June 2015
Category: GLOUCESTER CITY JR-SR HIGH
End-of-Year Locker Cleanouts in Gloucester City Schools
[source]
Each time the calendar turns toward summer, campuses start a simple but meaningful routine. Compartments that held books, notes, and small keepsakes get emptied, sorted, and cleared so hallways feel fresh again. This task marks a clear finish to the year and helps everyone shift focus to what comes next.
What looks like a basic task also carries a larger point for the community. School locker items show the real handoff from one grade to another. From rediscovered pencils to long-lost sweatshirts, the pile further tells a small story of daily life.
Year-End Habits Around Hallway Storage
The closing weeks bring a steady pattern. Teachers set time for kids to empty compartments, sort papers, and decide what should go home or be tossed. A flow gives a clear finish to projects and tests while easing the move to summer or a higher grade.
It also allows families to plan for packed bags coming through the door. The district also benefits from neat corridors and clean surfaces. Predictability further reminds students that wrap-up weeks are also about care and preparation, not only finals and parties.
Finding What Was Left Behind
Some of the most surprising moments happen when overlooked items come to light. Learners often uncover a notebook from September, a jacket from winter, or a small trinket that brings back a memory from early fall. These finds make kids smile and quietly show how much has changed over the months.
There is also a practical side. Busy schedules make it easy to misplace things, so a planned sweep is the best chance to recover them. In local campuses, these rediscoveries turn a routine task into something personal, adding warmth to an otherwise simple cleanup.
Sharing Extra Materials With Classmates
Gathered supplies can be put to work for the good of others. Spare binders, unused paper, and extra pens often get set aside for the following session so students who need help can start strong. This approach trims waste and supports fairness across classrooms.
When a clear system is in place, teachers can stock a small shelf for community use. Families also feel good knowing that useful items do not go to the trash. Pooling leftovers builds compassion and allows everyone to enjoy the basics required for learning.
How Schools Bring People Together
What looks like a hallway task can connect many hands. Parents, volunteers, and staff sometimes pitch in to guide the process, which turns a simple sweep into a shared effort. The cooperation shows how even small jobs can strengthen ties in the local education scene.
These ties also reach beyond the building. Families chat about what came home, faculty prepare rooms for the next group, and local groups may receive donated goods. The whole cycle reminds the neighborhood that campuses often serve as the heart of community life.
Teaching Order and Ownership
Sorting a compartment builds skills that last. Students decide what to keep and what to donate, which trains clear thinking. The simple routine also teaches follow-through and mindfulness for personal space. With these habits set early, learners carry neatness and reliability into later classes and future jobs.
Getting Ready for Next Term
Once the shelves are bare, minds feel lighter too. Clear spaces make it easier to imagine new goals, fresh routines, and better study habits. The cleanup acts like a reset button that helps kids step into the coming session with focus.
Teachers benefit as well. Empty rooms and organized closets give staff a head start on planning and room design. Across the district, a clean slate helps welcome the next group of learners with calm and order.
The Eco Impact
By opting for used school locker collections, schools can help cut down on waste. This can also show students the importance of reusing what still has value. Pens, folders, and even clothing can further be redirected to those who can use them. This approach not only connects learning with real responsibility, but emphasizes the role each individual plays in keeping the area green.
Endnote
By treating a small duty with care, campuses highlight how little habits shape a bigger culture of support. A solid approach also reminds everyone that even simple routines can leave a lasting mark on learners and the wider neighborhood.
Burkhardt Breaks Dad’s Record
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
GHS 400-MEET RECORD BROKEN–Steven Burkhardt, (inset) a senior at Gloucester High School, a star student- athlete at the school broke the outdoor track program’s 400-meet record during the Fast-Times meet at Cherokee High recently. That two decade plus record was held by his father former City Police Lt. Steve Burkhardt, and GHS alum. The lieutenant retired from the department last year.
