Principal’s Newsletter September—November 2017

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and managed to spend some quality time together as a family. The custodial and maintenance staff have worked very hard to make sure the building was ready for the students. Teachers and staff from Woodland spent hours preparing for the 2017-2018 school year and we are excited to open our doors and welcome back our students on Wednesday, September 6th. As the students arrive at Woodland this year I am sure they will see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. This year we welcome the fol-lowing new staff to Woodland: Ms. Maria Brillantes-Hess, Custodian Ms. Sandra Carola, Paraprofessional Ms. Margaret Hoskins, Special Education Teacher Ms. Ariana Lombardi, Special Education Teacher Ms. Michelle Osias, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Ms. Debra Parente, Paraprofessional Ms. Danielle Rourke, Grade 4 Leave Replacement Ms. Mary Salama, Speech As a special part of our school community your communication and sup-port for our school programs is very important in our school’s success. Stay involved and help our PTO grow through your interest and active par-ticipation. We are excited to announce our new PTO Executive Officers: President, Regina Giacomini; Vice Presidents: Tracy Balsamo & Katie Tighe; Treasurer: George Prinzo & Secretary: Lauren Clerkin. Throughout the school year, you will be informed of your child’s progress and school activities by your child’s teacher(s) and I. Please check the school website, for special announcements, newsletters, tips and remind-ers. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or me whenever you have a question, concern or if you need additional information. As parents and guardians I will encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher and become advocates for their educational program. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Mr. Adam Layman

Principal

The Monroe Public Schools in collaboration with the members of the community shall ensure that all children receive an exemplary education by well –trained committed

Woodland Elementary School http://www.monroe.k12.nj.us

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Woodland is “Green” ............ 2

School Lunch ........................... 2

Back To School Night .............. 3

Bus Safety ................................ 3

Visitors/Security ..................... 3

Code of Conduct ...................... 4

Basic Skills/TAG ..................... 4

Parent Drop-Off and

Parent Pick-Up Procedures.... 4

Custody Arrangements ........... 5

Student Absences .................... 5

Band Chorus ............................ 5

PTO.......................................... 6

School Pictures ........................ 7

Fall Conferences ...................... 7

Birthday Celebrations ............. 7

Message from School Nurse ... 8

Message from Guidance.......... 8

Library Links ........................... 9

Dates To Remember ............... 10

2017-2018 School Calendar

Voter Registration

Food Services Letter

Child Find

Mrs. Samantha McCloud

Assistant Principal

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WOODLAND SCHOOL IS “GREEN”

Woodland School uses a computerized electronic lunch ticket ID system. This

automated system is very successful both moving students through the lunch line

more rapidly and giving them more time to eat as well as easing the ability for par-

ents and students to pay for lunch in advance.

Each student in the school will have an account available to them entered into the

system with their name, teacher, and grade. Parents can send either cash, check

payable to Monroe Township Board of Education or Point of Sale (POS) Automat-

ed system (www.mySchoolBucks.com) in any amount desired. This account will

operate as a debit account, deducting the amount a child has spent from the ac-

count.

Please keep in mind the cost for lunch daily is $2.15 and can be calculated weekly or monthly by the number of

full school days that month; lunch is not served on half days. Any snack purchased will be an additional debit to

the account, so allowances should be made when crediting money to your child’s account should you want them

to be able to purchase a snack.

Also, be aware if you want any restrictions noted on your child’s account regarding a maximum spend daily or no

additional purchases aside from regular lunch, this should be noted when sending money to fund the account.

When an account balance is getting low, someone in the cafeteria will remind your child. Please also be aware

that the student will only be allowed a negative balance up to 3 meals or $6.45.

FREE/REDUCED LUNCH AND STUDENT INSURANCE

Information regarding free/reduced lunches and student insurance will be distributed. Forms must be returned

whether or not you participate.

SCHOOL LUNCH

Woodland School continues to focus on several initiatives to make our school more environmentally

friendly.

Woodland School families will receive the “Principal’s Newsletter” electronically and it will be post-

ed on the Woodland School website. This year there will be a total of 4 newsletters; September,

December, March and May.

