

Catena Colts Connected
June 2, 2025; Edition # 16
Dear Catena Families,
As the school year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the many special moments that have made this year truly memorable. It has been a year filled with learning, laughter, and connection and we are so proud of all that our students have accomplished.
One of the highlights this spring was our Evening of the Arts. The creativity and talent of our students were on full display, transforming our hallways into a beautiful gallery. The evening also featured a beautiful performance by our chorus, whose voices brought warmth and joy to all in attendance. A special thank you to Miss Sheehan and Mrs. Cascarelli for everything they did to make the event special and to the families who joined us in celebrating the arts!
After two weather-related postponements, we finally enjoyed Field Day and it was well worth the wait! The sun was shining and the students had a fantastic time participating in team activities. Thank you goes out to Mr. Carotenuto and Mrs. Moynihan for planning and facilitating the day and to Mrs. Reynolds for providing the inflatables. Fun was had by all!
As we wrap up the year, students and staff are looking forward to several meaningful end of year traditions. Our first graders are rehearsing for their Patriotic Show, a celebration of country and pride through song. Kindergarten families will soon gather for a recognition ceremony to celebrate a year of incredible growth and discovery. Our fifth graders are preparing for their recognition ceremony as they get ready to embark on their next chapter. On Monday, they attended their sixth grade orientation, taking an exciting step toward middle school!
Our last day of school is June 18th, with early dismissal days on June 16th, 17th and 18th. We wish all of our families a joyful and restful summer. To our returning students, we look forward to seeing you in September. To those moving on, you will always be part of our Catena family. Once a Colt, always a Colt!
With warmth and gratitude,
Ms. Shaw and Mrs. Fern
Kindergarten Registration
It's time to register for Kindergarten! Kindergarten Screening for those fully registered is scheduling now. The registration link and more information is shared below. We look forward to welcoming our newest Catena Colts in September 2025! Call the Catena Main Office with questions, 732-431-4430.
Special Spring Reminder
Please remember that students must have sneakers to participate in both Phys. Ed class and Recess. Students wearing shoes like Uggs, Crocs, slides, sandals etc. will not be permitted to play.
Partner with us and stand up to bullying & violence!
FTSD is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students, staff and families. Bullying, in any form, is not tolerated. Recently, we’ve observed that the most common forms of bullying in our building have been comments made about others' appearance and cultures. We also recently communicated with families regarding an uptick in threatening and violent language amongst students. We hope that conversations at home will focus upon this and remind students that utilizing such language and/or drawing violent scenes or items is not tolerated in school.
We encourage open communication between parents, students, and staff to help prevent bullying and address other behavioral concerns. Please remind your child about the importance of kindness, inclusivity, respect, and standing up for others. Together, we can ensure a positive school experience for everyone.
To learn more about our HIB policies please visit our district webpage and/or click here
Please share your voice with us. Together we can make our school community the best it can be.
Catena Colts are Respectful, Responsible, Safe, & Kind
We're a Positive Behavior Support School
We believe we are all connected and together we will foster our PBS core values. At home, families can help to remind students by reviewing our PBS Expectation Matrix and support them throughout the year by using our common language when talking about the school day.
We hope you'll continue to support our schoolwide PBS and behavioral expectations by reviewing with your child(ren) at home. Recently we have seen a significant increase in negative, physical, damaging, and inappropriate behaviors in school. Students would benefit from reminders around being respectful of those around them, responsible in their environment, being safe, and being kind toward others. We ask that families reinforce playing safely with peers on the playground and being safe on the school bus. Parents are always encouraged to review the importance of being kind toward others. Commenting on another's appearance, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics will prompt a HIB investigation. If you have questions regarding the district's anti-bullying policies and procedures, you can access them in the handbook or on the district website linked here. Questions can always be directed to one of us or Mrs. Senna, our Anti-Bullying Specialist. Staff are always available to support students who may be facing a challenging situation or who are struggling emotionally. Additionally, parents are encouraged to keep an eye on students with access to devices, group chats, and/or social media accounts.
