Next week is KINDNESS WEEK at Blackwood Elementary School! Join us in celebrating with a fun filled Spirit Week!
Tuesday- "Being Kind is No Sweat": Wear your workout clothes
Wednesday- "Let Your Kindness Shine": Dress in bright colors, sparkles, and/or sequins
Thursday- "Kindness Never Gets Old": Dress like you're 100 years old
Friday- "Blackwood Is On Top Of Kindness": Wear your favorite hat and Blackwood gear
Tuesday- "Being Kind is No Sweat": Wear your workout clothes
Wednesday- "Let Your Kindness Shine": Dress in bright colors, sparkles, and/or sequins
Thursday- "Kindness Never Gets Old": Dress like you're 100 years old
Friday- "Blackwood Is On Top Of Kindness": Wear your favorite hat and Blackwood gear
Spring Picture Day is coming soon! February 24, 2026. Click the link to purchase your picture package: t.ly/L6-rC
Don't forget...This THURSDAY is the Glow Dance Party from 6:00-8:00pm at Blackwood Elementary School! It is open for the entire school, not just 5th grade- please excuse the typo in the previous email title. There is still time to get your tickets to this exciting event! See image for more details. You can also click this link to purchase tickets: t.ly/aDmWn
Don't forget...This THURSDAY is the Glow Dance Party from 6:00-8:00pm at Blackwood Elementary School! There is still time to get your tickets to this exciting event! See image for more details. You can also click this link to purchase tickets: t.ly/aDmWn
School Store at Blackwood Elementary School- Tomorrow, Friday, 1/30.
Blackwood Elementary School’s 1st Annual SOUPER BOWL of CARING Food Drive
February 2nd - February 12th
The grade level with the MOST donated items will be crowned Blackwood Elementary School’s Souper Bowl of Caring Champion!
Please bring any food items listed below to school. We will be collecting
from Monday, February 2 until Thursday, February 12.
Most Needed Items:
• ANY canned soups • canned fruit
• canned vegetables • canned stews and pasta/meat
• canned tuna • peanut butter
All of our donations will be given to The Unforgotten Haven in Blackwood, NJ to support their continued efforts in feeding our neighboring communities. Let’s rise to the challenge this year to help TACKLE HUNGER!
February 2nd - February 12th
The grade level with the MOST donated items will be crowned Blackwood Elementary School’s Souper Bowl of Caring Champion!
Please bring any food items listed below to school. We will be collecting
from Monday, February 2 until Thursday, February 12.
Most Needed Items:
• ANY canned soups • canned fruit
• canned vegetables • canned stews and pasta/meat
• canned tuna • peanut butter
All of our donations will be given to The Unforgotten Haven in Blackwood, NJ to support their continued efforts in feeding our neighboring communities. Let’s rise to the challenge this year to help TACKLE HUNGER!
Reminder! PTO Fundraiser TONIGHT at Texas Roadhouse in Sicklerville! Make sure to present the included flyer and mention you are there for the Blackwood Elementary School PTO. Have a great night!
TRAFFIC ADVISORY- Blenheim-Erial Road is closed at Church Street. The only way to get to and from Blackwood Elementary School is on Blenheim-Erial Road from the Black Horse Pike. This will significantly impact dismissal today. The GTPD is aware and we are working collaboratively with them to ensure smooth operations to the greatest extent possible. Traffic will be limited on Blenheim-Erial Road to school traffic and Pennco Tech is dismissing early, which should help ease congestion. We ask that you please plan accordingly and be patient as our GTPD and school staff ensure the safety of all of our students.
The Blackwood PTO has reopened the Spirit Wear Store from January 13-January 23. See image for QR Code to order!
January 9, 2026
Dear Blackwood Beaver Families,
I hope your New Year is off to a great start and that your long break was joyful and spent with all the wonderful opportunities it presents to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones.
I wanted to share with you an exciting new initiative at Blackwood Elementary School called “Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards. This awards program seeks to recognize our Blackwood Beaver students on their academic achievements, hard work ethic and/or growth mindset, and attendance. At the end of each of the first three marking periods, we will have an assembly program for each grade level where your child’s teacher will have the opportunity to award your child with various certificates of achievement should they qualify for one of the awards. Criteria for earning such an award can be found below/on the accompanying page, “‘Wood You Look at That!’ Performance Awards Criteria.” Please understand that not every child will receive an award each marking period. Should you have any questions about why your child did not qualify for an award, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school.