We are excited to announce that Genesis Parent Access will be used for distributing documents and

forms. An email will be sent to parents/guardians notifying you that a document has been pub-

lished in Parent Access for your review &/or approval via an electronic signature. Similarly to pre-

vious years all report cards and progress reports will be sent electronically. If you do not have Par-

ent Access, please visit the Monroe web site for forms, https://ww.monroe.k12.nj.us.

In addition, as important dates and events arise an electronic mail message will be sent. In lieu of

printing , school wide events , programs and activities can be found on the school web site.

We are excited to announce our building has 3 water bottle filling stations.

Woodland School will also be implementing additional “green” efforts through-

out the school year. Stay tuned for updates!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

You are invited to our “Back to School Night” on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 6:30PM in the

Woodland Gym. This is a great opportunity to visit your child’s classroom, meet his/her teacher, and

get an overview of our educational programs. Please make time to attend this informative evening.

3

Our school district requires all visitors to identify themselves and state the purpose of their visit upon entering

our school buildings. Visitors are required to sign in at the office and wear their visitor’s badge. Our staff has

been instructed to question anyone who is not wearing a badge.

VISITORS/SECURITY

BUS SAFETY

All residents are reminded that the state of New Jersey requires motor vehi-

cles to stop when school buses are loading and unloading student passen-

gers. School buses display red flashing lights whenever they pick-up or

drop-off students. Also, please share the following important rules with

your child:

School Bus Safety Rules

1. Be on time. 6. Do not yell or shout.

2. Never run to or from the bus. 7. Always obey the driver.

3. Stand back from the curb. 8. Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing.

4. Do not push or shove. 9. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

5. Stay in your seat. 10. Never crawl under a school bus.

WOODLAND SCHEDULE

Regular School Day 8:10 AM—2:39 PM

Four Hour Session 8:10 AM—12:10 PM

Delayed Opening 10:10 AM—2:39 PM

(2 Hour Delay)

BLACKBOARD CONNECT

The Monroe Township School District is utilizing a rapid notification system called Blackboard Connect. This system

allows us to keep parents, guardians, and staff member informed of school related news. Please update the school

with any change(s) to your contact information to ensure you receive this important communication.

Basic Skills for English Language Arts (ELA) will begin on October 2nd; Basic Skill

for Math will begin on October 3rd. The Talented and Gifted (TAG) program will begin on Octo-

ber 2nd. The school district will provide transportation.

The Elementary Code of Conduct Handbook was prepared by the

Monroe Township School District to assist students in adjusting to

the expectations and requirement of the elementary schools. This

handbook can be found on the school web www.monroek.k12.nj.us

and click on Woodland School.

This year this document will be sent home electronically, please review with your child and discuss school rules and procedures. Upon completion click the ACKNOWLEDGE button no later than October 9, 2017.

Please contact the office, (732) 251-1177, if you require a hard copy of this document.

4

AFTER SCHOOL BASIC SKILLS & TAG

CODE OF CONDUCT

PARKING PROCEDURES

Parents and visitors are requested to use the visitor parking only. Please do not park your vehicle

in a numbered spot as this is reserved for staff. In addition, please do not park in the fire lanes

located in the front of the building. On high traffic visiting days, cones will be placed in the park-

ing lot to create additional visitor parking.

PARENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

Parents who need to drive their child to school are asked to enter via Harri-

son Avenue only. Please stop at the top of the driveway and drop-off your

child at the curb. To exit the school, turn left and leave the school grounds

via Clayton Avenue. Please use caution as traffic is approaching.

Children should not be left unaccompanied by an adult at any of the entrances to the building.

BAND AND CHORUS

5

Students who elect to be in the performing arts program such as Advanced Band and Chorus

will need to be present by 7:25AM for zero period– students will not be permitted into the

building prior to 7:15AM. Transportation will NOT be provided.

Additional information will follow from Mrs. Swercheck and Mr. Snyder.

There are many types of families in our community and our first and most important interest is in the safety and

welfare of your child. If you are a family in which you, the parents, are either separated or divorced, it would be

very helpful for us to have the proper legal requirements of any agreements set forth by the court system. Please

feel confident that all information will be kept in the strictest confidence and will only be available to those staff

members making a decision on the release of your child to someone other than yourself. Please be sure that all the

court agreements regarding custody are kept current in the school.

CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS

It is very important that we have up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses in case of emergencies. Emer-

gency Forms must be completed for the nurse and Genesis Verification needs to be reviewed and updated to en-

sure information is correct. Genesis Parent Access will be open until October 1st.

GENESIS VERIFICATION FORMS / EMERGENCY

Parents are asked to call the school prior to the beginning of the school day when you child will be absent or late.

Please call Mrs. Procopio, our school nurse directly at (732) 251-1177, press #1 or extension 8607. Please leave

your child’s name, the reason for their absences/tardiness and their teacher’s name on the nurse’s answering ma-

chine.

STUDENT ABSENCES—CALLING PROCEDURES

The 2017 General Election is on Tuesday, November 7th. Voter registration forms for anyone who recently moved

into the township or is not registered to vote can be found on the school website and is attached to this newsletter.

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS

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STUDENT INSURANCE FORMS

If any parent/guardian is interested in purchasing student insurance, please contact Bollinger at 800-526-1379 or

www.BollingerSchools.com.

The Woodland-Mill Lake Parent Teacher Organization is a non-profit group of volunteers who provide

supplemental educational programs, funds, assemblies and activities. It is an integral part of our com-

munity with one common goal—our children!

If you wish to obtain additional information, please contact one of the Executive Officers listed below:

2017-2018 Executive Officers

Regina Giacomini, President - WMLPresident@gmail.com

Tracy Balsamo & Katie Tighe, Vice Presidents - WMLVP@gmail.com

George Prinzo, Treasurer - WMLTreasurer@gmail.com

Lauren Clerkin, Secretary - WMLSecretary@gmail.com

PARENT TEACHERS ORGANIZATION

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

Fire Prevention Week starts on October 9th. The Monroe Township Fire District #1 will be visit-

ing our school to instruct our students in making wise choices in case they encounter hazardous fire situations

and is a time to educate our community about fire safety and prevention.

Additional information will follow.

RED RIBBON WEEK

Red Ribbon week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness cam-

paign observed annually in October. This year it will be observed October 23rd—October 31st.

Additional information will be sent home.

Any parent/guardian who needs to pick their child(ren) up before dismissal time should notify the school office in

advance. It is required that any person picking up a student must be authorized to do so and must properly iden-

tify themselves with photo ID such as a driver’s license . If you are planning on picking up your child at the end of

the day, please help us by insuring pick up is at 2:30PM 10 minutes before dismissal time (2:39PM).

STUDENT PICK-UP

FALL CONFERENCES

Attending Parent-Teacher Conferences is a way to be involved and help your child suc-

ceed. It is a great opportunity to start or continue ongoing conversations with your

child’s teacher. K-5 Elementary Conferences will be held Wednesday, October 25th—

Friday, October 27th. The evening of Thursday, October 26th has been set aside for

conferences with parents who cannot attend a daytime conference. School will be dis-

missed at 12:10PM (NO LUNCH WILL BE SERVED).

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK (AEW)

American Education Week will be recognized during the week of November

13th. On Thursday, November 16th, parents are invited to visit our school and

providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education.

SCHOOL PICTURES

School pictures will be taken on Monday, October 16, 2017. Photograph orders are taken on

pre-payment basis only. You will receive a notice from the photography company, please

complete the necessary information and return with payment on your child’s picture day.

All students are photographed for our records whether or not you choose to purchase a pic-

ture package.

You no longer have to wait for the slide show to go on the web! Just scan it during the presentation

and you will be automatically linked! QR Readers are free—just download the app!

QR CODE

Please note that the Monroe Township Board of Education revised a policy during its August, 2017 meeting which will have an impact on classroom birthday celebrations. Beginning this year, all class birthday celebrations will be non-food celebra-tions. Thank you for your attention to this matter as this will help us to maintain a healthy and safe school environment for our students.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

A NOTE FROM THE NURSE

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Welcome back to another school year. Together we can work to help to keep your children healthy and safe while they are in school. This can be accomplished by keeping the lines of communication open between the home and the school. Please keep the nurse informed of any health needs of you children, especially if new health issues become known.

* Please call 732-251-1177 ext. 8507 to reach the School Nurse.

Please notify the nurse if your child is going to be absent or if your child will be arriving late to school. It is dis-trict policy that parents must call to report an absence by calling the Attendance Office (732-251-1177 ext. 8607) each day that your child is not in school. There is an answering machine at this number so you can call at any time. Students should have a note upon returning to school.

