Aug 28 – Sep 30 2023
Monthly Parent Newsletter for
PCSST K-12 Parents
In this issue;
-
September Events and
Activities -
Important Reminders
and October Events
Calendar -
October Athletic Events
Calendar -
Educational Websites
and Resources for
Parents -
Tips for Parents,
-
Facts about PCSST
-
Facts about NJ Public
Charter Schools
Message from the Lead Person
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the first issue of our monthly newsletter! As we embark on a new school year at PCSST, we are excited to introduce you to this valuable resource designed to keep you informed about our school’s activities, upcoming events, and resources that will support your child’s educational journey.
As we step into the month of October, we want to share with you the exciting events and activities that have already taken place across our four campuses in September. Your child’s education is our top priority, and we believe that staying informed is key to fostering a successful partnership between home and school.
We are excited about the possibilities that this school year holds and look forward to partnering with you in nurturing your child’s growth and success. Please continue to stay engaged with our school community, and remember that your child’s campus-specific communications should always take precedence if they conflict with the information presented here.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Here’s to a fantastic September filled with achievements, learning, and memorable moments.
Have fantastic weeks ahead!
Mr. Riza Gurcanli
Lead Person
Nelson Mandela"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
September Events and Activities
- First week of School videos: K-1 Campus, 2-3 Campus, 4-7 Campus, and 8-12 Campus.
- Back to School Nights took place on the second week of September for K-1, 2-3 and 8-12 campuses.
4-7 Campus organized their BSN on the last week of August. - Electric School Bus We’ve introduced an innovative electric school bus, taking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable transportation system for our students.
- 20th Year Celebration Carnival Our school continued to celebrate its remarkable 20-year journey with a carnival filled with fun and pride.
- Serving up the Season Girls Volleyball Tournament Our talented student-athletes showcased their skills and sportsmanship in this exciting tournament and got the first place.
- New Middle School Sports (Flag Football): We’ve introduced flag football as a new middle school sport, providing additional opportunities for students to stay active and engaged.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Activities: We’ve been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with various educational and cultural activities that enrich our understanding of Hispanic culture.
- Genesis Student Database Parent Training Parents had the opportunity to learn more about our student database system through online training. You can also watch this video.
- MAP Assessments: MAP Assessments were conducted at all campuses, and you can check the results
on the Genesis Database. - 2023 Spring NJSLA Reports: Printed reports were sent home, and you can also access the results on the Genesis Database.
- Title I Presentations: We conducted informative Title I presentations during orientations, and this information is available on our school website.
- Suicide Prevention Month We observed Suicide Prevention Month with various events and activities, emphasizing the importance of mental health and well-being.
- 4-7 R.O.A.R. program: The 4-7 Campus had an exciting kick-off for the R.O.A.R. (Reach Our Aspirations by Reading) program, promoting reading. Watch the short video.
- JROTC Tunnel to Tower: Our JROTC program participated in the Tunnel to Tower event, showcasing their dedication and commitment to service.
- Fall Sports Pep Rally: 8-12 Campus rallied together to support our fall sports teams and build school spirit.
- Multilingual Learners (ESL) Parent Workshop: We hosted a workshop to support our multilingual learners and their families.
- Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO) continue to play a vital role in our school community. Join us for PTO meetings to contribute your ideas and support our students.
- Farmer’s Market K-3: Our Farmer’s Market initiative for K-3 students promotes healthy eating habits. Watch the short video.
- Healthy U Kick Off : 4-7 Campus kicked off their Healthy U program, promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits.
- The Saturday Academy at the 2-3 and 4-7 campuses is in full swing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your building administrators for further details.
Important Reminders & October Calendar
K-12
- The Theme of the Month of October is Responsibility
- September 15th-October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month,
- Monday, October 2nd, Progress Reports
- Monday, October 9th – Schools Closed – Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day
- Tuesday, October 17th, Lion’s Den Parent Academy (GED Prep Kick-off)
- Wednesday, October 18th, Suicide Prevention Parent Training (Hybrid)
- Monday, October 23rd, Professional Development Day (No School for students)
K-1 Campus
- Monday-Friday, October 2nd-6th, Red Ribbon Week
- Wednesday, October 5th, ESL Parent Night, (at 2-3 Campus)
- Thursday, October 6th, Farm to School Assembly,
- Tuesday, October 24th, Parent Literacy Night,
- Friday, October 27th, Picture Day
2-3 Campus
- Thursday, October 5th, K-3 ESL Parent Night,
- Friday, October 6th- Farm to School Assembly
- Wednesday, October 11th- Rep Your Flag Day
- Friday, October 13th – Breast Cancer Walk/ $2 Tag Day
- Saturday October 14th, 21st, & 28th, Saturday Academy
- Wednesday, October 18th – Unity Day
- Thursday, October 26th, Parent Literacy Night,
4-7 Campus
- Tuesday, October 3rd, Yondr Program Starts
- Thursday, October 5th,Hispanic Heritage – Fiesta Night
- Thursday, October 12th, Special Education Parent Workshop
- Saturday October 14th, 21st, & 28th, Saturday Academy
- Wednesday, October 18th, Internet Safety Parent Workshop
- Wednesday, October 25th, Healthy Eating Habits Parent Workshop
8-12 Campus
- Monday, October 2nd, Progress Reports,
- Monday, October 9th, JROTC Columbus Day Parade
- Wednesday, October 11th, Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Saturday, October 14th, Kick Off and Saturday Academy
Athletics Department’s October Calendar
Educational Websites and Resources for Parents
- Common Sense is one of the leading independent source for media recommendations and advice for families including social media. Here are quick links for some articles provided by Common Sense;
- Education.com: Offers a wide range of worksheets, lesson plans, and educational games for parents to support their child’s learning at home.