While we know that you would love the opportunity to share in the accomplishments of your children, this is a closed awards presentation for only students and staff. Your child will come home with an awards certificate to proudly display and we are sure that you will relish in their accomplishments.
We are excited to host our first “Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards Ceremony during the week of January 19, 2026 to recognize the accomplishments of the first marking period.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Educationally Yours,
Mr. Lessman, Principal
---------------------------
“Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards
Blackwood Elementary School Performance Recognition Program
Participating Grades: K-5th
Timing: After 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Marking Periods
Awards and Awards Criteria, Kindergarten
- Eager Beaver Award: Enthusiastic and Excited About Learning, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline OR Repeated Classroom Level Discipline
- Determined Beaver Award: Demonstrates a Strong Work Ethic and Perseverance, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline Resulting in a Suspension/Removal from School
- Big Hearted Beaver Award: Demonstrates Exemplary Kindness and Empathy, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline OR Repeated Classroom Level Discipline (documented)
- Attendance Award: No more than 2 absences in the marking period, Only exemptions are those that are approved by the NJDOE, No more than 3 tardies in the marking period
Awards and Awards Criteria, Grades 1-5
- Blue Award: Report Card Grades of A’s and S/O, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline
- Silver Award: Report Card Grades of A’s and B’s and S/O, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline
- Bright Beaver Award: Did not qualify for Blue Award or Silver Award, Exhibited a Growth Mindset, Made documented academic or behavioral progress, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline Resulting in a Suspension
- Attendance Award: No more than 2 absences in the marking period, Only exemptions are those that are approved by the NJDOE, No more than 3 tardies in the marking period
Dear Blackwood Beaver Families,
I hope your New Year is off to a great start and that your long break was joyful and spent with all the wonderful opportunities it presents to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones.
I wanted to share with you an exciting new initiative at Blackwood Elementary School called “Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards. This awards program seeks to recognize our Blackwood Beaver students on their academic achievements, hard work ethic and/or growth mindset, and attendance. At the end of each of the first three marking periods, we will have an assembly program for each grade level where your child’s teacher will have the opportunity to award your child with various certificates of achievement should they qualify for one of the awards. Criteria for earning such an award can be found below/on the accompanying page, “‘Wood You Look at That!’ Performance Awards Criteria.” Please understand that not every child will receive an award each marking period. Should you have any questions about why your child did not qualify for an award, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school.
While we know that you would love the opportunity to share in the accomplishments of your children, this is a closed awards presentation for only students and staff. Your child will come home with an awards certificate to proudly display and we are sure that you will relish in their accomplishments.
We are excited to host our first “Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards Ceremony during the week of January 19, 2026 to recognize the accomplishments of the first marking period.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Educationally Yours,
Mr. Lessman, Principal
---------------------------
“Wood You Look at That!” Performance Awards
Blackwood Elementary School Performance Recognition Program
Participating Grades: K-5th
Timing: After 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Marking Periods
Awards and Awards Criteria, Kindergarten
- Eager Beaver Award: Enthusiastic and Excited About Learning, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline OR Repeated Classroom Level Discipline
- Determined Beaver Award: Demonstrates a Strong Work Ethic and Perseverance, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline Resulting in a Suspension/Removal from School
- Big Hearted Beaver Award: Demonstrates Exemplary Kindness and Empathy, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline OR Repeated Classroom Level Discipline (documented)
- Attendance Award: No more than 2 absences in the marking period, Only exemptions are those that are approved by the NJDOE, No more than 3 tardies in the marking period
Awards and Awards Criteria, Grades 1-5
- Blue Award: Report Card Grades of A’s and S/O, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline
- Silver Award: Report Card Grades of A’s and B’s and S/O, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline
- Bright Beaver Award: Did not qualify for Blue Award or Silver Award, Exhibited a Growth Mindset, Made documented academic or behavioral progress, No Office Level Confirmed Discipline Resulting in a Suspension
- Attendance Award: No more than 2 absences in the marking period, Only exemptions are those that are approved by the NJDOE, No more than 3 tardies in the marking period
We are constantly reviewing and monitoring our procedures to ensure that they are the most effective they can be and ensure the safety of our students. Upon reviewing the Everyday Pick-Up process, and listening to the feedback we received from parents/guardians, it was determined that minor adjustments are needed to this procedure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Blackwood Elementary School’s dismissal procedures start at 2:50, with the first announcement for Everyday Pick-Up students occurring at that time.
