New Albany Parent Connection
March 2024
Important Dates
March is Women's History Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 4th - 8th: Read Across America Week
March 4th: Read Across America Assembly
March 5: Cinnaminson Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) Meeting
March 8th: End of Trimester 2
March 10: Daylight Savings begins
March 11th: SEL Day
March 14th: Pi Day
March 17: St. Patrick's Day
March 19th: Report Cards Issued; First Day of Spring
March 19th and March 20th: Single Session Days, Parent/Teacher Conferences (by invitation only)
March 19: BOE Meeting @ 7:00 pm CMS
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
March 21: Report Cards issued
March 25: Harlem Wizards Game @ CHS
March 27-28: Kindergarten Field Trip
March 29th: Last day of school before Spring Break (make-up snow day)
Read Across America
Read Across America runs from March 4-8th. Staff and students are invited to participate in the spirit days below:
Monday, March 4th:
Reading Rocks!
Students can kick off the week of reading by wearing their favorite band or rock and roll t-shirt to school.
Tuesday, March 5th:
Hop on Pop and ROCK SOME SOCKS!
Students are invited to wear silly socks to school.
Wednesday, March 6th:
Would you, could you read a book?
Read a t-shirt day. Students are invited to wear a t-shirt with a school appropriate message.
Thursday, March 7th:
Hats off to Reading! Wockets, Pockets, Hats, Oh My!
Students are invited to wear their favorite hat or headband.
Friday, March 8th:
Oh, the places Pirates go, and the thinks they can think!
Students are invited to wear their Cinnaminson pride wear (Black and Red) Students are also welcome to bring in a book or two from home.
Single Session Days in March
March 19th and 20th are Single Session Days
Please note that students will be dismissed early on these days.
K, MD, T-1, 1st, 2nd: 9:06 am - 1:25 pm
Full Day Bright Eyes: 8:55 am - 1:10 pm
AM Bright Eyes/AM IPK: 8:55 am - 11:05 am
PM Bright Eyes/PM IPK: 11:05 am - 1:10 pm
Lunch is served on single session days.
Daylight Savings Time
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, set your clocks forward 1 hour for Daylight Saving Time.
March is Women's History Month
There’s more to March than wintery weather and St. Patrick’s Day. The month is also when we celebrate Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to teach kids about the incredible contributions of women around the world.
“Women’s History Month is a celebration of strong, resilient trailblazers everywhere and a chance to look back with intention on the oft-overlooked contributions of women in our country,” says Shannon Evers, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and mother of two. “This is important for girls in particular because there is great power in seeing the example of those that came before you, especially when you can recognize yourself in their stories.”
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month, which spans the entire month of March each year, originated in Sonoma, California, as a week-long celebration of women’s contributions to history during the week of International Women’s Day. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed a national Women’s History Week, and later in 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Alliance, the week was expanded to Women’s History Month.
Why is it important to celebrate Women’s History Month?
Though women make up 51% of the US population, women hold only one-third of all elected positions in the US. The gender pay gap remains steady, with women earning 84% of what men earn and unfortunately, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers.
Women’s History Month is a great time to recognize teachers, family members and child care workers (who are all also storytellers in one way or another). Talk with children about which women in their lives they appreciate and what kind of impact they are making in society.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
March 21st was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. Every year on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about this condition.
Together we can create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down Syndrome in our community and around the world.
All Cinnaminson students and staff are invited to wear crazy socks, brightly colored socks, long socks, short socks, printed socks, or mismatched socks to celebrate being UNIQUE!
2023 CHS Graduate, Jack Shallow, continues to sell his line of T-Shirts and other swag.
Here is the link for those interested: Jacked Up Shirts
More information can be found in the link: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
COUNSELING CORNER
SEL GLOW Day
GET READY TO GLOW!
