Catena Colts Connected

September 30, 2023 Edition #2

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Look what's coming up, Catena!

* Week of Respect 10/2-10/5*See daily spirit wear themes below!

** Scholastic Book Fair 10/16-10/20*Open during STEAM Night for family shopping!

***School Violence Awareness Week 10/16-10/20


Tuesday, 10/3: Tie Dye Tuesday; 5th Grade Team Building


Friday, 10/6: World Smile Day! PTO Family Movie Night


Monday, 10/9: School Closed


Tuesday, 10/10: Tie Dye Tuesday


Friday, 10/13: Catena Spirit Day


Wednesday, 10/18: Family STEAM Night


Thursday, 10/19: PTO Meeting w/ special guests Mrs. Moynihan & Mr. Carotenuto. Come talk about Health curriculum.


Friday, 10/20: PTO Pretzel Sale; PTO Trunk or Treat

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We're falling into place at Catena!

Welcome October! Things are falling into place and we are all settling into our new classrooms and routines. It's hard to believe that just after 16 days of school it is time to say hello to a new month. With the start of October comes even more excitement here at Catena. See below for special dates. Our youngest Colts in Kindergarten will have a special visit from the East Freehold Fire Department on Friday, 10/6 and we will all celebrate the Week of Respect 10/3-10/6. PTO Family Movie Night is now scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6th. We hope you'll join friends and our school community for some outdoor fun. School Violence Awareness Week is 10/16-10/20. The PTO Scholastic Book Fair will also be the week of 10/16-10/20. Students shop during their Media block. Then, on Oct. 18th it's Family STEAM Night. Our staff, along with some help from parent volunteers, are already busy preparing fall and STEAM inspired activities for Catena Colts and their families. Be sure to RSVP and put this date on your calendar! We finish out the month with Halloween! Always a favorite day on Burlington Road with our annual Halloween Parade. We look forward to seeing our students and staff all dressed up and having some fun! Details will be sent via School Messenger so families and students know what to expect and how to plan for a respectful, responsible, safe, and kind Halloween.


As our students and staff fall into this new school year together, we couldn't be more proud of all they are accomplishing already. We hope you will continue to find ways to engage with our school community during this busy month. Don't hesitate to contact us directly with any questions or concerns. We're always here to support your family.


Warmly,

Ms. Shaw & Mrs. Fern


In a world where you can be anything, be KIND

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Positive Behavior Support=PBS

Catena Colts are respectful, responsible, safe, and KIND


See below for more information about PBS and how you can support our school !


Donate to the PBS School Store here. How much cash has your Catena Colt earned?

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Curriculum & Content Connections

Keep an eye out for all things curriculum and content related in our upcoming newsletters. We'll have math and reading challenges and more for both students and families!

Student Dress Code

**Please do not send students to school in Crocs!**


The school dress code guidelines include:

  1. Sleeveless shirts are permitted as long as they extend to the shoulder. Tank tops, tube tops, crop tops, belly shirts and halter tops, including “spaghetti” straps are not permitted.

  2. Tasteful shorts (for students only) are permitted during the school hours.

  3. Dresses, skirts and shorts shall be a length of at least mid-thigh (finger-tip length).

  4. Graphics or text on apparel that state or suggest obscene or offensive messages are prohibited.

  5. Students are not permitted to wear hats in the building; however, they may bring them to school to wear during outside activities. Other inappropriate head coverings such as bandanas, sweatbands, caps, do-rags and any other headwear deemed inappropriate are not to be worn during the school day or school functions, except for medical and/or religious purposes, and/or as approved by a staff member.

  6. Flip-flops, open backed, open toed or platform sandals and Crocs are not considered acceptable footwear for active outside play, and a student will be asked to sit out. In addition, “Heelys” or sneakers with wheels are not considered appropriate footwear for school.

***If a student’s dress is deemed inappropriate while attending the school day or other school related events, the parent or guardian will be contacted to bring their child a change of clothes.

Arrival & Dismissal

**Honoraria Drop Off & Pick Up**


It is important that there is only one line of traffic for drop off and pick up. Please do not park along the grass where there are orange cones and cross the driveway with your children. We ask that families park and walk up if not waiting along the sidewalk closest to the school building. Thank you for your cooperation going forward.


Please be sure to review the Arrival & Dismissal Procedures for this school year. It is important for all families to understand how the mornings and afternoons work so we ensure our school community is coming to school and leaving school accordingly and safely!


*Students should not exit the car in the morning drop-off line until staff are present to receive them, at 8:45am. Thank you for helping us to ensure the safety of all of our Catena Colts*


*If you are expecting someone to take your "car rider" home, please be sure they are on your contact list in Genesis and email your child's teacher & the office.*

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Lunch

Please review the letter below that was posted to Genesis Parent Portal regarding school lunch. Student lunch costs $3.10. Pin numbers are available in the portal and students will all have a card with their pin number in school. Parents must set up a Mealtime Online account to use to purchase lunch. Cash & checks are only accepted in school to be added to student accounts.


Parents should be sure their Mealtime Online accounts are set up for students. See the attached letter for steps in doing so. Menus are posted to the district and school websites.


When students are given money to purchase snack, we ask that parents discuss the number and type of snacks students are permitted to select. While staff encourage students to make responsible choices, it is not possible for us to monitor all of their purchases. So, for example, if you do not want your child to purchase multiple snacks on one day please set this expectation with them at home.

Send a Shout Out!

Cell Phones

Please be reminded that cell phones are not permitted to be used in school. If students must bring their phones to school, they must have them turned off in their backpacks during the day. Phones are not permitted on school buses. Watches which function as phones may not be worn or utilized in school.


We ask for your help in reminding students of this expectation.

Joseph J Catena School

We are grateful for the opportunity to spend our days with all of our Catena Colts, incredible staff and amazing families each day at JJCS!