Potter News
September 2020
From the Desk of Ms. Cimino
This year we welcome Mr. McShaffrey as our Assistant Principal, you will see his bio below. Please feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions that you may have as we get started. Whether you are brand new to H & M Potter, or have been with us before, this newsletter will have valuable information on how to navigate the beginning of the school year. Please take the time to review all of the information provided.
We are so happy to be back together both in person and virtually!
Mr. Keith McShaffrey, Assistant Principal
Ms. Dana Scutro, Preschool
Mrs. Tara Ruby, Preschool Behaviorist
Ms. Melissa Hackett, Preschool Teacher
Hi Potter Panthers! My name is Melissa Hackett, and I am so excited to be joining the Preschool team
this year! I have two years of prior experience as a Preschool Teacher, and am so excited to begin my
third year of teaching here at H&M Potter. I received my undergraduate degree from Misericordia
University in 2018, and have been working on my Masters of Special Education from Alvernia University
for the last year. I look forward to a wonderful school year!
Ms. Melanie Rebenski, Preschool
Ms. Jacquelyn Gravely, Third Grade Virtual
Mrs. Catherine Thompsen, School Nurse
Hello Potter Panthers, My name is Mrs. Thompsen and I am oh so excited to be your school nurse this year! I graduated from Kean University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. My hobbies include spending time with my husband and son, boating and enjoying the outdoors. I hope you had a wonderful summer with your families! Looking forward to a happy and most importantly, healthy school year!
Mr. Michael Colarusso, Physical Education
Ms. Rebecca Timpanaro, Preschool
Mask Requirement
Students will each receive one Potter themed mask courtesy of our PTA.
Student Devices
Students in preschool will be receiving tablet devices later in the month. This device can remain at home for virtual learning. Preschool students will not need to bring the device to school for their in person days.
Students who are fully remote should have already picked up their device from the school. If you have not done so, please call the Main Office to arrange a pick up time.
If you borrowed a device in the spring, and have not yet returned it, your child will not be issued a new device until the other device is returned.
Breakfast and Lunch Program
The breakfast and lunch programs will begin on the first day of school for those who have preordered. All orders must be completed following the timeline below for the following week. Breakfast and Lunch will be served in a Grab and Go style and students will be eating their breakfast and lunch at home. All meals will be delivered to the students in their classroom to bring home. Meal pick up for fully remote students who wish to order will be from 10:30-11:30 on Wednesdays.
Parents wishing to order breakfast or lunch for their child must complete an online form for the entire upcoming week. You can find the link by visiting our homepage at www.btboe.org>Parents>Food Services>Menus (bottom of the screen). You can the select the appropriate order form for your child's group. One order form per child must be completed.
Forms are due on the following days for these groups:
Groups 1 and 4: Due Friday by 8 am
Group 2: Due Wednesday by 8 am
Group R: Due Tuesday by 8 am
The price for breakfast is $1.75 per day, and lunch is $3.00 per day. There will be no snacks served by the cafeteria at this time.
Any child who received free or reduced lunch or breakfast last year will continue to do so for the first 30 days of September. This year, anyone who is free or reduced will be categorized as free. A new application, which can be found on the Parent Portal, must be completed each year. If you are pre-qualified through TANF or food stamps, you will be notified by letter and will not need to submit a new application.
Classroom Snack
Fever Free Policy Update- NEW
School Remind Messaging
Back to School Night
Main Office Procedures
We ask that all student pick ups at dismissal take place on Deal Ave. (see below). However, if you need to pick your child up early please have identification on hand. We will be utilizing a camera system to view your license, and an intercom to speak with you. Please be patient with our new process.
If you need to bring an item to school that your child has forgotten, please leave it in the bin in the lobby. Make sure that any item in the bin is clearly labeled. Ring the bell so that the secretaries will know there is an item that needs to be delivered.
We again thank you for your anticipated cooperation with this process.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Due to parking restrictions we will no longer be able to allow student drop off in the front parking lot during arrival. All cars will be redirected to Deal Ave. When dropping off in the morning, please utilize the Deal Ave. Walkers Door. This is the best way to ensure a safe arrival for all of our students. This year students will be expected to open and close their own door while exiting the vehicle, and to be able to hold their own belongings. Preschool parents who need to assist students with unbuckling car seats will be directed to an area further up Deal Ave. where they can park to help their child exit the vehicle.
If you plan on driving your child to the school each day, please make sure that you complete the transportation waiver and opt out of busing.
When picking up your child from Deal Avenue please stay to the right and pull as far forward as possible. Your child will be escorted out by a staff member. During the first week of school you will receive a placard to display in your car window with your child's name. Please make sure that whoever will be picking your child up has a placard to expedite the dismissal process. We will not be utilizing the Pik My Kid app as originally stated. Please remain in your vehicle and refrain from parking in the back parking lot.
Please note that this year, even parents only picking students up occasionally at dismissal time must use Deal Ave. Please call the Main Office or notify the teacher prior to 12:30 on the day of pick up so that your child will be directed to the Walker Door.
We appreciate your anticipated cooperation as we implement these new procedures.
Late Student Arrival
Parent Portal
The safety of all students at the H & M Potter School is a top priority. It is imperative that we have up to date emergency contact and medical information for all students. Please go to the parent portal and update information as soon as possible. This information must be updated yearly, and during the school year if any changes occur. Highlights of district policies will also be available here for your review. Parents please review these policies with your children so that they are aware of the school’s expectations and procedures.
If you have any questions please contact the Main Office.
Recycle Rally
H & M Potter PTA
On this website you can become a member, and participate in any of their fundraisers including the Disney Ticket Raffle, Scarecrow Sales, and Spirit Wear! All of these events have deadlines in September, so make sure to check them out!
September 16 is our Dine to Donate at Miss Mindy's Ice Cream! Mention H & M Potter when placing your order and we will get a portion of the proceeds.
Our first PTA Meeting will be held virtually on September 21 at 7pm. We hope to see you there! A link will be posted to the PTA Website, and to the PTA page on the district website.
Please be on the lookout for information about our virtual Book Fair which will take place in September.
To reach the PTA please follow their social media (listed below), or email hmppta@gmail.com.
Chalk the Walk
September Calendar
September 11: Spirit Day: Wear Red, White, and Blue for Patriot's Day
September 16: Miss Mindy's Dine to Donate (Mention H & M Potter)
September 17: Virtual Back to School Night (more information to follow)
September 21: Virtual PTA Meeting, 7pm See Link on Website
September 22: Board of Education Meeting, 7pm
September 25: Spirit Day, Wear Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness
H & M Potter School
Keith McShaffrey, Assistant Principal
Email: acimino@btboe.org
Website: www.btboe.org
Location: 60 Veeder Lane Bayville, NJ 08721
Phone: (732) 260-5700
Twitter: @berkeleypotter