“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” —Albert Einstein
Week Fifteen:
Last week, we kicked off with an enriching professional development session for our teaching staff led by our Eureka Squared math consultant. These sessions focused on deepening teachers' understanding of our new curriculum resources, planning engaging lessons, and making thoughtful modifications to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. This training is a key part of the district's commitment to effectively implementing our new math curriculum and providing meaningful support to our educators. By equipping teachers with the tools and strategies they need, we’re fostering stronger teaching practices that directly enhance student learning. We can’t wait to see the positive impact of this collaborative effort in classrooms across the school!
During the week, our students participated in the global Hour of Code initiative during their Library/Technology classes. The Hour of Code introduces students of all skill levels to computer science through engaging activities and videos. Under Mrs. McCarty’s guidance, students practiced coding by creating their own games and programs, which they proudly shared and played with their classmates. This initiative is a great way to spark interest in technology and empower students to think critically and creatively.
Last Monday also marked the end of the first trimester. It’s hard to believe we’re already a third of the way through the school year! Report cards will be available on the OnCourse parent portal starting Monday, December 9th, at 3:00 PM. As we transition into the second trimester, we’re entering a pivotal time for learning. This phase allows teachers and students to dive deeper into the curriculum, building on foundational skills and tackling more complex concepts.
The second trimester is a time of growth and discovery. Students will engage in deeper learning experiences, explore critical ideas, and develop skills that will prepare them for future success. Teachers are hard at work designing lessons that inspire curiosity, foster problem-solving, and encourage students to reach their full potential. We’re excited to watch our students thrive as they embrace new challenges, collaborate with peers, and make incredible progress over the coming months.
Looking ahead, this week is packed with exciting events! Monday is a Cucinella Spirit Day, so don’t forget to wear your spirit gear or red, white, and blue. Starting Tuesday, our annual Holiday Gift Shoppe opens and will run through Friday (more details later in the wrap up). Finally, our 2nd graders will conclude their social studies unit on Colonial Times with a special Colonial Day celebration on Friday. It’s sure to be a memorable event for our students and their parents!
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new trimester. Here’s to a fantastic week ahead filled with energy, growth, and success!
Christopher Perruso
Principal
Monday starts our SPECIALS on Day 1
Upcoming Events:
12/9- 1st Trimester Report Cards Published @ 3:00PM
12/9- School Spirit Day- Wear your Cucinella Gear or Red, White, and Blue!
12/10- Board of Education Meeting 7:00PM @ LVMS PAC
12/18- 5th Grade Vocal Music Performance 7:00PM @ BAC Cafetorium
12/20- Early Dismissal Day- Start of Winter Break
12/23- 1/1- SCHOOLS CLOSED- Winter Break
1/2- Schools Reopen
1/7- Board of Education Meeting @ 7:00PM LVMS PAC
1/20- SCHOOLS CLOSED- Martin Luther King Jr. Day ,.
2/4- SEPAG Meeting 7:00PM @ LVMS Library
Safety Reminder for Our Parking Lots
We kindly remind all parents and guardians to follow normal traffic laws while driving on our campus. Sgt. Burns has observed several safety concerns, including cars not stopping at stop signs, passing illegally, and speeding in the parking lot. More officers will be on premise to enforce traffic safety if conditions do not improve.
For the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, we ask for your cooperation in adhering to traffic laws at all times. Your attentiveness and care help ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in keeping our school community safe!
Exploring Wind with Bubbles!
First graders in Ms. Abbett’s class recently participated in an engaging lesson on wind speed and direction. Students headed outside to observe bubbles and track their flight paths, learning how wind influences movement.
This fun, hands-on experiment brought science to life as students made observations and predictions while enjoying the playful challenge of following the bubbles. It was a fantastic way to combine learning with excitement, and everyone had a wonderful time!
Thank you to Ms. Abbett for creating such an enjoyable and educational experience for our young scientists!
Kindergarten Students Share Gratitude Through a Creative Turkey Project!
Mrs. Burrow’s and Mrs. Tedona’s Kindergarten class recently completed an activity that showcased the true spirit of gratitude. Each student created a colorful feather to contribute to a larger turkey display. On their feathers, they wrote or drew pictures of things they are thankful for, ranging from family and friends to favorite toys and special moments.
This collaborative project not only encouraged students to reflect on the importance of gratitude but also brought their creativity and teamwork to life. The finished turkey is now a vibrant reminder of all the things we have to be thankful for, brightening their classroom with positivity and joy!
The Thankful Turkey!
Festive Fridays!
Our first "Festive Friday" was a great success with many students and staff members wearing their Grinch Gear around the building. It was a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday season. Join us in celebrating our next "Festive Friday" by wearing your favorite "Holiday Wear" this Friday, December 13th.
PTO Holiday Gift Shoppe
The holiday shoppe is being held on December 10-13, 2024 at Cucinella during the school day. Students have a designated time to go with their class to shop for their family and friends.
Gifts range in price from $1 - $10. Due to the limited number of gifts available, we ask that students only purchase 6 items or less. That means the maximum they might spend is $60. Students can bring up to $60 cash or a check made payable to Cucinella PTO to school with them on their shopping day. Please remember to sign the check. The check can be blank or you can write in a dollar amount. Change will be given if they spend less than what they bring in.
For any question, please reach out to the PTO Gift Shoppe coordinator Kristi Daggett, kristidaggett@gmail.com
Yearbook News
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Thank you to all the students that entered the Yearbook Cover Contest! Winner(s) will be announced before the winter break.
It is that time of year where the yearbook needs to start collecting those amazing toddler pictures of your kids for the 5th Grade feature section. Please see the link below for directions to upload and guidelines for picture selection.
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!
The Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey are hosting a FREE Movie Event designed for families! This event is a great opportunity for parents to learn more about the Girl Scout program, get questions answered, and register their daughters for Girl Scouts. Plus, it promises to be a fun and exciting experience for the girls! Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to explore all that Girl Scouts has to offer!
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!
Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures:
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.
