Van Derveer Elementary School

VDV Bear Bulletin

"We are Safe, We are Respectful, We are Responsible"
VDV

Dates to Remember...

11 Half Day (PS 12:15pm) (K-5 12:55pm)

11 Back to School Night, 6:30pm

17 PTO Meeting @ VDV, 7pm

23 School Closed - Rosh Hashanah

24 School Spirit Day (black & gold)

October 2 Custodian Appreciation Day

October 2 School Closed - Yom Kippur

October 3 School Closed - Staff Development

Principal's Corner...

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to VDV for what is sure to be a great school year. We are off to a great start!

Just a few reminders...

We will be using our drop and go system for arrival each morning, hoping to alleviate some of the traffic each morning.

DO NOT park in a NUMBERED parking spot. These spots are for staff members.

Back to School Night will be held Thursday, September 11th. We will provide more details next week.

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Please keep in mind when visiting Van Derveer or picking up a student for early dismissal...

A valid form of ID will be REQUIRED EVERY TIME you need to enter the building. Visitors are required to wear a visitor's tag at all time while at VDV. NO exceptions will be made.

A valid form of ID will also be REQUIRED EVERY TIME a parent/guardian needs to pick up a child early for any reason. NO exceptions will be made.

Parking Lot Procedures...

We understand that our parking lot can be difficult during arrival and dismissal, but if we all work together we can ensure a safe and timely arrival and dismissal. Getting all students into school safely is our main concern. The monitors are there to help ensure traffic flows smoothly. Please treat them kindly. We appreciate your patience.

Do the following when on VDV property...

Use the designated drop-off lanes in the morning. These lanes are designated to facilitate an efficient flow of traffic and provide a safe environment for all students.

Move all the way up in the drop-off lane each morning so that multiple families can drop off their children at the same time.

Do NOT parallel park in unauthorized areas. Parking in these areas can obstruct traffic and pose safety concerns.

In the morning, DO NOT PARK IN ANY NUMBERED PARKING SPOTS. These spots are reserved for our teachers and staff and it is essential that they remain available to them upon their arrival.

During dismissal, please find an available spot to park. Do NOT park in an area that will clog traffic. Students will be dismissed starting promptly at 2:15pm (PS), 2:55pm (K-5).

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Attention: Kindergarten Families...

Most Kindergarten students are in need of additional immunizations prior to beginning Kindergarten.  This requirement is according to New Jersey State Law -  N.J.A.C.  8:57-4 Immunization of Pupils in School.   Below are some common needed Kindergarten immunizations:

DTaP - Diphtheria, Tetanus,Acellular Pertussis - usually 5 doses

IPV - Inactivated Polio Vaccine - usually 4 doses

MMR - Measles, Mumps, Rubella - usually 2 doses

Hepatitis B - usually 3 doses - spaced out over 6 months

 Families will have thirty (30) calendar days from the first day of school to present a required up-to-date immunization record.  This date will be Monday, October 6, 2025. 

If at that point, proof of vaccination is not provided, your child will be excluded from school until proof of immunization is provided. 

If you feel that your child has already received the required immunizations, please forward the most recent immunization report to the Van Derveer health office.  Your healthcare provider will be able to guide you regarding the need for required immunizations and/or appointments.  

Please make any appointments now with your healthcare provider.  We are aware that some community health care systems have waiting lists, so please make your appointments now.

You may also reach out to Nurse Jen or Nurse Cynthia to answer any questions.

Jennifer Shaw -   jshaw@somervilleschools.org                908-243-1514

Cynthia Brennan - cybrennan@somervilleschools.org      908-243-1506

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Visit myschoolbucks.com to set up or add money to a lunch account for your student(s).

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Meet VDV staff members at the pickleball court on Veterans Memorial at 8am every Wednesday, starting on 9/17 (weather permitting) and walk to VDV with other students and staff!

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We are very excited for the new school year! This is just a friendly reminder that on days your child has physical education, please have them:

  • Wear appropriate and supportive footwear (sneakers, please. No sandals, boots, heels, Crocs, etc.)

  • Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.

  • Bring a water bottle.

Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Ms. Breeman & Mrs. Iannella

P.E & Health Teachers, VDV

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Welcome Back from Maschio's...

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Friday 9/5 @ 5-6pm: VDV Ice Cream Social 

Kick off the school year with the PTO for this free event - rain or shine! RSVP at bit.ly/pto2025icecream

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Join us for the first meeting of the year in the VDV Media Center. Virtual option available - see our site at www.somervillenjpto.com for the link.

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Be In the Know - Join the PTO!

Sign up for your annual PTO membership today to support the children and staff of VDV. Plus, you'll receive our weekly emails and be entered for a chance to win one spirit wear item of your choice if you sign up by 9/30! Join now at https://bit.ly/pto2025somerville 

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VDV Spirit Wear On Sale Now!

Grab some fresh gear for your child to show off their school spirit. Online store is open at bit.ly/villepk8spiritwear - or visit us at Back to School Night on Thursday the 11th!

SEPAG News...

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GOTR

Girls on the Run is so much fun!

Open to girls in grades 3-5. Scan the QR Code below for more information.

GOTR
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turkey

Registration is open for the 10th annual Somerville 5K Turkey Trot that will be held on Thanksgiving Day.  Additional information can be found at www.somervilleturkeytrot.com

Cub Scout Pack 80 News...

What a summer! Pack 80 has been busy making memories and having adventures, from the woods to the water and everything in between!

  • Graduation Campout:  We wrapped up the scouting year with an amazing campout full of fishing, rocket launches, an exciting Rain Gutter Regatta, and a classic campfire with s’mores. It was the perfect mix of adventure and fun!

  • Summer Camp at Acahela:  Several of our scouts attended a full week of summer camp, where this year’s Medieval Times theme brought out knights, castles, and plenty of steamy summer weather. Despite the heat, spirits were high and the fun never stopped!

  • National Night Out:  On August 5th, Pack 80 participated in Somerville’s National Night Out. We met many new families and had a great time sharing what Cub Scouting is all about.

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Check us out! If your child is ready for fun, friendship, and adventure, come see what Cub Scout Pack 80 is all about. Contact CubScoutPack80@gmail.com for more info!

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