According to Sun Papers, Burkhardt has already cemented his own Lions’ legacy, following a historic 2021-’22 football season in which he led the state with 33 rushing touchdowns while racking up 2,034 rushing yards, good for the second most in the state. Those touchdowns tied the single-season school record, and helped lead the program to its first playoff victory since 2014 with a 21-14 victory over New Egypt in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 sectional playoffs. read more
Gloucester High School Boys Basketball NJSIAA State Champs; LIONS Win First Sectional Title in 51 Years
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 15, 2022)(CNBNewsnet)–This past week, the Gloucester High School boys basketball team finished its historic run in NJSIAA State Playoffs. The Lions finished the season 21-10 were able to capture the school’s first sectional title in 51 years of our program’s rich history.
This team’s run started with a win over 13th seeded Clayton by a score of 87-67. Leading the Lions in scoring was Jr. Liam Gorman with 33 points. Also highlighted in that game were 1000 point scorer and Senior Captain, Steven Light, who finished with his first career triple-double (24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists). Box Score Below.
GLOUCESTER HIGH BEATS GLOUCESTER
CATHOLIC BY SCORE OF 18-12
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–(The Year 1948) Gloucester City High School captured its first victory of the current season last Friday evening at the Charles St. Stadium when they took Gloucester Catholic into camp by an 18 to 12 count.
A crowd of about 3500 looked on as the visitors broke a 12-12 deadlock with a third-period touchdown. The Catholic kickoff was returned to the Gloucester 36. Sooy picked up one yard. City High was penalized five yards for offside. Harris picked up two yards. After a pass had fallen incomplete, Weichman punted to the Catholic 40. McQuillan gained five, Phelps three, and Gibison three for a first down on the Gloucester 49.
McQuillan was thrown for a three-yard loss by Whitmore, and after two incomplete passes, O’Neill punted to the Gloucester 33.
Continue reading “GLOUCESTER HIGH BEATS GLOUCESTER”Joe Murphy, Alumnus, Athlete, Coach, Teacher and Friend of Gloucester Catholic
By GUS OSTRUM
GCHS Director of Advancement
Ramblings Spring 2012 edition
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (June 2012) –Joe Murphy has served on both sides of the fence at Gloucester Catholic, and has earned a reputation as a beloved figure within the community as a former alumnus and athlete, coach, teacher, and friend.Two plays later, Grant found himself circling the flank for the thirty-first point.
“Coach Murphy,” a 1954 graduate, began his long affiliation with GCHS as. The love affair with the school has never stopped, even after some 62 years. freshman student entering classes in the Fall of 1951. The love affair with the school has never stopped, even after some 62 years.
One key life lesson Joe has never forgotten is the strong bond between a teacher (coach) and a student and the influence it has on a young person’s life.
Continue reading “Joe Murphy, Alumnus, Athlete, Coach, Teacher and Friend of Gloucester Catholic”Highland Park School To Be Closed
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (MARCH 2011)(CNBNEWS)The rumors about the Highland Park School, Park Avenue and Highland Blvd., being closed are true, according to Gloucester City School Supt. Paul Spaventa. The gossip about this school have been circulating throughout the City since March. Why a formal announcement about the closing to the residents of the community was never released is unknown.
On Thursday (April 21) Spaventa said “Highland Park School will be closing but the Program for Success and Adult Night School will remain intact. Exact arrangements for accommodations of the programs are taking place and not finalized.”
Continue reading “Highland Park School To Be Closed”TWO AND ONE-HALF HOURS
By CNB Sports
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 25, 2008) – How can two and a half hours have such a profound impact on everyone’s lives? For Lions and Rams fans alike, nothing compares to the Thanksgiving game. This year, unlike many in the past, brings together many local players from both the GCHS and GHS teams for the last time.
Rams players such as Mike Gartland, Mike Rafferty, George Spingler, Ryan Alcott, and Harry Amwake will face off against Lions seniors and lifelong friends Ian Harter, Robert Filer, Kyle Stewart, Brett Darrow, John Alberta, Frank Heitman, and many others. These players are not just teammates but neighbors and friends, coming together for one final match.
