CCHS students stepped up to the plate in a big way to surprise one of our dining hall workers with a $2,500 check to help support Joe’s family as his son battles brain cancer. "We found out this year that Joe's son had brain cancer and we all felt we needed to help out with the financial burden during the holiday season," said Bridget Sipera, McAuley Program Chairperson and Head Girls Lacrosse Chairs at Camden Catholic. So, she organized a dress down day and donation collection for this effort. The money raised showed just what Joe means to those who teach and learn at the school every day. Spiera said he is just an "amazing guy."

The Merchantville School District was founded in 1874. It is a community public school district that serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade committed to quality and excellence, will provide a broad-based education, which is responsive to the needs of all students. Working with the community, the district shall: Offer a wide range of academic experiences that encourages all students to meet their potential and prepares them to meet the Curriculum Content Standards. Foster a respect for self and others. Encourage personal, social, and civic responsibility. Develop a continuing interest in self-improvement in all areas. Create an environment that encourages a desire for successful learning. Generate an enthusiasm for life-long learning.

1. To educate our children within the Catholic tradition in a manner faithful to the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church
2. To build a culture of academic excellence for our students
3. To build and instill a culture of virtue in our students

Merchantville School continued to promote reading today by holding a "Hallway Read-In". All students brought a book into the hallway and read for 20 minutes. We hope that students continue practicing their reading skills outside of school and in lots of different locations.

The 5th grade students at Merchantville Elementary School had the opportunity to use the Fatal Vision® goggles, which simulate eyesight of a person under the influence of alcohol. Sgt. Frank Talarico, Merchantville’s LEAD Officer, incorporates this activity as part of the program. The Fatal Vision® Impairment Simulation Goggles are a hands-on awareness building tool that allows people to experience with a sober mind what it's like to be under the influence of alcohol.  Participants experience how alcohol impairs a person's balance, vision, reaction time, and judgment. Simple activities with the Fatal Vision® Goggles such as walking a line, one-leg stand, reaching out to grab a set of car keys, or tossing a ball become important aha moments as the particpant realizes how susceptible they are to potentially dangerous consequences of impairment.  It was a fun and enlightening experience for the students and teachers. 

On March 14th Merchantville students stood together with school pride on the National School Walkout Day. Students decorated the lawn with art work promoting school pride. Students stood together to promote a safe school environment for all. Merchantville Chief School Administrator J. Scott Strong said his district, which is a self-contained pre-K-to-eighth-grade building, divided up the messaging for younger and older kids. Their solution was to create, with student input, a school pride day to reflect on values of safety and kindness. Younger students formed a heart in the gymnasium, while older ones stood outside, linking arms to “stand together for Merchantville.”  http://www.njpen.com/national-school-walkout-lifts-student-voices-calls-for-unity/

Merchantville School launched our "Lunch Buddies" program this week. Students from the elementary school were paired with Jr High students to eat lunch and converse. The older students take pride in being models for the younger students. This program will rotate students and mentors on a weekly basis. School-based “Bigs” meet with a child or “Little” at their elementary school during their lunch hour. We ask “Bigs” to meet with their “Little” once a week, during the school year for at least two semesters. The meetings only take place on school grounds. Matches will play games, talk, enjoy sports or crafts 1:1 or occasionally, work on homework!