Indiana Avenue School #18

Indiana Ave 18 - This week is spirit week to bring awareness to our mission & unite students to strive to achieve the ultimate squad goal: a world without blood cancer! To add to your SPIRIT, Donate a $1 a day.

School 18 Spirit Week! *** Tuesday - Wear Green or Gold and Be Bold! *** Wednesday - Sport Team Day *** Thursday - Wear Comfy Clothes *** Friday - School 18 Day! Wear Your Green to stand with School 18!

Please review the following letter from Dr. Massimino concerning remote instruction for the upcoming week: https://5il.co/140r5

School 18 Spirit Week! 12/17 - Indiana Ave Day - Wear School 18 gear or colors 12/20 - Candy Cane Day - Wear Red and White 12/21 - Grinch Day - Wear something Grinchy or Green 12/22 - Pajama Day 12/23 - Ugly Holiday Sweater Day

November 26 is the last day to order Spirit Wear for Indiana Ave School 18! Order online https://tdpnj.com/indiana_ave/shop/home

Thank you to Ms. Lopes and the National Elementary Honor Society for coordinating our Thanksgiving food drive. Food was donated to the food pantries through We Feed Woodbridge. Mayor McCormac recognized our school for their donation!

Good Afternoon School 18 Families, The link below is access to purchase Indiana Avenue School 18 spirit wear. The sale will take place from now until November 26 (11/26/21). The spirit wear "should" be delivered by Christmas time. Don't miss out on ordering School 18 gear! https://tdpnj.com/indiana_ave Have a safe a relaxing fall break to all of our students and their families! Sincerely, Mr. Chiera Principal

* Monday October 18th - School 18 day. Each month we invite students to wear our school colors on the 18th. * Wednesday October 20th - Picture day. Information has been sent home. Any further questions please contact your child's teacher or the main office. * Dental Forms - A gentle reminder from Mrs. Gonzalez, school nurse, if you would like your child to be seen by the dentist please return forms which were previously sent home. * Non-perishable food drive - going on now until November 16th. Please see attached flyer. * Accepting donations of rolls of toilet paper for indigenous people month project we are participating in as a school. * School Violence Awareness Week - Starts next week.

Badges for school volunteers will be issued again this year. There is nothing currently scheduled, but you MUST have this badge in order to volunteer at school during the year • The weeks of October 4th; October 11th; October 18th • Monday- Friday between 9:00am-11:00am; and 12:30-2:30; in addition, Wednesday (10/6; 10/13;10/20) between 4:00pm-7:00pm • Those seeking to volunteer in our schools need to obtain a volunteer’s badge YEARLY-previous badges will not be honored. • Volunteers must come to the Security Office at the Administration Building located at 428 School Street and bring their license.

Dear Parents/Guardians, The week of 9/20/21-9/24/21 will be celebrated as a Week of Inclusion across every elementary school within the Woodbridge Township School District. The goal of this week is to provide an opportunity to build an inclusive school culture where all students feel part of the school community. The activities will vary by grade level, but will include wearing school colors, discussing the Anti-Racism Pledge, and the reading of books that embrace diversity. As a reminder, our Elementary Anti-Racism Pledge states that- ● I will stand up for others and not be a bystander. ● I will make sure my words are kind and show I care. ● I will be kind to everyone in person and online. ● I will treat others with kindness and respect. ● I will honor and celebrate what makes us special and different. ● I promise to keep learning how to make myself, my school, and my community a more accepting place. Some of the books which will be read are included below. The read alouds for these books will be posted on the District webpage for your access. ● Kindergarten: All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman ● Grade 1: Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox ● Grade 2: I Am Enough, by Grace Byers ● Grade 3: Say Something, by Peter H. Reynolds ● Grade 4: The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson ● Grade 5: Milo Imagines The World, by Matt de la Peña Best regards, Kendell Ali Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Woodbridge Township School District

Reminder tonight Indiana Avenue School 18 will hold an Open House for the 2021-22 school year. Attached you will find the document sent earlier this week outlining the Open House itinerary. Please read carefully to ensure you attend the appropriate session for your child. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Mr. Chiera

Good Afternoon School 18 Families, I hope this email finds you and your family well. Tomorrow, Thursday May 27, is Red, White, & Blue Day. Students may wear their favorite Red, White, and Blue clothes if they should so choose. At the conclusion of the day tomorrow, Indiana Avenue School Elementary School along with all district schools will be off from Friday May 28 thru Tuesday June 1. School will resume Wednesday June 2nd. Enjoy the extended weekend with family and friends! Stay safe and be well. Regards, Mr. Chiera

As we approach the middle of April (hard to believe) I just want to reiterate to parents/guardians we have begun the 4th and last marking period of this school year. We have approximately 43 school days left. Please continue to collaborate with your child's classroom teacher regarding any topics of concern along with their assignments. Report Cards will be available on the Parent Portal on Monday April 19th. As a school community, we will continue working together to finish this school year strong! Please inform your child(ren) how proud I am of them and the effort they put forth each day.

