It is usually true that during the summer season schools take a pause and go into break mode, but that is not the case for the schools in the Hammonton School District.
John Lyons, a longtime member of the Hammonton School Board, serving for nearly 20 years, captured this sentiment, “We don’t take our feet off the pedal in the summer. Our student athletes are putting in the work, teachers are perfecting lessons, and you can hear the sound of the band practicing during evenings all summer long.”
“That’s what makes our school community special,” added Lyons, “the dedication to excellence 365 days per year.”
There is much activity and preparation throughout the summer as the district gets ready for the next school year, further noted Kelli Fallon, another member serving on the Hammonton School Board, for nearly nine years.
Fallon described the synergy within the district, “Athletic teams are seen practicing sunrise to sunset, as well as giving back to the community running camps for our younger athletes. Academic programs like credit completion, AP classes, and the freshman jumpstart program are keeping the buildings lively with instruction and team-building activities. This all gives students the support they need as well as a confidence boost for the upcoming year.”
Fallon underscored the role teachers have in summer months, “While teachers may not be physically in the buildings, we know that they are preparing all summer long in anticipation of meeting their new students. Teachers never stop thinking of new ideas to make their classes even better!”
Dr. Kristina Tigro, Ed.D, Principal at Warren E. Sooy, Jr. Elementary School, highlighted one of the district’s curriculum learning summer programs, ‘Our Summer Scholars Program,’ which took place this July for students in first through fifth grades. A total of 150 students participated, sharpening their skills in ELA, Math, and STEM.
Dr. Tigro shared, “Students were given instruction on their level of learning through hands-on projects, centers, and interactive lessons. Each week, students enjoyed ‘Theme Thursday’ where fun activities were planned to culminate the week of learning. STEM projects were also completed and tested each week.”
The district’s commitment to its students extends far beyond the classroom, ensuring students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer, provided through the Food Service Department’s 2026 Summer Meal Pick-Up Program.
Families within the community were able to participate in the program which ran June through August, twice each week, at the Warren E. Sooy Jr. Elementary School, which distributed a total of 11,544 breakfasts and lunches to the youth in Hammonton.
While summer may look different than the traditional school year, the dedication of teachers, staff, students and families continues throughout the season. Dr. Tigro emphasized, “We are excited to begin another school year filled with learning, growth, friendship, and new opportunities. Our outstanding teachers and staff are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can be successful!”
Fallon further expressed, “The time, care, and dedication the staff and students give to each other and to our school community, even when school is not in session, is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. School is definitely in for summer.”
