Family Newsletter
New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey
Woodcrest will be participating in survey data collection using the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey, which was developed, and is administered, by Rutgers University in order to help schools obtain multiple perspectives on aspects of school climate. Collecting data is important for understanding strengths and needs in our school and how it feels to be a member of the school community.
Your voice is important to us, and your opinions will help us to address current priorities. The survey is anonymous and it is voluntary. The results will be used to help create a plan to address school climate needs and make improvements to the school. You may submit a separate survey per child in the school building if you feel their experiences are different, but you do not have to.
Click here to take the survey and enter the password: parent
If you have any questions during or after the survey, please contact Alison McCartney at amccartney@chclc.org.
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to exploring new ways to continue working together to create the most supportive and engaging learning environment for your child.
Sincerely,
Alison McCartney
Parent Teacher Conferences
All Cherry Hill elementary and middle schools will follow an Early Dismissal Schedule (1:00pm dismissal for Elementary) from December 8th-December 11th.
Elementary Conference Schedule:
Mon, 12/8: 2:20-4:00
Tues, 12/9: 6:00-8:00
Wed, 12/10: 2:20-4:00
Thurs, 12/11: 6:00-8:00
Scheduling through the Genesis Parent Portal will be available to parents/guardians 11/17/25– 12/5/25.
Conferences with special area teachers and related services can be arranged with the staff member. Encore teachers will be available on a limited basis in each of the schools they serve. A schedule for encore teachers will be posted at a later date.
Elementary Enrollment Balancing
Cherry Hill Public Schools is undertaking an elementary enrollment balancing effort to ensure every student has access to the best possible learning environment. As we examine elementary enrollment distribution to address potential overcrowding across our elementary schools, we will be hosting three meetings to gather input from the public.
11/13/2025: Cherry Hill High School East at 7:00 p.m.
11/18/2025: Cherry Hill High School West at 7:00 p.m.
11/20/2025: Virtual Zoom meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Here is the information to join the virtual Elementary Enrollment Balancing meeting:
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85762330743
Webinar ID: 857 6233 0743
By achieving more balanced enrollment, we will ensure all students have access to resources, maintain optimal class sizes, and support the academic and social-emotional needs of all our young learners. This thoughtful and necessary adjustment will strengthen our schools and community for years to come.
Click here to watch the "Discussions with Dr. Morton" episode to hear from the Board of Education's Enrollment Rebalancing Committee, who discuss the timeline, goals, and factors related to the enrollment balancing effort.
Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism in New Jersey, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), occurs when a student is absent for 10% or more of the school year, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. In a typical 180-day school year, this means that a student who misses 18 or more days is considered chronically absent.
Chronic absenteeism is closely monitored because it can negatively affect student achievement and long-term success. The NJDOE includes chronic absenteeism as a key metric in school performance reports and school accountability. Schools and districts are encouraged to implement strategies to reduce absenteeism and engage students to improve attendance rates.
Parents will receive letters from the school at 4, 7, and 10 days of student absences. School personnel will also be in contact with families of students who have excessive absences to offer support and discuss any underlying issues. If needed, a formal meeting with the principal can be scheduled to further address concerns and explore solutions for improving attendance.
November 13: Pajama Day, $1 Donation benefitting Breakthrough T1D
November 14: Ruby Bridges Walk at School
November 19: Make-Up Picture Day
November 21: Last Day of PTA Food Drive
November 26: Early Dismissal, 1:00pm
November 27-28: No School, Thanksgiving
December 1: Shark Squad Day! Wear Woodcrest Spirit wear or blue
December 8-12: 1pm Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 17: Winter Concert: 4th & 5th Grades
December 23: 1pm Dismissal
December 24-January 4: Winter Break
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.