- At 2:52, the next announcement is made which starts dismissal for the rest of the students and a reminder for Everyday Pick-Up. At this time, students will begin to be dismissed for Everyday Pick-Up. (The time that was communicated last school year of 2:42 for everyday pick-up is incorrect and no longer in effect.)
- Everyday Pick-Up students can be picked up at door A-5 starting at 2:52.
- Students who are Everyday Pick-Up are directed to enter the cafeteria and sit at a cafeteria table to wait for their name to be called.
- Once a staff member identifies the designated pick-up person for a student, they will call the student to come to the door for dismissal.
- Students are not permitted to exit the doors of the cafeteria until a staff member has called their name. Please do not wave or signal for your child to exit the building until a staff member has called them to the doors.
Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding. Please understand that this decision is being made to ensure the safest possible dismissal procedure for your children.
- Blackwood Elementary School’s dismissal procedures start at 2:50, with the first announcement for Everyday Pick-Up students occurring at that time.
- At 2:52, the next announcement is made which starts dismissal for the rest of the students and a reminder for Everyday Pick-Up. At this time, students will begin to be dismissed for Everyday Pick-Up. (The time that was communicated last school year of 2:42 for everyday pick-up is incorrect and no longer in effect.)
- Everyday Pick-Up students can be picked up at door A-5 starting at 2:52.
- Students who are Everyday Pick-Up are directed to enter the cafeteria and sit at a cafeteria table to wait for their name to be called.
- Once a staff member identifies the designated pick-up person for a student, they will call the student to come to the door for dismissal.
- Students are not permitted to exit the doors of the cafeteria until a staff member has called their name. Please do not wave or signal for your child to exit the building until a staff member has called them to the doors.
Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and understanding. Please understand that this decision is being made to ensure the safest possible dismissal procedure for your children.
Tech-Tastic Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season sees many young people creating wishlists filled with tech-related gifts like smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles; however, it's still important to maintain their online safety and digital wellness despite the festive excitement.
Use relaxed holiday downtime to bond with your child over tech activities, understand their online experiences, and balance screen time with tech-free activities.
read more here: https://gloucestertownshipschools.onlinesafetyhub.io/parent/articles/tech-tastic-tips-for-the-festive-season
Blackwood Elementary School will be having a Winter Spirit Week! It will start on Monday and go through the following week! See image for more details!
Monday, 12/15 - Holiday headgear/accessories
Tuesday, 12/16- Holiday themed clothing: Christmas (red/green), Hanukkah (blue/white), Kwanza (red)
Wednesday, 12/17- Winter Wonderland! Wear white and blue
Thursday, 12/18- Wear Holiday Socks
Friday, 12/19- Dress up like your favorite book character
Monday, 12/22- Silent Night...wear your PJs
Tuesday, 12/23- Ugly Sweater Day
Monday, 12/15 - Holiday headgear/accessories
Tuesday, 12/16- Holiday themed clothing: Christmas (red/green), Hanukkah (blue/white), Kwanza (red)
Wednesday, 12/17- Winter Wonderland! Wear white and blue
Thursday, 12/18- Wear Holiday Socks
Friday, 12/19- Dress up like your favorite book character
Monday, 12/22- Silent Night...wear your PJs
Tuesday, 12/23- Ugly Sweater Day
The Blackwood PTO Presents...Breakfast with Santa! Saturday, December 6th at the Applebees in Deptford. See the flyer for more info and for the QR Codes to register.
The Holiday Shop is in FULL SWING at Blackwood Elementary School! Thank you Blackwood PTO for organizing this event for our school! If anyone would like to shop the Holiday Shop with their student, you are welcome back to school on Wednesday, 12/3 from 5:00-7:00pm in the Library. Thank you for supporting our PTO!
