Maugham Moments

Dear Maugham Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! It's time to pack those lunches and snacks, for early bedtimes, and for the rush and bustle of the morning routine. I hope we are all coming back with a new pep in our step, eager to make new friends and learn new things. The teachers have been working hard to get their classrooms ready and we're excited to have our building bustling with children again.

I wanted to introduce a few new faces to Maugham and some general staffing updates. Ms. Elise Campbell will be teaching 2nd grade. We wish Dr. Jones a happy retirement! Ms. Jacqueline Clinton will be teaching 4th grade. Ms. Moira Meehan will transition to academic support this fall. We welcome Ms. Achau Nguyen from Tenafly Middle School as our 2nd full-time multilingual teacher. Mr. Daniel Hoey is our new 3-5 PAWS teacher. Mr. Wonchul Do is our new music teacher. Ms. Lisa Minasian will be filling in for Ms. Cassidy Rudden in 5th grade until her return in December. Mr. Camizzi will be starting with us later in the September so Ms. Sue Young will be our full-time P.E. teacher until his return. Ms. Mullen in kindergarten is now Mrs. Baranello.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to read our Maugham Parent/Student Handbook. It contains a wealth of information. The handbook and other school information is available on our school website. Please see below for important drop off and pick up instructions.

I am looking forward to see you all on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 27th. It is a full day of school including lunch and snack. The doors open at 8:30 am. The late bell is at 8:40. Kindergarten dismissal is at 3:05 pm and grades 1-5 will be dismissed at 3:10 pm.

We'll see you soon!

With Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Loor

Please log into your Genesis Parent Portal to indicate your child’s dismissal procedure:

• Direct Release – Your child will be dismissed directly to you (parent/guardian) or another approved adult listed on your emergency contact form.
• Independent Release – Your child will be dismissed from the building on their own.

For the first few days of school, parents may wish to stay with their children outside in the designated entry area before the bell rings - please reference the picture below. Entry into the building takes place between 8:30–8:40 a.m. There is no adult supervision before 8:20 am so please do not drop off your children before then. Students arriving after 8:40 am must enter through the main entrance on Magnolia Avenue, using the double doors on the left by the ramp. Please note that parents are not permitted inside the building so please be ready to stay your good-byes before the teachers come to pick up the children.

No parking is allowed on Magnolia Ave in the drop-off/pick- up zone directly in front of the school from 7:30-9:00 am and from 2:30-4:00 pm on school days only. The car line runs south along the school building on the western side of Magnolia Avenue, from the school parking lot to the south end of school’s property. Please do not park in the teacher's parking lot.

If you are using the drop-off car line, here are a few reminders:

• students should be ready to exit the vehicle on their own as soon as you are stopped
• if your child needs assistance getting out of the vehicle, it is best that you park your car elsewhere and walk them to school
• do not leave your vehicle unoccupied at any time
• no cars are allowed in the school driveway at any time

We know that the first days of can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming, especially for our kindergartens. Please rest assured that as soon as your child enters the building, our caring staff will be there to greet them, guide them to their classroom, and help them settle in. During the first few days, the teacher will be at the entry doors, to great our students, especially our littlest friends! To help all students build independence and adjust to their new routines, there will be no parent escorts - but please know that your child will be supported and well cared for every step of the way.

Kindergarten is dismissed at 3:05pm and Grades 1 through 5 are dismissed at 3:10pm.

As a reminder, all parents must indicate the dismissal procedure that will be followed for a regular and early dismissal day through the Forms tab on the Genesis Parent Portal - Direct or Independent Release.

Direct Release:

• Students are dismissed by the teacher directly to a parent or authorized adult.
• If you are choosing Direct Release, you may not park on the designated drop-off/pick-up zone on Magnolia which serves as our car line for pick-up as well.
• It is recommended that parents of kindergarten and 1st grade students park elsewhere and walk to the school for pick up.

Independent Release:

• Students are dismissed from the building by the teacher without the teacher releasing him/her directly to a parent or authorized adult.
• Parents using the car line must remain in their vehicles while waiting for their child(ren).
• When using the car line, pull up close to the school curb and drop off south of the driveway, then move on.
• Children must enter the vehicle on the sidewalk side. If your children cannot efficiently enter the vehicle, it is best not to use the car line.
• Please discuss pick up arrangements with your children before school to clarify your meeting point.

Don't forget lunch! The first day of school is a full day. Be sure to pack a lunch from home or you may order the lunch service through Pomptonian.

You will find information and the ordering link to Pomptonian on our website, linked here.

Tenafly Public School District has partnered with Right at School to run our Before and After Care program for the 2025-2026 school year.

This program will provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for students before and after school hours. This program takes place on site.

Enrollment information can be found on their website linked here.

Parents of new incoming students will be admitted into the school building starting at 8:45 am after all the students have made their way inside. Please wait by the main entrance until then.

August 27 - First Day of School

August 27 - New Families Coffee

September 1 - Labor Day, Schools Closed

September 18 - Back to School Night

September 22 - Fall Club Sessions begin

September 23-24 - Rosh Hashanah, Schools Closed

September 25 - HSA Meeting, 8:45 AM

September 30 - Picture Day

October 13 - Schools Closed (Professional Day for Teachers)