Carusi Newsletter

On February 26, our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a special presentation featuring Mr. Nicolella, Facilities Director, and the NewRoad Construction team. They provided an update on the second phase of our construction project at Carusi. If you missed the presentation, please click on the document below to view the full details.

One of the most significant updates is the arrival of our Temporary Classroom Units (TCUs) this spring. These units will be fully set up and ready for use at the start of the next school year. After carefully evaluating various factors, our teachers, Labor Management Committee (LMC), staff, and administration have determined that our 7th-grade team will be housed in the TCUs throughout the construction period.

This decision allows our 6th graders to remain inside the main building as they transition into middle school, helping them acclimate to their new environment. At the same time, our 8th graders will have the privilege of spending their final year in the building before moving on to high school.

The TCUs will serve as an extension of our school and will provide a high-quality learning environment. Students in the TCUs will still have full access to the main building for science lab classes, exploratory courses, physical education, lunch, library resources, the main office, and the nurse’s office.

To ensure a safe and comfortable learning experience, the TCUs will feature:
✅ Standard classrooms with windows
✅ Security cameras for monitoring & fully fenced in
✅ Connection to the PA system for announcements
✅ Full compliance with building codes for safety and security

We appreciate the continued support of our Carusi community as we move forward with this exciting project. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students during construction. Stay tuned for more updates!

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:

1. Encourage Hand Hygiene

• Remind students and staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.

2. 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.

3. 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.

CHPS Spring Sports Registration is Open today January 17th

All CHPS High School and Middle School Registrations for the upcoming Athletic Season will be completed through the Genesis Parent Portal under the Forms tab. The Health History Update Form must also be completed.

Athletic Registration Page - Cherry Hill Athletic Registration

To be “Cleared” for participation in athletics students need the following:

• Completed Online Registration – Genesis Parent Portal
• Completed Health History Update – Genesis Parent Portal
• Student Activity Fee Paid - PaySchools -https://payschoolscentral.com/
• Medical Eligibility Form - Medical Eligibility Form

***NEW PROCEDURE** Please Read

Medical Eligibility Forms can be dropped off to the nurse’s office during the school day.

THE New Jersey Department of Education HAS CHANGED THE SPORTS PHYSICAL SUBMISSION PROCESS. THE SPORTS PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FORM NO LONGER NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE STUDENT’S SCHOOL DISTRICT. A MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY FORM will still be required. The Medical Eligibility Form should be in the ORIGINAL form. Please do NOT EMAIL.

New Jersey State Law requires that all students that plan to participate in the after school Athletic Program in Middle School and High School have a physical exam. **THIS EXAM IS TO BE KEPT BY THE STUDENT’S HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WHO COMPLETES THE PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EVALUATION. **

If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact the Athletic Office at the school.

3/3 - Meet the Coaches at 7 PM

3/7, 3/8, 3/9 - Aladdin

• The school day begins at 8:00 AM
• Students are dropped off by buses and family drop off between 7:30-7:55.

• The school day ends at 3:00 PM

Guardians will enter off Roosevelt, proceed to the right, and drop off their child on the right side of the building via Door 3. Staff members will be present to assist.

For our walking and biking students, Surrey Road remains available. However, please note it will not serve as a secondary drop-off location at this time.

We truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Your child should be at the bus stop at least 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. When notified in advance, the Transportation Department will attempt to send an automated message for individual route delays of 20 minutes or more. School buses are scheduled to depart approximately 10-15 minutes after the end bell time. Please allow for some fluctuation in pick-up and drop-off times, particularly during the first three weeks of school as students become familiar with boarding the buses and Drivers at the Middle, Elementary, and Preschools work to secure seating charts.

Throughout the school year, daily pick-up and drop-off times may fluctuate due to weather, traffic, construction, etc. We thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Department at 856-489-5851. For late bus runs at the Middle and High School, please contact the appropriate transportation contractor for Late Route inquiries. (West, Beck, and Rosa are Hillman’s 856-753-1123/East and Carusi are First Student (Berlin) 856-753-0222)

• All visitors must enter through the main entrance
• Visitors may not accompany students to classrooms
• Visitors will need:
• student ID #
• Photo ID (guardian or authorized person as listed on Genesis)
• Campus Police: Officer Donlon