11/06/2022
Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer Branch Stewart, and I am a candidate for the Voorhees Township Board of Education. I am far from new to Voorhees or to our wonderful school system. I grew up here and attended Signal Hill, VMS, and Eastern. I am now a lawyer, wife, and mother of four children ages 9, 8, 5 and 5 - and all four of my children attend a Voorhees public school, so my experience with our schools is not just anecdotal, but actual and extensive. As the November 8th election draws near, I'd urge voters to carefully research candidates and exercise your right to vote for the most qualified INDIVIDUAL(S) regardless of bracket, slate, or political affiliation.
Some issues that I feel strongly about include:
Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of administration, curriculum, and student experience. Our district should be a safe, comfortable, and inclusive place for all children, staff, and families.
Identifying and addressing "learning loss" factors and/or decreasing test scores in light of the pandemic.
Promoting and implementing an age-appropriate, yet accurate history and social studies curriculum.
Promoting and implementing an age-appropriate health curriculum, in accordance with the NJSLS, that allows optional parental inclusion/participation in select lessons and/or open-ended opt-out.
Creating a pipeline of new teaching talent with the many nearby stellar teaching programs in our area to address staffing shortages and supplement our already solid teaching staff with professionals of diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and certifications.
Supporting our amazing teaching and administrative staff, while encouraging strong parent interaction and partnership through regular contact, conferencing, and participation.
Encouraging STEAM programming. Including arts-based learning initiatives into our STEM curriculum enhances student creativity and encourages originality and individuality. It also allows children who don't typically shine in traditional/core classes to excel.
Leaning into SEL. Embracing social emotional learning activities such as journaling, goal setting, reciting daily affirmations, organizing class or small group leadership opportunities, etc. not only creates a more thoughtful and interactive learning experience for our kids, but also breeds healthier and better-adjusted humans and contributors to society going forward.
Thank you for reading, and for considering my candidacy. Your vote for me would be appreciated and one well cast for my children and yours.
Thank you!
Jennifer
#12 on the ballot. www.jenniferbranchstewart.com.
