Dear Memorial Middle School Community,

I want to begin with a simple story: on my drive home from the gym, I called my wife to see if we needed anything from the store. I decided to stop, picked up ingredients for an omelette, and walked through the grocery aisles knowing I could select what I wanted. It was an uneventful choice for me—but in that quiet moment, I recognized how much privilege was embedded in it.

Because for some in our community today, that kind of decision isn’t so simple. With SNAP benefits stalled, families may face long lines, cold weather, and uncertain meals. What may seem normal for some is deeply anxious for others.

So here’s my invitation to all of us: a call to compassion.

To our staff and teaching team:
We all must pause before making that phone call home. Watch our tone. Consider that the student you’re calling may be managing hunger, shame, worry—while making it look easy. Because we don’t know what someone is carrying as they walk through our hallways, sit in your classroom, or enter our offices. Our power as educators isn’t just in curriculum. It’s in care, connection, and patience.

To our students:
I see the play-fighting, the “friendly fades” where we choose violence as a form of conflict resolution, the tearing each other down with words. I know it’s hard to ask young people to rise above it—but if we don’t heal within, we will destroy without. We complain about “those kids,” but don’t always reflect on how our decisions and culture shape what is being said about Willingboro and Memorial. We must be better—for ourselves and for each other.

As one memorable line puts it: “But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers.”

Let’s be the wise ones. Let’s build bridges:

More connects us than separates us. And recognizing our privilege is not about guilt—it’s about responsibility. When I walked down that grocery store aisle, I could choose. Others may not have that luxury today. That doesn’t mean I stop choosing—it means I choose differently. I choose deeply. I choose compassion.

So, to everyone reading this —teachers, staff, parents, students—let’s make this our moment. Let’s act with patience when we’re tired. Speak with kindness when we’re frustrated. Extend a hand to someone when we see them standing alone. Because I believe Memorial Middle School can be more than a building. It can be a community of care.

Thank you for all you do and all you are. Let’s be the bridges our community needs.

With gratitude and hope,
Mr. Morgan

Each day, our teachers and educational service professionals go above and beyond to support our students and families. Now’s your chance to recognize their hard work and impact! Please take a moment to nominate a staff member who has made a difference in your child’s life for Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year.

📝 Nominate a Teacher of the Year
📝 Nominate an Educational Services Professional of the Year

Your voice helps us celebrate the people who make Memorial special!

The New Jersey Department of Education has shared an important update regarding the federal government shutdown and its potential impact on SNAP benefits and other supports. We know that school meals are an important source of nutrition for many families, and with upcoming school closures, we want to make sure you have access to the help you need.

Below are resources available across the state for food assistance and support:

🍎 New Jersey Basic Needs Information Hub: Get Food This Week
Find local food pantries and soup kitchens in your county, plus a simple four-step guide for visiting one.

📞 NJ211 Hotline
Call 2-1-1 or visit the site to find nearby resources for food, housing, crisis, and health needs.

🥕 New Jersey’s SNAP Program
Learn more about benefits, updates, and eligibility for food assistance.

🏠 Office of the Food Security Advocate: SNAP Benefits and Food Assistance

🥫 Community Food Bank of New Jersey

If your family or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to use these resources or share them with others. At Memorial, we believe in caring for the whole child—and that means making sure every family has what they need to thrive.

We are thrilled to recognize Ms. Bingham for her unwavering dedication, professionalism, and positivity that inspire both students and colleagues every day. Her proactive approach to solving problems and commitment to outstanding service make a meaningful impact in our classrooms and throughout Memorial Middle School.

Ms. Bingham’s work reminds us that every action matters in our mission to close gaps for our students. By fostering supportive learning environments, showing patience and care, and going above and beyond, she helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive—both academically and personally.

Thank you, Ms. Bingham, for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to making a real difference in our school community!

It’s a busy month at Memorial! Please take note of the upcoming dates and events below so your family can stay connected and prepared:

📅 November 1–10: Fall Break – No School
🎓 November 12: 8th Grade Night at Willingboro High School
🧮 November 13–14: NJSLA Field Testing
📘 November 14: End of Marking Period 1
🤝 November 19–20: Early Dismissal for Family-Teacher Conferences

🎉 November 20: Fall Dance, 6–8:30 PM
🦃 November 26: Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break
🍁 November 27–28: Thanksgiving Break – No School

Thank you for staying involved and engaged. Your partnership helps make Memorial a thriving school community!

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