Another way parents might support our PBS program is by helping us to stock our PBS school store. Students have the opportunity to visit the PBS School Store to “cash” in their Colts Cash for both tangible items and for experiences with staff.
Notes from the Main Office
Please review the items below in preparation for the beginning of the year:
Genesis Parent Portal
Support for Genesis Parent Portal is found under the log-in dialog box.
Arrival & Dismissal procedures for 2024-25 school year are linked here. All families should review these procedures and adhere to them to help us ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.
School hours for JJCS students: 8:55 am-3:30 pm. Doors open at 8:45am. Students arriving in their classrooms after 8:55 am are considered tardy.
Students late due to transportation delays are not marked tardy.
Fridays will always be School Spirit Days. Students are encouraged to wear their Catena or Donovan spirit wear and/or PBS shirts on Fridays to show their school pride!
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications for the 2024-2025 School Year will be available on the district website.
FTS Attendance Policy
Families are encouraged to review the updated policy. Click here to review the FTS Attendance Policy.
Look what's happening at Catena!
Week of 6/2: Scholastic Book Fair
June 5th: 1st Grade Patriotic Show at 6:00
June 13th: Kindergarten Recognition Ceremony
June 16th: 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony; Early dismissal at 12:55
June 17th: Early dismissal at 12:55
June 18th: Early dismissal at 12:55; Last Day of School!
Take a look JJC News, Season 11; Episode #10
Here is our tenth and final episode for the year of JJC News with our very own student reporters. Be sure to tune in and learn all about what's going on & stay classy, Catena!
All About FTS Breakfast & Lunch
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications
Paper applications can be found on the district webpage. This folder contains all of the information regarding applying for Free/Reduced Lunch. If you can not print it, please contact your child's school and they will send a paper copy home for you. Please note, families will need the child's school ID Number to complete the application. School ID Numbers can be found in Genesis Parent Portal.
Please send any paper applications to:
Ali McKee
Freehold Township Schools
Benefits Coordinator
384 W. Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
You may also send by email or fax:
Fax: (732) 462-5939
Phone: (732) 462-8400 ext.8809
Paying for meals
Payments may be made with student's MealTime account. Any cash or checks brought to school for meals will be applied to your student's mealtime account. No change can be given in the cafeteria.
Please check out the program we'll be using to share our menus and nutritional information with you. Nutrislice will be updated any time we have a menu change and will have menus prepared weeks in advance. You can even add the app to your phone for up to date information. Click here to learn how to filter your menus!
To add funds to your student's MealTime account so they may purchase items in the school cafeteria, please click here (white box) or send cash or a check written out to Freehold Township Schools in with your student. All funds submitted in the cafeteria will be deposited into your student's Mealtime account. No change will be available in the cafeteria. For more information about Mealtime, please click here.
Breakfast is now available for Preschool & Elementary School Students
Breakfast is Served!
We'd like to remind everyone that breakfast is available for purchase in the cafeteria for all elementary school students. The menus are here. Students can go directly to the cafeteria when they come to school and grab a meal to bring to their classroom. All students who receive free lunch are also eligible to receive free breakfast. Regular price for breakfast is $2.05 and will be billed through the student's mealtime account. Menus will be posted on Nutrislice.
Doors will open at 8:30am for JJCS breakfast and 8:45am. Staff will monitor Door # 28 near the parent drop-off/pick-up to welcome students. Those students riding the bus to school will grab breakfast once buses unload and eat in their classroom.
For more information or to contact our Sodexo Food Services Department, visit our district webpage linked here.
Genesis Parent Portal Help
Stay Connected with the Health Office
District Communications
Click above for the FTS Attendance Newsletter. This picture was the message sent by Mr. Dickstein on 10/15 to clarify and answer questions regarding the district's attendance policy.
Visit the website. Make a membership toolkit account. Support our school community. Email for information: jjcpto@gmail.com
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