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‘We take care of one another at Monmouth Junction!’
MONMOUTH JUNCTION SCHOOL
630 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852
(Phone) 732-329-6981
Dr. Maribeth Edmunds, Principal
Mr. Peter Rattien, Assistant Principal
_______________________________________________________________________________________
August 1, 2014
Dear Monmouth Junction Families:
I have had a wonderful summer thus far taking time to enjoy my family and by touring this wonderful country of
ours. To do so, we took a road trip in California. On our journey, we visited Yosemite National Park and drove 95
miles of the Pacific Coast Highway. We also toured the Monterey Bay Aquarium, well-known for its marine life
sanctuary. It was inspiring to witness the aquarium’s conservation efforts on behalf of life in the ocean.
On exhibit in one area of the aquarium were several examples of man-made objects that pollute the ocean and
threaten sea life. This exhibit was found near a sign that quoted the words of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss.
The sign posted this warning, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s
not!” These words reminded me so much of our school’s slogan: “We take care of one another at Monmouth
Junction.” Not only do we need to care for one another, but we also need to care ‘a whole awful lot!’ This year, as
in years past, we will focus on teaching children to care of one another. This, I believe, is the foundation upon which
we can build a stimulating, vibrant and caring community where all children flourish.
And now, for my annual update of information to help prepare everyone for the upcoming school year.
Monmouth Junction’s New Jaguar Logo
In this summer letter, we are officially unveiling our new Jaguar logo! He is exciting, clever and imaginative, but
nameless. In September, students will have an opportunity to select a name for the jaguar!  We know that our
students will be amused by these cartoon-like images. Later in this letter, Mr. Rattien, our assistant principal and I,
have crafted a short message for you to share with your children about our summer fun, and our new logo.
Weekly Updates from the Principal in the Online Friday Folder:
Each week, I write to families updating them on important news and information about the school. This update is
included with the Online Friday Folder. Families are asked to visit the school’s Web site and click on the
appropriate link in order to view the principal’s message. This weekly routine will keep you informed!
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
Welcome New & Returning Staff Members
Classroom Teachers:
We have an outstanding line up of teachers for the upcoming year. In Kindergarten, there will be two classes with
Mrs. Spinner partnering once again with Mrs. Schuhl. Kindergarten parents will hear from their teachers about
Wishes and Dreams meetings that will take place late in August.
There will be three first grade classes this year. Mrs. Sciortino will return to first grade after spending a year in
grade two. Ms. Drew and Mrs. Miller will complete the first grade team. Mrs. Hair and Ms. Wales will continue
as our second grade teachers. The third grade team will be Mrs. Frame, Mrs. Monasch and Mrs. Nieves.
We want to welcome two new teachers to our fourth grade team. Ms. Andrea Reish Hannum, a graduate of Penn
State University and a former teacher at Cambridge School, will join the fourth grade team. Ms. Kaitlin Salzman,
who recently earned her Masters Degree from The College of New Jersey and completed her student teaching at
Brunswick Acres, will join Ms. Hannum and Mrs. Daley. Mrs. Buonocore, Mrs. Katz and Mrs. Stadler will form
the fifth grade team. A new teacher, Ms. Carly Strommen, will join Mrs. Armento in the resource room.
Other Departments:
I am pleased to report that Mr. Judge and Mrs. Dawidowicz will return as our two music teachers. Mr. Henning
will teach physical education once again. Ms. Ward will teach art. Señor Blanco will continue as the Spanish
teacher. Mrs. Garber will be our speech teacher. Mrs. Russoniello and Mrs. Navantieri will return as our
instructional support teachers and organize our Student Support Team. Lastly, Mrs. Scaglia will continue as our
student assistance counselor and anti-bullying specialist. Mrs. Kramer will continue in her role as the school nurse.
Child Study Team Members:
Mrs. Kim Hans (social worker), Dr. Heather Hamed (school psychologist) and Mrs. Keri Mandell (learning
consultant) will join us once again to service the needs of students with disabilities and support their families.
Monmouth Junction PTO – Slate of Officers
I am pleased to present the names and contact information for the PTO Executive Board members for 2014-2015.