It is a school policy that students, who are excused from Physical Education classes with a note from a parent or the physician, will also be excused from recess. If a student is injured or too ill to participate in the PE class, they should not be playing outside at recess.

Health screenings for height, weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing will begin in the fall and continue throughout the school year. If any abnormal findings are noted, the parent will be notified and follow-up with the proper healthcare professional will be recommended.

MESSAGE FROM GUIDANCE

Hello everyone, and welcome back! I also want to extend a big welcome to all new students and families to Woodland. I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready to start an exciting new school year. I am enthusiastic to continue with our FISH Philosophy program in my guidance lessons with students. The four basic philosophies include Be There, Make Their Day, Play, and Choose Your Attitude. These philosophies touch upon developmentally appropriate skills such as building a positive classroom environment and rewarding relationships, communicating with others, personal responsibil-ity, and respect for self and others. I encourage you to talk with your child (ren) about these topics as they are great conver-sation starters for home.

Also, it is important to start the year off on the right track. Here are some ways you may help your child get started. Get to know your child’s teacher as soon as possible. A successful classroom is one where everyone is involved, and that includes parents and guardians. If you know the teacher’s requirements and the school’s expectations of your child, you are better equipped to help them reach success. You know your child best, so share your knowledge with the teacher. Does your child have a special interest? Are there areas where you see your child needing special help? Don’t wait until parent conference time to have that important conversation.

Also, please be sure that your child gets enough rest. Tired children cannot perform to their best ability, so please help them by being consistent: Set a bedtime hour, and stick to it.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me here at school if you have any questions or concerns, I am here to help. I look forward to meeting you and working with you and your child(ren). Let’s have an amazing year!

Best,

Mrs. Newcomb, School Counselor

Library Links

Woodland Library - Joan F. Kofke, Library Media Specialist

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Welcome back to a new school year at the Woodland Elementary Library. Here are a few important pieces of information for you and your child.

Student Library Requirements

All students need to bring a two-pocket folder, two sharpened pencils and an eraser to library class. All work completed in library class is filed in the folder as notes for the students. Throughout the school year, students refer back to their notes to help them review important library instruction.

Students are initially permitted to check-out two books at a time; one Fiction and one Non-Fiction book. Circulation time is two weeks. Books can be renewed two times. As the year progresses, stu-dents are allowed to take out more than two books at a time, as long as they continue to be responsi-ble for returning books on time.

Students are reminded that if they lose or damage a book, they are required to pay for the replace-ment cost of the book. Woodland Library does not accept any books, new or used, as replacements for lost or damaged books.

Public Library Collaboration

Woodland Library has a long-standing history of collaboration with the public library. Each year the librarians from the Monroe Township Public Library come to Woodland Library and instruct all the stu-dents, insuring they know how to use the library website and how to access information from the data bases. Students are encouraged to get a library card so that they can check out books and access research information from the data bases. Library cards are free to residents of Monroe Township.

MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

VISION STATEMENT

The Monroe Township

Board of Education com-

mits itself to all children by

preparing them to reach

their full potential and to

function in a global society

through a preeminent edu-

cation.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Monroe Public Schools

in collaboration with the

members of the community

shall ensure that all chil-

dren receive an exemplary

education by well trained

committed staff in a safe

and orderly environment.

DATES TO REMEMBER

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SEPTEMBER

4 School Closed/Labor Day

5 School Closed for Students/Staff Full Day In-Service

6 First Day of School for Students

13 MTBOE Meeting /MTHS-7PM

19 Back to School Night/Woodland Gym-6:30PM

20 PTO Meeting/Woodland Café-7:30PM

21-22 School Closed for Students & Staff

29 4 Hour Session Day for Students/Staff

(NO LUNCH SERVED)

OCTOBER

16 Picture Day

18 MTBOE Meeting/MTHS-7PM

18 PTO Meeting/Woodland Café-7:30PM

19 School Closed for Students/Staff Full Day In-Service

25-27 K-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences

4 Hour Session Day /Dismissal at 12:10PM (NO LUNCH SERVED)

26 K-5 Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences

NOVEMBER

7 General Election

9-10 School Closed for Students & Staff/NJ Teacher’s Convention

15 MTBOE Meeting/MTHS-7PM

16 American Education Week (AEW) Parent Visitation Day

16 PTO Meeting/Woodland Café-7:30PM

22 4 Hour Session for Students & Staff /Dismissal at 12:10PM

(NO LUNCH SERVED)

