[FALL] BACK INTO ATHLETICS - Weekly Updates + Info

BLUE DEVIL NATION!  Welcome back to a new school year of athletics and very soon, academics! Please remember to always check out our Athletics Community Group for weekly updates on our sports activities. It is possible that things can change last minute. You can check our " Arbiter rSchool Athletics Page " for the most up to date information for parents and families.  ATTENDING EVENTS - Football will require the purchase of an ONLINE TICKET to attend the games - NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE GATE  (unless you are ordering online via the QR code) . All other sports at Burlington City are free to attend (in the Fall). Volleyball will continue to follow our protocol like football for security check first. This is also a reminder that  NO food or outside drinks will be allowed in the Burr Gym. WHO TO CONTACT -  If your child(ren) participates in a sport, make sure to reach out directly to the coach of that sport for any questions pertaining to practices and games. The list of our coaching staff can be found HERE . For Physicals, ATS, Impact, or injury prevent and maintenance please reach out to our Athletic Trainer, Mr. Jesse Totoro (jtotoro@burlington-nj.net) or his website HERE . ______________________________________________________ WEEKLY SPORTS SCHEDULE FOR 9/1-9/6: **EP Buses are available 3:45PM (front of BCHS); 5:30PM (back of BCHS)** TUESDAY (9/2): STAFF IN-SERVICE DAY HOME -  B. Soccer vs. Thrive at 3:45PM  - Field 2 AWAY  -  G. Volleyball at Florence 3:45PM & 5:15PM Start _____________________________________________________________ WEDNESDAY (9/3): FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (1/2 DAY + IN-SERVICE) HOME - Field Hockey vs. Ewing at 4PM  -  Field 1   _____________________________________________________________ THURSDAY (9/4):    FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL + SCRIMMAGES/GAMES HOME - G. Soccer vs. Thrive at 3:45PM -  Field 2  ______________________________________________________________ FRIDAY (9/5): Ticket information to be shared for football once received. AWAY  - Football at Bordentown 6PM start HOME  - Field Hockey vs. Moorestown Friends at 4PM -  Field 1 _______________________________________________________________ SATURDAY (9/6):  NO PRACTICES AS OF NOW Lastly, it is important to remember that all spectators stay on the sidelines away from the players and coaches. We love seeing the positive impact the community, families, and fans have on our teams but safety will always be the priority. If you do not have a completed volunteer form or prior approval from administration, you cannot stand on the sidelines with the teams and coaches. Please take a moment to review our sportsmanship standards as they align with our district policy on  Spectator Code of Conduct . We look forward to ​a successful fall season. LET'S GO BLUE DEVILS!!!

Tuesday, Sep 02 2025

A Message from Dr. John Russell, Superintendent

Dear City of Burlington School Community, As the proud Superintendent of the City of Burlington Public Schools, I am excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back for the 2025-2026 school year! Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our remarkable team, we are ready to embark on a year rich in academic, social, and emotional growth as we resume classes for an early dismissal day  on Wednesday, September 3 .   I am pleased to share some excellent news with our school community! Starting on the first day of the 2025-2026 school year,  all students in each of our school buildings will receive one (1) breakfast and one (1) lunch at no cost through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This federal program enables eligible schools to provide free meals to all enrolled students, regardless of their household income. Students may still purchase additional entrees and snacks separately.   I encourage all students and families to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in our meal program. Eating meals provided at school helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.   While no applications are required to receive free meals,  families must complete an application to determine eligibility for the Summer EBT program, as well as for waivers for PSAT/SAT testing, college applications, and other benefits. Completing this application is also crucial for us to provide the Department of Education with the necessary information to ensure our school district continues to receive critical funding.   Regular attendance is a cornerstone of student success, vital for both academic achievement and personal growth. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% of the school year (or 18 days, which averages only 1.8 days per month), can have significant negative consequences, including poor academic performance, disengagement from school and peers, and an increased likelihood of dropping out of high school. Consistent attendance enables students to engage with the curriculum and participate in meaningful interactions with peers and instructors, fostering collaborative learning, the exchange of diverse perspectives, and the development of critical social skills. Please discuss the importance of attending school with your child, monitor their attendance through the Genesis Parent Portal, and ensure they arrive on time each day.   Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority. Our goal is to challenge our students academically while providing the social and emotional support necessary to establish healthy relationships and build a strong foundation for the future. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team of teachers, administrators, and support staff, whose tireless efforts create a positive school climate where every child feels secure and valued. Resources related to social-emotional learning,  safety incident reporting , and our  Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Policy, along with HIB reporting , can be accessed on our District's  Student Safety page .     This summer, we conducted security audits in all school buildings to identify and implement additional security enhancements. The District regularly conducts emergency drills and provides all staff with training on safety and emergency procedures. Through our partnership with the Burlington City Police Department, we will continue to employ Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEOs) across the District to build strong relationships with our school community and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. If you have additional security-related questions, please contact Dr. James Flynn, the District's Assistant Superintendent and School Safety Specialist at  jflynn@burlington-nj.net .   As always, we look forward to partnering with our families and community members as we work together to provide high-quality educational programs and extracurricular activities for our students. I encourage you to remain involved in your child's education. Here are a few ways to connect with the District:   Visit our District website at  www.burlington-nj.net for the most up-to-date information. From there, you can:   View our District Calendar online or get a one-page calendar . Visit each school site to get school-specific details and event information. Access the "Parents" drop-down menu for parent-specific assistance and information. View emergency "pop-up" notifications (activated for urgent alerts or emergencies). ​ All parents and guardians should register for their ParentSquare account to receive timely information and urgent notifications via email, text, or the ParentSquare App. Look for our registration email or register your ParentSquare account. You can change your notification preferences upon registration. For assistance with  ParentSquare , please refer to the help section.   All parents and guardians should also access the  Genesis Parent Portal  to view student schedules and other important information.   Finally, The Boardwalk Bash 2025 was an extraordinary success as we transformed Wilbur Watts Intermediate School into a lively Burlington Boardwalk, featuring carnival games, exciting prizes, stylish backpacks, and delicious food.  The atmosphere of the Boardwalk was filled with vibrant energy as 600 people came out to enjoy the festivities.    The Boardwalk Bash serves as our signature community engagement initiative, demonstrating that it truly takes a village to make it successful.  Thanks to our collaboration with District partners, local businesses, and a Target Community Engagement Grant, we raised nearly $20,000, which directly funded school supplies, decorations, and prizes!     This event embodies the spirit of our District, bringing together students, staff, families, community members, Board of Education representatives, lawmakers, and many others for a joyful purpose.  Over 30 community tables offered invaluable resources to address a variety of needs and support systems.  The generosity of the numerous individuals, businesses, and organizations that supported our Back-to-School Boardwalk Bash efforts is both remarkable and profoundly appreciated!   Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to a great school year ahead!   Sincerely,  John Russell, Ed.D.  Superintendent