President- Claire Wittenburg - [email protected]

VP of Program – Lynda Williams – [email protected]

Programs Coordinator – Sowmya Ananthan – [email protected]

Treasurer – Jonathan Bordeau - [email protected]

Secretary – Ratna Mulpuri - [email protected]
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.

VP Fundraising – (Nominated: Sharmeen Haque – to be voted upon in September.)

Fundraising Coordinator- Jagdish Iyer [email protected]

Science Fair Coordinator – Leigh Ann Solomons and Vani Mishra

Homeroom Parent Coordinator- Lisa Carlin
Halloween Harvest: Annually, our PTO provides the school community with an array of initiatives from
academic programs to technology for classrooms. This year, our PTO has developed a new initiative entitled
“Halloween Harvest.” Several motivated and enthusiastic parents are working on an exciting social event that will
take place on Friday evening, October 17th. Children will dance to the music of a DJ, explore a haunted hallway, and
enjoy making crafts, etc., while wearing their Halloween costumes. There will also be opportunities to use ‘MJ
Harvest Bucks’ that are only available at our school specifically for use at the Halloween Harvest. There will be
more information about ‘Harvest Bucks’ and the Halloween Harvest at our Ice Cream Social.
As such, I am pleased to invite all families to our first PTO event of the year, the annual PTO Ice Cream Social.
The social will take place on Friday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m. (rain or shine) on the rear playground. Also, on
behalf of the PTO Executive Board, I invite you to join our monthly meetings held on the third Tuesday of the
month at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. (Free babysitting is provided.) Please support our PTO!
Picture Day and Back- to- School Night: Thursday, September 18th
This year, the PTO will be using Lifetouch Photography for the annual photos of your children. The PTO will send
information to parents about logging into Lifetouch’s Web site that allows parents to place orders electronically.
Also on September 18th, we will host our annual Back- to- School Night. It is the most well-attended event of the
school year for parents. Because parking is always a challenge at MJ, please carpool or walk to the school. We will
have a shuttle at the high school that will transport parents from the high school parking lot to Monmouth Junction
and then back to the high school later that night. We look forward to seeing you on September 18th.
Kindergarten Parents:
This is a reminder that Kindergarten Prep will run the week of August 18th through August 22nd. If you haven’t
already done so, there is still time to register if you would like your child to attend. The bus safety training for
Kindergarten students will occur on August 20th at 12:15 p.m. Remember that on the first two days of school,
September 4th and September 5th, Kindergarten parents may come in with their children to take photos in the
cafeteria. On Monday, children must enter the school as they usually do. Parents may no longer accompany
children from that point forward. (See details in the remainder of this letter for arrival and dismissal procedures.)
In other school news – Student Parent Handbook and HIB (Anti-Bullying)
Handbook: On the first day of school, you will receive a packet with important information. One item will be a
new Student-Parent Handbook. Please sign the return slip and read this critical information in the Student-Parent
Handbook regarding school and District policies and procedures.
Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation: Please read the information about Bullying, Harassment and
Intimidation in the handbook. Our School Safety Climate Team will meet four times this year to support this effort.
Student Support Team: Each school is required to create a Student Support Team for the purpose of helping
teachers meet the needs of struggling learners. In all cases, parents of students brought to the Student Support
Team are notified of our concerns and invited to meetings to work on the child’s behalf.
School Lunch: The price of a school lunch is $2.30. The price of milk remains unchanged at 55 cents.
Office and Attendance Records: Please check in with our school secretaries, Mrs. Carol Anderson and Mrs.
Deborah Gullo, for school details throughout the year as well as the attendance records for your children.
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
The First Few Weeks of School – September and October 2014
Dates to remember:
• Open House: Wednesday, September 3rd from 2:00 -3:00 p.m.
• First Day of School: Thursday, September 4th – Full Day of School
• PTO Ice Cream Social: Friday, September 5th – Rain or Shine. 6:30 p.m. (MJ Playground.)
• PTO Meeting: September 23, 2014 (7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria – Free Babysitting Provided.)