23-24 School Closed for Students & Staff/Thanksgiving

27 Picture Retakes

BOARD APPROVED: FEBRUARY 10, 2016 Revised & Board Approved: May 11, 2016

Revised & Board Approved: August 31, 2016 REVISED & BOARD APPROVED: APRIL 26, 2017

NJ Division of Elections - 03/16/16

New Jersey Voter Registration Application

Need More Information? Check boxes below if you would like to receive more information about: o voting by mail o polling place accessibility o available election materials in o becoming a poll worker o voting if you have a disability, this alternative language: including visual impairment For further information visit Elections.NJ.gov or call toll-free 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837)

Important Instructions for sections 5, 6 and 10 5) Registrantswhoaresubmittingthisformbymailandareregisteringtovoteforthefirsttime:Ifyoudonothaveanyoftheinformation requiredbysection5,ortheinformationyouprovidecannotbeverified,youwillbeaskedtoprovideaCOPYofacurrentandvalid photoID,oradocumentwithyournameandcurrentaddressonittoavoidhavingtoprovideidentificationatthepollingplace.

Note: ID Numbers are Confidential and will not be released by any governmental agency. Any person who uses such numbers illegally shall be subject to criminal penalties.

6) Ifyouarehomeless,youmaycompletesection6byprovidingacontactpointorthelocationwhereyouspendmostofyourtime.

10)Youmaydeclareapoliticalpartyaffiliationoryoumaydeclaretobeunaffiliated,regardlessofanypriorpartyaffiliation.Ifyouarea previouslyaffiliatedvoterwhowantstochangepoliticalpartyaffiliationorbecomeunaffiliated,youmustfilethisformnolaterthan 55daysbeforetheprimaryelectioninordertovoteintheprimaryelection.Completingsection10isOPTIONALandwillnotaffect theacceptanceofyourvoterregistrationapplication.

Checkboxes o New Registration oAddressChange oPoliticalPartyAffiliation that apply: oNameChange oSignatureUpdate orNon-AffiliationChange

Do you wish to declare a political party affiliation? o Yes, the party name is .(Optional) o No, I do not wish to be affiliated with any political party.

If you DO NOT have a NJ Driver’s License or MVC Non-Driver ID, provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.

Are you a U.S. Citizen? o Yes o No (If No, DO NOT complete this form)

Date of Birth

NJ Driver’s License Number or MVC Non-driver ID Number

Last Name First Name Middle Name or Initial Suffix (Jr., Sr., III)

Home Address (DO NOT use PO Box) Apt. Municipality County Zip Code

Are you at least 17 years of age? o Yes o No (If No, DO NOT complete this form)

Mailing Address if different from above

Last Address Registered to Vote (DO NOT use PO Box)

Former Name if Making Name Change

b. E-Mail Address (Optional)

Gender o Femaleo Male

Apt. Municipality County Zip Code

Apt. Municipality County Zip Code8

10

2

3

45

6

7

Signature: Sign or mark and date on lines below

11

9

If applicant is unable to complete this form, print the name and address of individual who completed this form.Name DateAddress

Clerk

Registration #

Office Time Stamp

o by mail o in person

o “I swear or affirm that I DO NOT have a NJ Driver’s License, MVC Non-driver ID or a Social Security Number.”

Declaration - I swear or affirm that:l I am a U.S. Citizen l I live at the above addressl I am at least 17 years old, and under- stand that I may not vote until reaching the age of 18.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

1

Date

State

State

State

Please print clearly in ink. All information is required unless marked optional.

a. Day Phone Number (Optional)

X

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

l I will have resided in the State and county at least 30 days before the next electionl I am not on parole, probation or serving a sentence due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws

l I understand that any false or fraudulent registration may subject me to a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment up to 5 years, or both pursuant to R.S. 19:34-1

76

New Jersey Voter Registration Information

FOLD2

You can register to vote if:n You are a United States citizen.n You are at least 17 years of age.* n You will be a resident of the State and county 30 days before the election.n You are NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole because of a felony conviction.

