The Chimera Chronicle
March Edition
Week of March 17, 2026
Conference Week Is Here!
Welcome to an exciting week, Chimera Community! This week marks the start of our spring Parent-Teacher Conferences — an invaluable opportunity for families and educators to connect, celebrate student growth, and plan for continued success. We encourage all families to participate in these important conversations.
We also welcome the first day of spring on Friday! As nature renews itself, let's embrace this season of growth with fresh energy and renewed commitment to excellence. Our students have worked so hard this year, and spring brings exciting opportunities for achievement.
As we continue celebrating Women's History Month, we honor the educators and family members who shape our students' lives every day. This week's conference conversations are a testament to the partnership between home and school that makes our Chimera Community so strong.
Thank you for your partnership in your child's education!
With Chimera Pride,
Marti Hill-Parker
Acting Superintendent of Schools
Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule
Tuesday, March 17
- High School: Early Dismissal – Evening Conferences
- Memorial Middle: Early Dismissal – Afternoon Conferences
March 19-24
- March 19: ECDC & J.A. Cotten Evening
- March 23: Hawthorne & Twin Hills Evening
- March 24: W.R. James Evening
💡 Tips for a Successful Conference:
- • Review your child's recent work and progress reports
- • Prepare questions about academic and social growth
- • Share insights about your child's interests and challenges
- • Discuss strategies for supporting learning at home
Women's History Month Spotlight
Week 3 Theme: "Leaders & Visionaries"
This week, we honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the trailblazing Supreme Court Justice who spent her career fighting for gender equality and civil rights. Justice Ginsburg showed us that persistence and dedication can change the world.
Classroom Activities This Week:
- Learning about the Supreme Court and civic leadership
- Mock court activities exploring justice and fairness
- Writing prompts: "What Would You Fight For?"
- Spring-themed art celebrating women and nature
Teaching & Learning Focus
Literacy Focus
Students are exploring persuasive writing and argumentation, inspired by women who used their voices to advocate for change.
- • Persuasive essays on important issues
- • Debates and discussion circles
- • Reading speeches by influential women leaders
STEM Connections
Spring science explorations are underway! Students are investigating seasonal changes and connecting to environmental science concepts.
- • Spring equinox investigations
- • Plant growth experiments beginning
- • Weather and climate studies
Assessment & Academic Growth
Spring assessment preparation continues. Use conference time to discuss your child's readiness and any support strategies.
- • Review assessment preparation materials at conferences
- • Discuss strategies for supporting test readiness at home
- • Ensure students maintain healthy sleep and nutrition habits
Important Dates & Reminders
WHS Parent Conferences
Tuesday, March 17
Early Dismissal – Evening Parent Conferences
Memorial Conferences
Tuesday, March 17
Early Dismissal – Afternoon Parent Conferences
Elementary Conferences Begin
Thursday, March 19
Early Dismissal — ECDC & Elementary conferences begin
First Day of Spring
Friday, March 20
Welcoming the spring season with renewed energy!
Week 3 Reminders
- 📅 Check your conference schedule and confirm your appointment
- 🌞 Welcome the first day of spring on Friday!
- 📝 Early dismissal days this week — plan accordingly
- 😴 Maintain regular bedtimes even with schedule changes
School Highlights
🏫 Willingboro High School
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, March 17 (Evening)
Early Dismissal – Meet with teachers to discuss academic progress and college/career planning.
Spring Sports Season Begins
This Week
Tryouts and practices begin for spring athletic programs.
🏫 Memorial Middle School
Afternoon Conferences
Tuesday, March 17
Early Dismissal – Connect with your child's teachers to celebrate growth and set goals.
Women's History Month Culmination
Friday, March 20
Student presentations showcasing research on influential women.
🏫 J.A. Cotten Intermediate School
Spring Art Display
During Conferences
View student artwork celebrating women and the arrival of spring!
First Day of Spring Celebration
Friday, March 20
Outdoor learning activities and nature observations to welcome spring.
🏫 Hawthorne Elementary School
Evening Conferences
Monday, March 23
Discuss your child's progress and view their classroom work.
Women Leaders Gallery Walk
Available During Conferences
Student-created portraits and biographies of inspiring women on display.
Looking Ahead
Coming Up:
- →March 24: W.R. James Evening Conferences
- →April 3: Schools Closed — Good Friday
- →April 6-10: Spring Recess — Enjoy the break!