Kennedy Park School #24

The Woodbridge Township Board of Education has adopted the 2023-2024 student calendar. Click here https://5il.co/1pex4

Join Kennedy Park #24 in helping us support our local food banks with the Have a Heart Food Drive. Beginning January 10 - February 14 Most Needed Items : Non-Perishable Food Items *Peanut butter, jelly, pancake syrup, pancake mix, crackers, *Cereal, coffee, juice, pasta, pasta sauce, can fruit, rice, *Canned pasta, tuna, instant potatoes, cookies, can meat, *Powder milk, macaroni & cheese, paper products, *Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body soap, *Personal hygiene products, laundry detergent

Kennedy Park #24 Holiday Spirit Week Monday, December 19 – Friday, December 23 Join in the Holiday Fun… Monday, December 19: Merry “Grinch”mas. Wear a Grinch, “Who” shirt, or green. OR Dress like the Grinch or a character from Whoville Tuesday, December 20: The Busiest Time of the Year: Dress like one of Santa’s helpers-elf, reindeer, Rudolph, etc. Wednesday, December 21: Welcome Winter! Wishing for snow…wear white and/or your favorite winter hat, scarf, etc. Thursday, December 22: Holiday Headwear & “Ugly”/Holiday Sweater. Wear your favorite holiday headwear or hat and your favorite holiday or “ugly” holiday sweater. OR wear red and green Friday, December 23: All Aboard…Polar Express Pajama Day.

Thanksgiving Break Schedule: Wednesday, November 23: Early Dismissal (1:00pm) Early Dismissal Schedule PreK Full Day & Kindergarten: 8:55 - 1:00pm PreK AM: 8:55am - 11:30am PreK PM: 10:30am - 1:00pm No School on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 School will open on Monday, November 28. Have a Wonderful, Healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

KENNEDY PARK #24 goes PINK on FRIDAYS in OCTOBER! (all spirit and/or dress days are voluntary not mandatory) $1.00 per Friday to participate $3.00 total all 3 Fridays! All donations will be sent to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research Friday, October 14: GO PINK! Wear Pink clothing Friday, October 21: Support Breast Cancer Research SUPERHERO Style: Wear Superhero clothing or dress like a superhero Friday, October 28: Sock it to Cancer! Wear mismatched, your favorite, OR crazy socks!

Sewa Diwali – Food Drive “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh” (HSS) in partner with “We Feed Woodbridge” presents Food Drive to benefit Woodbridge Township Food Pantries Items you can donate: Non-perishable food  Applesauce (NO GLASS CONTAINERS)  Boxed Mac-n-Cheese  Canned Beans, Canned Fruits  Canned vegetables with low or no sodium  Cereal  Crackers  Diapers  Dried herbs & spices  Toiletries  Feminine Hygiene Products  Honey (NO GLASS CONTAINERS)  Instant Mashed Potatoes  Meals in a Box  Pastas and Pasta Sauces (NO GLASS CONTAINERS)  Quinoa  Rice  Shelf stable & Powered Milk (Expiry Date of items > 6 months) www.sewadiwali.org www.facebook.com/sewadiwali https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/253/We-Feed-Food-Drive

Kennedy Park School #24 Week of Respect 2022 October 3 – October 7 MONDAY, 10/03: “BLUE UP” AGAINST BULLYING! WEAR “BLUE” clothing to show unity to stop bullying and cyberbullying! TUESDAY, 10/04: “SHOWING RESPECT IS NO SWEAT”: WEAR YOUR FAVORITE “Sweat” clothing because it’s easy to show respect! WEDNESDAY, 10/05: “TEAM UP AGAINST BULLYING” WEAR YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM CLOTHING! Kennedy Park Students will “TEAM UP” against bullying! THURSDAY, 10/06: OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US UNIQUE: Wear your favorite clothing/outfit or clothing that shows who what you like. FRIDAY, 10/07: WE’VE GOT SPIRIT! WEAR YOUR KENNEDY PARK COLORS OR YOUR CUB APPAREL. We will wrap up the week by showing our school spirit. Students will wear their school spirit wear or school colors.

Kennedy Park School Spirit Wear Sale: Last day for ordering is Friday, September 30. Use the link below for the 2022 Kennedy Park Spirit wear order form! https://5il.co/1i2vf

Open House #1: Tuesday, September 13, 2022: A Pod and C Pod (Classrooms: A1, A2, A3, A4, C1, C2, C3, C4, E1(Ms. Cassano AM & PM)) 6:00 - 7:00 pm in All-Purpose Room Open House #2: Wednesday, September 14, 2022: B Pod and D/E Wing (Classrooms B1, B2, B3, B4, D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, E1 Preschool ESL) 6:00 - 7:00 pm in All-Purpose Room