- ReadWriteThink: Provides free resources in reading and language arts instruction for parents and educators.
- Khan Academy: Offers free online lessons and practice exercises in various subjects, making it a valuable resource for students and parents.
- Scholastic Parents: Provides articles, book recommendations, and activities to help parents support their child’s literacy development.
- Colorín Colorado: Focuses on English language learners (ELLs) and provides resources and strategies for parents of ELL students.
- PBS Parents: Provides educational games, activities, and articles to help parents engage with their children in meaningful learning experiences.
- Edutopia: Offers articles, videos, and resources on innovative educational practices and parenting tips.
- Reading Rockets: Focuses on literacy development and provides resources and strategies for parents to support their child’s reading skills.
- Math Playground: Offers math games, puzzles, and activities to help parents reinforce math skills with their children.
- FamilyEducation: Provides parenting advice, activities, and resources for parents of children of all ages.
- Understood: Focuses on learning and attention issues, offering resources and support for parents with children who have special needs.
Follow our Social Media accounts to stay informed events and activities as they happen.
Tips for Parents
Here are some useful tips for parents of children in different age groups, from kindergarten to 12th grade:
For Parents of Kindergarten to Elementary School (K-5) Children:
- Establish a Routine: Set up a daily routine that includes designated times for homework, play, and bedtime. Consistency helps children feel secure.
- Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Read to your child and encourage them to read independently. Visit the library regularly.
- Limit Screen Time: Set reasonable limits on screen time for TV, computer, and tablets. Focus on educational and age-appropriate content.
- Encourage Creativity: Provide art supplies, puzzles, and educational games to foster creativity and critical thinking.
- Stay Involved: Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events. Stay informed about your child’s progress and any issues they may be facing.
- Teach Problem-Solving: Help your child develop problem-solving skills by discussing challenges and brainstorming solutions together.
For Parents of Middle School (6-8) Students:
- Promote Independence: Encourage your child to take on more responsibilities, such as organizing their schedule and managing homework.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Be aware of the academic and social challenges that come with this age group and offer support as needed.
- Communication is Key: Keep the lines of communication open. Ask about their day, friends, and any concerns they may have.
- Time Management: Teach time-management skills to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and leisure time.
- Online Safety: Educate your child about internet safety, including responsible social media use and cyberbullying prevention.
For Parents of High School (9-12) Students:
- College Preparation: If your child plans to attend college, start researching colleges and financial aid options early.
- Encourage Independence: Allow your teen to make more decisions and learn from their experiences, including mistakes.
- Healthy Communication: Foster open and respectful communication to discuss academic goals, career aspirations, and future plans.
- Time Management: Help your teen develop strong time-management and study skills, especially as academic demands increase.
- Support Mental Health: Be attentive to your teen’s mental health and well-being. Encourage seeking help if needed.
- Financial Literacy: Teach basic financial skills, including budgeting and saving, to prepare them for adulthood.
- College Applications: Assist with the college application process, including essays, test prep, and deadlines.
Remember that each child is unique, and these tips can be adapted to your child’s specific needs and interests. Being involved, supportive, and flexible as a parent is key to helping your child succeed at every stage of their education.
FAQs for Parents
Student Database System:
- How can I access my child(ren)’s assessment results, grades and attendance as well as discipline records 24/7?
Yes, if you log on the Genesis Student Database, all the information is on your finger tips.
- I don’t know how to access the Genesis Database. What should I do?
You can reach out to school secretary or any of the admins and request your username and password.
- I do not know how to navigate the database, Where can I receive help?
Please watch the online training video or check out the manual.
- What do you need to do if you want to update your child’s information on the database?
Reach out to you campus Secretary and provide the updated information and necessary documents if asked.
Transportation:
- How can I get information on School Transportation?
Please visit our transportation webpage to learn all about transportation at PCSST.
Food Service:
- How can I check school’s daily breakfast and lunch menu?
All our campus lunch information can be reached for our Food Service provider Maschio’s website.
Anonymous Reporting:
- How can I report an incident anonymously?
You can report any incident that is a concerning you but you do not want to be identified, you can use our school’s “STOPit” platform to report and get rapid respond from a school administrator.
Facts about PCSST
K-1 Campus
2-3 Campus
4-7 Campus
8-12 Campus
to be continued…
Facts about NJ Charter Schools
For more facts about NJ Charter Schools visit NJCharters.org
