"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
Week Nineteen:
In our first full week back since the start of January, the building was in full swing as our students and teachers continued along with their educational journeys. Monday, our First grade students along with our TAG coordinators Matt Dauchert and Dana Castellana, used Sphero Indi bots to learn about the basics of robotics. Through the "Engineer Design Process", the students program the robots to move along a desired route. The students then revise their plans to make their bot travel more efficiently. It was a fun and engaging STEM lesson that was enjoyed by all.
Tuesday afternoon saw the first session of our new High Impact Tutoring program. The tutoring program is funded by grant money our Director of Curriculum and Instruction Debbie Russo was awarded for a recent grant application. The aim of the new program is to support students who have been identified as struggling learners as a result of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the unique obstacles our students faced over the past few years, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support to thrive academically. This tutoring program offers assistance to students who require additional help to bridge learning gaps and regain confidence in their academic abilities.
We are extremely lucky that so many of our district teachers volunteered to provide these tutoring sessions. The teachers will work closely with students to provide targeted instruction, tailored to their needs in mathematics and reading The teachers will offer guidance, encouragement, and strategies to help students succeed. This program reflects our district's unwavering commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they may face. Together, we will continue to support and uplift our students as they navigate their education. Thank you to Mrs. Debbie Russo for designing this wonderful program for our students!
On Wednesday, we had a school wide assembly, "The Illusion Maker", presented by the Washington Township Department of Works. This fun assembly taught our students about pollution, recycling and what we can do to help our environment. The students participated in "TRUE or FALSE – A Magical ENVIRONMENTAL Quiz Show". Through magic, illusions, and games, the presenter showed the students why our families should be using the three environmental “Rs”, and why they are so important. Students learned about Reducing what we use, Reusing what we can, and with Recycling, we can reduce how much we send to the landfill. Each student left the show with many new ideas on how they and their families can have a positive influence on the environment.
The week ended with the PTO sponsored "Snowball Dance" Friday night. Cucinella students had fun dancing to the DJ's tunes and playing with friends. Popcorn and snow cones were a big hit for the night, as was the selfie station and tattoo booth. It was a great way to cap off another eventful week here at Cucinella!
We appreciate your ongoing support, and stay tuned for more exciting events and updates from Cucinella! If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me at cperruso@wtschools.org.
Christopher J. Perruso
Principal
RELATED ARTS SCHEDULE: Monday starts our Related Arts schedule on a DAY 2.
Outdoor Recess
Please keep in mind that even when the temperatures are very cold, we still make every attempt to get our students outside for recess. In conditions of extreme cold, we may not stay out for our full recess period, but we will take the students outside for a few minutes in order to provide them with much needed fresh air and some physical activity. Please be sure that the students are coming to school dressed appropriately. Sending students with coats, hats, gloves and other winter apparel is greatly appreciated.
Terracycle Fundraiser
WE WANT YOUR TRASH!!!
The PTO's Terracycle Committee has placed a new recycling collection box in the vestibule, to the left of the doors as you enter the building. The mission of this program is to collect home care and air care plastics, spray bottles and air fresheners. These are all items that would normally be thrown in the trash, but through Terracycle, we're able to keep these items out of landfills and raise money for the school in the process. This program will run throughout the school year, so start collecting your items to be recycled and contribute them to the collection box at your convenience.
For more information about this collection, visit https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/febreze-air-care?viewPDOInfo=false.
For more information about the PTO Terracycle Committee and to volunteer, please contact Lindsey Mason at lindseymason.m@gmail.com.
23-24 Cucinella Yearbook News
Attention 5th Grade families:
Toddler pics are now past due. If you have not done so please submit ASAP.
Additionally, please double check with your kid to make sure they completed the google form favorites. Each kid should have at least one favorite memory submitted. Thank you for your support with making the yearbook awesome:)
Please feel free to reach out to Liz (emschwartz624@gmail.com) with any questions.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION - SY 2024-2025
Online Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 SY, is now open!
If you are the parent/guardian of a child eligible for kindergarten, or know of any township residents with eligible kindergarten children for the 2024-2025 school year, please note the following:
Child must be 5 years of age on or before October 1, 2024 – no exceptions.
Child’s original birth certificate showing that he/she is five years old on or before October 1, 2024.
Four (4) proofs of residence. One (1) of the following; deed or a rental/lease agreement and three (3) of the following; property tax bill, voter registration card, drivers license, homeowner insurance bill or utility bills.
Immunization records for measles, mumps, rubella, DPT, polio (including one dose of DPT and polio vaccine on or after the child’s fourth birthday), varivax, hepatitis B, and HIB vaccinations.
Register ONLINE HERE.
Should you have any questions, you may contact the school your child will be attending.
Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School - (908) 850-3161
Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School - (908) 850-1010
Old Farmers Road School - (908) 876-3865
At anytime, enrollment forms can be downloaded from our website by clicking HERE.
Pick Up Patrol
PickUp Patrol has been in effect for the past year and we are very happy with the positive feedback we have been receiving from the community. PickUp Patrol is used not only for drop off and pick up procedures, but also for recording your child's absences.
Please click here to review how to use the program to record absences.
Click here for more information about Pickup Patrol
If you have not received a "Welcome" email with details on how to download the app and set up your account, 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the secretaries, Mrs. Deanna Dargel or Mrs. Boomi Varathrajan.
Cucinella Lost and Found
If your child is missing something - coats, sweatshirts, hats, water bottles, etc. - please remind them to check our ever-growing lost and found. It is currently overflowing with items. The lost and found is currently located outside of the main office, near the main entrance. We are happy to help students if they are looking for something in particular. Please notify either your child's teacher or the main office secretaries if you need assistance.
Cucinella PTO Happenings:
Nellie's News Flash: Click here for this week's version of Nellie's News Flash.
Next General Membership Meeting:
Monday, February 5th @ 7pm
BAC Library
Memberships 2023-2024 School Year
PTO Memberships for the 2023-2024 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!
Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School
Email: cperruso@wtschools.org
Website: https://www.wtschools.org/o/bac
Location: 470 Naughright Road, Long Valley, NJ, USA
Phone: (908)-850-3161