As the first day of school is upon us, we at Kennedy Park School #24, want to thank all of our parents and students who were able to attend our Meet the Teacher and Welcome Orientation throughout this week. We hope that the visits to our school has helped to prepare our students for their first day and put our parents at ease for the first day. Just a few reminders for the first day of school, Wednesday, September 7. Doors will open at 8:45am for our full day students and AM students. Doors will open at 12:50pm for our PM students. *Dismissal for non-bus students will begin at 3:00pm at DOOR 4 (unless specific directions have been given by the classroom teacher) Arrival: *Non-bus students will be meeting their classroom teacher on the blacktop right next to DOOR 4. This is only for the first day of school, Wednesday, September 7. Signs will be outside for drop off and pick- up every day. If your child’s teacher has told you specific pickup locations, please follow them. *On Thursday, September 8, non-bus students will be coming in through DOOR 4. If your child’s teacher has told you a different drop off directions, please follow those directions. *Bus Students will come off the bus with assigned staff to that particular bus and be taken to their assigned classroom. Specialized programs will have staff meet the students at their buses and go to their classroom. Breakfast/Lunch: *Beginning, Wednesday, September 7, ALL full day students can receive breakfast and/or lunch. Please make sure to fill out the lunch application for free or reduced lunch in the Genesis Parent Portal. Otherwise, parents can go online to set up a prepayment for breakfast and/or lunch https://www.payschoolscentral.com/ *All students will need a snack, water bottle (reusable or disposable), and lunch (if they are not getting lunch provided from Pomptonian; full day students only) every day. Please make sure your child’s snack(s) are nut/peanut free to eat in the classroom. *Please make sure all students have extra clothes packed for the first day to keep in their classroom cubby. *Please make sure all forms in Genesis Parent Portal are completed. *If you are picking up child up from school prior to the regular dismissal time, you must go to the Main office and have ID. NO STUDENT WILL BE RELEASED TO A PERSON WHO IS NOT IN OUR GENESIS SYSTEM AND DOES NOT HAVE ID. *Please make sure all students have their belongings labeled with their first and last name. Transportation: *If you are changing your child’s transportation on any given school day, please make sure to notify our main office (732-568-5680) and classroom teacher by 10am or ASAP. *Please be have patience as our WTSD bus drivers are picking up and dropping off our students to their designated locations. *A parent/guardian MUST be at the bus stop location to get their child. No one child will be released off of the bus. *Students who are in specialized programs will receive a phone call from their bus driver regarding the pickup time and location. Please reach out if you should have any questions or concerns. We are looking forward to an exciting first day with our students and school year!

September 2022 Dear Kennedy Park School #24 Families, Welcome to Kennedy Park School #24! I am truly honored and excited to welcome all of you and your child(ren) to our new kindergarten school family. We are all excited about our kindergarten/primary school that will be filled with learning adventures. I am Pamela Kaminsky, building principal of Kennedy Park School #24. I am proud and humbled to serve as an administrator for one of the largest and best districts in New Jersey. Throughout the school year, it is important that our School 24 community of students, parents and staff continue to meet the expectations for the school through modeling positive behavior, working to our fullest potential, and showing respect. The safety and security of every student in the building is, of course, a number one priority. Therefore, be ready to show appropriate ID whenever you visit the school following the security rules that will be posted outside the front door. If you are bringing to your child(ren) and/or picking up at dismissal, please use DOOR 4 (side entrance of building). My mission for our school is that every child has the potential to learn and that all learning should be authentic and real for each child to progress throughout the school year. The administration, faculty, and staff want your child to feel valued within our school community. It is also important that we all demonstrate respect and responsibility to help build a strong positive attitude that reaches everyone in our school community. Our school webpage will be continuously updating information for you and your child. Please make sure to visit the site for information often during the school year. If you have just registered your child(s) for Kindergarten, you will also be receiving information to finalize your Genesis account and complete forms via Genesis. Transportation Bus Stop information can be found using the link “Find My Child’s Bus Route” on our Kennedy Park School #24 webpage in the late month of August. Please also make sure to sign up for WTSD Thrillshare to receive any important information on school delays, cancellations, delayed opening, and/or upcoming WTSD events/happenings. For any additional information you can visit the WTSD main website and/or email pamela.kaminsky@woodbridge.k12.nj.us with any questions and/or concerns. On behalf of the faculty and staff of Kennedy Park School #24, we welcome you and your child to our school community. Together, teachers, staff, students, and parents can make a stronger school community! Have a wonderful school year! Best Regards, Pamela Kaminsky Principal, Kennedy Park School #2

Rainbow Read Aloud (K-4) https://sites.google.com/wtsdnj.com/wtsdlibrarymediaprogram/rainbow-read-aloud?authuser=0 Join our LIVE Google Meet weekly for a Read Aloud with me, Mrs. Timinski, the Library Media Specialist for the Woodbridge Township School District. Together, we will read and discuss stories about people from around our country and the world. Rainbow Read Aloud is geared towards children in grades K-4 but anyone can log on and listen. Simply join my Google Classroom using the summer code - ltbazv7. Looking forward to sharing stories that matter with you!!

