

4/11/2025
Mr. Matthew Reiner, Principal
SCHOOL NEWS!
Upcoming Events
April 14th through 21st- Spring Break (School Closed)
April 22nd- School Reopens
April 23rd- 2nd Grade Field Trip
April 29th- 1st grade concert, 9am and 7pm (SJG All Purpose Room)
April 30th- Mr. Reiner Making Sandwiches at Jersey Mike's in Lincoln Park
May 12th- 5th Grade Field Trip
May 12th- 2nd Grade Concert and Art Show 6pm
May 16th- SJG Field Day (Rain date of May 19th)
May 20th- Kindergarten and 4th Grade Field Trips
May 23rd through May 27th- School Closed
May 28th- School Reopens
May 29th- 5th Grade Battle of the Books
June 5th- New Kindergarten Student Orientation
June 9th- SJG Kindergarten Concert 9am (Parents Welcome); Kinderfest at 1:00pm
June 11th- 5th Grade PV Park Day (Rain Date of June 12th)
June 13th- Grade 4 New Jersey Day
June 16th- 5th Grade Recognition Day 9:00am
June 17th- 12:40 Dismissal
June 18th- 12:40 Dismissal LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
NJSLA TESTING INFORMATION GRADES 3,4,5 ONLY
Please see the letter below for the NJSLA testing information.
TREPS MARKET PLACE
Our grade 5 students had the opportunity to participate in the TREPS Marketplace where they sold items that they had created. TREPS is a program where students learn about operating a business and it culminates with the marketplace where they sell their goods. We are so proud of our 5th grade participants!
Attendance Matters!- Updated 4/4/2025!
As we approach the nice weather, spring break, holidays, and the eventual end of the school year, I want to remind everyone of the importance of attendance. The State of New Jersey Law which informs our district attendance policy states that a student who is absent more than 10% of the school year (18 days) is considered chronically absent and that the student can be retained in the same grade level due to the excessive absences. The total number of absences does include sick days as all days out are counted in the total except for Bring Your Child To Work Day and Certain Religious Holidays. This year the flu has been very bad along with other viruses which has lead to a lot of absences from school which is understandable as we do not want anyone to send their child to school sick. However, the issues arise when students get sick and the days are added to other days that the students have been out for vacations, a fun day off here and there, and other reasons that students are out that are not due to sickness.
I implore everyone to please not take any vacations or other days off between now and the end of the year. We have Spring Break, Memorial Day, snow give back days and then the summer that will keep students home from school. There is too much learning to miss.
Attendance is important for elementary school students for several reasons:
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Academic Progress: Regular attendance ensures that students don’t miss out on crucial lessons, assignments, and hands-on learning activities that build foundational skills. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge that are hard to catch up on.
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Social Development: School is not just about academics—it's also a place where children learn to interact with peers, make friends, and develop social skills. Consistent attendance helps students become part of the classroom community.
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Establishing Good Habits: When children attend school regularly, it helps them develop a sense of responsibility, discipline, and routine. These habits can translate into lifelong skills, like punctuality and consistency, that benefit them in the future.
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Emotional Well-being: Regular attendance helps students feel more confident and engaged in their learning. Missing school can lead to feelings of isolation or stress about falling behind, which can affect their emotional well-being.
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Teacher-Student Connection: Teachers can better support students' learning when they see them regularly. When students miss school, teachers may not have the opportunity to fully understand their needs and provide tailored help.
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Building a Strong Foundation: Elementary school is where many basic academic skills, like reading, writing, and math, are first introduced. Consistent attendance ensures that students get the full exposure they need to these critical subjects.
Ultimately, regular attendance helps elementary students succeed academically and develop the skills they need to thrive in both school and life.
The Spring Art Show is Monday, May 12th.- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Mrs. Mangarelli is in need of volunteers to mount and hang all of our student's art. Click HERE to volunteer.
Smart Watches and Gizmos Reminder
This is a reminder that students are not to use smart watches during school hours. When in the classroom smart watches or other devices are to be in the backpack. When at recess students can wear them however they are not allowed to contact anyone from them. We allow them to wear them as a tracking device since we are outside but that is all they should be used for. Thank you for reviewing these guidelines with your children.
SJG Student Newsletter
Our AV Club students have continued our students newsletter. Check out all the information they have to share!
https://sites.google.com/pequannock.org/final-sjg-news-2025?usp=sharing
Our 5th Grade Pledge Leader For The Week!
Daniel did an amazing job this week reciting The Pledge of Allegiance, as well as our kindness quote for the day. Thank you for being so awesome Daniel!
