"No one is perfect. That's why pencils have erasers." Wolfgang Riebe
Week Twelve:
Over the course of last week, our students in grades 2 through 5 successfully completed their first round of reading benchmark assessments using the LinkIt! platform. These assessments provide valuable insights into each student's reading abilities, including strengths and areas for growth.
The benchmark results are a critical tool for our teachers, helping them tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of every student. By analyzing the data, teachers can identify specific skill gaps, set targeted goals, and implement personalized strategies to support student progress. These benchmarks also help us monitor growth over time and ensure that all students are on track to meet grade-level expectations.
We are proud of our students for their effort and focus during this important process. Thank you to our dedicated teachers for using this data to create a supportive and effective learning environment for all. This first round of benchmarks is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing our students' continued growth and success!
Additionally this week, our 2nd through 5th grade students participated the PTO-sponsored Theatre Week production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves! Participating students worked incredibly hard, practicing for four days after school to prepare for their big performances on Friday. Friday morning, the students performed an excellent dress rehearsal for their classmates and teachers, followed by a fantastic evening show for their families and friends. Despite having just about six hours of practice leading up to Friday, the students delivered an impressive and engaging performance full of singing, dancing, and lots of smiles!
Congratulations to all of our young actors and actresses for their dedication, enthusiasm, and incredible teamwork. A big thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this event and to everyone who came out to support our talented students. Great job all around!
On Thursday, Our first-grade students had an incredible field trip to the Turtle Back Zoo! Teachers shared that it was one of the best field trips they could remember, and it’s easy to see why. The students were thrilled to have the zoo practically to themselves, giving them plenty of space to explore and enjoy the exhibits at their own pace.
During the trip, students had the chance to get a first-hand look at many of the animals they’ve been reading about in class, bringing their lessons to life in an exciting and engaging way. From watching playful prairie dogs, to observing majestic big cats and curious reptiles, the experience was both educational and unforgettable.
A huge thank you goes out to our parent volunteers and teachers who helped make this trip a success. Your support ensured the students had a safe and fun-filled day. We’re so proud of our first graders for their enthusiasm and curiosity, and we can’t wait for more adventures to come!
As we have wrapped up the first twelve weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to our incredible teachers and support staff here at Cucinella. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our students is the foundation of everything we do.
A school is so much more than a building—it’s a thriving community, and it simply couldn’t function without the tireless efforts of our educators. From planning engaging lessons to fostering meaningful connections with students, your work is what makes our school a place where learning and growth flourish.
Our school community is truly indebted to your talents, passion, and perseverance. You create opportunities, inspire curiosity, and ensure that every child feels valued and supported. Thank you for all you’ve accomplished so far this year, and for the countless ways you make our school a better place every single day!
Here's to another great week ahead,
Christopher Perruso
Principal
Monday starts our SPECIALS on Day 3
Upcoming Events:
11/27- Early Dismissal Day- Start of Thanksgiving Break
11/28- SCHOOLS CLOSED- Thanksgiving Break
11/29- SCHOOLS CLOSED- Thanksgiving Break
12/3- SEPAG Meeting
12/6- School Picture Retakes
12/10-12/13 PTO Holiday Gift Shoppe
Bucket Fillers of the Week
Our Bucket Filler initiative, inspired by Carol McCloud's book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, celebrates students who consistently demonstrate our core values of responsibility, respect, kindness, persistence, and safety. When a teacher observes a student embodying these values, they earn a “bucket filler” ticket, which enters them into a weekly raffle with their peers. Every Friday, we draw a winning ticket from each grade level’s bucket, and the selected students get a special shout-out on the morning announcements! Plus, these students are invited to join the monthly Party with the Principals, where we celebrate their positive impact on our school community. This initiative reinforces the message that we can all contribute to a positive and supportive environment by filling each other's buckets with good deeds!
PreK- Preston Davie
Kindergarten- Alexandra Moore
1st Grade- Aiden Kumar
2nd Grade- Logan Dietlein
3rd Grade- Alexa Lambert
4th Grade- Kennedy Dombrowski
5th Grade- Mina Vijay
Pictures from the Week
Theatre Week
production of
Alia
Baba
and
the
Forty
Thieves
Smart Watches and Cellular Phones
Recently we have had some issues with students wearing smart watches with cellular capabilities at school. Although there is no issue with students wearing watches to school, some students are sending and receiving text messages. Texting or taking calls during the school day is strictly prohibited by school policy. When students come to school with a cell phone, the phone is kept in the student's cubby for the day. Students are not permitted to use their cell phones during the school day. Watches used inappropriately will be subject to the same consequences as cell phones - teachers may take them away for the day. We ask for your assistance with this matter by reinforcing this at home with your children.
