In this newsletter, you will find information about the places in our school, the people who help you, school supply lists and upcoming events.

Families will be able to login to Parent Portal to view their child's homeroom teacher August 23rd. Complete all forms to gain information about your child's teacher and bus route.

Happy back-to-school! 🍎

Mrs. Cynthia Tufaro

Principal

Mr. Argiris Hristofis

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Cynthia Tufaro returns for her seventh year as principal of James Monroe and we are excited to welcome our new Assistant Principal, Mr. Argiris Hristofis! Mr. Hristofis began his educational career in 2006 as a teacher in East Brunswick with instructional, coaching, and leadership experiences spanning K-12. He joined Edison Public Schools in 2018, serving as the district Supervisor of Health & Physical Education and then as the Athletic Director at John P. Stevens High School. He is looking forward to collaborating with the dedicated staff, students, and the Owl community at James Monroe.

ARRIVAL

Bus

Please be at your bus stop by 8:00 am. Adults should leave space by the door so all children can enter the bus safely. Every morning, when you get off the bus, there will be a teacher in the main circle of the school to greet you and make sure you know where to go. Bus passes are available on Parent Portal.

Walkers

Staff will be on hand to help guide you where to line up begining at 8:45 am. Please do not arrive before 8:45 am. Use the crosswalks to be safe and make sure you allow time to park on the surrounding streets since there is no parking or drop off on the school grounds.

Entrance

Students line up on the blacktop the first week of school by homeroom.

Grades 1 - 3 - on the parking lot (gym side of the building)

Grades K, 4, 5 - on the blacktop near the path on the Kindergarten side of the building

Starting September 9th and for the remainder of the year, all students will enter into the building at 8:45 am and go directly to their classrooms using three available entry doors:

Door 6 - side entrance near the gym

Main Entrance - front door for bus students and late arrivals

Door 12 - side entrance near the Kindergarten classrooms (path side)

DISMISSAL

School ends at 3:30 pm. Students will be dismissed to the same areas at the end of the school day or go directly to their bus or aftercare. Complete the Dismissal Form (see below) to help your child's teacher on the first day.

Remember, families should only walk on the sidewalks and pavement for safety.

We can't wait to see you! 👋

• All students visit the library once a week with their classroom teacher.
• Our library aide, Mrs. Somes is excited to help you find the perfect book.
• Classes visit our Makerspace called The Lightbulb Lab each month to take part in the Engineer Design Process.

Once again, breakfast will be free to everyone this year. If you choose for your child to receive a free breakfast, please complete the form below by September 20th. If you sign up below, your child will be offered a free breakfast everyday.

• Classes eat together in the lunchroom with lunch aide helpers.
• Some students eat hot lunch and some bring a lunch from home.
• Lunch is about 20 minutes.
• Here is the daily menu. Lunch is ordered the same day.
• Families can add funds to their child's MySchoolBucks account or pay cash for lunch.
• Apply for funding through Free and Reduced Lunch Forms on the Parent Portal.
• Breakfast is free for 24-25 and will be served in the classroom.
• If your child has a food allergy, please inform the school nurse.

Please click this link for your child's school supplies list. Please let your child's teacher or counselor know if you need any supplies and we can provide support.

Kindergartners and their parents may join our Kindergarten Orientation at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 3rd.

• Tour the school
• Meet the staff and principals
• Learn about the programs
• Parents and their student only. No siblings please.

• Grades 1 - 5 - 2:30 pm - for our new grade 1 - 5 students only

Please join us for a fun welcome back event on September 12th at 5:00 pm for free ice cream and ice pops from our PTO and a chance to connect with the James Monroe community. James Monroe spirit wear t-shirts for the 24-25 school year will be on sale for $10.

• Every day, we are grateful for their hard work.
• When you see them in the building, introduce yourself!

Email: cyndi.tufaro@edison.k12.nj.us
Website: https://mon.edison.k12.nj.us/
Location: 7 Sharp Road, Edison, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-452-2970
Facebook: facebook.com/JamesMonroePTO
Instagram: MonroeOwls