Thank you for everyone who helped with CAS Green and Clean Day.

The CAS Grounds look great and many were hard at work!

No Place for Hate is designed to create inclusive school communities by promoting unity and respect, and empowering schools to reduce bullying, name-calling and other expressions of bias. The NJ Anti-Defamation League has recognized CAS for its robust staff and student trainings, as well as, the experiences that bring kindness and inclusivity to life. Congratulations to our CAS staff and students for creating a safe, kind and inclusive community!

Congratulations to CAS 2nd Grade Student, Vikrant Anand, for finishing 3rd place in the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs Poster Design Challenge! (See Vikrant's poster below!)

All your supplies can be ordered conveniently through 1st Day School Supplies. Supply kits will be delivered to your home at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the school year. This is an easy way to support the CAS PTO and get your shopping done at one time!

Click here to order next year’s kits. (https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=65620)

Order online by July 1st.

Special note to current 5th grade families:

Here is the information from the MJS PTO regarding supplies for 6th grade!

Great News! This year MJS will be offering the SchoolKidz supply kit program which offers pre-packaged, school supply boxes filled with the exact items requested by your child’s teacher. Why fight the hassle of retail when there's a cost effective and convenient way of purchasing your back-to-school supplies? Skip the lines this summer. Order your supplies with SchoolKidz! Simply place your order by June 9, 2023. Order online at http://www.shopttkids.com, enter the MJS account number 50086. All kits will be delivered to your home by August 11.

Questions on MJS school supplies? Email grfktt@yahoo.com

NJ School Performance Reports were recently reported in April. The last time these reports were available was in 2020 since state testing was postponed during the pandemic. As you may know, NJ developed a school accountability system as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Schools are given a summative rating which is the percentile rank of the summative score as compared to other schools across the state. Central Avenue was ranked within the top 50 schools in the state of NJ. (scoring a summative rating of 97.88). These scores are based on the 2021-22 school year ELA and MATH Proficiency Indicators, Growth Scores, and Attendance. NJ

What you will also notice, if you analyze these ratings, is that CAS is one of the most economically diverse (Title I School) and learner-diverse (specialized programs) schools in the top echelon of the state.

Thank you to our wonderful staff for their continued devotion to our students. We are super proud of our students and we are all lucky to be part of such a special learning community.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. The initiative fights stigma, provides support, educates the public and advocates for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. This week, we will focus on what depression can look like in younger children.

How many children experience depression and anxiety?

Anxiety and depression affect many children:

• 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019.

• 4.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 2.7 million) have diagnosed depression in 2016-2019.

Anxiety and depression have increased over time:

• “Ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.

• “Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011–2012.

So what indicators are there for childhood anxiety? Anxiety can manifest in different ways in elementary school students. Here are some common signs of anxiety to look out for:

• Physical symptoms: Children with anxiety may complain of stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms that don't seem to have an obvious cause.

• Avoidance behavior: Children may avoid certain situations or activities that make them anxious, such as going to school, participating in class, or socializing with peers.

• Excessive worrying: Children with anxiety may worry excessively about everyday events, such as upcoming tests, homework assignments, or being separated from their parents.

• Irritability: Anxiety can make children feel irritable or agitated, which can lead to outbursts of anger or frustration.

• Sleep problems: Children with anxiety may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, have nightmares or night terrors, or wake up feeling tired.

• Excessive need for reassurance: Children with anxiety may constantly seek reassurance from parents, teachers, or other adults about their safety or ability to cope with a situation.

• Perfectionism: Anxiety can make children feel like they need to be perfect in everything they do, leading to unrealistic expectations and self-criticism.

If you notice any of these symptoms in a child, reach out for help. Contact the guidance office, talk to your pediatrician, or consult a mental health professional if you have concerns.

Mike Shugrue, LCSW

School Social Worker

Central Avenue School

We are pleased to announce the Madison STEAM Academy is returning in 2023 for another summer of excitement and fun!

Please visit www.madisonpublicschools.org/steam academy for details and an FAQ about the program. Enrollment Now!

It's time to celebrate our awesome educators in Madison! From May 8 to May 19, 2023, make a donation to MEF in honor of the faculty and staff in Madison Public Schools who have made a positive difference in your children's lives. All educators named in donations will receive a personalized acknowledgement. Start your donation here: https://mefnj.networkforgood.com/projects/193195-2023-honor-an-educator

Thank you and congratulations to all of our CAS families and staff who participated in the 5K and Fun Run this past weekend. The Blue Tiger is so proud of all your healthy hearts!