Preschool Openings
Notice: Openings in Washington Township Integrated Preschool Program
Washington Township Schools are pleased to announce remaining openings in the Integrated Preschool Program at both Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School and Old Farmers Road School. This unique program offers a nurturing, developmental learning experience for children aged three to five, integrating typically developing children and children with special needs to promote readiness skills, language development, and social/emotional growth.
Program Details:
Locations & Times:
Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School: 7:35 am – 2:10 pm
Old Farmers Road School: 8:40 am – 3:15 pm
Activities Include: Circle time, group activities, snack, story time, and teacher-guided play, designed around the NJ Department of Education’s Preschool Learning Standards and tailored to each child's developmental level.
Curriculum: The Tools of the Mind curriculum focuses on self-regulation and foundational skills in literacy, math, and science, with activities adapted to support each child’s growth.
Additional Information:
Tuition for non-classified students: $950.00 per month.
Parents are responsible for transportation, snacks, and lunch.
Children must be three years old by September 1, 2024, to be eligible.
Interested families are encouraged to contact Dr. Denise Scairpon at DScairpon@wtschools.org or (908) 876-3434 x 2300 to learn more or to enroll.
Spaces are limited, so reach out soon to secure a spot in this enriching preschool program!
School Picture Update
Just an update on your child’s school portraits. For families who ordered photo packages, your child should have brought these home on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. If you ordered photos online after picture day, you should be receiving them shortly via mail.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed by Lors. If for some reason your child’s pictures are flawed and you would like a retake, please hold onto your pictures. Picture make-ups and retakes are currently scheduled for Friday, December 6th 2024 .
If you did not prepay for a picture package, you will not receive a picture packet or the picture proof. If you would like a sneak peek of your child’s photo to determine if you want to order a package, they have been imported into OnCourse. If you log into OnCourse, you should be able to see their new picture on their information page. Please be aware of a few important items regarding school pictures:
Attached HERE is the instruction sheet so you can contact Lors directly to order pictures or with any questions.
For any question, please reach out to the PTO Gift Shoppe coordinator Kristi Daggett, kristidaggett@gmail.com
Library Books
Please be careful with the students' library books. Many library books have been coming back to school with water damage. If you could please place your child's library book in a ziploc bag, it would be appreciated. This will help keep the books safe from the water bottles within the backpacks. Your help with this is greatly appreciated.
5th Grade Yearbook Cover Contest
Dear 5th Grade Families,
We recognize it is a busy time with Theater Week, TREP$ and many day to day activities. So we are extending the yearbook cover contest deadline to December 3rd, originally November 25th. Please see this Flyer for more information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGOsUPI-kc/KyRQJurcVChCRWICQX0kSw/edit
1 Winner will receive a grand prize of a free yearbook with name stamping and will be featured on the cover. Selected runners-up may also be featured in the yearbook.
PTO Memberships for the 2024-2025 School Year are still available! Follow the MemberHub link below to pay for a Family or Staff Membership. We are looking forward to another fantastic year!
To ensure the continued safety of our students and staff, we are making a few updates to our morning drop-off procedures. We kindly ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines:
Please remain in your car: Parents and guardians should stay inside their vehicles during drop-off to help keep the process moving smoothly.
Be prepared ahead of time: Have all items (backpacks, lunch bags, etc.) ready and accessible before arriving at the drop-off area.
Independent exit: If possible, encourage your child to open the door on their own and exit the vehicle from the passenger side, closest to the school, once you’ve pulled up to the furthest spot available.
Patience is appreciated: We understand mornings can be busy, but please wait for the cars in front of you to move rather than driving around. Our top priority is the safety of our students and staff, which is worth more than a few seconds saved.
Respect the Handicapped spaces: Please avoid parking in the Handicapped spots to drop off children. We want to ensure that all students enter the building safely, and we do not have a crosswalk or staff member to assist them across the drop-off lane.
We truly appreciate your understanding and support in following these procedures. Together, we can create a safer and smoother drop-off experience for everyone.
Student Dress Code
As we move into the school year, please take a moment to review the board approved dress code for students. It can be found here. Our dress code is enforced to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff. If you have any questions after reviewing please do not hesitate to reach out.
Items of Note:
No hats/bandanas/hoods
No bare midriffs
No sunglasses indoors
No indecent material
Pick Up Patrol
PickUp Patrol - USED FOR RECORDING ABSENCES and DISMISSAL Preferences
Our secretaries are no longer checking phone messages for absences or changes in dismissal procedures. This information is now handled exclusively through the PickUp Patrol app.
All of our parents and guardians should have received a "Welcome" email with details on how to download the app and set up your account. If you have not received an email, please check your SPAM folder. If you can not find the Welcome email, please contact our school secretaries and ask for a new one to be resent.
If you have not downloaded the app or set up your account yet, please do so as soon as possible.
