Washington Township School District

We are thrilled to welcome you and your children back for an exciting new school year! As we prepare to embark on another journey of learning and growth, we want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those joining us for the first time. This year promises to be filled with new opportunities, enriching experiences, and cherished memories for all our students from preschool through 6th grade.

Our dedicated team of educators and staff have been busy preparing to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Whether it's exploring new subjects, building friendships, or participating in school activities, we are committed to supporting your child's academic and personal development.

We look forward to partnering with you to make this school year a successful and memorable one. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or our administrative team if you have any questions or need assistance. Together, let's make this year a fantastic adventure in learning!

Here's to a wonderful school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Mr. Keith T. Neuhs

Superintendent

Dr. Jessica L. Garcia

Principal, Brass Castle School

Mrs. Jessica K. McDonagh

Principal, Port Colden School

• Wednesday, August 28th - 1st Day of School for Students

• Friday, August 30th - Early Dismissal Day for All Students - Staff Inservice Program

• Monday, September 2nd - Schools Closed - Labor Day Holiday

Arrival Time: 8:30 - 8:45 (delayed opening 10:00 - 10:15)

Dismissal Time: 3:20pm (early dismissal 12:50pm)

• Brass Castle parent drop-off and pick-ups are located in the school driveway off of Midland Avenue.
• Students arriving late (after 8:45) must enter the school through the Main Office (front of the school).
• Parents must contact the main office by 2:00pm to inform the school of changes to their child's dismissal routine. Parents must notify the Main Office so that messages can be sent to necessary staff regarding the student's dismissal plans.

Brass Castle Main Office: 908-689-1188 x 3600

rrhinehart@washtwspd.org

• SRO will be at the school to assist with school drop-off and pick-up procedures.
• For the welfare and safety of all students, it is requested students not arrive at school any earlier than 8:30am. This is especially important for students who walk, ride bicycles, or are parent/guardian drop off. There is no supervision prior to this time.
• Classroom instruction begins promptly at 8:50am. Please make sure students arrive on time for school. It is important to start the day off in a positive manner.
• If you need supervision for your child prior to the scheduled start times, you must sign them up for the AlphaBEST Extended Care program.

Arrival Time: 8:45 - 9:00 (delayed opening 10:15 - 10:30)

Dismissal Time: 3:35pm (early dismissal 1:05pm)

• Port Colden parent drop-off and pick-ups are located in the upper parking lot behind the school.
• Students arriving late (after 9:00) must enter the school through the Main Office (front of the school).

• Parents must contact the main office by 2:00pm to inform the school of changes to their child's dismissal routine. Parents must notify the Main Office so that messages can be sent to necessary staff regarding the student's dismissal plans.

Port Colden Main Office: 908-689-0681 x 2500

ckaluzny@washtwspd.org

• SRO will be at the school to assist with school drop-off and pick-up procedures.
• For the welfare and safety of all students, it is requested students not arrive at school before 8:45am. This is especially important for students who walk, ride bicycles or are parent/guardian drop off. There is no supervision prior to this time.
• Classroom instruction begins promptly at 9:05am (Port Colden School). Please make sure students arrive on time for school. It is important to start the day off in a positive manner.
• If you need supervision for your child prior to the scheduled start times, you must sign them up for the AlphaBEST Extended Care program.

Students eligible for district transportation will have bus passes included in the parent mailing.

• Please note, pick-up and drop-off times are approximate times. Students should be at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the time listed on the bus pass. Times may vary during the first weeks of school as bus routes are adjusted and students settle into procedures.
• Buses tend to run late the first few days of school.
• Students cannot go home with friends on another bus.
• Brass Castle students participating in the extended care program will be bussed to Port Colden School each day. (Students must be signed up in advance for the aftercare program to ensure transportation arrangements are scheduled by the district.)

If you have a questions regarding bus transportation, please contact the Transportation Department at 908-689-1119 x 1603 or pedmiston@washtwpsd.org.

Respectful

• Use quiet voices, appropriate words and actions
• Listen to the driver
• Enter and exit quietly

Ready

• Be on time for your bus stop
• Be seated on the bus at all times, until your stop
• Buckle up for safety during your bus ride

Responsible

• Keep the bus clean
• No food on the bus
• Take all of your belongings with you when you exit the bus

Menus:

School breakfast and lunch menus can be found on the district website or by using the following link:

https://washtwpsd.nutrislice.com/menu

2024-25 Prices:

• Student Breakfast: $2.10 (free/reduced breakfast, $0.00)
• Student Lunch: $3.65 (free/reduced lunch, $0.00)
• Milk: $0.75 (free/reduced, $0.00)

Pay Central:

Meals can be purchased online using Pay Central. https://payschoolscentral.com/

Free / Reduced Breakfasts & Lunches:

• Families may qualify for free/reduced meals. To qualify for free/reduced meal, please complete the application. ALL families are encouraged to complete the application as this critical information affects school funding. A signed copy of this form must be returned to the school. If you have any questions, please contact your child's school.
• Free/Reduced Lunch Application (English)
• Free/Reduced Lunch Application (Spanish)

Enclosed in this week's district mailing you will find information to log into your OnCourse Connect account. Once in your OnCourse Connect account, you will be required to complete the annual student registration. This online process replaces paper back to school documents. You will receive a message via the school messenger system when the annual registration portal opens. Please be sure to complete the annual registration documents as soon as possible.

