CMS Chronicle

Dear CMS Families,

Happy New Year! As we enter the winter months, we want to remind everyone to dress warmly. The weather can be chilly, so please ensure your child is bundled up with appropriate outerwear, including coats, hats, and gloves, as they will be spending time outside during recess.

We’re also excited to share that our high school has been partnering with our elementary school to bring some wonderful learning opportunities to our K-1 students. High school students have been working closely with our younger learners, delivering engaging lessons and activities that foster both academic growth and mentorship. It’s been a wonderful experience for both groups!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Stay warm and be well!

Thank you,

Nicole Musarra, Principal

HELP NEEDED!

We have several lost items here and they are longing to be reunited with their owners! Items include:

• Warm hats
• Fuzzy sweatshirts
• Single gloves
• Glasses
• Water bottles

Please watch the CMS Lost and Found video below: If you or your child recognize any of these items as yours, please stop by the Lost and Found table located across from the Cafeteria to pick them up. They miss their homes and would love to go back to where they belong!

Thank you for checking!

January 20th: SCHOOL CLOSED for MLK Day

February 14th: SCHOOL CLOSED for Teacher In-Service

February 17th: SCHOOL CLOSED for Presidents' Day

March 31st: SCHOOL CLOSED for Teacher In-Service

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

Chester M. Stephens is excited to announce that we will be joining over 1,800 schools nationwide in becoming a No Place for Hate® school! This initiative, led by the Anti-Defamation League, focuses on improving our school climate through education that promotes anti-bias awareness and bullying prevention. By becoming a No Place for Hate® school, we are creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and bias and bullying are challenged. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for all!

Olivia Mayberry (2nd & 5th)

olivia.mayberry@motsd.org

(973)-691-4002 ext. 6305

Kelsey Bautz (1st & 4th)

kelsey.bautz@motsd.org

(973)-691-4002 ext. 6301

Heather Hoffman (KDG & 3rd)

heather.hoffman@motsd.org

(973)-691-4002 ext. 6302

It’s Cold Outside

Winter weather is here! Please remember to dress your child with warm clothing, as we are going out for recess most days. Extremities such as ears, hands, and feet are more prone to cold-weather exposure. Layers are really important for outdoor winter play. A warm coat is essential. Mittens are better for keeping children’s hands warm, as fingers generate more heat when they are together. Gloves allow better dexterity than mittens. Choose a hat that covers the whole head including the ears. A scarf can be wrapped to keep the neck and lower face warm.

On snow days, bundle up to go out for winter play using tips from https://www.fix.com/blog/keep-kids-playing-outdoors-in-winter/

It is also the time of year when illnesses increase. Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Encourage all to eat a healthy diet, be physically active, get enough sleep, and wash hands regularly. Cold and dry conditions may contribute to virus and germ survival, but cold itself does not cause illness.

Help your children learn to persevere. Today, they learn to dress for wintry weather. In the future, they will have the confidence to triumph over other obstacles to reach their dreams and goals.

Thank you,

Kathleen Olup

kathleen.olup@motsd.org

x6480

Michele Herman

michele.herman@motsd.org

x6480

Becky Park - President

Chrissy Mangione - Vice President

Shanna Driber- Treasurer

Caroline Shuart- Secretary

Jessica Bradley- Financial Officer

Reach out: cmsscax@gmail.com

SCHOOL TIMES

8:45 Drop-Off Starts (see information below)

9:00 School Starts

3:45 Dismissal

DROP-OFF PROCEDURES:

If you plan on dropping your child off the drop-off line is a continuous stream of traffic. Parents will not be able to park their vehicle and walk their child(ren) to the door.

PICK-UP PROCEDURES:

If you plan to pick up your child(ren) in the afternoon you will have to pick them up on the side of the building, just like drop off, in the line of continuous stream of traffic. Parents will not be able to park their vehicle and pick up their child(ren). If you have to pick up your child prior to dismissal, you can do so up until 3:20pm. Any pick ups after 3:20 must be done at the dismissal car line.

As a reminder, it is mandatory to use the Pick up Patrol App to report any student absences, early dismissal plans, and dismissal plan changes specific to if your child is being picked up, going to aftercare, or taking the bus, etc. This will help expedite our dismissal procedures and ensure that your child is exactly where they need to be.

Click here for Log in

If you have not created an account yet, you must do so ASAP. This is how you access your child’s grades, absences, receive all school notifications, and update your living and contact information.

Click here to log in

If you are having difficulty accessing, please click here

Right at School - Before and After Care

Mt. Olive schools are partnering with Right at School to provide child care options for our community.

Click here to view the RIGHT AT SCHOOL website.

Students may purchase a lunch by clicking below:

Pay schools account on the website

**The price of snack will be changed to $1.50 as of 10/14**

Nicole Musarra, Principal

nicole.musarra@motsd.org

Karen Husser, Vice Principal

karen.husser@motsd.org

Website: https://www.motsd.org/cms/
Phone: 973-691-4002
Twitter: @cmsmtolive