On Monday, March 1, students will be returning to the hybrid model of instruction. Rotation Group A students will attend school (In Person) Mondays and Tuesdays. Rotation Group C students will be completely virtual. All students will have remote learning on Wednesdays. All rotation groups will be the same and are listed in the parent portal for your reference. *School will begin at 8:45am and dismissal is 1:10pm. Doors open at 8:35am (NO EARLIER) Students can get lunch in school. *There are no changes in transportation pickups and/or drop offs - it will be the same as it was last time we were in school. Please contact the school directly if you wish to make any chances to your child’s schedule.

Good Afternoon School 18 Families, I hope your children are enjoying today's snow day! We will return to our remote learning tomorrow, February 2nd. Teachers will be providing live instruction to their students according to their normal remote learning schedule. Stay safe and be well, Mr. Chiera

Greetings School 18 Families, It’s hard to believe that we have almost arrived at the midway point of the school year! Some may say it has gone fast, others the opposite. As we approach the 2nd semester, I wanted to share a few announcements:  January 29 – Marking Period 2 Closes  February 4 – Report Cards Available in Parent Portal  February 12 – 100th Day of School  February 15 – No School (President’s Day) Asynchronous Wednesday's  Beginning Wednesday, January 27th, the last Wednesday of every month will by an asynchronous learning day. Students will have an opportunity to complete assignments at their own pace, as well as work independently to hand in any missing/late work. Teachers will participate in professional development and/or provide individualized support to students struggling to complete new or missing work. Small Group Lessons  Beginning February 1st , teachers will be scheduling afternoon small group instruction. The purpose of these small group lessons is to increase contact time and create greater opportunities for student engagement, personalized instruction and differentiated content. Students will be scheduled for one (1) 30-60 minute small group lesson per month. Your child’s teacher will communicate your child’s group and schedule once complete. During these small group lessons the teachers will not have office hours. I have been observing virtual classes the last three weeks and I just want you all to know I am so proud of all your children! They continue to persevere and work hard through these challenging times. Our teachers and staff continue to provide excellent instruction while supporting our students/families in a caring manner. I am proud to be the Principal of this great school and community. Have a great weekend! Stay safe. Mr. Chiera

Indiana Ave. School # 18 Families, As we close in on the conclusion of 2020, I wanted to once again express my sincere gratitude for your continued patience, collaboration, support, and dedication to our great school! We continue to face challenges and obstacles, but most importantly we face them TOGETHER! All stakeholders which have a part in the School 18 family continue to portray what a school family looks like. I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year! Please take time this break to relax, unwind, spend time with family, and have some fun.....You certainly earned it! Tomorrow Wednesday December 23rd is our Festive Sweater/shirt day. The school day will conclude at 1:15pm for all students and staff (NO office hours tomorrow). School will resume on Monday January 4th. Again, if we can be of assistance in anyway please do not hesitate to contact the school. Continue to stay safe, wear your masks, and practice social distancing as you celebrate the holiday season. Mr. Chiera

Good Afternoon School 18 Families, I hope this email finds you and your families well. I miss seeing all of your children in our building and hope to see them all soon! Due to the impending winter storm, the Woodbridge Township School District has determined Thursday, December 17th will be an ASYNCHRONOUS instructional day for all students. By Wednesday December 16, teachers will have asynchronous work assigned for their students for Thursday December 17th. Each teacher will provide specific instructions for their class and will be the point of contact as usual. The work assigned for Thursday will not be due until Sunday December 20th. By submitting assignments during this time frame, this will ensure your child marked present for the December 17th school day. This Thursday allows student's to continue with their schooling but may also allow them the opportunity to enjoy a good snowfall! During these challenging times, I hope families are able to create fun and memorable experiences. If you are enjoying time in the snow, please take some pictures to share with our teachers and classmates! Be safe and stay well. Mr. Chiera

Good Morning School 18 Families, Another week is behind us and our School 18 community continues to make the best of our current situation. I hope everyone is doing well and and staying safe. I just want to reiterate if you need assistance of any kind please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child's teacher during these trying times . Parent/Teacher conferences end today, it is important to keep an open line of communication between parent/teacher. Although the students are not in the building, we will continue to provide a positive learning experience for all our students. Thank you again to all of our parents, guardians, and family members who are assisting our students each day in their learning. It does not go unnoticed. Thank you teachers/staff for all you continue to do for your students. I am so proud to be your principal. Thank you to all of our students for your commitment to your education. I look forward to the day we can all be together and learn in our building. Have a great weekend! Regards, Mr. Chiera Principal

SCHOOL 18 NATIONAL ELEMENTARY HONORS SOCIETY IN PARTNER WITH “WE FEED WOODBRIDGE” PRESENTS FOOD AND NON-PERISHABLE GOODS DRIVE NOVEMBER 9TH TO NOVEMBER 23RD DROP OFF ALL ITEMS TO THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE SCHOOL ITEMS NEEDED INCLUDE: Non-Perishable Food peanut butter, jelly, syrup, pancake mix, crackers, cereal, coffee, juice, canned fruit, rice, canned pasta, Jell-O, tuna, instant potatoes, cookies, can meat, spaghetti sauce, powder milk, paper products, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body soap, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent Thank you for your support!