*You may register to vote if you are at least 17 years old but cannot vote until reaching the age of 18.

Registration Deadline: 21 days before an election Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.Questions? visit Elections.NJ.gov or call toll-free 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837)

TAPE HERE 3

Important: Print out at 100% - DO NOT REDUCE. Fold as illustrated to ensure proper mailing.

Put both pagestogether as shown

FOLD

FOLD

New JerseyVoter Registration

1 fold top down

NJ DIVISION OF ELECTIONSPO BOX 304

TRENTON NJ 08625-9983

FOLD

fold bottom up2 Tape top shut3

You can register to vote if:n You are a United States citizenn You will be 18 years of age by the next election n You will be a resident of the county 30 days before the electionn You are NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole because of a felony conviction

Registration Deadline: 21 days before an electionYour County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted.If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

FOLD1

Monroe Township Food Service

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INFORMATION

NANCY R. MITROCSAK August 15, 2017

Food Service Director

Dear Parent or Guardian,

The Monroe Township School District welcomes your child back to school. The Food Service

Department looks forward to providing your child with fresh and nutritionally balanced meals for the

upcoming year.

We are excited to announce a new link on the district website dedicated to Food & Nutrition.

There you will find menus, on-line prepayment information, nutritional information, allergy information, wellness & nutritional education, free & reduced applications and information, ala carte pricing and more

to things to come. We hope that you find this enhancement an easier way to navigate all things food

service.

.

Pricing for the 2017-2018 school year: Elementary School Lunch $2.15

Reduced Price Lunch $ .40

1% White & Skim Milk $ .60

Fat Free Flavored Milk $ .65

Lactose Free Milk $ .60

Kindergarten Paid Milk $ .35

Adult or Second Lunch $3.05

Menus:

There are four entrée choices are available

daily at the elementary schools.

1. The featured meal of the day

2. The weekly alternate

3. The weekly Up for Grabs Express

A grab & go lunch at the cold table

4. Cheese Pizza

All Lunch Choices come with 1 fruit, 2

vegetables & Choice of Milk

WHAT’S IN A LUNCH?

You must choose at least 3 of the 5 components available for the

School lunch price. One of the components must be a full serving of fruit or

vegetable to qualify as a lunch. (Listed Below)

WHAT’S A COMPONENT?

The 5 components are:

1. 2oz. eq. Meat, Cheese or Meat Alternative (Hummus, Chick Peas or

Refried Beans or Yogurt)

2. 2oz. eq. Grain: bread, grain, pasta, pretzel rod, crust wrap, or rice.

3.(May Choose 1): ½ cup of canned or fresh fruit, ½ cup 100% juice 4. (May Choose 2): ½ Cup Vegetable, ½ Cup Baby Carrots,1 Cup of Salad

5. A choice of milk. 1% White, Skim, Fat Free Chocolate,

Fat Free Strawberry, Fat Free Vanilla or Lactose Milk

Students are encouraged to take all components of the lunch

The Green Scene is the cold table

located on the serving line

offering fresh side salads and fresh veggies such as baby carrots daily.

Students may select up to 2

veggies a day. They may take a hot

vegetable and a green scene or 2

green scene items with lunch.

PAYING FOR LUNCH

Automated Point of Sale System (POS):

The Monroe Township School District has an automated point of sale system in the cafeteria.

Students use a keypad to enter their student ID number, which is also the number students use to

access their computer at school. Please help your child memorize their student ID number if they

have not already. This will help to speed the line. Should they forget their ID number, the cashier

can access their account by doing a search. All students are automatically set up in the

computerized POS system.

There are three methods to pay for lunch. Option 1 or 2 are the preferred method because it

speeds the line, giving your child more time to eat and relax.

Option 1: An online prepayment service is available for easy and secure deposits into your

child’s school meal account. This service allows parents/guardians the ability to view

your child’s account balance, deposit money into their account, and also set low balance

alert notifications. There is no charge to set up an account, and you do not have to put

money on account in order to access the available features. To set up an account go

to www.myschoolbucks.com. There is a small convenience per deposit. Please be aware

that on-line deposits may take up to 24 hours to clear, depending on your bank.

Automatically add money to a student’s account when the balance runs low. This is strongly

recommended to avoid negative balances.

