Family Newsletter
October 24, 2025
Woodcrest News
Red Ribbon Week (10/23-10/31)
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Red Ribbon Week started after the death of a drug enforcement agent in 1985. After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events, and pledging to live drug free lives. We encourage you to discuss the importance of a drug free life and making responsible choices with your children. Different theme days are planned during Red Ribbon Week.
The Red Ribbon Week 2025 theme is "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”. This theme emphasizes that each choice is like a piece of a puzzle and that choosing a drug-free life builds a stronger, brighter future.
Some other fun activities you may choose to do are: Tie red ribbons around the trees in your yard Plant red tulip bulbs in your garden to plant a promise for a drug free future Schedule time for family dinners - Did you know that kids who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use drugs and alcohol? Robin Olin MSN, RN Woodcrest School Nurse
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.
NJSLA Adaptive Field Test - 4th and 5th Grade Only
Students in grades 4 and 5 will participate in NJSLA Adaptive field testing on Tuesday, 10/28, and Wednesday, 10/29. We truly appreciate your support as we finalize the logistical details to ensure a smooth testing process.
Please review these important reminders in preparation for testing:
Chromebooks must be charged each night and brought to school each morning.
Students may not have cell phones, smart watches, or any other electronic communication devices during testing. If your child brings one of these items to school, it will need to be turned completely off (not silent) and put away during testing.
Students are required to use headphones. Please make sure your child has a working pair of headphones in school. Please note: Bluetooth headphones are not permitted.
Ensure students eat breakfast and get a good night’s sleep.
NexTrex Recycling Challenge - Grade Level Challenge!
Woodcrest will be participating in the NexTrex Recycling Challenge! Starting October 27, there will be three recycling bins where students can bring in plastic from home. Bins are available in the main office vestibule and near the SACC doors.
From October 27 to November 26, we will have a special challenge to see which grade level bands (K& 1, 2&3 and 4&5) can bring in the most plastic to recycle! The winners earn extra recess the first week of December.
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.
PTA Updates
Upcoming Dates
October 23-31: Red Ribbon Week
October 27: Picture Day
October 28-29: NJSLA Field Test, 4th & 5th Grades Only
October 31: Halloween Parade begins at 1:45, followed by classroom parties
November 6-7: No School, NJEA Convention
November 13: Pajama Day, $1 Donation benefitting Breakthrough T1D
November 14: Ruby Bridges Walk at School
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.
Woodcrest Elementary School
Website: woodcrest.chclc.org
Location: 400 Cranford Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ
Phone: 856-429-2058
Instagram: @woodcrest_es_sharks
Facebook: Woodcrest Elementary School CHPS
Please do not reply to this email. If you need to contact the principal, please send your email directly to amccartney@chclc.org.