District Reconfiguration

  • FAQs

    As we transition to our new school configuration for the 2025-2026 school year, we understand families may still have questions. While much of this information has been shared in past updates, we’ve compiled a list of the most common topics here for easy reference.

    Will all grades be able to participate in band and chorus?
    Yes. Every grade level has the opportunity to join these programs, allowing all students who are interested to take part in band and chorus activities regardless of their grade. The music department will accommodate students who wish to participate in both ensembles at each grade level.  
     
    Is there a single lunch period for each grade?
    Yes. Each grade has a designated lunch period, allowing students to eat with their classmates without overlapping with other grades.
     
    Will the 4th and 5th graders have recess each day?
    Yes. Students in grades 4 and 5 will have daily recess in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code requirements. Age-appropriate playground equipment is accessible to all students.
     
    Will there be age-appropriate books for all grades in the media center?
    Yes. There will be age-appropriate books for all grades in the media center. The main library will include a wide selection of books suitable for students in grades four through eight, ensuring that every grade has access to reading materials that match their interests and reading levels. Additionally, there will be a designated area within the media center containing books specifically designated for students in grades seven and eight, providing older students with resources that are more aligned with their age and maturity.
     
    Will students be assigned a locker?
    Yes. All students in grades four through eight will have an individual locker for storing their personal items. For 4th and 5th graders, the lockers will not have combination locks, making them easier for younger students to access while still providing them with a designated space for their belongings.
     
    Are students expected to change for physical education in 4th and 5th grade?
    No. Students in grades 4 and 5 will participate in physical education in their regular school clothes. On days when PE is scheduled, students must wear athletic shoes and clothing appropriate for physical activity.
     
    Will students be allowed to use cell phones, smartwatches, or earphones/earbuds?
    No. Students are not permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, or earphones/earbuds during the school day. Each homeroom will have a designated locker or storage space where students can securely store their personal devices until the end of the school day.  
     
    Is it better for my child to take the bus or should I drive them to school?
    It is generally better for your child to take the bus. Weldon Road experiences significant traffic during drop-off and pick-up, which often leads to delays. Students who are driven to school and arrive late will be marked tardy. Taking the bus is the most reliable way to ensure on-time arrival.
     

  • A Message from Mrs. Howe, Superintendent of Schools:

    On July 21, 2025 the Board formally approved Dr. Papa’s resignation. On behalf of the district, I want to extend my thanks to Dr. Papa for his dedicated service to Jefferson Township and Arthur Stanlick Elementary School. We wish him all the best as he begins an exciting new chapter as the Superintendent of Stillwater Township.

    Dr. Papa’s departure does bring about some additional administrative adjustments for the 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Valenti will be transferred to Stanlick School, and we will begin the process of identifying an interim principal to serve at Stanlick during Dr. Valenti’s continued leave. His transfer from the High School creates an opportunity to hire a tenure-track principal to fill that leadership role, and we will move forward with that search as well.

  • Introducing Jefferson Township Intermediate School!

    Intermediate School

    The results are in—with nearly 650 votes cast, it’s official: Jefferson Township Intermediate School is the new name for our reconfigured grades 4–8 building. We look forward to welcoming all of our students, new and returning, this September!

  • A Message from Mrs. Howe, Superintendent of Schools:

    As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to share an important update regarding administrative assignments.

    Effective July 1, Dr. Michael Valenti will be reassigned to the role of Principal at Jefferson Township High School. Dr. Valenti is currently on an extended medical leave, and we continue to keep him in our thoughts. During his absence, we will secure interim administrative coverage to support the high school and ensure a smooth transition.

    When Dr. Valenti is able to return, we will make the appropriate adjustments to maintain continuity across buildings.

    Due to the reconfiguration of the fourth and fifth grades, Dr. Andrea Padelsky’s Assistant Principal responsibilities will be split between the Middle and High Schools.

    Thank you for your continued support of our schools during this time of change.  More information will be shared as it becomes available.

  • Community Message
    December 17, 2024

    Dear Falcon Family,

    The Reconfiguration Committee has released tentative start and end times for each grade band for the 2025-2026 school year. These times reflect the expected arrival and dismissal schedules for each building and are not anticipated to change by more than ten minutes, if at all. Please note that these times do not include transportation. Specific bus schedules will be shared in August when the Parent Portal opens.

    Grade Level

    Start

    End

    Grades 7 – 12

    7:20 AM

    2:00 PM

    Grades 4 – 6

    8:05 AM

    2:45 PM

    White Rock: PreK – 3

    9:05 AM

    3:35 PM

    Stanlick: 1 – 3*

    9:05 AM

    3:35 PM

    Briggs: PreK – K*

    9:15 AM

    3:45 PM

    * It is expected that Stanlick & Briggs will continue to be combined bus routes.

    It is important to note, these times are approximate and could change slightly based on transportation routing.

    Recap of prior Reconfiguration Committee updates:

    • All elementary self-contained special education classes, including PSD, ASD, LLD, ERI, and MD programs, are expected to be housed at Briggs and Stanlick Schools. 
    • All schools will continue to offer in-class resource instruction and related services such as speech, OT, and PT.
    • Lake Hopatcong Students: Preschool – Kindergarten will be located at Briggs School; Grades 1 – 3 will attend Stanlick School. 
    • Oak Ridge Students: Preschool – Grade 3 will be located at White Rock School.
    • All students Grades 4 – 8: located at the current Middle School.
    • Grades 9 – 12 will continue to attend the High School.
    • Central office staff will be relocated to space in another available school building – not Cozy Lake School.

    Thank you for your attention and continued support as we move forward with these changes.

    Jeanne Howe

    Jeanne Howe, Superintendent of Schools

  • Community Message
    October 15, 2024

    Dear Falcon Family,

    Since the September 16, 2024 board meeting, the District Reconfiguration Committee has met twice and can share the following important developments:

    • All self-contained special education classes, including PSD, ASD, LLD, ERI, and MD programs, will be housed at Briggs and Stanlick Schools. 
    • All schools will continue to offer in-class resource instruction and related services such as speech, OT, and PT.
    • Lake Hopatcong Students: Preschool – Kindergarten will be located at Briggs School; grades 1-3 will attend Stanlick School. 
    • Oak Ridge Students: Preschool – Grade 3 will be located at White Rock School. This is a change from previous announcements.
    • All students grades 4 – 8: located at the current Middle School
    • Grades 9 – 12 will continue to attend the High School.
    • Central office staff will be relocated to another available school building – not Cozy Lake School.

    Next steps:

    • Explore transportation options.

    GOAL: Establish separate bussing for grades 4 – 7 and grades 8 – 12. It has not been determined if this plan is feasible.

    As we continue to make progress, updates will be shared during BOE meetings and through ongoing district communications.

    Thank you for your attention and continued support as we move forward with these changes.

    Jeanne Howe

    Jeanne Howe, Superintendent of Schools

     

    A full transcript of Mrs. Howe’s remarks from the Oct. 14, 2024 BOE meeting can be accessed here.

Media

Advocacy

Resources

more
 

Press

  • Board of Education Meetings

    Updates will be shared at BOE Regular Meetings:

    Monday, June 16, 2025
    Monday, July 21, 2025
    Monday, August 18, 2025

    MEETING LOCATION:
    Jefferson Township High School
    High School Media Center
    1010 Weldon Road
    Oak Ridge, NJ, 07438

    Stream online: www.jefftwp.org

    Comments (-1)

  • Media Contact

    Heather Racansky
    Coordinator, Human & Public Relations
    Phone: (973) 663-5780 ext. 5045
    Email: hracansky@jefftwp.org