SJG Calendar of Events
If you are looking for future events, we update the SJG Calendar of Events as we solidify dates. You can find the calendar on our website but below is the link that we will keep in our newsletter going forward.
Late Student Sign In- IMPORTANT!
In the event that your child arrives at school late, please park your vehicle and come into the building to sign them in. It is essential for us to maintain accurate records of student attendance. Therefore, parents are no longer permitted to have students ring the bell and enter the building unaccompanied when they are late. Thank you for your cooperation.
Elementary Handbook for 2024-2025
Please see the handbook below for the school year.
DISTRICT NEWS
Reminder From Mr. Hayzler, High School Principal
As Spring approaches and warmer weather is on the horizon, spring sports at PTHS are starting on Monday, March 10th. For the safety of our students, athletes and spectators, bikes, scooters and/or e-bikes are not permitted on the track or in the athletic complex at any time. Bikes, scooters and/or e-bikes should be parked in the designated racks outside the facility. This includes weekends. Thank you for your cooperation.
America’s Field Trip Contest
From our Social Studies supervisor, Dr. O’Keefe: “In 2026, the US will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we look forward to this occasion, students in Grades 3-12 from across the nation are invited to participate in the America's Field Trip Contest. Entrants will submit writing or artwork that answers, ‘What does America mean to you?’ The link contains all contest rules and submissions are due by April 16, 5pm EST. As there are multiple slots for first- and second-pace winners, we encourage all eligible students to participate!”
SJG HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
HSA Calendar
Talent Show Registration- Today is the Last Day to Register!
Click the link below to register. All participants must fill out the form-
THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL BEEFSTEAK!
Thank you so much to our event & Tricky Tray chairs- Erica Moscato, Suzanne Elmini, Lori Pastena and all of our volunteers- Caitlyn Adamo, Tom Adamo, Dana Arrigo, Ryan Arrigo, Cara Colombo, Erica Cote, Corey Crossfield-Ortiz. Justin Elmini, Rich Huffstutler, Jaci Kaslow, Zak Kaslow, Becky Lax, Alexa Lynch, Jim Morando, Sara Morando, Billy Moscato, Stephanie Naser, Kristy Wallis, Steve Wallis, Andy Watson, Kristin Watson, PTHS Students from Interact Club & National Honor Society, Mr. Reiner, SJG Staff, Class Parents, Event Sponsors and everyone from the SJG family who contributed to this event!
NURSE'S CORNER
Staying Healthy This Time of Year!!!
We are at the beginning of cold and flu season. We can also see other childhood ailments.
These can include Covid, Strep throat, Coxsackie viruses and stomach viruses. There are
common things we can all do to lessen the spread of such illnesses. These include:
1. Proper hand washing. Reinforce to your children how and when to wash hands. Hand
washing is the number one way to protect yourself and others against all of
these childhood illnesses.
2. Remind children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or sleeve
when sneezing or coughing. Throw tissues away after each use. This is always
reinforced here at school.
3. The flu and covid vaccines are recommended and available.
4. Keep sick children home. If your child is ill, PLEASE keep them home for 24hrs -
symptom free. This means symptom free without medication like Tylenol or Advil.
Symptoms include temperature 100.4 or above, vomiting, diarrhea, consistent
coughing, runny nose, sore throat, new skin outbreaks or rashes etc. I will only have
to send them home if the symptoms continue at school. Most illnesses, if
contagious, are spread right before and right after the illness appears. Staying
home while symptoms persist can lessen the spread to others. It also protects your
child from picking up secondary illnesses while their immune system is already
working hard.
5. Have children get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet. While these are
important every day, it is even more important when children are not feeling well.
6. When your child is ill, please call or email the main office by 8:15am to report
an absence. The attendance line is available 24/7. I also ask that you let the
school know why your child is absent and be as specific as possible. If you
take your child to the doctor it is helpful to bring documentation of the illness
from the doctor. Let us know if your child has a specific illness.
HEALTH RESOURCES ALL YEAR ROUND
1. Below you can find some resources on these childhood illnesses.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/treatment/flu-guide-for-parents.pdf
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-vs-cold.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hfm.html?WT.ac=p-ra
2. Below is additional information on head lice, a childhood concern that can occur any time of year.
Meningococcal Reminder
Please read the PDF below about Meningococcal Vaccine.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
2024-2025 Amended Calendar (April 8th Amendment Date)
Below is the district calendar that was amended to show that we now have off on April 21st, May 23rd, and May 27th.
Stephen J. Gerace Elementary School
Email: Matthew.Reiner@pequannock.org
Website: sjg.pequannock.org
Location: 59 Boulevard, Pequannock Township, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 3055615
Twitter: @SJGPride
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjgpride/