As a new school year begins, it is of utmost importance that a safe learning environment be provided for our students.
In an ongoing effort to protect our children, the Voorhees Township Committee and our schools continue to work together. Starting with this new school year, we will have police officers in all of our public schools for the full school day.
Police Chief Lou Bordi has been at the forefront of school security. He and other members of his staff have attended several seminars and have worked with school officials to make sure the most current security measures are in place.
Our children are our most important asset and they must be protected.
Returning to school after a relaxing summer can be a trying experience for both children and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers help and safety tips to ease back into the school year. The first few days are always emotional, especially for younger children. Parents should emphasize the positive aspects of starting school. Remind children of the fun in seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
It is important to develop good homework and study habits. Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in a bedroom or a part of the home that offers privacy. Set aside ample time for homework. Establish a household rule that the TV stays off during homework time. Always be available to answer questions and offer assistance. To help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying, children should take a 10-minute break for every hour of study.
Too often, we hear of tragic accidents involving school buses. Children should wait for the bus to completely stop before approaching it from the curb. Never move around on the bus; always check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing. Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.
When traveling to and from school in a car, all passengers should wear a seatbelt or use an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear of the vehicle.
Have a safe and happy school year!
** Our Summer Twilight Series concludes with our annual Movie Night in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 17. Disney’s popular movie Inside Out will be shown on a state of the art digital LED screen. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park and is free.
** In person Fall/Winter registration for Eastern Regional High School and Voorhees Middle School Vikings Hockey is scheduled at the Flyers Skate Zone for Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. For more information and online registration visit, www.easternvikingsicehocky.org
**GVAA Fall Baseball Registration is now open. The cost is $50 for your child to play fall ball. Team assignments will be made right after Labor Day, with the fall season starting around the weekend of Sept. 12. Sign your child up at https://gvaabaseball.sportngin.com/register/form/402680573.
** The 8th Annual Chad Gunther Memorial Fundraising Dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the E Lounge, 807 Route 70 West in Cherry Hill. Cocktails and Hors d’ Oeuvres begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by All Around Entertainment DJ Specialist. Tickets are $58 per person. This year, the organization plans to continue to support youth athletic and community programs in Voorhees and Gibbsboro, including the Voorhees Girls Softball Association and the Bancroft Special Olympics. Reservations/Donations can be sent to the Chad Gunther Memorial Fund (CGMF) at P.O. Box 404, Voorhees, New Jersey 08043. For more information call (856) 783–8789 or (856) 783–4464.
** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage will hold its 20th Annual Woofstock on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Connolly Park. The event will feature festivities for animal lovers of all ages and their leashed pets. There will be vendors, food trucks, musical acts and special guests. For more information about Woofstock or the Animal Orphanage, visit www.vaonj.org/woofstock/