Once you have completed the annual registration, you will be able to access your child's homeroom teacher information. The annual registration must be completed for each student.

Important Note: Homeroom Teacher information must be accessed through the the OnCourse Connect portal. This information will not be provided via email or phone call.

IN THE EVENT OF SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS OR EARLY RELEASES:

In the case of inclement weather, or other reasons, parents will be contacted by the School Messenger program. Please make sure we have your current contact information updated in OnCourse Connect. With School Messenger you MUST “opt in” to receive school alerts via text message. Text Yes to 67587. Emails and phone numbers will integrate into the School Messenger system from the OnCourse Connect Parent Portal.

FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - SEND THE STUDENT DISMISSAL FORM (goldenrod colored form) IN WITH YOUR CHILD INDICATING DISMISSAL DIRECTIONS.

• Students without this form will be dismissed following their assigned mode of transportation (bus / walker).

STUDENT iPADS and Chromebooks:

All students (K-5) will be assigned an iPad for individual use. All 6th Grade students will be assigned a Chromebook for individual use. An "Acceptable Use" form must be reviewed and acknowledged in the OnCourse Connect platform. Students will also be assigned a Microsoft 365 or Google account to manage school assignments.

Teachers will review procedures for sending home or keeping iPads / Chromebooks at school during Back-to-School Nights.

CELL PHONES:

• Students may NOT use cell phones or other devices visible on school premises for any reason through dismissal. All phones and devices must be turned off, not simply silent.

• All students should turn devices off and put devices away before entering the school building.

• If a student needs to make a call during the day, he or she may do so from the office phones.

• If a parent needs to get a message to a student, the parent may do so by contacting the school offices.

• iWatches or similar devices may not be used to make calls and/or texting during the school day. These devices fall under the cell phone policy/protocol.
• Lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices are not the responsibility of the Washington Township School District.
  

Cell Phone Violations:

If a student is utilizing a phone, iWatch or similar device during the school day, the student will bring it to the principal and it will be kept in the office.

1. 1st Offense- Warning- phone /device will be turned over to the principal and may be picked up by the student at the end of the day from the principal.
2. 2nd Offense- phone/device confiscated, parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device.
3. Additional offenses may lead to disciplinary consequences such as detentions.

This year AlphaBEST Education provide before & after care programs for Washington Township School District students. The program will run at Brass Castle School from 7:00am – 8:45am (note, no drop off after 8:30am) and at Port Colden School from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. Students will continue to be transported between schools in order to participate in the Extended Care programs. Please see the enrollment packet documents for more information and program rates. Note, students must be enrolled in the Washington Township School District to participate in the AlphaBEST programs at this site.

AlphaBEST Education - Registration Page

If your family requires assistance with acquiring supplies from the recommended school supply lists, we kindly encourage you to reach out to your child's school principal. We are here to assist you and ensure that every student has the resources they need for a successful school year.

Brass Castle School - Dr. Jessica Garcia, jgarcia@washtwpsd.org

Port Colden School - Mrs. Jessica McDonagh, jmcdonagh@washtwpsd.org

• Preschool Supply List
• Kindergarten Supply List
• 1st Grade Supply List
• 2nd Grade Supply List
• 3rd Grade Supply List
• 4th Grade Supply List
• 5th Grade Supply List
• 6th Grade Supply List

The New Jersey Health Department mandates health documentation for students entering Preschool, Kindergarten, and 6th Grades. New students to the district may also have specific requirements to meet, regardless of grade-level. We are not able to make exceptions to these mandates. For your child to begin school, documentation must be submitted as requested. Please ensure all medical documentation is submitted by Friday, August 23rd.

Please contact your child’s school nurse with any questions:

• Brass Castle School Nurse, Mrs. Henderson, jhenderson@washtwpsd.org / 908-689-1188 ext. 3607
• Port Colden School Nurse, Mrs. Anema, eanema@washtwpsd.org / 908-689-0681 ext. 2507

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing important instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to learn.
2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.
3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility - essential skills for future success.
4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are important for emotional and social development.
5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

• September 10th - 6th Grade Back to School Night
• September 11th - Brass Castle Back to School Night (PS, K, 4th Grade, 5th Grade)
• September 17th - Port Colden Back to School Night

Additional information regarding Back to School nights will be sent to families in September.