Carusi Newsletter

Mr. McKeon's science class has started their first unit, "Light & Matter," with an exploration of how a one-way mirror works. The unit features hands-on investigations using a scale model (the box model). This allows students to explore and discuss the phenomenon in greater detail, deepening their understanding of how a one-way mirror functions.

In English class, students explored figurative language by analyzing modern-day song lyrics. They listened to various songs and identified different types of figurative language, such as metaphor, simile, assonance, personification, and imagery, used by the artists. This engaging approach helped students learn about figurative language while incorporating music they enjoy and can relate to, making the lesson both fun and educational.

School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• JOHN A CARUSI MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Event Code: FE261724
• Images are secured using the email address(es) provided to us by the school.

• PTA Meeting September 24 at 7:00 PM hosted in our library.
• 6th Grade Social $5 (music, food, and games) sponsored by our PTA September 25 3:15 to 5:00 PM in our Courtyard/Cafeteria.

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)

• The school day begins at 8:00 AM
• Students are dropped off by buses and family drop off between 7:45-7:55.

• 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.

• The renovations at Carusi are progressing and we thank you for your patience as we navigate through our construction process.
• Renovations in our gym is expected to by completed by mid October.
  

• 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

Students schedules and transportation information are available to be viewed in the Genesis Parent Portal after all mandatory forms have been completed.

Please note the scheduling process is very complex. We are not able to accommodate requests for students to move schedules unless an error was made regarding course selection such as World Language selection.

Why & What Does This Mean For My Student?

The Why:

• Research shows that student use of wireless communication devices in schools, particularly cell phones, has negative effects on academic performance, focus, and mental health, including higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in students.

• Devices distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in unnecessary challenges, smaller learning gains, and suboptimal test scores.

What Does This Mean For My Student?

• Students are prohibited from using wireless communication devices during instructional periods.

• For clarity, “instructional periods” are those academic courses or classes that meet any of the following:

• Bear credit

• NJ State Learning Standards (NJSLS) are being taught

• Grades are entered

• Activities are teacher-led, including by a substitute

• Students may use wireless communication devices during lunch, recess, between classes, while on school buses, or during co-curricular activities, however the Principal can elect to prohibit such use during lunch.
• Students shall keep their wireless communication devices silenced and in a secure place, such as the student’s locker or a closed backpack.
• Students are prohibited from recording audio or video at all times.

Exceptions

Students with an Individualized Education Plan; a 504 Plan or Individual Health Plan that documents a need for their device, are permitted to have their wireless communication devices on them at all times. Your grade level counselor, the school nurse or case manager will inform the teachers of this need.

What Can You Do to Support Your Child?

-courtesy https://parentandteen.com/7-ways-parents-can-help-teens-manage-phone-use/

1. Model good phone habits.

2. Establish smartphone rules together.

3. Turn off phone notifications.

4. Help your teen recognize when they've been on their phone too long.

5. Help your teen identify features that make apps hard to turn off.

6. Ask your teen about feelings surrounding phone use.

7. Limit screen time to 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Breakfast 7:30 to 8:00 AM $2.00

Lunch - $3.25

Fall Sports Registration for Middle School was opened on July 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**

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 who 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. **

Please hold on to your Medical Eligibility Forms until we provide further information on a drop-off process.