• Picture Day: September 18th – See information from Lifetouch regarding orders.
• Back to School Night: September 18th. (7:00 p.m. Parking and shuttles from SBHS.)
• Early Release: October 1, 2014.
• Halloween Harvest: October 17, 2014
Summer Reading: We hope that you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Please take time to relax and enjoy a few
good books with your children. I am hopeful that students and families were able to use their ‘Beach Badge’ passport
when visiting the South Brunswick Public Library and get it stamped. We will talk about their visits to the library
and their summer reading when we return in September.
In the meantime, take care of one another – and care a ‘whole awful lot.’
Regards,
Maribeth Edmunds, Ed.D.
Principal
(Please share the next letter with your children!)
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
‘We take care of one another at Monmouth Junction!’
MONMOUTH JUNCTION SCHOOL
630 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852
(Phone) 732-329-6981
Dr. Maribeth Edmunds, Principal
Mr. Peter Rattien, Assistant Principal
_______________________________________________________________________________________
August 1, 2014
Dear Monmouth Junction Students:
Mr. Rattien and I have been enjoying our summer vacations. Mr. Rattien took his children to Disney
World where his daughter, Jenna, danced in the Magic Kingdom parade. He, his wife and son Jacob
enjoyed all the rides and amusements. My husband, my son Carl Ross, and I took a road trip to
California. We saw the largest tree in the world, called General Sherman, in the National Sequoia Forest
and saw the Sierra Mountains in Yosemite National Park. Then, we drove 95 miles down the Pacific
Coast Highway, observing the beauty of the coastline. What a great trip! We would love to hear all about
your vacation trips, too.
Monmouth Junction’s New Jaguar Logo
Have you noticed our new Jaguar logo! We believe he is funny and clever, but he needs a name. In
September, Monmouth Junction students will have an opportunity to select a name for the jaguar at one
of our opening assemblies. We can’t wait to hear the ideas you suggest for our new MJ friend! 
We hope you have had some time to visit the public library and use your ‘Beach Badge’ to log in your
visits with a stamp. It is so much fun to do. I have been reading a book about Thomas Jefferson. Mr.
Rattien has been reading about creating an indoor garden with hydroponics. We can’t wait to hear about
your reading choices and share new ideas.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in September.
Dr. Edmunds
Mr. Rattien
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
2014-2015
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL ROUTINES & SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Please read this information carefully!
These procedures are designed to protect the safety of all students. Staff members will be assigned to supervise
students during arrival and dismissal times in order to enforce the procedures listed in this memo. Please be
courteous to our staff members and treat them with respect since they are simply trying to safely facilitate the
movement of approximately 375 students in and out of the building.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
The building doors will open at 8:55 a.m. to admit students to the building. Students and parents are expected to
wait outside until 8:55 a.m. unless the students are in the Before-School Program. The late bell rings at 9:05
a.m. All students are expected to arrive prior to 9:05 a.m. so instruction can begin promptly. Never leave children
unattended in the playground or parking lot prior to 8:55 am.
Before School Program
You are required to sign your child into the before-school program. All grade level programs will be in the
cafeteria. You are to park in the back parking lot and enter the building through the back doors of the new wing. No
drop-off or parking is permitted on the bus loop. Please park your car in designated spaces, shut it off, and walk
children to the back door. Please use caution in this area at all times. Also, please buzz in separately at the door and
stay in this location when dropping off children in the morning. This helps to keep our school more secure.
Bus Students
All buses serving our school park either in the horseshoe or along the curb immediately past the horseshoe on
Monmouth Drive. Bus students will enter the building through the door on the bus loop.
Walkers
Students walking to school are expected to cross Ridge Road or Monmouth Drive at the locations that have crossing
guards. All Ridge Road walkers will enter through the bus loop door. All other walkers will enter through the back
of the new wing. Walkers are not permitted to enter the building until 8:55 a.m.; therefore, they should time their
