The Chimera Chronicle
April Edition
Week of April 14, 2026
Welcome Back, Chimeras!
Welcome back from Spring Recess! We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break filled with family time and fun. As we return to school this week, we're entering the home stretch of the school year, and there's so much to look forward to!
This week marks the end of the Third Marking Period on Thursday, April 16. Our teachers and students have worked incredibly hard, and this milestone is a testament to that dedication. Report cards will be available via Genesis on April 23.
As we prepare for spring state assessments (NJSLA), please help your child maintain healthy routines — good sleep, nutritious meals, and positive encouragement go a long way. Our staff has been preparing students all year, and we know they're ready to show what they've learned!
With Chimera Pride,
Marti Hill-Parker, Acting Superintendent of Schools
Important Dates This Week
Welcome Back!
Monday, April 13
Classes resume after Spring Recess — let's finish strong!
End of Marking Period 3
Thursday, April 16
Third marking period ends (45 instructional days)
Spring Assessment Preparation
The NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessments) testing window will open soon. Here's how families can help students feel confident and prepared:
📋 At School
- • Targeted review sessions in all grade levels
- • Practice with test-format questions
- • Chimera Time dedicated to skill-building
- • Teachers providing individualized support
🏠 At Home
- • Ensure 8–10 hours of sleep nightly
- • Provide a nutritious breakfast each morning
- • Encourage reading for 20+ minutes daily
- • Keep a positive, low-stress attitude about tests
💪 Mindset Tips
- • Remind children to do their best
- • Avoid comparing to other students
- • Celebrate effort, not just results
- • Tests are one measure — they don't define your child
School Highlights
🏫 Willingboro High School
NJSLA Preparation Intensives
Ongoing
Focused review sessions during Chimera Time and after-school tutoring.
Spring Sports Season
In Full Swing
Go Chimeras! Support our student-athletes at home and away games.
🏫 Memorial Middle School
NJSLA Readiness Week
This Week
Special schedule with extended practice and review sessions.
Spring Arts Showcase
Coming Soon
Students preparing performances and exhibits for the community.
🏫 J.A. Cotten Intermediate School
Assessment Pep Rally
This Week
Building confidence and excitement for showing what we know!
Spring Reading Challenge
April
Students tracking pages read with classroom and grade-level goals.
🏫 Hawthorne Elementary School
Welcome Back Celebration
Monday, April 13
Fun activities to transition back into learning after break.
Earth Day Prep
Starting This Week
Students beginning environmental projects and garden planning.
Looking Ahead
Coming Up:
- →April 22: Earth Day — environmental celebrations across all schools
- →April 23: Report Cards (MP3) available via Genesis
- →April 29: Half Day PD Day / Early Dismissal
- →Late April/May: NJSLA Spring Assessment Window
The Chimera Chronicle — Willingboro Township Public Schools
Together We Rise! 🌟