Ms. Mohler and Mrs. Procida extend an invitation for all to participate in International Social Emotional Learning Day (SEL Day) on March 11! SEL Day is globally celebrated and focused on promoting the importance of social emotional learning in order to foster happy life long learners.
Join us in a GLOW theme:
G - Grow
L - Learn
O - Own
W - Win
Students and staff are also invited to participate in a NEON spirit day with bright colors and accessories! There will also be an engaging schoolwide activity on that day. All classes will be scheduled to attend a brief dance party at the end of the day with glow sticks! How exciting!!
A Note from Mrs. Conn
Happy Read Across America!
March begins with a celebration of authors and books in the library. Our Read Across America celebration will include books by some of New Albany School’s favorite authors. Students will be participating in a Reading Bingo in the library.
Students will bring their completed sheets to the library
by March 15, 2024.
Happy Reading!
A Note from Our School Nurses
Dear Parent/Guardian,
As most of you are aware, our Spring pollen counts are very high this time of year. NAS/Memorial wants to provide you with some information on allergies and what you can do to help your student(s) both at home and while at school.
SEASONAL ALLERGY SEASON & ASTHMA FLARES
Keeping Symptoms in Check:
Seasonal Allergies: Keeping Symptoms in Check | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Symptoms of Spring allergies include:
● Sneezing ● Stuffy and/or runny nose ● Scratchy and/or sore throat ● Dry cough ● Itchy and watery eyes, gritty feeling in eyes or feelings of sand in eyes, redness, puffy eyelids, and dark circles under eyes ● Itchy, bumpy skin, redness and hives
What you can do about seasonal allergies:
When we are outside, pollen circulates through the air and lands on our bodies. It can be in our hair, skin, eyes, mouth and nose. Have your child wash their hands and face or shower and change clothes after being outside.
Treatment for Itchy, Watery, Red and Burning Eyes:
Splash eyes with water and apply wet cloth to their eyes.
Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral allergy medications and allergy eye drops for these symptoms.
Treatment for Itchy Skin:
The skin can respond to pollen with symptoms of small, fine bumps, itching, redness and hives. Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral and topical allergy medications for these symptoms.
Asthma and Seasonal Allergies Symptoms:
Check with your child’s doctor regarding treatment. Follow your Child's Asthma Action Plan for flares to ensure doses are given prior to school day when needed during flares.
If you have any questions about Spring allergies, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Nurse.
Snacks can play an important role in meeting kids’ nutrient needs.
- Choosing a variety of foods from all of the food groups will give them the energy they need between meals.
It helps to plan and portion out snacks in advance.
Kids will usually only need 2 or 3 snacks daily, and these should be provided at least one to two hours before meals.
It is recommended that snacks (and meals) be eaten in an area without distractions. So avoid snacking while watching TV or when using other electronic devices. Better yet, let the kids help prepare the healthy snacks.
New Jersey Nutrition Learning Resources:
Healthy Recipe Videos & At-Home Exercises - CFBNJ
AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits - HealthyChildren.org
The benefits of well-child visits:
Prevention. Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.
Tracking growth & development. See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child's development. You can discuss your child's milestones, social behaviors and learning.
Raising any concerns. Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child's pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.
Team approach. Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental and social health of a child.
Does your child have a medical home/provider?
NJ FamilyCare provides free or low cost health insurance coverage for uninsured children and certain low income families. For more information, call 800-701-0710 or visit www.njfamilycare.org to apply online.
If you need any more resources or support please contact the school nurse.
Nurse Socha & Nurse Evans
Panzarotti Sale
The panzarotti sale will close on March 8th. Please consider placing an online order to help support NAS & ERS! Ordering is even easier now with our online process via Cheddar Up at :https://cehasa-s-panzarotti-fundraiser.cheddarup.com.
If you prefer to pay by cash or check, please use the order form below.
Help support our friends at Cinnaminson Middle School Home and School Association as they are running their Nothing Bundt Sale just in time for Mothers Day events!
