Carusi Newsletter

An impactful presentation on cyberbullying was delivered to our 6th graders by Officer Amato. The session aimed to educate students about the importance of kindness and respect when interacting online. Students were encouraged to understand that their words and actions on the internet carry real consequences, emphasizing the need to treat others with empathy and care, even in virtual spaces.

Officer Amato also highlighted key safety practices for navigating the online world. Students learned the importance of:

• Avoiding befriending strangers on the internet.

• Regularly checking and updating their security settings to ensure privacy.

• Recognizing that once something is posted online, it can never be completely erased.

• Protecting personal information and being cautious about what they share.

The presentation resonated deeply with the students, who listened attentively and gained valuable insights into maintaining safety and respect in their digital interactions. This session served as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with using the internet and the importance of making thoughtful choices online.

This week, our students truly embodied the spirit of service and community during our after-school activities for Martin Luther King Jr. Week. Their dedication and enthusiasm were nothing short of inspiring! Our students collectively created about 35 birthday cake boxes, over 150 snack bags, and heartfelt inspirational cards. These thoughtful contributions will surely bring joy and encouragement to those in need within our community. It was heartwarming to see so many of our students actively participate in giving back. Their hard work and compassion demonstrated the values that Dr. King stood for—community, kindness, and service.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Schaeffer and Mrs. Spencer for organizing this impactful event. Their leadership and commitment to fostering a sense of giving among our students made this week a resounding success.

Thank you to all who participated in making a difference. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more caring community!

This Friday our 8th graders had the incredible opportunity to visit HS West for a private showing of the play Clue. The event was a huge success, filled with laughter, intrigue, and impressive performances by the talented cast and crew. The play kept our students on the edge of their seats, and the production quality truly showcased the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

Following the performance, the students participated in an engaging Q&A session with the cast and crew. This interactive session allowed them to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes work that brings a production to life, from acting and directing to set design and lighting. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked curiosity and excitement among our students.

This visit to HS West was more than just an entertaining day out. It also served as an inspiring glimpse into the world of high school electives and extracurricular activities. For our 8th graders, this experience could play a key role in helping them decide which courses and activities to explore as they prepare to transition to high school.

A big thank you goes out to HS West for hosting us and making this event so memorable. Special thanks to Mr. Gorelick, cast, and crew for sharing their time and talent with us—your passion for the arts was evident and left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.We are so grateful for opportunities like this that enrich our students' educational journeys and broaden their horizons. Here's to many more experiences like this in the future!

As we continue to journey through the winter months, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about an important health issue that tends to circulate during this time: norovirus (C-Diff), as well as 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.

• 1/28 Skate Night 6-8:30 PM
• 1/29 No School (Staff In-Service)
• 1/30 HS East Open House at 7PM
• 1/31 End of MP

• 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