Carusi Newsletter
September 6, 2024
The First Week of School!
Our students kicked off the school year on a high note! They spent time getting familiar with their schedules, learning to use the lockers, taking tours of our building, and making new friends. To add to the excitement, we launched our first "Fist Bump Friday" this week—a fun new tradition to spread positivity and build connections. Here's to many more Fridays filled with smiles and fist bumps!
Thank You to our Carusi Families
Important Dates
- Back to School Night for 6th Grade - Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM
- 6th Grade L.E.A.D Session - Thursday, September 12, 2024 (during the school day)
- Back to School Night for 7th and 8th Grades - Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM
- Immunization Records - due to the Nurse September 16, 2024
- Skate Night hosted by the PTA - Thursday, September 19, 2024 6:30 to 9:00 PM
Picture Day Information
Carusi PTA
6th Grade L.E.A.D
Our 6th Grade students will be participating in their first L.E.A.D (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) educational program on September 12th. This is a program organized in collaboration with the Cherry Hill Police Department. Please take some time to review the attached letters from Chief Kempf. Also, be mindful that on September 12th we will have several police cars on our campus for this event.
Carusi Construction Update
- The renovations at Carusi are progressing and we thank you for your patience as we navigate through our construction process.
- Our main entrance and A-wing classrooms were opened for the start of school.
- Renovations continue to take place in our gym.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- The school day begins at 8:00 AM
- Students are dropped off by buses and family drop off between 7:45-7:55.
- 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.
Transportation
Safety and Security Procedures
- 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
Student Schedules
Students schedules and transportation information are available to be viewed in the Genesis Parent Portal after all mandatory forms have been completed.
Please note the scheduling process is very complex. We are not able to accommodate requests for students to move schedules unless an error was made regarding course selection such as World Language selection.
Message from Mrs. Thomas, Carusi School Nurse
New Policy For Cell Phones and Wireless Communication Devices
Why & What Does This Mean For My Student?
The Why:
Research shows that student use of wireless communication devices in schools, particularly cell phones, has negative effects on academic performance, focus, and mental health, including higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in students.
Devices distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in unnecessary challenges, smaller learning gains, and suboptimal test scores.
What Does This Mean For My Student?
Students are prohibited from using wireless communication devices during instructional periods.
For clarity, “instructional periods” are those academic courses or classes that meet any of the following:
Bear credit
NJ State Learning Standards (NJSLS) are being taught
Grades are entered
Activities are teacher-led, including by a substitute
- Students may use wireless communication devices during lunch, recess, between classes, while on school buses, or during co-curricular activities, however the Principal can elect to prohibit such use during lunch.
- Students shall keep their wireless communication devices silenced and in a secure place, such as the student’s locker or a closed backpack.
- Students are prohibited from recording audio or video at all times.
Exceptions
Students with an Individualized Education Plan; a 504 Plan or Individual Health Plan that documents a need for their device, are permitted to have their wireless communication devices on them at all times. Your grade level counselor, the school nurse or case manager will inform the teachers of this need.
What Can You Do to Support Your Child?
-courtesy https://parentandteen.com/7-ways-parents-can-help-teens-manage-phone-use/
1. Model good phone habits.
2. Establish smartphone rules together.
3. Turn off phone notifications.
4. Help your teen recognize when they've been on their phone too long.
5. Help your teen identify features that make apps hard to turn off.
6. Ask your teen about feelings surrounding phone use.
7. Limit screen time to 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Breakfast 7:30 to 8:00 AM $2.00
Lunch - $3.25
Fall Sports Registration
Fall Sports Registration for Middle School was opened on July 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**
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 who 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. **
Please hold on to your Medical Eligibility Forms until we provide further information on a drop-off process.