The Chimera Chronicle
The Chimera Chronicle
April Edition
Willingboro Public Schools Newsletter
Welcome to April!
Dear Chimera Community,
April is here, and we're heading into the home stretch of the 2025–2026 school year! After a wonderful Women's History Month and productive Parent-Teacher Conferences, our community is energized and focused on finishing the year strong.
This month includes Good Friday (April 3) and Spring Recess(April 6–10) — a well-deserved break for our students and staff. When we return, we'll close out the Third Marking Period on April 16, celebrate Earth Day on April 22, and begin preparing for NJSLA spring assessments.
Please note the upcoming NJSLA & NJSLA-A testing schedule:
- WHS: May 4–8
- Elementary & JAC 5th Grade: May 11–15
- Memorial & JAC 6th Grade: May 18–22
- Make-Ups: May 26–29
| April 2026 |
|---|
| World Autism Awareness Month |
| Financial Literacy Month (#MySavingsStory #FinancialLiteracyMonth #FinLitMonth) |
| Counseling Awareness Month (#CounselorsHelp) |
| School Library Month |
| National Internship Awareness Month |
| Mathematics Awareness Month |
| National Volunteer Month |
| April 1: April Fool's Day |
| April 1: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day |
| April 3: Walk to Work Day |
| April 4: National School Librarian Day |
| April 4–11: National Robotics Week (#NationalRoboticsWeek, #RoboticsWeek, #Roboweek) |
| April 7–11: National Assistant Principals Week |
| April 19–25: National School Library Week |
| April 22: Earth Day |
| April 22: Administrative Assistants Day |
| April 22: Administrative Professionals Day (#WeLeadUp, #AdminProfessionalsDay) |
| April 23: International World Book Day |
| April 24: Arbor Day |
Report Cards for Marking Period 3 will be available via Genesis on April 23. We encourage families to review progress and celebrate growth. Our teachers remain committed to supporting every student's success as we approach the final marking period.
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
April Highlights
Good Friday
April 3: Schools Closed — enjoy the long weekend with your family before Spring Recess.
Spring Recess
April 6–10: Schools Closed — rest, recharge, and enjoy quality family time!
End of Marking Period 3
April 16: Third marking period ends (45 days). Report cards available April 23 via Genesis.
Earth Day
April 22: Environmental celebrations, service projects, and sustainability activities across all schools.
NJSLA Assessment Prep
Targeted review sessions and confidence-building activities to prepare students for spring assessments.
Half Day PD / Early Dismissal
April 29: Professional Development Day — early dismissal for all students.
Teaching & Learning
Earth Day & Environmental Learning
Science & Sustainability
Students explore ecosystems, climate science, and environmental stewardship through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving.
Cross-Curricular Connections
Earth Day themes are woven into ELA (environmental writing), Math (data analysis on conservation), Social Studies (environmental policy), and Art (nature-inspired creations).
Service Learning
Schools are organizing campus cleanups, recycling drives, and garden planting projects to give students hands-on experience in community stewardship.
Assessment & Academic Growth
NJSLA Preparation
Teachers are utilizing data-driven instruction to target key skills in ELA and Mathematics. Practice sessions during Chimera Time and regular classroom activities build confidence and familiarity with test formats.
End of Marking Period 3
The Third Marking Period ends April 16. Report cards will be available via Genesis on April 23. Families can use this as an opportunity to review progress and set goals for the final marking period.
Supporting Learning at Home
Encourage daily reading, maintain regular study routines, and keep a positive attitude about assessments. Rest and nutrition are just as important as academic preparation.
April Dates & Reminders
Good Friday
Friday, April 3
Schools Closed
Spring Recess
April 6–10
Schools Closed — enjoy time with family!
End of Marking Period 3
Thursday, April 16
Third marking period ends (45 instructional days).
Earth Day
Wednesday, April 22
Environmental celebrations across all schools!
Report Cards (MP3)
Thursday, April 23
Available via Genesis by 4:00 PM.
Half Day PD / Early Dismissal
Wednesday, April 29
Professional Development Day for staff.
April Reminders
- 🌴 Spring Recess April 6–10 — classes resume April 13
- 📊 Report Cards available April 23 via Genesis
- 🌍 Participate in Earth Day activities April 22
- 🏠 Half Day / Early Dismissal on April 29
- 📚 Keep reading daily — aim for 20+ minutes!
School Highlights
Willingboro High School
NJSLA Preparation Intensives
Ongoing
Focused review sessions during Chimera Time and after-school tutoring to prepare for spring assessments.
Spring Sports Season
In Full Swing
Go Chimeras! Support our student-athletes at home and away games.
Memorial Middle School
Environmental Science Fair
Earth Day Week
Students presenting sustainability research and solutions for a greener future.
Spring Concert Preparations
Rehearsals Ongoing
Band and chorus preparing for their end-of-year showcase performances.
J.A. Cotten Intermediate School
Spring Reading Challenge
All April
Students tracking their reading progress toward classroom and grade-level goals.
Earth Day Recycling Drive
April 22
Classroom competition to collect the most recyclables and reduce waste!
Hawthorne Elementary School
Garden Planting Day
April 22
Students planting flowers and vegetables in the school garden for Earth Day.
Earth Day Art Gallery
April 22–24
Nature-inspired artwork on display in the main hallway for families to enjoy.
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 May
The home stretch is here — assessments, celebrations, and a strong finish to the year!
NJSLA Assessments
May
Spring assessment window
Half Day PD
May 13
Early Dismissal for students
Memorial Day
May 25
Schools Closed
End of Year
June
Celebrations & graduation!