HERMA SIMMONS students and staff are wearing PINK TODAY in support of the fighters, survivors, and those affected by breast cancer.
Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. It occurs in October to overlap with the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of each October. Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush. Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes Italian-Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation. Each year Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades. (Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America (https://www.osdia.org/commission-for-social-justice/italian-heritage-month/)
A note from the Herma Simmons Elementary School Principal: Mrs. Alicia Fragoso.
HELP US REACH 100% COMPLIANCE! This year, the State has new guidelines requiring all families to submit an application for the Free and Reduced lunch program. SUBMIT YOUR FORM ONLINE TODAY! https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/ Note: If you do not wish to be considered for reduced meals, you are still required by the State to return your signed form with the option of “checking the box” that indicates you do not wish to be considered. Please have your form completed by 10/13/24.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Schedule your screening now- Early detection saves lives!
Clayton, NJ -- Yesterday, Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr. announced that he had successfully procured $250,000 in additional funding for the Clayton Model Pilot Program in the FY 2025 state budget. The Assemblyman joined administrators, teachers, and students from throughout Gloucester County in celebrating the occasion at Herma Simmons Elementary School in Clayton.
The Clayton Model is a trauma-informed social-emotional learning program that was developed by the Clayton Public School District. The program focuses on early intervention for students struggling with mental and behavioral health issues, and provides them with emotional support and learning strategies to help them succeed.
“One of the first local meetings I held after joining the legislature was at the Child Connection Center at the Herma Simmons Elementary School,” said Assemblyman Bailey. “When the district staff presented me with the data supported by the Walter Rand Institute for Public Policy and showed me the testimony from teachers and parents, I knew this was a program I needed to support. I have spent my professional career working with youth who have experienced trauma and struggle with mental health, and early intervention is so crucial in helping these young people succeed. I want to thank Senator John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons for joining me in support of this resolution.”
“I’m proud of the work that our teachers and administrators have done to build a social emotional learning program that is inclusive, agile, and most importantly, empowers our staff, students and families,” said Clayton Public Schools Superintendent Nick Koutsogiannis, “I am grateful that our legislative partners recognize the importance of supporting educational models that meet the social and emotional needs of students.”
“Educators, parents and communities are seeing how our children are in need of mental health services more than ever,” said Clayton Model Program Coordinator Kate Hallinan. “It is through state funding that not only are we able to sustain the work we have been doing the last 12-plus years throughout Gloucester County, but we are able to expand.”
The Clayton Model began at Herma Simmons Elementary School in 2009, and is now used in ten elementary schools throughout Gloucester County. Legislation passed in 2021 by then-State Senate President Steve Sweeney created the Clayton Model Pilot Program with the intention of expanding the program into public schools throughout New Jersey.
Tonight's Football Game, Friday 9/20/24, is postponed to Monday 9/23/24 at 6pm, Haupt Field.
Please join us for Herma Simmons Annual Back to School Night!
Wednesday, September 25th 6:30-7:45
Grades PreK3, PreK4, K, 1st, 2nd, and Computers, Phys Ed, & Library
Thursday, September 26th 6:30-7:45
Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and Music, Art, & Health
Details of the evening schedule are in letter below.
Please Note: You are also invited to attend the Simmons Home & School Association Meeting which will be held at 5:30 pm on both Wednesday and Thursday in the Simmons Library.
CLAYTON FIRE DEPARTMENT is hosting a Fire Prevention Night!
Monday, October 7th, 6:30-9:00.
Clayton High School
55 Pop Kramer Blvd. Clayton, NJ
Learn about fire safety, meet local firefighters & first responders and visit the fire truck display.
JeffSTAT Helicopter will be onsite from 6:30-8:30.
Parking by the Clayton High School gymnasium and on Howard Street.
School meals include nutritious foods including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, milk, and whole grains- at a great value!
***Each lunch meal comes with a PROTEIN, GRAIN, FRUIT, VEGETABLE, & MILK.
***Breakfast comes with a GRAIN, PROTEIN/GRAIN, FRUIT, & MILK.
2024-2025 Meal Pricing
High School Breakfast $1.50
Middle School & Herma Simmons Breakfast- All Students Eat Free!
High School, Middle School & Herma Simmons Lunch
Regular: $3.75
Free & Reduced: $0.00
A la carte & snack options also available!
NEW FREE & REDUCED STATE GUIDELINES
This year, the State requires that all families submit an application for the Free and Reduced lunch program.
https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/
ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL:
https://www.schoolpaymentportal.com/ConsumerLogin.aspx
Please note that online payments will incur a fee of $1.00 + 2.3% of the transaction. Your student will continue to receive lunch and/or breakfast and their account will be charged accordingly.
