Carusi Newsletter
February 2, 2025
Message from Dr. Morton
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. As we strive to create an open and transparent line of communication between home and school, I wanted to take a moment to clarify the process for how communication flows within our school community.
Initial Contact: If you have a question or concern about your child’s academic progress, behavior, or any other matter, we encourage you to first reach out directly to your child’s teacher. Teachers are the most familiar with your child’s day-to-day experience and can often address any issues or answer questions quickly.
Further Concerns: If you feel that your concerns have not been addressed satisfactorily by the teacher or if the issue requires further attention, please feel free to reach out to the school principal or assistant principal. We are always here to help and ensure your child’s experience at school is positive.
Specialized Support: For matters related to special education, counseling, or other specialized services, please don’t hesitate to contact our support staff, who will work closely with you to ensure your child’s needs are being met.
By following this communication chain, we aim to address issues efficiently while maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with all our families. Your involvement and support are key to the success of our students, and we thank you for your ongoing partnership. This Chain of Communication is outlined for each grade level on the district website. You can find it under the “Our District” tab on the “Chain of Communication” page. Please keep this site bookmarked for easy reference and access.
Again, we want to make sure that all of your concerns are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. We look forward to our continued partnership in your child’s education.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Dr. Kwame R. Morton, Sr.
Carusi Cheer Team Shines at Their First Competition!
The Carusi Cheer Team kicked off their season with an outstanding performance at their first competition! Their dedication and hard work were on full display as they not only secured 1st place but were also crowned Grand Champions of the school division. To top it off, they earned a fully paid bid to Spirit Extreme Nationals—an incredible achievement!
We’re excited to watch this talented team continue to grow and thrive throughout the season. Their success is a testament to the power of determination and teamwork.
Mark Your Calendar!
Next up, join us for the Carusi Cheer Competition Fundraiser on Saturday, February 8, at 1:00 PM at Carusi. Come show your support for our amazing cheerleaders!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 for adults | $5 for students and children
Following the fundraiser, the team will make history as they head to their first-ever State Championship on February 23.
Good luck, Carusi Cheer Team—we’re so proud of you!
Special SHOUT OUT to our phenomenal coaches Mrs. Kohler and Mrs. Ursino for all their hard work and dedication to our Carusi Cheer Team!
Carusi Band Students Make All South Jersey Band
Congratulations to Carusi band students Jake Esposito, Acelya Caba, Emily Marshall, Sebastian Romero-Ramos, Nikolas Rein, Austin Yin, Adhurim Dobrova, Sam Lerman, and Will Mandia for successfully auditioning for this year's All South Jersey Band this past Saturday. These students dedicated many months of hard work and were chosen from hundreds of applicants across the region! A special congratulations to Brandon West and Londyn Taylor for missing the band by just a few points in highly competitive divisions. There are still openings for Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, and Bass Clarinet in this year’s band. If your student plays one of these instruments and wants to participate in the re-audition process, please contact Mr. Barclay this week! Congratulations once more to all these students, and thank you for your support!
Norovirus Information
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.
Spring Sports Information
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.
Important Dates
- 2/10 Report Cards
- 2/13 Friendship Dance
- 2/17 School Closed
Fun Events to Attend!
Get Involved! Join a Club!
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- 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.
Transportation
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)
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