Tuesday, Sep 02 2025

🎡 We Had a Blast at the Boardwalk Bash! 🎡

What a fantastic night we had at the Boardwalk Bash! It was wonderful to see our staff, students, families, and community partners come together to celebrate a new school year with food, games, information, fun, and prizes! A huge THANK YOU goes out to our sponsors and community organizations for their generous support and donations. We also want to give a special shout-out to Dr. John Russell, Dr. James Flynn, Mrs. Jacquelene O'Brien, and all of our dedicated staff for their hard work in making this such a tremendous event! Let’s have a great school year!

Wednesday, Aug 27 2025

🥪🍎Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students through ...

Dear City of Burlington School Families,  We are excited to share some excellent news for our school community!  Beginning the first day of the 2025-2026 school year, all students at each of our school buildings will receive one (1) breakfast and one (1) lunch at no cost through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows eligible schools to provide free meals to all enrolled students, regardless of household income. Additional entrees and/or snacks can be purchased separately.  This means:  Every student can eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day without any cost to families. The program helps support student health and academic success by ensuring all children have access to consistent, nutritious meals. We encourage all  students to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in our meal program. Eating school meals helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. While no applications are required to receive free meals,  families must still complete an application to determine eligibility for the Summer EBT program, waivers for PSAT/SAT testing & college applications, and other benefits. Completing the application is also essential for us to provide the Department of Education with the information it needs to ensure our school/district will continue to receive critical funding.  This application will be part of the required Family Forms in Genesis. There is an option to opt out of completing the application; however, you will  not be eligible for the benefits listed above if you opt out. If you would like to request a paper application, please email CityMeals@burlington-nj.net or call 609-387-5876.  Thank you for your continued support in helping us foster a healthy and inclusive learning environment.    In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.  Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information ( e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at:  https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:  1.  Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence A venue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2.   Fax: (833)    256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3.  Email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.   

Monday, Aug 25 2025

🍎✅ Your Back-to-School Checklist is Here! 🍎✅

T he first day of school is just around the corner and we are sharing a handy checklist of important information to help you and your child get ready for the big day!  Mark your calendar! The first day of school for students is Wednesday, September 3, 2025. This is an early dismissal day .  Get a one-page District calendar and bell schedule for each school HERE . Review each school's arrival and dismissal procedures HERE . Get grade-level supply lists on the Bulletin Board section of your child's school website, or directly at the links below: Grades K-2 Supply Lists Grades 3-6 Supply Lists Grades 7-12 Supply Lists: Supply lists will be given by individual teachers during the first week of school. Make sure to check in with your child by the end of the first week. Check your contact information  in your Genesis Parent Portal account . You are required to complete important back-to-school information via the  Genesis Parent Portal   at the beginning of each school year. Student classes and schedules will be released in the  portal  closer to the first day of school.  Need to make changes to your contact information?  C all your child's school to check your information and/or make updates. Need a Genesis Parent Portal account?  Visit our  Genesis Help Page  for the portal request form. Register your ParentSquare account and download the ParentSquare app to receive important alerts and information from the District, school, and your child's teacher(s). Need help with ParentSquare? V isit our ParentSquare Help Page . Complete an Application for Free & Reduced Meals. Applications for 2025-2026 will be available shortly. We will continue to accept both paper and electronic applications. Keep an eye on your inbox and visit our Free & Reduced Meals page in the upcoming weeks for more information. Complete school health forms.  Visit our Health and Wellness page   to get student physical forms, medication forms, immunization requirements, and more! Need to register a new student?  Visit our New Student Registration Page . Follow us on all of our social media pages to stay in the loop and learn more about the amazing things happening in our schools: @BurlCitySchools @BurlCitySchools @BurlCitySchools Have Questions?  Visit  our FAQ  page for a list of commonly asked questions and answers. Or, email us at cbsdinfo@burlington-nj.net . We can't wait to welcome students back on September 3rd!  👋 See you soon! 👋

