Cliffwood School Parent Newsletter
October 2019
Principal's News
Dear Cliffwood School families,
It's hard to believe but the first month of school is already finished; time flies when you're having fun and we're off to a great start here! During these past few weeks, learning routines has been a main focus for our students. Hopefully, all of our learners feel comfortable and know where, when, and how they're supposed to do certain tasks in their classes. When children know and understand these routines, they feel more confident and do better work. This is true in school but also at home too. As the year progresses, you and your child may find it beneficial to set some routines to make homework easier, quicker, and less stressful. Here are a few good tips:
- Create a homework area. Kids should have a well-lit place with supplies like paper, pencils, glue, scissors, etc. Try to use this same place each day.
- Schedule a regular time. Some kids work best in the afternoon right after school; others do better following a snack and play period. Some wait until after dinner. Kids tend to do best when this time is consistent, so find a time that works and try to stick to it.
- Keep distractions to a minimum. Try to limit TV, loud music, etc. Some children do work better though with soft, calm music in the background (I work best this way!).
- Be a motivator and monitor. Be sure to ask about assignments and school work. Give encouragement, be available for questions, and try to check completed work.
- Celebrate their work and efforts. Post great work or projects on the refrigerator or other special place. Make a big deal out of even small accomplishments!
- Stay in contact with the teacher. If a child is continually struggling with a homework assignment, contact the teacher for help. The teacher can talk with your child about why they are struggling and help the student in class.
By working together, we can make sure that all Cliffwood children have a great school experience. Have a great October and stay CLIFFWOOD PROUD! Sincerely,
Mark Van Horn, Principal
Important date changes
Two events had been planned for Tuesday, 10/8. That date is the start of Yom Kippur so we will be changing these events' dates. Please see below.
Cliffwood Halloween costume swap date change. The new date/time is set for Wednesday, 10/16. This is the same night as the PTO meeting and Star Student. The swap will be from 5:30-6:30 in our gym. Click to view the costume swap flyer with updated info.
Cliffwood Title 1 Family Night date change. The new date/time is set for Thursday, 10/24. The event is 6:30-7:30 in our cafeteria. Please click here to view all Title 1 night dates.
It's time for our Star Student awards!
CAP program in grades K and 3rd
Walk-a-thon to support our Friendship Garden
Get set for our Week of Respect!
Week of Respect is an annual tradition and this year it runs from October 7 to 11. Several activities are planned for our students. Please see the fun clothing schedule below.
Important info about immunizations and/or physicals
Peer Buddies will be starting soon
Picture day is coming soon!
Everybody smile and say "cheese"! School picture day is on Tuesday, November 5. Any make-ups will be on 12/6. Don't forget to wear your smile!
1/2 day on Friday, October 25
Violence Awareness Week
Check out the Cliffwood PTO website
Make sure to follow us on Twitter!
Read this month's message from our counselor
Mrs. Levine is our school counselor and she does a great job with all of our learners. Click here to read her latest parent newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns for Mrs. Levine, don't hesitate to contact her for assistance.
Cliffwood's Annual Halloween Costume Parade
Calling all witches, superheroes, zombies, and more! Cliffwood’s annual Halloween costume parade will be held on Thursday, 10/31 at 2:15 sharp. Note that this time is changed slightly to accommodate our Preschool students who dismiss at 2:35 (changed from 2:30 in past years).If weather permits, the parade will be held outdoors. Please see the notes and guidelines below to help make the event run smoothly!
- The parade will be in the bus loop along Cliffwood Avenue. Visitors may stand on both sides of the driveway.
- Our parking lot fills up fast. Please do not park along the yellow curbs. We suggest using auxiliary parking near Guisti Field or carpooling.
- After the parade, kids will go back into their classrooms for a treat. Teachers will work with 2 families per class to provide the treats and help in the classroom. Contact your child's teacher with any questions.
- Students will change into costumes in their classrooms before the parade.
- We want everyone to be safe and enjoy this event. Please make sure your child can walk easily in his/her costume. Also, please no dangerous props such as pitchforks, swords, bats, etc. Save those items for trick-or-treating later that evening!
- Teachers will take attendance again in their classrooms following the parade. Please do not visit the office to sign out students early following the parade. We will dismiss at 3:35 as normal. If you are changing your child's regular dismissal route (e.g., bus rider to parent pick up), please send a note with your child in the morning.
- Be sure to bring your camera and let's have a great time!
- Also, we have the PTO's Halloween dance on Friday, October 25 at 6:30 to 8:00 in our cafeteria. Check the PTO website for more info.
ESL Family Nights
All Cliffwood families of English Language Learners are invited to these great family nights. Click to see the whole year's schedule for ESL nights.
Title 1 Family Nights
Costume Swap
Friendship Fridays during lunch
Important Dates to Remember
- September 30 & October 1 - School closed
- October 4 - School Spirit Day
- October 7-11 - Week of Respect
- October 8 - Kindergarten walking field trip to Cliffwood Firehouse
- October 8 - Garden Club meeting
- October 9 - School closed
- October 10 - ESL family night
- October 14 - School closed
- October 15 - Walk-a-thon for Friendship Garden (rain date is 10/16)
- October 16 - Garden Club meeting
- October 16 - Halloween costume swap at 5:30 in gym
- October 16 - PTO meeting 6:00 and Star Student at 7:00 in cafeteria
- October 16 and 17 - PTO school store during lunches
- October 18 - Friendship Friday during lunches
- October 21-25 - Violence Awareness Week
- October 22 and 23 - CAP program in grades K and 3rd
- October 24 - Title 1 family night at Cliffwood @ 6:30 in cafeteria
- October 25 - 1/2 day for students, 1:20 dismissal
- October 25 - PTO Halloween dance
- October 31 - Halloween parade @ 2:15
Contact Me
Email: mvanhorn@marsd.org
Website: http://marsd.org/Domain/465
Location: Cliffwood Avenue Elementary School, Aberdeen Township, NJ, United States
Phone: (732) 705-5600