The Owlet Update

Welcome to the Johnson Family Weekly Update! Here, we celebrate learning together and soaring forever by sharing highlights, updates, and resources that keep our community connected and inspired.

Dear Students and Families,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that we welcome you to a new school year at James Johnson Elementary! I am honored to serve as your new principal and look forward to working together to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Building strong partnerships with families is at the heart of a thriving school community. We believe that when we work together—parents, staff, and students—our children achieve their very best.

You can expect open communication, a focus on student growth, and a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, and high expectations.

We are excited for all we will accomplish together and can’t wait to see the joy, curiosity, and success our students will bring to the year ahead.

School Opening

School officially begins at 9:00 am Wednesday September 2, 2026, which is an early dismissal day (1:00pm) for students. Thursday September 3, 2026, will be a full day for all students (9:00am-3:30pm).

August 26

Parent Portal opens in Genesis.

Please log in and complete all forms.

August 28

Teacher assignments available.

August 31

New Student and Kindergarten Open House

2:00 pm- 3:15 pm

Please enter through the new APR, located on the side of the building.

September 2nd

First Day of School

1:00 pm Dismissal

September 7th

CHPS closed for Labor Day

September 10th

Back to School Night

6:00 pm -8:00 pm

September 18th

Back to School Bash

5:30 pm- 7:30pm

September 21st

CHPS Closed- Yom Kippur

Please log on to the Genesis Parent portal to complete all school forms on August 26th.

School officially begins at 9:00 am Wednesday September 2, 2026, which is an early dismissal day

(1:00pm) for students. Breakfast and Lunch will be served beginning on the first day of school. If your child will be purchasing breakfast and/or lunch, please send a check or cash in a sealed marked envelope to Cherry Hill Food Service, OR log into payschoolscentral.com to add funds to your child’s meal account. As students arrive, staff will ask if they are going to breakfast. Please discuss this with your child in advance and make sure your child knows if you want them to go to breakfast or go right to class.

We are counting on students to follow their parents' instructions regarding breakfast. All classes will have a 25-minute lunch period. Students may purchase lunch or bring a packed lunch from home. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle which can be filled at our water stations during the lunch period.

Please click the links below for directions on making meal account deposits.

• PaySchools Letter
• PaySchools Setting Up Your Account

Any questions about the application, you may contact Alisha Wilson at 856-429-5600 x4348.

CLICK HERE to complete and sign your "Free & Reduced Lunch Application" with your eSignature

Student Safety Procedures

Students will only be released to contacts in Genesis. If a student requires early dismissal or alternate transport at the end of the day and needs to be released to another trusted adult, the parent or guardian must contact our main office or email the school secretary. The trusted adult must show identification and sign the student out.

As we get geared up for this school year, we invite you to support our PTA by becoming a member for the 2026-27 school year. We need your support because together we can achieve more. You can purchase a membership at our online PTA Store website by clicking on the button below.

Please click the button below to view your child’s supply list for the upcoming school year. We also welcome donations of tissues, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer to help keep our classrooms clean, safe, and healthy. Thank you for your support!

We eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration with you as we strive to cultivate a learning environment firmly rooted in the values of Respect, Responsibility, Citizenship, and Service to Others.

Please keep an eye on our school website and your email for upcoming updates, school events, pertinent information, and highlights of student achievements.

Above all, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for entrusting your child to our care. Be assured that we are committed to providing a secure and nurturing learning environment.

Cherry Hill Public School District is prioritizing Mental Health for all students and families. Care Solace is available as an online concierge service that connects families to providers who align to your insurance, preferences, and availability. Please see more information on services available by clicking the button below.

Website: https://johnson.chclc.org/
Location: 500 Kresson Rd, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034
Phone: (856) 428-8848

Follow us on Instagram @jjesowls