Set up automatic recurring payments.

Low balance notifications.

View purchases for the past 90 days.

There is also an app for mobile devices.

Option 2: Either cash or a check payable to The Monroe Township Board of Education

can be given to the cashier to be deposited into your student’s account. Please write the

name of your student on the check. We strongly encourage sending a check placed in a

sealed envelope with your student’s name, teacher and the words “lunch money” on it.

The amount of the prepayment deposit is entirely up to you and can range from one day

to an entire year. Should your child have a balance at the end of the year, it will

automatically be rolled into the next school year, unless otherwise requested. Once

money is on your child’s account, it will be debited when used. The child will be notified

when a low balance appears, and a payment should be sent in at that time. We strongly

encourage that you set a low balance alert through the on-line pre-payment system.

If there is more than one student in the family that attends the same school, one student

can make a deposit to both their account and a sibling’s account, as long as you give the

cashier the name, grade and amount to be deposited to each account. A sibling deposit

cannot be made for a student in another school.

Example:

A $20.00 check…….Billy Doe - Grade 4 Mrs. Smith $10.00

Judy Doe - Grade 6 Mr. Jones $10.00

Option 3: Students can pay cash at the cash register.

Negative Balances: We ask that parents/guardians take an active role in monitoring and funding

there student’s lunch account. This is simple to do by setting up an on-line account with

myschoolbucks.com. Once an on-line account is set up you have the option to set an automatic

email notification when your student’s lunch balance is low, or if you wish you can have the

student’s account automatically replenish.

In the event that a student’s account is in arrears, the parent or guardian will be notified via

electronic mail on Fridays. The student’s parent or guardian shall have a period of 10 (ten)

school days from the day child’s account went into arrears to pay the amount due.

If after 10 (ten) school days the parent or guardian has not made full payment, then the district

shall contact the student’s parent or guardian via electronic mail to provide notification that

school lunch will not be served to the student beginning 1 (one) week from the date of the second

notification unless payment is made in full.

Limiting Student Purchases: A parent or guardian may limit the amount a student can spend

in a day. Limits are set by dollar amount, not number of items. If you wish to place a purchase

limit on your child’s account, please send a note to the cafeteria manager indicating the

maximum dollar amount to be allowed in a day.

Special Warnings/Allergies: The POS system enables the cafeteria staff to be notified through

a pop-up notice, that a child has an allergy or any other special concern. If you would like a

pop-up warning to appear, please send your request to the cafeteria manager, so that our cafeteria

staff can aide in monitoring their meals.

Built in Security: When a student enters their student ID number, the student’s photo appears

on the screen, enabling the cashier to verify the person using the account number. If a meal has

already been rung up that day with the student’s ID number, the cashier will be alerted to that.

No Overt Identification of Students Receiving Free & Reduced Meals: The system is set up

to insure that students who receive free and reduced lunch are not identified as such.

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications

Applications for Free and Reduced Lunch are sent home at the beginning of each school year.

There is also a copy of the district website. If your student was on the Free & Reduced Lunch

Program last year, you still need to re-apply this year. If you were on free or reduced price lunch

last year and fail to re-apply, your student’s status will automatically change to regular paid

lunch on Oct. 24, 2017. You can at any time in the school year apply for the Free & Reduced

Price Lunch Program.

If you have any POS questions, please contact Janet in the food service office:

732-521-6042 Ext. 2041.

Best Regards,

Nancy Mitrocsak

Food Service Director

Monroe Township Board of Education

OFFICE OF PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

423 Buckelew Avenue

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

609-642-6128

CHILD FIND

RE: Potentially Disabled Students

The Monroe Township Public schools is again seeking to identify resident

students between the ages of 3 and 21 who may exhibit difficulties with

mobility, voice or hearing, visual acuity, physical limitations due to

orthopedic or muscle abnormalities, cognitive, language or emotional

difficulties. If you have identified a child who resides in Monroe Township

with any one or a combination of difficulties listed above, please encourage

the parent to contact the Department of Pupil Personnel Services at (609)

642-6128 to schedule an appointment. A member of the Child Study Team

will initiate a referral for possible evaluation.

If you have any questions regarding this service, please feel free to call (609)

642-6128 to request additional information.

Marietta Ruela

Director of Pupil Personnel Services