In recent years, this game felt more like the Lions competing against out-of-towners in a City Series game. This Thursday morning, most of these boys will wake up as varsity football players for the last time, marking the end of a football journey that began innocently enough at the age of five on Johnson Boulevard.
These boys not only played as Mustangs against other towns but also participated in Little League Baseball and CPBL Basketball together. Throughout grammar school, these players formed bonds in various ways. As they started sports at such a young age, the end of their football careers seemed a distant thought. Parents, too, often failed to recognize the significance of their sons’ final game.
Walking off the home field on Thursday will be a bittersweet experience. GCHS players from out of town cannot truly appreciate the depth of this game. These local friends and former Little League and football All-Stars will never meet again in such an intense battle, yet they will leave as best friends. They will hit each other hard throughout the day, engaging in conversations on the field that won’t be friendly banter. However, each player will feel the end differently.
Along with the desire for victory comes the realization that a career and a way of life have come to an end. Teary-eyed players will meet in the end zone after the game, sharing hugs for the final time. These boys have battled together for their school while providing their parents and friends with something truly special to celebrate.
The moments of innocence and high school life seem to pass so quickly, and as each player walks through the gauntlet of proud parents, witnessing the tears in their moms’ and dads’ eyes, it will be hard to forget their last time leaving the field.
In the end, the score doesn’t really matter; it is the friendships that count. Many parents have become friends because their sons’ sports brought together once-strangers. Boys attended each other’s birthday parties as they grew up.
In the years to come, it will be enjoyable to read about how your school is doing and to return to cheer on the team. Scrapbooks may eventually be set aside, but what will remain with parents and players is that last hug.
It’s remarkable how two and a half hours spent on the field during Thanksgiving can make everyone realize that, regardless of challenges like the economy or gas prices, we have something to be truly thankful for: family and friends.
1993: Renewal of Friendship (introduction)
Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This remarkable history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.
The Lions vs. Rams Thanksgiving Classic Continues
BY Bruce Darrow/CNBNews
Gloucester City, NJ (November 21, 2007)—This Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game between Gloucester Catholic and Gloucester High will renew an old rivalry that began almost 60 years ago, in 1948, on the field at the Charles Street Stadium. Although that stadium may be gone, the tradition lives on. The game was briefly stopped for a period but was renewed again in 1993.
There is an ongoing debate within the City of Gloucester over whether the Rams recruit players from surrounding areas, which many believe gives them an unfair advantage. However, this year, that advantage doesn’t seem to be as significant.
Continue reading “The Lions vs. Rams Thanksgiving Classic Continues”CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEWS SPORTS
Turkey Day Football: Gloucester City High School vs Gloucester Catholic High School
NOTE: For decades, the annual Turkey Day football games between Gloucester Catholic and Gloucester High drew thousands of enthusiastic fans, filling the stands with cheers and excitement in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In those early days, the thrilling clashes unfolded at the Charles Street stadium. With the construction of a new high school in the 1960s, the spirited rivalry shifted to that location.
What made these games such a spectacular event was the local pride displayed by the players from both schools. Fast forward to today, and that local flavor has faded, as the Gloucester Catholic team now boasts an array of players predominantly from outside the city. Although the game still gives the winner bragging rights, it doesn’t draw the number of fans that it once did. The following articles capture the history and spirit of this iconic event, as published in the Gloucester City News and Cleary’s Notebook News on the specified dates.
By LEA KOROS
Special to CNBNews
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2006) – With just a week to go until the highly anticipated Lions/Rams game, excitement is building! The “ELECTION” has wrapped up, and our incredible community of residents and alumni is diving into the cherished tradition that only those connected to GHS or GCHS can truly understand. There’s a buzz in the air meant for locals—it’s not the kind of chatter you’d hear on a bus from Deptford or Washington Township. No, this energy is alive at the Memorial A.A. church. I’ve sat in on those lively sermons, including one I recall about mixed marriages. Recently, the discussion turned to the question that ignites spirited debate: How can a Lion possibly marry a Ram? And how could they dare to send their kids to that school on Cumberland St.?
Continue reading “CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEWS SPORTS”