Cliffwood School Parent Newsletter
April 2019
Principal's News
Happy Spring to all of our Cliffwood families! This is a wonderful time of the year. The weather is warming up, flowers are starting to bloom, and baseball is back! We are finished with approximately 3/4 of the school year and it's important for students (and parents) to keep focused on learning and finish strong for the year! As a parent, I realize how busy everyone's schedule is but I encourage you to have your child read as much as possible at home. And when you can, please try to read aloud to/with your child. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imaginations and expands their understanding of the world. Here are some helpful hints to help grow your child as a reader (and learner)!
- Even after children learn to read themselves, it's still important for parents/guardians to read aloud together.
- Try reading to your child with a book that is slightly above their reading level but still on their interest level. This will help to improve their skills!
- Try to make a regularly scheduled time for reading. Kids benefit greatly from routines and this also sends a message that reading is important!
- Be patient. Sometimes kids want to hear a certain story over and over again. This is normal. Occasionally try to expose your child to new books and soon they'll be ready for more stories.
- Talk about a story you are reading. Then encourage your child to tell you about what he/she is reading at school. Talking about reading builds comprehension skills!
- Strive to read for 20+ minutes each day. Check the picture below to see the facts!
If you have any questions about your child's reading level, contact their teacher. Have a great Spring and stay Cliffwood Proud!
Mark Van Horn, Principal
Grade 3 chorus concert
Our 3rd graders' Spring concert is set for this Thursday, 4/4. The concert will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. in our cafeteria. Mr. Pruitt and our students have been working hard and guests are in for a treat on Thursday as our students are sounding great. Here is some useful info for those who will be attending:
- Students should arrive by 6:30 p.m. and meet in the Music room.
- Families should sit in the cafeteria.
- All students and families should enter through door 16 (near the cafeteria). Do not use door 1 (main entrance).
- Parking will be crowded. Try to carpool if possible. You are encouraged to park across the street at Guisti Field and walk over.
- No cars are allowed on the newly-surfaced blacktop area. Parking is not allowed on this play area. Please do not drive on this surface.
- Check Mr. Pruitt's letter from last week with more detailed info.
The show will last for about 45 minutes. It should be a wonderful concert and we look forward to sharing this event with you!
Book Fair is coming soon!
Click the link to view the book fair schedule.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RlWeSdPp0r3WQRyDfkX3L0vKD6egiprpWGGAOQlwWsU/edit?usp=sharing
Counselor's Corner
Cliffwood's PTO newsletter
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Screenagers movie
The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction is hosting a viewing of Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age. This event will take place on April 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the MAMS auditorium. Bring your friends and family to this event. Light refreshments will be served. For complete details and to watch the trailer, please click on the link below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rqnCXvg2W2HqRcgFSgZ6LgVqmGdzUDE0WtQWEauxwCw/edit?ts=5c8b87e9
Star Student date for April
Dates to Remember
- Autism Awareness Week - 4/1 to 4/5.
- PTO meeting - 4/3 @ 6:30 p.m.
- Grade 3 concert - 4/4.
- PTO Spring Luau - 4/5 @ 6:30 p.m.
- PTO book fair in gym - 4/9 to 4/11.
- Marking period 3 ends - 4/9 (changed from 4/8 due to snow day).
- Garden Club meeting - 4/9.
- Title 1 & ESL family night at Lloyd Road School - 4/11.
- Jump Rope For Heart during recess/DPA - 4/12.
- Friendship Friday during lunches - 4/12.
- NJSLA testing - 4/9, 4/10, 4/15, 4/16, 4/17 (grade 3 only).
- Star Student awards - 4/17 @ 7:00 p.m.
- Report cards go "live" to parents on portal - 4/18.
- Spring Break, schools closed - 4/19 to 4/28.
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
Twitter: @CliffwoodProud