of school on Friday, June 10, 2011. Monday, June 13th through Friday, June 17th will be early dismissal days for all students. Lunch will be served on all days, except for the last day of school (June 17th). In addition, preschool and kindergarten children will also have a special schedule. A note to parents will be sent home with all of our children; letters will also be posted on our website. Please note that except for the last day of school, our staff will participate in school-related activities during the afternoon times. For students, our next school year begins after Labor Day! That calendar will appear on our school website.
As those wonderful summer days come upon us, please remember that learning simply doesn’t end with the close of our calendar year. There are many of us who do work year round to assure a successful school year for our children and our staff. Keeping abreast of the educational trends, including the best way to connect teaching and learning remains around us at all times. We are proud of our Lopatcong students and want them to continue to be the best that the can be in all areas. We all continue learning each and every day…whether in school or enjoying the summer months!
As Sharon Draper remarks about children in finding the path to the future in her book Teaching from the Heart (one of my personal favorites), “…And who will walk that path? The children. Imagine a child - any child - hopeful, enthusiastic, curious. In that child sleeps the vision and the wisdom of tomorrow…” I have that vision of our children, looking forward to the world that lies ahead for them. It is our responsibility to help them learn and grow as they shape their own tomorrow. Have a great summer…and be ready to continue to learn and grow even more when September rolls around!