Our first month of school flew by! It's incredible to see how well students have adjusted back to their old routine of learning. We have had a great first month and I'm looking forward to October! We lead off the month with our Book Fair and Week of Respect. Weeks like these are so important to building that sense of community. Please take a look below at our themes for each day of the week. To clarify a previous message in the Squire Scroll; Jerseys for sports teams are certainly appropriate attire for school. Athletics Uniforms, which are not appropriate attire, include things such as pads, helmets, cleats, and the like. Additionally, please help us make dismissal as smooth as possible.

If you are picking up your child or dropping them off in the private transportation line, it is imperative that you do so as quickly as possible. We would like to eliminate long wait times for our private transportation and we need your help!

Mr. Monafis

Please Note: This Newsletter contains important information, please read carefully.

We know that changes happen. We also know that they can happen last minute. However, please know that we dismiss over 500 students a day in many different ways. We can accommodate changes as they come, but do ask that calls to the office for transportation changes come in no later than 2:45pm. Please help us ensure the safety and secure dismissal of all our students.

Please be advised that during arrival and dismissal the south parking lot (across from the church) is not accessible to parent pick up or drop off. Our buses must have a safe area to depart from and we cannot have additional traffic in this area. Please refrain from entering this parking lot during arrival and dismissal times. Please utilize the private transportation line for that purpose.

Private Transportation operates at peak efficiency after a few weeks of school have passed. When parents/cars are recognized as regulars, the line moves much quicker. Thank you for your patience as we get acquainted with your vehicle/pickup person. Please note that the Private Transportation line moves much faster when the driver remains in the vehicle. If your child is capable of opening/closing their car door, sitting in their seat, and buckling in, please encourage them to do so. In this way, we can keep the line moving!

Please remember to check the transportation status sheet on the website to know if there are any buses running late. In the event of a change that takes place close to arrival or dismissal, I will send out a notification.

Our first through fifth grade students are so fortunate to have 1:1 Chromebooks at school. These devices are assigned to every child and will advance with the learner each year. Since students will have these devices for five years, we are encouraging our students to take care of their technology! In case a Chrome book is intentionally damaged, families will have to pay for repairs.

From time to time, teachers, mainly 4th and 5th grade, may assign homework assignments that require device access. In case your child needs a Chrome book at home, please contact our School Family Liaison Counselor Ms. Crepeau (screpeau@wallpublicschools.org/732-556-2556) or myself (emonafis@wallpublicschools.org).

Our Technology teacher will ensure that your child gets a device to borrow for the 2023-2024 school year. The borrowed device must be returned by May 31st.

• Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes must have a back or support strap - NO FLIP FLOPS!

• The length of shorts, skirts, or dresses must be no shorter than mid-thigh.

• Athletic uniforms (padding, helmets, footwear) and bathing trunks are inappropriate attire. Boxer shorts, spandex shorts, or cutoffs are not permissible. All garments must be hemmed. Team jerseys are OK.

• Students may not wear tube, tank, halter, spaghetti-straps, or see-through tops. Off-the-shoulder tops and backless dresses may not be worn to school. Sleeveless tops will be permitted as long as the top of the shoulder is covered. Midriffs must always be covered.

• Clothing with large holes and tears in it may not be worn to school.

• Headgear may not be worn indoors. Hats will be confiscated.

• Words or pictures that are not appropriate for the school environment may not appear on clothing.

• Chains, choker studs, or any other similar adornments are prohibited.

• Students are to refrain from wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses of any type in school without a written doctor’s recommendation on file with the school nurse.

It is time for recommendations for Governor's Educator of the Year and Governor's Educational professional of the year. Please see the attached documentation for nominations. These nominations are due by October 12th to me: emonafis@wallpublicschools.org.

Central Elementary School boasts a strong PTO organization called CAPE (Central Association of Parents and Educators). If you are looking for ways to get involved with your school, this is a great place to start. Please click below for links to CAPE's website and Facebook pages.

Ms. Gonzalez has been teaching for 17 years. All those years have been in 1st grade! Her favorite part of teaching 1st grade is creating a classroom family with all of her students. Throughout the year, they watch each other learn and grow. They share may laughs and create treasured memories with one another. Her mom is her childhood superhero. Her hidden talent is that she speaks Spanish and a little Greek! She wants all her students to know that if they believe in themselves and set their heart on something, they can accomplish anything. They are amazing, bright, and full of potential. Keep smiling and the world will smile right alongside you!

I can be reached by email: emonafis@wallpublicschools.org or by phone: 732-556-2540