Catena Colts Connected
Welcome Back SuperKids 2020
Dear Catena Families,
We hope that you all enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with treasured memories--even during this uncertain and unique time. As we open our doors this fall, our most important consideration is that staff, students and families stay healthy. Throughout the summer, we have worked with our district’s reopening committee and in alignment with the Restart & Recovery Plan, the NJDOE and the guidance set forth by the NJDOH and the CDC. As partners we can ensure that students' experiences are meaningful and engaging whether they are learning in-person or at home.
This school year certainly requires a new set of school supplies. Together with our staff we are committed to embracing each new day with patience, flexibility, grace...and oodles of kindness. We will strive to teach our students to be SuperKids who are respectful, responsible and safe while learning at home (virtually) or in-person. As we celebrate our 60th Birthday, our Catena family will focus on building strong minds, bodies and character. We will continue to focus on targeting students' learning needs within our robust and comprehensive curriculum with innovative and engaging instructional approaches.
Mr. Dickstein has shared the connected learning model the district will implement for students learning at home and in-person. There are several terms floating around--synchronous, asynchronous, concurrent, virtual, distance learning, remote learning, and more. What is most important to remember is that our amazing Catena Staff will facilitate learning for all students, regardless of where their learning space is each day. Classroom communities and relationships will be prioritized as we continue our efforts focused on students’ social emotional well being. Instruction and learning across content areas will begin with grade level curriculum and personalized opportunities will follow to remediate and enrich.
Together, as partners, we head into our 60th year. Together, we will celebrate the strength of our school community. We will celebrate Catena, You~Me~Us. Please let us know how we can support you and your family in the days to come.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the school year!
Warmly,
Ms. Shaw & Mrs. Cecilione
The First Two Weeks of School: 9/8-9/18
Throughout these remote (or virtual) learning days, there will be a component of live instruction in each subject area daily. Schedules have been designed with students' developmental levels in mind. Students are expected to be available and engaged in live instruction and follow-up or independent activities through 1pm each day, 9/8-9/18.
The purpose behind these first two weeks being fully remote is to provide opportunities in the afternoons for staff professional development. We will maximize time each day to further prepare our connected (virtual/at home & in-person at the same time) learning approach.
Arrival & Dismissal Family Input
In the upcoming days we are finalizing our Arrival & Dismissal Plans and want to ensure a most safe and socially distant procedure for all of our students and families. Additionally, we want to do our best to make arrival and dismissal smooth and timely for everyone. Please take a moment to complete the questions below by September 10, 2020.
Student Supplies & Chromebooks
Learning materials & tools Teachers will prepare materials and tools for learning at home and schedule pick up days for families in the upcoming weeks. Contactless pick up will take place outside the main entrance to the building. Such days will be scheduled periodically as needed to provide students with necessary materials and tools.
Chromebooks All students in grades 2-5 have a Chromebook assigned to them. Devices not already picked up will be sent home with students attending in person on 9/8.
Students in K & 1 who need a Chromebook to use at home must contact the school to secure a device.
Chromebooks must be brought to and from school each day fully charged--with a charger. Call the Catena Main Office with questions.
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications/Lunch Purchases
For the 2020-2021 School Year, Freehold Township BOE will be accepting online applications for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. For a paper application and our district policies regarding lunch purchases, please check the district website by clicking here.
https://www.mymealtime.com/Apps
Please call the Catena Main Office (732-431-4430) or email with any questions:
Mrs. Joann Favale, Secretary to the Principal JJCS
Mrs. Rebecca Benjamino, Office Assistant JJCS
Ali McKee
Determining Official for Free & Reduced Lunch Program
732-462-8400 x8809
Genesis Parent Portal helps connect us
All Kindergarten and new families must log in to the Genesis Parent Portal to fill out the FERPA and the K-8 Acceptable Use Policy & Opt in/Opt Out Form. This is critical information needed so that your children can fully participate with our digital learning platforms.
As we all navigate the beginning of a very different school year our staff is working tirelessly to prepare for our first day and weeks with students. Mrs. Favale and Mrs. Benjamino will do their best to answer your questions right away or connect you with someone who can when you call the office. We've been so proud and impressed with our staff's preparedness and willingness to help one another and our school community. Please join us in practicing patience, flexibility and grace and sharing oodles of kindness as we begin the year.
SuperKids are Respectful, Responsible & Safe at Catena
Be Safe-Keep a Social Distance!
We ask that families discuss with children theses expectations prior to our first Connected Learning Days beginning September 21st. Our Character Development Team has created lessons and resources for all classes to be implemented during the first couple of weeks of school.
Be Responsible-Mask Up!
Masks may be removed for water breaks and during scheduled snack, when students are socially distanced with 6ft of space. By making sure we "mask up" we can keep ourselves and others safe at school.
The school district will provide students with two reusable face masks that must be washed after each day's use. Students are permitted to wear their personal face masks; however, they may not contain one way valves and must fully cover their noses and mouths. Neck gaiters are not considered proper protection and are not permitted. Face shields are not considered a face covering and can only be worn in addition to a face mask. If your child has difficulty wearing a face mask for an extended period of time, please contact his or her school administrators to discuss options. Parents are encouraged to prioritize opportunities over the next couple of weeks to help children desensitize the wearing of the mask.
Be Respectful-Stay to the Right!
PTO Catena Mask Sale
Order your Catena Face Mask from the PTO!
It's a black cloth mask with our Catena shield logo in green. Masks are available in adult and kid sizes.
$10 for one mask, $8 each additional mask.