Kennedy Park #24 Field Day Thursday, May 19, 2022 Rain date: Wednesday, May 25 Field day is a day of outdoor & (some) indoor fun, engaging Station- to-station activities! Students will need water bottles disposable or reusable to use and refill during the day! A water Station will be for provided for refilling. Students should be dressed for outdoor play: comfortable clothing (weather appropriate), sneakers, hat and/or sunglasses (if it’s a sunny day), sunscreen (can be applied before coming to school, if needed) Students should be on time for school so they can enjoy the whole day

Kennedy Park Cubs Mother’s Day Plant Sale Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6 Prices: $0.50 – $10.00 Hanging Baskets: $15.00 CASH ONLY! Classes will shop on Thursday, 5/5 OR Friday, 5/6 Please send a shoe box, small box, or bag for your child to carry their plants home in. ALL STUDENTS will receive 1 FREE FLOWER! Pre-Ordered Plants can be picked up after 3:00pm between A Pod and B Pod (by side parking lot)

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 2022 DIVERSITY, EQUITY,AND INCLUSION SHOWCASE JUNE 2, 2022 5:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER 600 MAIN STREET, WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095 Please join us for the inaugural District DEI Showcase. The students of Woodbridge Township have worked hard all year on projects that embody multicultural education. This event is an opportunity for students to showcase their work and for the Woodbridge community to support all that our schools have done to create an inclusive environment for students. Along with sharing artifacts created in the spirit of multicultural education, each school will present a research project aimed at making their community a better place. Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Dear Kennedy Park Parents/Guardians: We hope this letter finds you all well! As an update from the last letter sent out regarding stomach virus and issues, we are still seeing signs of the stomach virus present within our school community. Please be assured all illnesses are being tracked accordingly within the nurse’s office, as well as regular classroom disinfecting and sanitizing is taking place. Please also remind your children to be diligent in handwashing as they are continuing handwashing a multitude of times through the course of the school day. If your child is complaining of stomachaches, has a loss of appetite, has vomited and/or has 2 or more episodes of diarrhea, please keep them home. Your child needs to remain home for at least 24 hours if they have vomited or had episodes of diarrhea and remain home until symptoms have resolved. If you have any questions or concerns on whether to send your child to school, please call me 732-568-5675 or use the Nurse REMIND to contact me directly. I will try my best to call if your child has been out 2 days or more to see how they are and if you need anything. Please continue to call the school’s attendance line and provide the reason for the absence as well as symptoms your child is experiencing. We, thank you for being proactive in helping us keep Kennedy Park a healthy place to learn and grow. Sincerely, Kristine Rapczynski, MEd.,BSN, RN Kennedy Park School Nurse

Autism Awareness Spirit Week Friday, April 1 – Friday, April 8 Friday, April 1: Light it up Blue- Wear blue Monday, April 4: Celebrate the beauty of the diverse spectrum- Wear Rainbow colors and/or tie dye. Tuesday, April 5 Be Unique! Wear your favorite outfit. Wednesday, April 6 Shade out Autism- Wear your favorite hat or sunglasses. Thursday, April 7 Celebrate our Differences- Wear a mismatched outfit. Friday, April 8 Sensory Friendly Friday- Individuals with Autism often have a variety of sensory sensitivities. Dress in your most comfy clothes.

Kennedy Park School #24 READ ACROSS AMERICA SPIRIT DRESS WEEK Monday, February 28 - Friday, March 4 Monday, February 28: : “There’s Only One YOU” Wear something that makes you, YOU! (favorite clothing, favorite shoes, favorite hat, special clothing, etc) Tuesday, March 1: “A Color of His Own” Wear your favorite color clothing Wednesday, March 2: “Thesaurus Has A Secret” Words are Everywhere! Wear clothing with appropriate words (or letters). Thursday, March 3: “Giraffes Can’t Dance” A Great Book has Strong Characters! Dress as Your Favorite Story Book Character, Superhero, Character, or Famous Person! Friday, March 4: “Zero” “One” We accept everyone! We have mindfulness! Top off the week by wearing your favorite hat

April is Autism Awareness Month! Order your shirt today! Kennedy Park #24 Autism Awareness Shirts on Sale! Orders for t-shirts being accepted until Friday, March 4!

Dear Kennedy Park Families: We hope this letter finds you all healthy and well. As we are currently in the second half of the school year and approaching the 100th day of school the majority of our students will soon be getting ready to “step up” into the next grade level for either Kindergarten or 1st Grade. All of our current kindergarten students will attend his/her home school for the 2022-2023 school year and continuing elementary school years. Kindergarten students and preschool students who will be moving onto the next grade level and are currently attending Kennedy Park School #24 will not have to be re-registered. Students’ information will roll over within the Genesis system on July 1, 2022, as well as any medical files will be sent to the designated (home) school. Please keep in mind, if your child is currently in a specialized program, the next school will be determined based upon program location and services needed. All students who are moving onto the next grade level will be placed in a WTSD school before exiting out of the current grade/program. Preschool ESL students will be assessed at the end of the school year to decide whether the student(s) will exit the ESL program or not. PreK ESL students who do not exit out of the ESL program will attend a WTSD school that provides ESL services. PreK ESL student(s) who may exit out of the program will attend his or her home school. For Preschool students in another specialized preschool program, the next attending school will be determined based upon program location and services needed. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 732-568-5680.