Holiday Shop Reminder! All students will have the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts during their library special between December 1st and December 8th. Please sign up if you'd like to volunteer to help your child's class with their shopping. Click the link to volunteer and to see your child's shopping date and time! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4AAEAB2BA0FA7-52708895-holiday?useFullSite=true#/
Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s),
This is a reminder that all students will dismiss at 12:50pm on Wednesday, November 19th, Thursday, November 20th and Friday, November 21st due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.
If you have not scheduled to meet with your child's teacher, spaces are available through the parent portal.
This is a reminder that all students will dismiss at 12:50pm on Wednesday, November 19th, Thursday, November 20th and Friday, November 21st due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.
If you have not scheduled to meet with your child's teacher, spaces are available through the parent portal.
Blackwood Elementary School's PTO will be having our November School Store on Friday, November 21st! Items are priced between $0.25 and $5.00.
November 13, 2025
Dear Blackwood Families,
Earlier today, our students and staff evacuated the building due to the smell of gas isolated to the outside of the building. Emergency responders quickly arrived and determined the cause of the smell. The utility company arrived shortly thereafter and suspended gas services to the building and repairs have already begun. Our Superintendent, Mr. Bilodeau arrived to support our students and staff. Transportation provided buses to the building to keep our students safe and warm during the evacuation.
Thankfully, this was the full extent of the issue, and no one was in danger at any point.
Once the fire department confirmed that the building was safe, students and staff returned to the building to finish out their day.
We are very proud of how calmly and responsibly our students and staff followed all procedures.
We want to assure you that everyone is safe. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our school community safe and strong.
Dismissal for today will proceed as normal. All after school clubs have been cancelled for today.
Educationally Yours,
Mr. Jacob Lessman, M.Ed.
Principal
Dear Blackwood Families,
Earlier today, our students and staff evacuated the building due to the smell of gas isolated to the outside of the building. Emergency responders quickly arrived and determined the cause of the smell. The utility company arrived shortly thereafter and suspended gas services to the building and repairs have already begun. Our Superintendent, Mr. Bilodeau arrived to support our students and staff. Transportation provided buses to the building to keep our students safe and warm during the evacuation.
Thankfully, this was the full extent of the issue, and no one was in danger at any point.
Once the fire department confirmed that the building was safe, students and staff returned to the building to finish out their day.
We are very proud of how calmly and responsibly our students and staff followed all procedures.
We want to assure you that everyone is safe. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our school community safe and strong.
Dismissal for today will proceed as normal. All after school clubs have been cancelled for today.
Educationally Yours,
Mr. Jacob Lessman, M.Ed.
Principal
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK VISITS- November 18, 2025
Blackwood Beaver Families,
The week before Thanksgiving each year marks American Education Week. American Education Week celebrates our entire school professionals team: teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, aides, bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, and countless others!
This year, Blackwood Elementary School would like to welcome parents and guardians to visit our school because you are also an important part of the educational team for your child. In many cases, you were your child’s first teacher! American Education Week visits will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Please adhere to the open-house style schedule below for your visit:
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Grades K, 2, 5 → 9:15-10:15
Grades 1, 3, 4 → 10:15-11:15
Guests will enter the building through the front doors and be directed to your child’s classroom for your one-hour visit. You may arrive and depart at any time during your one hour time block. Once the session has ended, you will be directed to exit the building unless you have another session immediately following.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 as we celebrate American Education Week.
Blackwood Beaver Families,
The week before Thanksgiving each year marks American Education Week. American Education Week celebrates our entire school professionals team: teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, aides, bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, and countless others!
This year, Blackwood Elementary School would like to welcome parents and guardians to visit our school because you are also an important part of the educational team for your child. In many cases, you were your child’s first teacher! American Education Week visits will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Please adhere to the open-house style schedule below for your visit:
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Grades K, 2, 5 → 9:15-10:15
Grades 1, 3, 4 → 10:15-11:15
Guests will enter the building through the front doors and be directed to your child’s classroom for your one-hour visit. You may arrive and depart at any time during your one hour time block. Once the session has ended, you will be directed to exit the building unless you have another session immediately following.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 as we celebrate American Education Week.
