Family Knightline
Friday, September 4, 2026
Wake Up Inspired and Go Home Fullfilled
What a Great Start to the School Year!
We had an amazing first week of school!
As expected, the first day or two brought some routines and procedures that needed to be adjusted and fine-tuned. That is a normal part of the beginning of every school year. What was most impressive was how our students and staff responded to those adjustments. By the end of the week, the growth was easy to see. Lunch and recess ran more smoothly, hallway transitions improved, and arrival and dismissal became more efficient each day.
At ARK, we emphasize growth. We talk often about the power of making mistakes, learning from them, and moving to the next iteration a little better than before. Our first week of school was a great example of us living that out as a community.
We also held our first Family Meeting, bringing all of our students and staff together as one ARK family for the first time this school year. We talked about some of the values that are most important to who we are.
Most importantly, we reminded our students that the adults in this building will love them with all our hearts, just as they are. We know they will make mistakes. We know they will stumble. And when they do, they can expect that we will continue to love them, believe in them, and pour into them.
Our job is not to expect perfection from our children. Our job is to help them learn from their mistakes, grow through challenges, persevere, and continue becoming better versions of themselves.
What a wonderful way to begin our year together.
All for One and One for All!
Warm Regards,
Mr. Gene Park
Principal
A. Russell Knight Elementary
Ice Cream Social
We had an incredible turnout for our annual Ice Cream Social earlier this week! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities, some ice cream, and most importantly, time together as a community.
A special thank you to our PTA volunteers and staff members who gave their time, served in so many different ways, and were simply present to connect with our students and families.
It was a joyous evening and another reminder of what makes our ARK community so special. I am incredibly grateful for the way our community consistently shows up, comes together, and genuinely enjoys being with one another.
Internet Enabled Devices Policy
Student Use of Internet Enabled Devices Policy that bans use of all wireless-enabled devices from Bell to Bell. This is a state law. It includes smartwatches and tablets.
Personal Devices
Simply stated, personal devices with the capability to access the internet are not permitted during the school day. This applies even if the device’s internet or cellular capabilities have been disabled.
For example, a student would not be permitted to wear an Apple Watch or similar smartwatch during the school day, even if its internet or cellular access has been turned off.
Back to School Night -- Wednesday, September 9th (CORRECTED TIMES)
Dear ARK Families,
We’re excited to invite you to Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 9th, from 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. It’s always a special evening to come together, connect, and celebrate the start of a new school year.
Welcome Back Presentation with Mr. Park, Principal
Location: New Gym
Time: 5:45 to 6:15 pm
Classroom Presentations (Grades K–5 & Pull-Out Resource Teachers)
Teachers will offer two identical sessions so families with children in different grades can visit more than one classroom.
Session 1: 6:15–6:45 p.m.
Session 2: 7:00 –7:30 p.m.
You only need to attend one session per teacher.
A Quick Note
Back-to-School Night is meant to give you an overview of the classroom experience. If you’d like to talk about your child specifically, please reach out to your child’s teacher by phone or email to set up a time.
Meet Our Team
Our Encore Teachers, Instrumental Music Teacher, Therapists, Librarian, Nurse, Child Study Team, Counselor, Literacy Coach, and I will all be in the Cafeteria (near the main entrance) from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Stop by to say hello—we’d love to see you!
Children at the Event
If possible, we ask that children stay home so that the evening can stay focused on family–teacher conversations.
We look forward to seeing you at Back-to-School Night! Your partnership means a great deal, and together we can make this a wonderful year for your child.
All for One and One for All!
With excitement,
Mr. Gene Park
Principal, A. Russell Knight Elementary
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SCHEDULE (ONLY)
Save the Date
September
Hispanic Heritage Month
9/3: Full Day of School
9/3: Ice Cream Social from 5:30 - 7 pm on the blacktop to the right of building
9/7: School Closed (Labor Day)
9/9: Back to School Night 6 - 7:15 pm
9/11: Patriot Day
9/11: Rosh Hashanah Begins
9/14: PTA meeting in the Cafeteria at 7 pm
9/15: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
9/17: Constitution Day
9/21: School Closed (Yom Kippur)
October
10/1: Glow Dance from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Gym (rear of building)
PTA Info. Center
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR COMMUNITY!
Looking for activities, programs, events, and resources for your family? The Cherry Hill Public School District is pleased to share community information and opportunities with our families through the Community Bulletin Board on the district website.
The Community Bulletin Board is a great place to discover youth programs, family events, enrichment activities, local resources, and other opportunities available throughout Cherry Hill and the surrounding community. Be sure to check back often—new information is added regularly!
A. Russell Knight Elementary School
Email: epark@chclc.org
Website: www.knight.chclc.org
Location: 140 Old Carriage Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Phone: 856-428-0830
ARK PTA Facebook and Instagram
Knight's vision is to create a community where every member wakes up inspired and goes home fulfilled.
ARK Knights strive to live out the following core values: respect, responsibility, empathy, service, perseverance, effort, citizenship, and teamwork.