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Washington Township School District
August 11, 2023
Welcome Parents and Families
It's hard to believe that the start of school is just around the corner! We are excitedly preparing to welcome students and families of Washington Township School District back for another wonderful year. As we gear up for the return to classrooms, we want to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you.
In Washington Township School District, we believe in the possibilities and potential of every child. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about providing a nurturing and enriching environment where each student can grow academically, socially and emotionally.
We believe that success is a team effort, and you as parents and guardians, are essential members of this team. As partners in your child's education, your involvement and support play a crucial role in their academic and personal development. Therefore, we encourage you to communicate with your child's teacher(s) and support their learning throughout the school year.
We are eager to see our classrooms filled with laughter, curiosity, and the bright smiles of our students! Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
Important Dates / Times to Remember in 2023-24....
1st Week of School
- Wednesday, August 30th - 1st Day of School for Students
- Friday, September 1st - Early Dismissal Day for All Students - Staff Inservice Program
- Monday, September 4th - Schools Closed - Labor Day Holiday
Brass Castle School - Arrival & Dismissal
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
- 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.
Port Colden School - Arrival & Dismissal
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
- 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.
Bus Information
Students eligible for district transportation will have bus passes included in the parent mailing (mailed on August 11, 2023).
- 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 dismissal 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. (Student 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 1601 or pedmiston@washtwpsd.org.
School Breakfast & Lunch Program
Menus:
School breakfast and lunch menus can be found on the district website or by using the following link:
https://washtwpsd.nutrislice.com/menu
2023-24 Prices:
- Student Breakfast: $2.00 (free/reduced breakfast, $0.00)
- Student Lunch: $3.50 (free/reduced lunch, $0.00)
- Milk: $0.70 (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.
2023-24 Homeroom Teacher - OnCourse Connect
Once you have completed the annual registration documents, you will be able to access your child's homeroom teacher information. Annual registration documents 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 be integrate tot eh School Messenger system from OnCourse Connect Parent Portal.
Important Reminders
First Day of School Dismissal Reminder
FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - SEND THE STUDENT DISMISSAL FORM IN WITH YOUR CHILD INDICATING DISMISSAL DIRECTIONS, IF NOT A BUS RIDER.
- Please complete the student dismissal form found in your mailing, if your child will be attending the AlphaBEST Extended Care program or if they will be a parent pickup.
- Students without this form, will go home on the their normal bus route or be released to walk home (non-bus rider student).
STUDENT iPADS:
All students (K-6) will be assigned an iPad for individual use. An "Acceptable Use" form must be completed on the OnCourse Connect platform. Students will also be assigned a Microsoft 365 account to manage school assignments.
Teachers will review procedures for sending home or keeping iPads at school during Back-to-School Nights.
CELL PHONES:
Students may NOT have 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 main office.
- iWatches or similar devices may not be used to make calls and/or texting during the school day.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2nd Offense- phone/device confiscated, parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device.
- Additional offenses may lead to disciplinary consequences such as detentions.
AlphaBEST Education
Extended Care Program (Before School & After School Childcare)
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.
Class Supply Lists
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
Message from the School Nurses
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 25th.
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
2023-24 Washington Township School District Calendar
Back to School Nights
- September 13th - 6th Grade Back to School Night
- September 18th - Port Colden Back to School Night
- September 19th - Brass Castle Back to School Night
Additional information regarding back to school nights will be sent to families in September.