Family Newsletter
Week of Peace
School Violence Awareness Week (10/20-10/24)
Students will participate in grade-level lessons with Mrs. La Gamba that focus on conflict resolution and the Peace Process.
Spirit Day: Wed, 10/22: Peace, Love & Happiness: School Violence Awareness Week (hearts, tie dye, peace signs)
Halloween (10/31)
On October 31st, the Woodcrest Staff and PTA are planning enjoyable fall activities for students. The festivities will begin with the Halloween Parade at 1:45pm, immediately followed by the classroom parties.
If your family does not celebrate Halloween, and you do not wish for your child to participate in the Halloween parade, please click here to notify the main office. An alternate activity will be provided for students during the parade.
In the case of inclement weather, the Halloween parade will be canceled; however, the afternoon parties will proceed as planned.
Parade Route
- The parade will begin promptly at 1:45pm. Students will exit out the 5th grade doors near the playground, walk the perimeter of the front parking lot, and re-enter at the SACC doors.
- All children should bring their costumes to school. Costumes should be easy to change into, preferably something that can be worn over their clothing. Teachers will only be able to provide minimal assistance as students prepare for the parade.
- Students will have lunch at their regular time. Students may not be dismissed during lunch to change into costumes at home.
- Please avoid costumes that portray or include violence and weapons. Props that depict weapons, such as plastic knives, swords or guns, are not permitted. We hope to reinforce the anti-violence message consistently instilled at Woodcrest.
Classroom Parties
- Classroom parties will be held immediately following the parade.
- Only three parents per homeroom are permitted into the building to assist with the classroom parties. Parents must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor badge.
- School celebrations where food is served can pose risks, so we must ensure safety and wellness. Students may bring their own snacks for the party, but no other food will be served. Students are not permitted to share food with other students.
- Celebrations may include crafts, games, or extra recess time instead of food.
Safety Procedures
- The main driveway and front parking lot will close at 12:45pm to prepare for the parade.
- No adults (aside from staff members) should be in costume.
- All members of the Woodcrest community are invited to attend the outdoor parade.
- Parents will not be allowed to visit their child’s classroom after the parade.
- Only volunteers selected to assist in the classroom parties will be allowed into the building. Volunteers must enter through the main entrance to sign in as visitors before going to classrooms.
- Parents will not be allowed to visit their child’s classroom after the parade.
Student Attendance
When students attend school regularly, they gain more than just academic skills; they develop lifelong habits that set them up for future achievement.
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.
October 13-17: Book Fair
October 15: Book Fair Family Night
October 20: School Closed for Teacher In-Service and Diwali
October 22: Peace, Love & Happiness: Wear hearts, tie dye or peace signs
October 27: Picture Day
October 28-29: NJSLA Field Test, 4th & 5th Grades Only
October 31: Halloween Parade and Parties
November 6-7: No School, NJEA Convention
November 26: Early Dismissal, 1:00pm
November 27-28: No School, Thanksgiving
An updated District Calendar is available on the district website.
Mental Health Concerns for the Community
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.