Thursday, Aug 07 2025

🎓🌟Congratulations, Class of 2025!🎓🌟

🎓 On the evening of June 24, 2025, we celebrated the Burlington City High School's Class of 2025! It was a beautiful event filled with many cherished moments! We are so proud of our graduates! 🎓 Can't get enough of the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony? Head on over to the BCHS website under Featured Media to see all of the candid moments!  📸 Professional photos can be obtained through Lifetouch. Text: 42998GY25 To: 90738 🌟Congratulations, Class of 2025! 🌟

Wednesday, Jun 25 2025

⚠️🎓Important Change to BCHS Graduation🎓⚠️

June 23, 2025 Dear City of Burlington School Community, We are writing to notify you of a change concerning the Burlington City High School Graduation Ceremony scheduled for tomorrow evening.  After closely monitoring the weather and considering the health and safety of our students, staff, and guests,  the graduation ceremony will be rescheduled for 8:15 p.m. and will take place outside at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School's Raymond Costello Field.   This adjustment will enable us to ensure as many people as possible can attend this special occasion as safely as possible. For those attending the event, please take note of the following important reminders: Parking will be available at Kennedy Park and All Saints Church. The only entrance into the outdoor venue is the Wood Street gate entrance.  Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. Please note that bags are not allowed into the venue.  Medical bags and diaper bags are permitted but will be screened before entry.  Umbrellas, balloons, and other obstructive items are also not allowed. All individuals entering the event will undergo security measures, including screening with a hand wand. Any student or guest who arrives with the scent of alcohol or marijuana will be removed from the graduation ceremony and will not be allowed to participate or attend, regardless of age or legal status. The weather forecast indicates that extremely high temperatures are expected tomorrow.  We urge you to take this information into serious consideration when deciding whether to attend, particularly if you are sensitive to excessive heat and prolonged sun exposure.  For those unable to join us in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the District's YouTube channel, allowing you to watch from the comfort of your own home.  Please note that there will be no on-site streaming.  You can access the live stream through the following link (or by scanning the QR code): https://www.youtube.com/@BurlingtonCityPublicSchools We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause; however, this adjustment will enable a streamlined graduation ceremony to be held outside at sunset.  We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025! Sincerely, John Russell, Ed.D.  Superintendent of Schools  James Flynn, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent

Tuesday, Jun 24 2025

🎡The Boardwalk Bash is Coming! Save the Date! 🎡

City of Burlington Public Schools  "Back to School" Boardwalk Bash SAVE THE DATE  Tuesday, August 26, 2025  5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Wilbur Watts Intermediate School  Fun for the whole family! Check  www.burlington-nj.net , ParentSquare, and our social media pages for registration information coming soon!

Tuesday, Jun 17 2025

📚☀️Grades K-5 Summer Reading Incentive ☀️📚

Get Ex"City"ed About Reading with the Summer Reading Incentive! Great news, Burlington City families! The City of Burlington Education Association's Summer Reading Incentive is back for another summer of fun and reading. This program is designed to help students strengthen their reading skills and celebrate their efforts all summer long. Here is how your student can rewarded for reading: 📚  Get Your Punch Card:  Students in Kindergarten through grade 5 receive a reading punch card (sent home today!). 📚  Start Reading : Dive into your favorite book (or use the book provided as part of your Summer Reading Assignment ).  📚  Visit Local Businesses:  After you finish reading, take your punch card to one of the participating local businesses listed on the card. 📚  Share: Chat with the businesses about what you've read to get a punch or stamp on your card. 📚  Complete Your Card : Visit all six businesses involved in the program throughout the summer. 📚 Reading Reward:  Bring your completed card back to school in September to join a special reading celebration party! Watch this video for more information👉  https://bit.ly/3TdbwJk Visit our website for complete information about Summer Assignments and the Summer Reading Incentive.   Connect with us! Visit our website and follow us on all of our social media pages!

Monday, Jun 16 2025

📣The "Our Schools" Newsletter is Here!📣

Check out all of the wonderful things happening in the City of Burlington School District in this issue of the "Our Schools" Newsletter! You can view the latest edition of the newsletter at  THIS LINK  or in the attachment to enjoy!  😀 [Wednesday, Jun 4 at 5:23 PM] Please note: There was a revision to the newsletter with an update to the time for the BCHS Academic Awards Night. The correct time for the event is 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). Thank you!

Wednesday, Jun 04 2025