Francis A. Desmares School (PreK-4)
Every Student, Every Day, Every Opportunity
Our Flemington-Raritan Education Foundation invites students and families to Thank a Teacher! With a gift of $5 per honoree, the Foundation will send a personalized thank you to the teacher or staff member designated through the recognition program. View details here: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/3bdc032e-6cec-411e-b0ea-dc15b45e04ee/Thank-a-Teacher-2026.pdf?disposition=inline
Take Your Child to Work Day Reminder - April 23
To anticipate the number of children who will be out of school on April 23, please be sure to use Desmares' absence form to record your child's absence. Under the reason for the absence, select the option marked Other, then note that the absence is for Take Your Child to Work Day. Please submit your child's absence as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
To anticipate the number of children who will be out of school on April 23, please be sure to use Desmares' absence form to record your child's absence. Under the reason for the absence, select the option marked Other, then note that the absence is for Take Your Child to Work Day. Please submit your child's absence as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
Autism Acceptance Spirit Week will take place next week, April 20–24! Be sure to check out the list of district-wide themes to celebrate! https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/8057283b-e0ee-4358-8d49-3581ff4c71a0/FRSD-Autism-Acceptance-Week-2026-%283%29.pdf?disposition=inline
FRSD is hiring for the 2026-2027 school year. View all available jobs and apply online here: https://phlaptweb33.applitrack.com/frsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1
Click to view this week's Headlines and Virtual Backpack ~ Spring Break Edition:
https://app.smore.com/n/tqcae
FRSD Take Your Child to Work Day Reminder -- Our district acknowledges April 23 as Take Your Child to Work Day. To anticipate the number of children who will be out of school on April 23, please use each school's absence form to record your child's absence. Under the reason for the absence, select the option marked Other, then note that the absence is for Take Your Child to Work Day. Please submit your child's absence by April 20. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click to view the latest Headlines & Virtual Backpack for the week ending March 27, 2026: https://app.smore.com/n/gdsac
April events are posted: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bDUg_3ZngU5siUh51Agg4FT2OZvKeMqXK53aU8xFUHo/edit?tab=t.0
School will be closed for Spring Break from Friday, April 3 through Friday, April 10. Students will return to school on Monday, April 13th as this is a make up day for the February 23 snow closing. It will be a B Day/Day 4.
Let's gear up for the 10th Annual Color Run. Registration is open! Click to access the Color Run Info Hub with links for registration, schedules, volunteer sign up, sponsor requests and frequently asked questions: https://www.frsd.us/page/2026-color-runwalk
FRSD art teachers found inspiration during their creative visit to Grounds for Sculpture, gathering fresh ideas to bring back to their classrooms.
Click to view an early edition of Headlines & Virtual Backpack for the week ending March 6, 2026: https://app.smore.com/n/9q7vk0
Francis A. Desmares School teams up with the United Way to launch the first in-school pantry program in Hunterdon County -- Check out this video of the ribbon-cutting event to open the pantry at Desmares School: https://youtu.be/8Y4aJaEn8xo?si=okTRlyGPaHIVdOvE.
The United Way of Hunterdon County partnered with Francis A. Desmares School to launch its first Pantries with Purpose school-based pantry initiative. The in-school pantry program helps to address the rising rate of food insecurity among children in Hunterdon County by placing fully stocked, confidential pantries directly inside local schools. These pantries provide shelf-stable food, healthy snacks, and hygiene essentials to any student who needs support — discreetly and without barriers.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of Hunterdon and bring the Pantries with a Purpose to Desmares School,” said Principal Mark Masessa. “This partnership with United Way of Hunterdon County allows us to respond immediately and compassionately when a student has a need. The pantry will provide critical support while preserving dignity and confidentiality for our families.”
The pantry is in use five days a week during the school year, allowing school staff to respond in real time when needs arise. By putting resources directly in schools, the effort removes transportation barriers and reduces stigma often associated with seeking assistance.
To learn more, contact Gabriela Bonnavent at gabriela@uwhunterdon.org. Community members can also support the initiative by sponsoring a school pantry, donating shelf-stable food or hygiene products, or making a financial contribution to help open additional locations.
The United Way of Hunterdon County partnered with Francis A. Desmares School to launch its first Pantries with Purpose school-based pantry initiative. The in-school pantry program helps to address the rising rate of food insecurity among children in Hunterdon County by placing fully stocked, confidential pantries directly inside local schools. These pantries provide shelf-stable food, healthy snacks, and hygiene essentials to any student who needs support — discreetly and without barriers.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of Hunterdon and bring the Pantries with a Purpose to Desmares School,” said Principal Mark Masessa. “This partnership with United Way of Hunterdon County allows us to respond immediately and compassionately when a student has a need. The pantry will provide critical support while preserving dignity and confidentiality for our families.”
The pantry is in use five days a week during the school year, allowing school staff to respond in real time when needs arise. By putting resources directly in schools, the effort removes transportation barriers and reduces stigma often associated with seeking assistance.
To learn more, contact Gabriela Bonnavent at gabriela@uwhunterdon.org. Community members can also support the initiative by sponsoring a school pantry, donating shelf-stable food or hygiene products, or making a financial contribution to help open additional locations.
Reminder: Students will have an Early Dismissal Day on Monday, March 9, 2026.
