Tenakill Times
September 2026
Welcome back, Tenakill families!
I hope this letter finds you having enjoyed a summer full of rest, adventure, and time together. As the halls fill once again with the sound of chatter, lockers and old friends reuniting, I find myself filled with excitement for the year ahead.
Our staff has been preparing classrooms, refining curriculum, and planning meaningful ways to support every student who walks through our doors. Whether your child is starting their very first year with us or returning as a seasoned Tenakill veteran, we are so glad they're here.
This year, we're looking forward to continuing our CharacterStrong Programming and the launch of our new W.I.N. (What I Need) academic support period. As always, our goal remains the same: to create a caring, challenging, and joyful learning environment where every student can thrive.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. Here's to a wonderful 2026-2027 school year together!
Warmly,
Christi Cipollini
Principal
Accessing Daily Student Annoucements
Each morning, student announcements will be made via the PA system or through TBN (Tenakill Broadcast Network). Announcements will include information about the school day, ongoing student activities, and school events.
Students can access a running list of all announcements made by visiting the school website, and clicking the link under “Latest News” on the right side of the homepage. In order to access this document, students must be logged in to their Nvnet account. The announcements are not accessible to outside email addresses.
Back to School Night Information
The students and faculty join me in inviting you to our Back-to-School Night Program, to be held on Wednesday September 16th for grades 5 and 6 and Wednesday, September 23rd for grades 7 and 8.
The program will begin promptly at 6:30PM with an Orientation Assembly in the auditorium. Classroom visits will commence immediately following the assembly. Our 5th and 6th grade program will include a presentation from our Specials Department and the 7th and 8th grade program will include a presentation about the transition to high school for all 7th and 8th grade parents. During the orientation assembly, details will be shared regarding CharacterStrong as well as the TMS W.I.N. Period.
Prior to the evening of your child’s back to school night, they will be coming home with a copy of their schedule that will be helpful during your visit. Please review the schedule with your child to ensure a better understanding of the activities for the evening. If you have further questions, please phone the main office at 201-768-1332.
This evening is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers, learn about the curriculum, and hear more about the exciting events and activities planned for the year. Because of the importance of this evening, we ask that only adults attend. Supervision for children will not be provided for this event.
We are looking forward to meeting with you and to working together this school year.
Clubs Information
Many clubs and activities will be beginning this month. Students and families can view all club offerings on the Tenakill website, under clubs and activities. The schedule of club meeting times and club descriptions can be found here, and also on the TMS website. Students should listen to daily morning announcements for additional information as well.
Sports Information
Our sports program is for students in grades 6-8. Please be sure to check the athletics page on the school website. Students who completed sports forms and are eligible for try-outs should listen to morning announcements and TBN regarding try-out dates and interest meetings. Our coaches for our fall sports are listed below. Should you have any questions regarding the athletics program at TMS, please contact our athletic director, Mr. Rota at (rotac@nvnet.org or (201) 768-1332, ext. 42518).
Cross Country Coaches: Chelsea Smith and Joe Calabria (smithch@nvnet.org and calabriac@nvnet.org)
Boys Volleyball Coach: Kevin Hernandez (hernandezk@nvnet.org)
Girls Volleyball Coach: Matt Vassallo (vassallom@nvnet.org )
Boys Soccer Coach: Scott Lewis (lewiss@nvnet.org)
Girls Soccer Coach: Megan McCafferty (mccaffertym@nvnet.org)
Academic Reminders
As we progress through the semester and trimester, we’d like to remind everyone of the importance of consistent study habits and staying on top of assignments. We encourage you to maintain communication with your child’s teacher about supports and programs available.
2026-2027 Grading Periods
Trimester 1: 9/3/26-12/3/26
Trimester 2: 12/4/26-3/16/27
Trimester 3: 3/17/27-6/18/27
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this school year a successful and rewarding experience for all of our students.
Principal Advisory Committee (PAC) Interest Form
The mission of Tenakill Middle School, in partnership with families and the community, is to develop intellectually curious, life-long learners who possess strong character and values and the skills necessary to be responsible and productive world citizens.
This school year, we will continue to have the Principal Advisory Committee (PAC) to collaborate, gather feedback, and engage with families in connection to district and school goals.
Prior to each meeting, PAC members will receive an email with the topic of discussion, and reminders about the date, time and location.
The PAC will consist of 8-10 parents/guardians across grade levels. Parents selected will be notified via email, along with the dates. There will be four meetings, some at 6:00pm and some at 9:30am. Participating parents are encouraged to attend all four sessions so that their input can be heard. Opportunities for new families to join the PAC will occur each year.
Thank you for your interest and support of TMS!
The interest form will be open until September 30, 2026 at 8:00am.
Counselor's Corner
Welcome to the new school year! The School Counseling Department is eager to partner with you to foster your child’s academic, social, and emotional development.
This year, our monthly SEL focus is evolving. We are explicitly linking the CASEL core competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) directly to the core traits of a Closter Learner, focusing on guiding students to become:
Mindful Communicators who listen actively and express ideas clearly.
Critical Thinkers who analyze information and solve complex problems.
Self-Directed Learners who take initiative and reflect on personal growth.
Empowered Decision Makers who exercise sound judgment and take ownership of their actions.
Responsible Citizens who show empathy and contribute positively to our community.
Well-Rounded Individuals who balance academics with social-emotional wellness and health.
Look for monthly updates, family activities, and discussion prompts in the Counselor’s Corner to help bring these concepts to life at home.
Please know our counselors are available if your child needs extra support as they transition into the new year!
Alexandra Earle - School Counselor Grades 6 and 7
earlea@nvnet.org: 201-768-1332 x 42214
Callie Stabile - School Counselor Grades 5 and 8
stabilec@nvnet.org; 201-768-1332 x 42699
Character Strong-September Program Updates
Back to School Resources from the State
The New Jersey Department of Education has asked schools to share its Back to School Resource Packet with families as the new school year gets underway. The packet includes resources on mental health, vaccinations, eye care, dental care, and general health. You can view it here: Back to School Resource Packet.
Upcoming Important Dates
SEPTEMBER 2026
9/3 – First Day of School
9/7 – School Closure / Labor Day
9/7 – PTO Lunch Program Cycle 1 Ordering Ends @ 11:59 PM
9/8-9/11 – LinkIt Math Testing Window
9/9 – Fall Sports (Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country) Physical Forms Due
9/14 – PTO Lunch Program Cycle 1 Begins
9/14-9/18 – LinkIt ELA Testing Window
9/16 – Grades 5 & 6 Back to School Night @ 6:30 PM
9/17 – Board of Education Meeting @ 7:30 PM
9/21 – School Closure / Yom Kippur
9/22-9/25 – LinkIt Social Studies/Science Testing Window
9/22 – PTO Fall Social @ 7:30 PM / Dimora
9/23 – Grades 7 & 8 Back to School Night @ 6:30 PM
OCTOBER 2026
10/6 – CogAT for New Students
10/8 – Board of Education Meeting @ 7:30 PM
10/12 – Early Dismissal @ 12:20 PM / Staff Professional Development
10/15 – TMS Picture Day
10/28-10/29 – PTO Fall Book Fair
10/23 – PTO Lunch Program Cycle 1 Ends
10/25 – PTO Halloween Fair @ 11:00 AM / Tenakill Field
10/29 – Board of Education Meeting @ 7:30 PM