arrival accordingly.
Parent Drop-Off
Parking is extremely limited! We recommend that you do not plan to park, but use the Drop-Off Zone. The
Drop-Off Zone will be at the rear of the parking lot. Enter the parking lot, and pull as far forward as possible in the
Drop-Off Zone. There is no parking permitted in this zone. Please do not block driveways or park in any area
marked by “No Parking” signs or yellow curbs.
A. Cones will be placed at the end of the staff parking area at approximately 8:45 am and 3:15 pm. Please do
not drive into the staff parking area during arrival or dismissal time since many children are walking in this area to
meet parents.
B. Do not park your car and then leave it idling while meeting your children.
C. Please use caution when driving in this area because children may dart out into the lot.
D. Do not use the handicapped parking space without a proper permit.
There is No Parking on Monmouth Drive!
This is a reminder that there is no parking allowed on Monmouth Drive (either side of the street) when school is in
session. This restriction is in effect from 8:45 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. daily. Cars parked illegally will be ticketed by
township police.
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
Late Arrivals
Any student arriving after 9:05 a.m. bell must be accompanied by a parent to the Main Office to be signed in.
Students are not permitted to sign themselves in, nor are they permitted into class without a late pass.
Absence
If your child is going to be absent, the school must be notified. You may call the voice mail at any time or call
the office after 8:00 a.m. to report your child absent. Please do not use email to report your child absent.
According to District policy, ‘un-notified’ absence will result in a call from the school. A letter that outlines
specific details of the District’s attendance policy will go home in the opening day packet.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
After-School Program
Students will be dismissed to their ASP program, and attendance will be taken before other all other students are
dismissed.
Walkers and Parent Pick-Up
The location of the waiting area is on the blacktop at the rear of the building. We begin dismissing these students at
approximately 3:25 p.m. (1:30 on early dismissal days). Teachers will walk students to the waiting area and
supervise their pick up.
Children will not be permitted to cross the parking lot or Monmouth Drive without being accompanied by a parent.
Please meet your child at the waiting area. Students walking home will exit the building with the students being
picked up by parents. Please use the crosswalks and walking paths.
Dogs at Dismissal: Some of our students are very afraid of animals, specifically dogs. Please do not bring your
dogs to the waiting area. Stay at the sidewalk with your pet if you bring one. Thank you for helping our children
exit the building calmly.
Bus Students
All bus students will exit through the bus loop doors to meet their buses. The buses will be parked either in the loop
or along the curb immediately past the bus loop.
Changes in Dismissal
If you need to make a change in your child’s dismissal, please write a note to the teacher. Changes in dismissal are
noted on the daily attendance report that is given to teachers. This guarantees that teachers and after-school
personnel are informed of any changes. Also, you can call the main office to notify the staff of any dismissal
changes. Please do not email changes to the teachers.
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Dropping a child off in the front of the school during morning arrival is not permitted. This area is
not supervised by any staff and the front door is locked. The only morning drop-off location is on
Monmouth Drive in the rear parking lot. Do not allow children to play on the playground unsupervised.
There are limited visitor parking spaces in the front parking lot. These are for 15 minute parking only. If
you are planning on being in the building for a longer period of time, you must park in the back parking lot.
During the school day, all entrances are locked. All visitors to the building must be admitted through the
front door and go to the Main Office for a visitor’s badge. Visitors must display the badge while in the
building.
Do not park in the fire zone. Cars parked illegally are subject to ticketing by the township police.
A SPECIAL NOTE FOR KINDERGARTEN PARENTS
To help ease everyone’s anxiety on the first two days of school, all kindergarten students – walkers, riders, and bus
students – come directly to the Cafeteria to meet their teachers. When everyone in a class has arrived, teachers will
walk the entire Kindergarten class to the classroom.
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
We will follow this procedure on Thursday, September 4th and Friday, September 5th. On Monday, September
