Woodcrest Family Newsletter
March 2, 2025
Woodcrest News
Read Across America Week
We are excited for Read Across America Week! Students will be reading special books, participating in reading activities and listening to guest readers in their classrooms. Be sure to ask your child about the different books they read this week.
Woodcrest Bucket Fillers
A Bucket Filler is a caring person who does or says kind things that make others feel special; thus, filling another person's bucket.
At Woodcrest, students and staff can recognize one another for filling their bucket. Bucket Fillers are read on the announcements. Please click on the button below to see some of our January and February Bucket Fillers!
Safety Reminders
The front parking lot and side streets are very busy at arrival and dismissal. In order to ensure our students' safety, please do the following.
- Wait to drop students off at the sidewalk during arrival. Many students are parking and walking across the parking lot. If you must park and walk over, please use the cross walk by the cones.
- Follow the parking signs on neighborhood streets. Parking on the wonrg side of the street can make it difficult for students to cross safely.
- The parking lot is closed at dismissal. Please do not move cars during dismissal until the cones are removed at the end of the driveway.
Bus Stop Safety Reminders
Please see the following safety tips from the Transportation Department:
The DANGER ZONE is the area immediately surrounding the school bus. It extends ten feet in front and behind the bus, and ten feet from the sides. The area of greatest danger is immediately in front of the front bumper and right wheel.
Please share the following safety reminders with your children:
- Leave home on time so you arrive at the bus stop five minutes ahead of time.
- Running to the stop is dangerous. Never run to catch the bus.
- If you can touch the bus, you are too close.
- ALWAYS cross at least ten feet in front of the bus. If you cannot see the driver as you cross in front of the bus, then you are too close.
- WAIT for the driver's direction before crossing in front of the bus.
- Look both ways for traffic before crossing the street, and NEVER stop to pick up anything that falls in front of the bus bumper or wheels.
- ALWAYS watch for moving vehicles when approaching or exiting a stopped school bus. Vehicles do not always stop for a shcool bus with red lights flashing, even though it is the law.
Spring Pictures are March 19. Click on the image below if you are interested in ordering photos.
Come see Woodcrest alumni perform in the Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition! The show is directed by Woodcrest teacher, Mrs. Springswirth, with musical performances directed by Mr. McNamara.
Tickets are $10 each. Show times are Friday, March 21 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, March 22 at 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM at the Rosa Middle School gym. Buy tickets here: https://cur8.com/26295/project/129456
In addition to the three performances, there will be a Meet & Greet with select cast members on Saturday at 12:00 PM. Best suited for ages 8 and below, this event will offer photo opportunities, crafts, snacks, and priority access to choose your seats for the 1:30 PM performance. All children and adults attending the 1:30 PM performance must buy a ticket ($10 each). Additional Meet & Greet tickets ($5) are only required for the children who attend. The Meet & Greet will be held in the Rosa Library.
Family Resources
Cherry Hill Public Schools is committed to the safety and security of all students. This includes ensuring that students and families have available resources and supports to access education. Considering the recent executive orders, CHPS and the New Jersey Department of Education have collected many resources to support our immigrant families. If you would like me to share these resources with you, please feel free to reach out at amccartney@chclc.org.
Sincerely,
Alison McCartney
Preventing Illness in School
As we continue to journey through the winter months, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about important health issues that tend to circulate during this time (i.e. norovirus, C. diff, respiratory infections, and other common seasonal illnesses like the flu).
Norovirus, in particular, is highly contagious and can spread quickly in school settings. Symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, which can lead to significant absenteeism if not managed properly. To help prevent its spread and ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, please keep the following tips in mind:
- Encourage Hand Hygiene: Remind family and friends to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and Disinfect: Ensure that high-touch surfaces (such as doorknobs, light switches, desks, and faucets) are cleaned and disinfected regularly to help minimize the spread of germs.
- Stay Home If Sick: If a child or staff member is experiencing symptoms of norovirus, they should stay home for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms resolve to avoid spreading the virus. For respiratory illnesses, stay home until 24 hours after being fever-free without any fever-reducing medication.
Mrs. Olin is tracking illness. When possible, please report your child’s symptoms when reporting an absence due to illness. Please contact Mrs. Olin with any questions or concerns.
PTA Updates
Wristbands are now available for the Woodcrest Carnival on April 4th!
Presale Wristbands include Inflatable Obstacle Course, Inflatable Ninja Course, Sweets & Seats, Photo Booth, Face Painting, Balloon Twister, Cotton Candy, Games, Prizes and other fun surprises!
Presale Wristbands and Presale raffle tickets will be sent home with your oldest child by Wednesday April 2nd, 2025.
Purchase wristbands at https://app.givebacks.gives/sharkfest2025/Campaign/Details.
Upcoming Dates
March is Women's History Month
March 3-7: Read Across America Week
March 14: Harlem Wizards Fundraiser
March 18: PTA Meeting, Virtual
March 28: No School, Teacher In-Service
March 31: No School, Eid
April 4: Woodcrest Carnival
April 7: Spring Concert
April 14-18: Spring Break
May 2: STAR Games
May 5-16: NJSLA Testing
May 22: Field Day
May 26: Memorial Day
June 16: 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
An updated District Calendar is available on the district website.
Mental Health Concerns for the Community
CHPS has partnered with Care Solace to provide free Mental Health Supports to our students, staff, and families. The Care Solace team can quickly connect you to verified providers in our community. Click Here to connect with a care provider or contact your school counselor for more information.
Woodcrest Elementary School
Website: woodcrest.chclc.org
Location: 400 Cranford Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ
Phone: 856-429-2058
Twitter: @WoodcrestES