The Chimera Chronicle
The Chimera Chronicle
March Edition
Willingboro Public Schools Newsletter
Welcome to Women's History Month!
Dear Chimera Community,
Welcome to March and Women's History Month! As we step into spring, we honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped our nation and world. Throughout this month, our classrooms will come alive with stories of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who have broken barriers and inspired generations.
This month brings several important events for our families. Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for March 17-24, providing an invaluable opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and celebrate their growth. March 17 is an early dismissal day for WHS and Memorial conferences. Please watch for scheduling information from your school.
As we prepare for spring state assessments, we encourage families to support student readiness by ensuring adequate rest, nutritious meals, and regular attendance. Our teachers are working diligently to help every student feel confident and prepared.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Together, we are building a community of learners united by Chimera Pride!
With Chimera Pride,
Marti Hill-Parker
Acting Superintendent of Schools
March Highlights
Women's History Month
Celebrating the remarkable contributions of women throughout history with special activities, lessons, and assemblies across all schools.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 17-24: Connect with teachers to discuss your child's progress and set goals for the rest of the year.
Read Across America
Celebrating Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading with special activities during the first week of March.
Spring Assessment Prep
Teachers are implementing targeted review strategies to ensure all students feel confident for NJSLA assessments.
Pi Day Celebration
March 14: Math-themed activities and fun across all grade levels celebrating the mathematical constant π.
First Day of Spring
March 20: Welcoming the spring season with outdoor learning activities and celebrations of renewal.
Teaching & Learning
Women's History Month Integration
Literacy Focus
Students are exploring biographies and autobiographies of influential women, developing reading comprehension and research skills while learning about trailblazers who shaped our world.
STEM Connections
Celebrating women in STEM fields, students learn about groundbreaking scientists like Mae C. Jemison and Katherine Johnson, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Arts & Social Studies
Creative projects including biography portraits, timeline creations, and persuasive writing inspired by women leaders who used their voices for change.
Assessment & Academic Growth
Spring Assessment Preparation
Teachers are implementing targeted review strategies to ensure all students feel confident and prepared for upcoming NJSLA assessments. Practice sessions are integrated into daily instruction.
Conference Conversations
Parent-Teacher Conferences (March 17-24) provide opportunities to discuss student progress, review assessment readiness, and set goals for the final marking period.
Supporting Success at Home
- • Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition
- • Maintain regular attendance
- • Encourage reading at home daily
- • Review practice materials together
March Dates & Reminders
District Calendar Update
The 2025–2026 District Calendar has been revised (Board Approved December 8, 2025). Please disregard any older versions previously posted. The dates below reflect the current official calendar.
Read Across America Day
Monday, March 2
Celebrating Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading!
Daylight Saving Time
Sunday, March 8
Spring forward! Clocks move ahead one hour.
Half Day PD / Early Dismissal
Wednesday, March 11
Professional Development Day – Early dismissal for students.
Pi Day
Saturday, March 14
Celebrating mathematics with fun activities!
WHS Conferences
Tuesday, March 17
Early Dismissal – Evening Parent Conferences
Memorial Conferences
Tuesday, March 17
Early Dismissal – Afternoon Parent Conferences
Elementary Conferences
March 19-24
ECDC & Elementary conferences (see schedule).
First Day of Spring
Friday, March 20
Welcome spring with outdoor activities!
March Reminders
- 📚 Read Across America - read with your child at home!
- ⏰ Daylight Saving begins March 8 - adjust clocks!
- 🏫 March 11: Half Day PD / Early Dismissal
- 📅 March 17: Early Dismissal for WHS & Memorial conferences
- 📝 Elementary conferences March 19-24 (see schedule)
School Highlights
Willingboro High School
Women's History Month Assembly
March 26
Student performances and presentations celebrating women's achievements throughout history.
NJSLA Preparation Sessions
Ongoing
Targeted review sessions during Chimera Time to boost student readiness for spring assessments.
Memorial Middle School
Poetry Slam Showcase
March 27
Students share original poetry inspired by Women's History Month themes and influential women leaders.
Space Science Week
Week of March 9
Honoring Mae C. Jemison with planetarium visits and space exploration activities.
J.A. Cotten Intermediate School
Biography Parade
March 26
Students dress as inspiring women and share facts about their chosen historical figures.
Read Across America Celebration
March 2
Dr. Seuss-themed activities including "Dress as Your Favorite Book Character" day.
Hawthorne Elementary School
Women's History Art Project
Throughout March
Creating portraits of inspiring women to display throughout the school during conferences.
Pi Day Parade of Numbers
March 13
Students dress as pi digits and parade through the school celebrating mathematics!
Family & Community Resources
Supporting families with essential tools and connections
Academic Support & Resources
Social-Emotional & Mental Health Support
School Support Services
Our schools offer a range of social-emotional and mental health supports for students and families, including school counselors, social workers, and community partnerships
Community Partnerships
Winter Coat Giveaway
In partnership with Senator Singleton, Parents Engaging Parents, and Burlington County - check district website for details
Food Security Resources
Families experiencing food insecurity can access resources through our district partnerships
Stay Connected on Social Media
Looking Ahead to April
Spring brings exciting opportunities for growth, celebration, and well-deserved rest!
Good Friday
April 3
Schools Closed
Spring Recess
April 6-10
Enjoy the break with family!
Spring Assessments
April
NJSLA testing window
Earth Day
April 22
Environmental activities