TIGER TOWN NEWSLETTER

NJ School Performance Reports were recently reported in April. The last time these reports were available was in 2020 since state testing was postponed during the pandemic. As you may know, NJ developed a school accountability system as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Schools are given a summative rating which is the percentile rank of the summative score as compared to other schools across the state. Central Avenue was ranked within the top 50 schools in the state of NJ. (scoring a summative rating of 97.88). These scores are based on the 2021-22 school year ELA and MATH Proficiency Indicators, Growth Scores, and Attendance. NJ

What you will also notice, if you analyze these ratings, is that CAS is one of the most economically diverse (Title I School) and learner-diverse (specialized programs) schools in the top echelon of the state.

Thank you to our wonderful staff for their continued devotion to our students. We are super proud of our students and we are all lucky to be part of such a special learning community.

Central Avenue School’s Green and Clean Day will be on Saturday, May 6, from 9am-12pm. We will need many hands to weed flower beds and distribute/spread mulch all over our campus! Grab your gardening gloves and simply show up tomorrow!

Thanks to your annual PTO dues and supporting our fundraisers all year long, the PTO was able to celebrate our amazing staff this past week!

● Monday: Snacks for the teachers lounge

● Tuesday: Breakfast

● Wednesday: Lunch

● Thursday: Scratch off lottery tickets

● Friday: Girl Scout cookies donated by our CAS Girl Scouts

Our staff also received personalized goodie bags full of their favorite treats! Who doesn’t love a bag full of M&Ms or Smart Food popcorn just to themselves?

There are still dates available for students kindergarten through 3rd grade to have lunch with Mr Liss!! Children will be able to pack or buy his/her individual lunch. This is a great opportunity for students to share what they love about our school and brainstorm new ideas. It also allows Mr Liss to get to know your child even better!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094DACAD2CA0F58-lunch1

Everyone’s favorite afternoon at CAS is May 19 - Registration is open! Pre-register now as we are only two weeks away from the big day!!!! Tickets can be purchased for pre-registration on our website at www.caspto.com. We need volunteers to help with fun games, sales and more! Check out the volunteer opportunities section for the sign-up genius and more details.

All your supplies can be ordered conveniently through 1st Day School Supplies. Supply kits will be delivered to your home at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the school year. This is an easy way to support the CAS PTO and get your shopping done at one time!

Click here to order next year’s kits. (https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=65620)

Order online by July 1st.

Special note to current 5th grade families: The MJS school supply list will be right here, in our CAS PTO newsletter, within the next few weeks.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! - The PTO is looking for volunteers!

Interested in becoming more involved at your child’s school? Consider volunteering for one of these positions. Please email caspto@gmail.com if you are interested.

FunFest is May 19

We need volunteers to help run games, sales and more. This is a great way to obtain game tickets - you get 5 tickets for games with each volunteer shift.

Click here to sign up to volunteer!

Want to help but can’t be there in person? Sign up here to donate water and gatorade!

PTO Vice Presidents

This role is a 2 year commitment, as you will be Vice President for the 2023-2024 school year and President for the 2024-2025 year. The Vice Presidents shadow and assist the Presidents in a variety of activities, including managing emails, scheduling events, organizing volunteers, overseeing the budget for events and fundraisers, fulfilling teacher requests, after school enrichment, teacher appreciation and more. This is a very FUN and rewarding role and is a great opportunity to expand your network, make new friends and get valuable insights into the inner workings of CAS. Please click here for a full description of the position.

Spirit Wear Co-Chairs

The CAS PTO is looking for two new spirit wear coordinators. This job involves ordering and selling shirts at the CAS Ice Cream Social as well as Back to School Night. The coordinators will also work with Alfred’s in early October for the online fall spirit wear sale. Spring duties are light, with a small PTO Sale. If you are interested, please contact the PTO at caspto@gmail.com

CAS International Parents Group Chair

This role supports the integration of international families in CAS and creates community through social events. Responsibilities include: participate in the Welcome Coffee for New Families in late September; host three meetings during the school year; invite and encourage international families to participate in the CAS International Day; and send flyers for group meetings to the PTO for inclusion in the CAS PTO newsletter.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. The initiative fights stigma, provides support, educates the public and advocates for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. This week, we will focus on what depression can look like in younger children.

How many children experience depression and anxiety?

Anxiety and depression affect many children:

• 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019.

• 4.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 2.7 million) have diagnosed depression in 2016-2019.

Anxiety and depression have increased over time:

• “Ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.

• “Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011–2012.

So what indicators are there for childhood depression? There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is depressed.

Here are some common signs to look for:

• Persistent sadness or irritability: If a child seems constantly sad, irritable, or easily frustrated, it could be a sign of depression.

• Loss of interest in activities: Children who are depressed may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends.

• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns: Depressed children may experience changes in appetite, such as overeating or loss of appetite, and may have trouble sleeping or sleep excessively.

• Low self-esteem: Children with depression may express feelings of worthlessness or guilt and have a negative self-image.

• Fatigue and lack of energy: Depressed children may have a lack of energy, feel tired all the time, or have difficulty concentrating.

• Social withdrawal: Children who are depressed may avoid social interactions, stop attending school or extracurricular activities, or have difficulty making friends.

If you notice any of these symptoms in a child, reach out for help. Contact the guidance office, talk to your pediatrician, or consult a mental health professional if you have concerns.

Mike Shugrue, LCSW

School Social Worker

Central Avenue School

We are pleased to announce the Madison STEAM Academy is returning in 2023 for another summer of excitement and fun!

Please visit www.madisonpublicschools.org/steam academy for details and an FAQ about the program. Enrollment Now!

This Sunday, May 7th is the 20th Annual MEF Madison 5K Run/Walk. You can participate in various distances: 1-mile run/walk, 5K run/walk, and Kids Fun Run. All funds raised help MEF award teacher grants in Madison Public Schools. It's not too late! Skip the line by registering online, or make it a game time decision and register in person Sunday morning

In addition, registration is still open for the 3rd Annual MEF Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, June 3rd! Paddle up for a great cause... our schools! Visit the MEF website to learn more.

Visit our website: Central Avenue School | Home (madisonpublicschools.org)

Follow us on Facebook: (20+) Central Avenue School Madison Public Schools | Facebook

Bring in your change and buy some great stuff. Last one for the year! Check out what's for sale below!