Take a look at some of Herma Simmons' ALL-STARS!!! It was an AMAZING first day with our VIP Students, Staff and Families!
Healthy and delicious breakfast & lunch options are available at your child's school! Menus are available here (listed individually by school.)
SIMMONS DROP OFF & PICK UP
AM
Parents/Guardians who wish to drop off their student/s at Simmons may use either the Erie Avenue or the Chestnut Street entrance to enter the school parking lot where they should join the drop off lane. Parents MUST avoid the bus lane which is closest to the school. Parents are not permitted to exit their vehicles when either dropping off their child in the morning. Students should not be dropped off before 8:20AM and students are considered late after 8:50AM.
PM
Parents/Guardians who wish to pick up their student/s at Simmons may use either the Erie Avenue or the Chestnut Street entrance to enter the school parking lot. They should then park in the front parking lot. Parents may exit their vehicle to retrieve their child at the front entrances of the school. Parents MUST avoid the bus lane which is closest to the school. Students who are walkers will be dismissed at 3:10PM. Parents should avoid asking for an early dismissal after 2:45PM as we are preparing the school for dismissal.
Please follow these procedures and the posted speed limits so that we can ensure the safety of all of our students and staff.
We are looking forward to a great year ahead at Simmons!
Add money to your student’s school meal account! Link to the ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL:
https://www.schoolpaymentportal.com/ConsumerLogin.aspx
Have you completed your Free & Reduced Meal APPLICATION? Here’s a quick link & directions:
https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/
GUIDE on how to complete Free & Reduced Meal application :
https://5il.co/2ui4r (English)
https://5il.co/2ui4q (Espanol)
If you are a 5th grade Simmons Parent/Guardian, please see the message below from the 5th grade team.
Dear Parents and Guardians of Fifth Grade Students,
Please note the team of fifth grade teachers that will be teaching your child their core subjects on a daily basis. Please review the fifth grade supply list which is posted online. Each teacher listed the supplies your child will need in class for their particular subject areas.
Team of teachers are as follows:
Ms. Bernstein (ELA) and
Ms. Colamarino (Math, Science, Social Studies)
Mr. Neeld/ Mrs. Davis (Math),
Ms. Quigley/ Mrs. Moore (Writing, Science, Social Studies) and Mrs. Gray (Reading)
The fifth grade teachers look forward to meeting and working with you and your children.
Download Clayton Public School District’s new mobile app today! Stay connected with real-time updates, important announcements, and easy-to-access resources.
Visit the App Store and search for: Clayton Public Schools
HELP US REACH 100% COMPLIANCE! This year, the State has new guidelines requiring all families to submit an application for the Free and Reduced lunch program.
SUBMIT YOUR FORM ONLINE TODAY!
https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/
Note: If you do not wish to be considered for reduced meals, you are still required by the State to return your signed form with the option of “checking the box” that indicates you do not wish to be considered.
NEW FREE & REDUCED STATE GUIDELINES
This year, the State requires that all families submit an application for the Free and Reduced lunch program. Even if you think you do not qualify, it is recommended that you fill out the application as the parameters to receive free and reduced meals have changed. If you choose not to complete the form, you have the option to use the “Check Box” that indicates you do not want to be considered for the reduced-price school meals.
USE THIS LINK TO SUBMIT YOUR REQUIRED FORM:
https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/
NOTE: If you have received notice of a past due meal account, payments can be made by cash or check (make checks payable to Clayton School District) and delivered to the Cafeteria or you can use the online payment portal.
ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL:
https://www.schoolpaymentportal.com/ConsumerLogin.aspx
Please note that online payments will incur a fee of $1.00 + 2.3% of the transaction. Your student will continue to receive lunch and/or breakfast and their account will be charged accordingly.
The Simmons Home & School Association is hosting Popsicles with the Principals later this month. Come out and meet Ms. Fragoso, PreK Supervisor, on the PreK playground, Ms. Perez, Simmons VP on the main playground and Dr. Sneathen, Simmons Principal, on the basketball courts. Sign up using the link below:
https://forms.gle/wxLeqz6mYX46MyLa6
Download Clayton Public School District’s new app, today! Stay connected with real-time updates, important announcements, and easy access to school resources. The app features a user-friendly interface, ensuring that students, parents, and staff can effortlessly navigate through various sections, including calendars, lunch menus, and event notifications. Plus, with push notifications, you'll never miss an important update or emergency alert. Download the Clayton Public School District app today and stay informed, engaged, and connected with your school community!