Kindergarten students will go directly to their classrooms in the morning. Staff members in the hallway will assist
them.
BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION*
If you would like to have a short class birthday acknowledgement for your child, please speak with your child’s
teacher in advance. Parents should be mindful of the district’s nutritional policy as well as the dietary restrictions of
students in the classroom. These birthday recognitions are short (ten minutes) and limited to the classroom
community. Parents are asked to drop off the treats in the main office, and these treats will be delivered to the
classroom. (Only Kindergarten and first grade parents may attend these celebrations. As the district continues to
enhance security, we will update families on how security affects classroom celebrations.)
Goody bags are not allowed. The school will not permit bouquets of balloons and other celebratory decorations to
be sent to the classrooms. These can be distracting to students’ learning. Birthday party invitations are not to be
distributed at school. Please use your PTO Class Directory in order to send such invitations via the U.S. Mail
system. The directory will be distributed in October.
DRESS CODE*
The wearing of clothing bearing obscene writing or promoting indecent or unacceptable behavior, whether stated or
implied, will not be permitted. In all such cases, students wearing inappropriate items will be asked to remove or
replace them. When it is determined that students are in violation of these guidelines, they will be sent to the nurse’s
office and provided with temporary clothing for the remainder of the school day.
No student is permitted to wear a hat or any other head covering in school, unless required to do so by religious
custom or medical condition. Since students at the elementary level have recess every day, it is recommended that
the students wear sneakers or other safe footwear (no flip-flops) to school daily. In addition, students should dress
for the weather as recess occurs throughout all seasons of the school year.
SCHOOL SAFETY PROCEDURES
School Safety
All district schools conduct drills and have plans in place to keep students, staff, and visitors secure. Among such
safeguards are (a) Bus Evacuation Drills, (b) Fire Drills, and (c) Lockdown and other drills as needed.
School Security
All district schools have cameras and buzzer entry systems that restrict visitors’ access to the buildings. To ensure
the safety of our students, staff, and community, the district also has an identification (ID) card system for all district
staff. Visitors are issued temporary ID badges upon signing in at the main office.
PERSONAL ITEMS*
Students are expected to bring to school only those supplies, books and other materials, required for learning. The
school provides students with recreational supplies and equipment for use during recess and/or Physical Education.
TECHNOLOGY/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
We recognize that more students have electronic devices today, such as e-readers and iPads. Although these may
be useful for educational purposes, at this time, we are not permitting them to be used in school for safety and
security reasons.
NUTRITION*
South Brunswick School District contracts its school dining services through Chartwells Dining Service which
provides school lunch options in compliance with the State-mandated Nutrition Policy. Due to the growing number
of students who have been diagnosed with peanut allergies, which can be fatal to some, Chartwells School Dining
Services no longer serves items that are peanut-based or use foods prepared with peanut-based products in any of
our cafeterias. While this change does not impact “packed” lunches or snacks, we ask that you be mindful of the
existence of food allergies among children and discourage sharing of snacks.
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.
Student-Parent Handbook and DISTRICT WEB SITE*
Our recently revised Student-Parent Handbook will be distributed on the first day of school in September. Critical
information regarding our Elementary Code of Student Conduct, including a recently approved Harassment,
Intimidation, and Bullying Policy (HIB), is included. You will be asked to sign for the receipt of this handbook and
read this information carefully. The Student-Parent Handbook will also be available for review on our Web Site.
Further information pertaining to the school district and Board meetings can also be found on our school district’s
Web site at http://www.sbschools.org
“Building Bridges”
Monmouth Junction Mission Statement
Our mission at Monmouth Junction Elementary School is to promote an optimal educational experience and provide an
environment where students feel safe, respected, nurtured and supported.