Orders close on 4/17 and pickups will be on 5/8 at CMS from 4-5 p.m.
Click here to order:
https://cmshsa-nothing-bundt-cake-sale.cheddarup.com
Thank you for your support!
Springfest registration is now open. If you are interested in being a vendor please click the button below to see the flyer.
All students should have received a booklet of five 50/50 tickets to be sold. Sold tickets can be returned to the main office with your student.
Some Pirates have been selling like crazy and already requested more tickets. If you need more, please email cehasa@cinnaminson.com.
Students truly enjoyed participating in a schoolwide assembly with Harlem Wizard player, Dragon, on February 12th. Join us on March 25th at CHS to watch the Harlem Wizards play staff members from every school building. This event is sure to be fun and exciting!
Please use the link below to purchase tickets. When checking out, remember to select Rush or NAS so our schools receive credit for your purchase.
https://3866.edulnk.com/e/0mubd/xqFqlN?__$u__
Thank you for your support!
Pirates CAN Make A Difference!
A sincere "Thank You" to all who donated canned food during our Month of Service. We donated over 700 cans to local food banks and are so proud of our students for embracing this community service initiative! The month concluded with students, families, and staff sporting their "Pirates Can Make a Difference" t-shirts on February 28th. Excellent job by all!!
#CinnaminsonStrong #PiratePride
February Pirate of the Month
We are so excited to announce the February Pirates of the Month!
These students exhibited all five of the New Albany character traits:
~ Kindness ~ Respect ~ Honesty ~ Patience ~ Manners ~
Congratulations on a job well done!
Ella Berardis
Kindergarten
Gabriella Fitzgerald
First Grade
Camila Huasipoma
Second Grade
Tristan Rajapakse
Specials Star Student
BOE Achievement Award Nominations
Please submit your nomination using this link by Friday, March 15th.
Staff Member of the Month
Don't forget - you can nominate a staff member any time for our Staff Member of the Month! Please use this link and share why this person is so deserving of this honor!
Cafeteria News
Cinnaminson Township Public Schools is now using the LunchTime Payment Portal this school year for parents to deposit money to students’ lunch accounts. The LunchTime Portal also gives you the opportunity to track purchases, create reminders and set up automatic payments. Below is a guide to setting up your student’s account. If you do not want to pay online and would like to continue sending in cash or check with your student, you are still able to create a username and password to track your students’ purchases and see how much money is on the account.
Payments made online have NO FEES or other charges!
If you would like detailed information, use the “Parent Guide to School Payment Portal”. This document will assist new users with the most basic functionality of the School Payment Portal. Any questions or concerns with a student’s account should be directed to Lisa Friedrich, Food Service Director.
For questions, please contact Lisa Friedrich, Food Services Director, at 856-786-2888.
Kids Heart Challenge
During the month of February, Mr. Roberto and Ms. Donaldson promoted heart healthy habits as part of our Kids Heart Challenge. Our school successfully met our goal, raising $9,933 toward this important cause. All donations will go toward the American Heart Association. Thank you to our students, families, staff and school community for their support and generous donations!
Lost & Found
Our lost & found is full again! If your child may be missing an item, please have them check the lost & found bin, located right
outside of the cafeteria.
It is always a great idea to label your child's clothing so that we may
return misplaced items to their rightful owner.
All unclaimed items will be donated on March 28th.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live. With a greater number of students with disabilities spending a greater part of their day in the regular classroom, strategies and activities that help students better understand the needs and differences of their peers and disabilities, foster peer relationships, and help students develop empathy can have positive outcomes for all students.
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New Albany Elementary School
Email: nasmainoffice@cinnaminson.com
Website: https://nas.cinnaminson.com/
Location: 2701 New Albany Road, Cinnaminson, NJ, USA
Phone: (856) 786-2284
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAScinnaminson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newalbanyelementaryschool/
Twitter: @NewAlbanySchool