Woodcrest Family Newsletter

2025 is off to a great start! Students were happy to return to school this week, and we look forward to another year of learning and growing together.

As we enter the colder months, we will continue to take students outside for recess whenever possible. Thank you for helping us to prepare your child(ren) for an enjoyable recess period.

• Students should dress in layers, and bring jackets/coats, hats and gloves every day.
• Please lable all clothing with your child's name in case an item is left behind during recess.

In the event of inclement weather, any cancellations of afterschool activities or extracurricular events are made by the District. The Facilities Department assesses conditions to ensure sidewalks and parking lots are safe, clean, and clear for students, staff, and visitors. Any cancellations will be communicated via District email and banners on the website.

Please see the following safety tips from the Transportation Department:

The DANGER ZONE is the area immediately surrounding the school bus. It extends ten feet in front and behind the bus, and ten feet from the sides. The area of greatest danger is immediately in front of the front bumper and right wheel.

Please share the following safety reminders with your children:

• Leave home on time so you arrive at the bus stop five minutes ahead of time.
• Running to the stop is dangerous. Never run to catch the bus.
• If you can touch the bus, you are too close.
• ALWAYS cross at least ten feet in front of the bus. If you cannot see the driver as you cross in front of the bus, then you are too close.
• WAIT for the driver's direction before crossing in front of the bus.
• Look both ways for traffic before crossing the street, and NEVER stop to pick up anything that falls in front of the bus bumper or wheels.

• ALWAYS watch for moving vehicles when approaching or exiting a stopped school bus. Vehicles do not always stop for a shcool bus with red lights flashing, even though it is the law.

As part of Cherry Hill’s commitment to reducing chronic absenteeism, letters will be sent home to parents of students with four, seven, or ten excused or unexcused absences. Please note that these letters are not intended to be punitive in nature, but only to alert families of their child(ren)’s absences.

We recognize that there are many factors that lead to absences, including illness, medical appointments, religious observances and family obligations, and we appreciate your support. When students attend regularly, they gain more than just academic skills; they develop lifelong habits that set them up for future achievement.

In the district's efforts to complete our 5 Year Strategic Plan, we are asking all members of the Cherry Hill School District community to complete a survey to help us identify the areas that our students, families and staff feel are important and a priority. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey below. Please contact me if you have any questions. The survey link will be active until January 17, 2025.

Carole Roskoph

https://hanover-research.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhbn72KLO7rYNrU

Morning Drop-Offs

• There is NO PARKING on the blue shaded areas in the parking lot. Cones will be placed to prevent parking in these areas.
• We ask that parents do not get out of the car unless absolutely needed.

• Do not pass or drive around cars that are in the drop-off line.

Dismissal Procedures

• Do not enter the bus loop in the back of the building to pick your child(ren). Not only does this slow down the buses for dismissal, but it also a safety concern.
• Any changes to your child's dismissal procedure (e.g., if you are picking your child up instead of taking the bus) must be communicated to the Mrs. Petroski in the main office (npetroski@chclc.org) and your child's teacher as soon as possible.

Parents and Guardians:

We are excited to share with you Boost Reading! This online program allows students to practice the skills of our ELA curriculum, Amplify CKLA, through individualized, gamified practice. Your student may be using Boost in class, during I/E time, or independently at home.

Please access the Boost Caregiver Hub here to learn more about this exciting program and how you can best support your student as they use Boost Reading to extend their in-class ELA instruction.

Sincerely,

Megan Langman, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction

mlangman@chclc.org

Family Tip: ST Math isn’t just a fun game—it’s also a way to provide intervention support tailored to your child’s needs. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Ask your child about their progress: What puzzles are they working on? What have they learned so far?
• Contact their teacher, math coach, or principal: Ask how ST Math is being used to differentiate instruction and support your child’s growth. Find out how you can reinforce these skills at home!
• Celebrate small wins: Whether solving a tough puzzle or moving JiJi closer to the goal, every step builds confidence and skills.

How ST Math Provides Intervention Support:

• Teachers use Eureka Math2 Equip data to identify your child’s learning gaps and assign targeted puzzles to address them.
• Adapts to your child’s pace, offering personalized practice and reinforcement.
• Encourages perseverance and critical thinking, building foundational skills for future success.

Supporting Learning at Home:

• Create a quiet space for your child to work on ST Math puzzles.
• Encourage them to explain their thinking—what strategy are they using to solve the puzzle?
• Stay curious! Reach out to your child’s teacher, math coach, or principal to learn how ST Math aligns with their math curriculum and supports intervention efforts.

Let’s work together to ensure every child has the support they need to succeed in math!

Sincerely,

Fatihah Abdur-Rahman, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction

fabdurrahman@chclc.org

The PTA is seeking sponsors for the Spring Carnival. See the attached flyer for details.

January 6: No School - Teacher In-Service

January 20: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21: PTA Meeting, virtual

January 24: Woodcrest Spirit Day

January 27: Portrait of a Graduate Community Meeting (more information coming soon)

January 28: PTA Candy Bar Bingo

January 29: No School - Teacher In-Service

February 17: No School - Presidents Day

An updated District Calendar is available on the district website.

CHPS has partnered with Care Solace to provide free Mental Health Supports to our students, staff, and families. The Care Solace team can quickly connect you to verified providers in our community. Click Here to connect with a care provider or contact your school counselor for more information.

Website: woodcrest.chclc.org

Location: 400 Cranford Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ

Phone: 856-429-2058

Twitter: @WoodcrestES