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
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
Click to view an early edition of Headlines & Virtual Backpack for the week ending March 6, 2026: https://app.smore.com/n/9q7vk0
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.
Let's get ready for Read Across America Week - March 2-6! Click to view the flyer in English and Spanish: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/0fc7b4d5-0003-412c-b286-ee24f45af1e8/Read-Across-America-2026-%281%29.pdf?disposition=inline
The 2025-2026 district calendar has been revised. School will be open on Monday, April 13, to make up the snow closing on February 23. It will be a B Day/Day 4. Click to view the revised calendar: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5380/Fr/b3437960-cfbe-4b6f-9ba8-f1883cefbe80/2025-2026-District-Calendar---Revised-2-24-26.pdf?disposition=inline
Click to view this week's Headlines and Virtual Backpack for the week ending February 20, 2026:
https://app.smore.com/n/wm47r
Congratulations to Francis A. Desmares School Counselor Viviana Moncada. Named New Jersey's School Counselor of the Year in 2025, Ms. Moncada was recognized and celebrated for her distinguished achievement at the American School Counseling Association Gala in Washington, D.C. Read more about Ms. Moncada here: https://www.njsca.org/pastnjscoy?rq=moncada
Eyes of the Wild Assembly at Desmares today! Thank you to the FAD PTO for sponsoring this educational assembly for our students!
Click to view this week's Headlines & Virtual Backpack for the week ending February 13, 2026:
https://app.smore.com/n/uex8f
February 13 & 16: The Flemington-Raritan School District will be closed for all students on Friday, February 13, for a staff in-service. The district will be closed on Monday, February 16, for Presidents' Day.
The District will hold a Town Hall on the 2026-2027 budget and other district topics on Wednesday, February 11, at 6 PM at J.P. Case Middle School. A virtual option to attend will be offered. Information will be shared with a Q&A session to follow.
Zoom link: https://frsd.zoom.us/j/81144801158?pwd=av2rALaXcgoeEiikZza4x4tabNH7Id.1
Meeting ID: 811 4480 1158
Passcode: QCMFv6
