Churchill Junior High School - East Brunswick Public Schools

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Churchill Junior High School
                                              18 Norton Road
Principal                                East Brunswick, NJ 08816                          Assistant Principals
Matthew N. Hanas              Phone: (732)-613-6800     Fax: (732)-257-0087                 Katherine Dragonetti
                                              www.ebnet.org                                       Ian Evanovich

   August 27, 2021

   Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

   Welcome back to the 2021-2022 school year. The Churchill Administrative Team hopes that you and
   your family have had a healthy, safe, and relaxing summer. The entire Churchill staff is excited to
   welcome students back to the building on Thursday, September 9th.

   I would like to begin by sharing some important information related to our opening day, Parent Access,
   student devices and Canvas. Following this initial information, you will find several links and important
   points listed alphabetically for your reference. Please refer to the CJHS Webpage for additional updates
   and information.

          Opening Day: The first day of school is Thursday, September 9th. Please note that the school
          day begins at 7:26 AM with dismissal at 2:12 PM. Thursday, September 9th is a Block A schedule
          with periods 1-4. CLICK HERE to view our bell schedules.

          Genesis Parent Access: Parent Access is the online communication system that is paired with
          our district’s student information system, Genesis. The system allows you to have access to
          your student’s schedule, grades, attendance record, report cards, and progress reports. The
          district sent an email asking you to complete the critical policies/forms on Friday, August
          20th. Please review and acknowledge all these forms prior to the start of the school year. Student
          schedules will be available in Parent Access after 3 pm on Friday, August 27th.

          Student Devices and Supplemental Device Insurance: All Churchill students are eligible to
          receive a Lenovo ThinkPad Laptop PC that features a touchscreen and digital inking technology.
          These devices run on the Windows 10 operating system and come with the Office 365
          productivity suite. Students should bring their device and charger to school every day. We also
          ask that students bring a set of earbuds or headphones every day. Additional information about
          supplemental device insurance will be provided in the near future.

          Canvas: We will continue to use the web-based learning management system (LMS) that will
          supplement the learning experience for your student. More information is available on the CJHS
          homepage under the Canvas Resources icon. We have posted a one-page resource document
          for students and families to help you get oriented with this software. Each student’s Canvas
          dashboard lists all classes he or she is enrolled and includes important announcements and
          access to assignments. Students will also participate in Canvas orientations during homeroom
          in early September.

   Attendance: Please refer to the district attendance policy #5200. Acknowledgement that you have
   read and reviewed the attendance policy is part of the critical policies on Parent Access. Attendance is
   mandatory and will be taken each period by teachers. Should you have a question concerning
   attendance during the school year, you are advised to consult with your child’s grade level administrator
   (GLA). Mr. Evanovich is the 8th grade administrator. Ms. Dragonetti is the 9th grade administrator.

                            Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Atmosphere
Churchill Junior High School
Back to School Night: This event is currently being planned as an in-person event from 7-9pm on
September 14 for grade 8 parents and September 21 for grade 9 parents. Additional information will be
provided closer to the event.

Block Schedule: There is a new A/B block schedule format in which students will have 8 classes
over a two-day cycle. Students will attend 4 classes per day. Classes will be 82 minutes in length
and lunches will be 39 minutes. You can view the schedule on our website and learn more about the
benefits of block scheduling for student learning in this presentation.

Bus Information: Bus information will be available in Parent Access after 3:00 PM on August 30th.
You can obtain additional bus information by visiting the Transportation Department webpage. Student
drop-off for those who are being driven by a parent/guardian is on Norton Road in front of the south
building.

Calendars:
         a. CJHS Calendar of Events
         b. EBPS District Calendar of Events
         c. EBPS One-Page School Year Calendar

Cell Phones: Students are permitted to use cell phones, personal listening devices, and headsets in
hallways during passing time between classes. Students must follow a one-earbud / one-earphone
protocol during passing time in which only one earbud or headphone can be worn. Cell phones are not
permitted during any testing situation. During testing, devices must be away in the student’s backpack.
The use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is at the discretion of the individual
classroom teacher. Failure to abide by the teacher’s directions regarding the usage of personal
electronic devices may result in confiscation of the device or disciplinary consequences.

Child Nutrition: The Child Nutrition Department is responsible for the nutritional well-being of students.
Click here for important information regarding this upcoming school year. Additional resources can be
found on the Child Nutrition web page. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of New Jersey has
extended their program that provides breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students for the 2021-
2022 school year.

Clubs and Activities: We will be spotlighting clubs and activities during homeroom each Wednesday
so students can learn more about our offerings. In addition, we will provide a virtual activity fair on our
website in the near future.

Community Service for 9th Grade Students: Please visit the school counseling office or the CJHS
school counseling website for more information on the process for completing community service hours.

Dress Code: Please consult the Student/Parent Handbook regarding the dress code. Parents are
asked to review and discuss with their child the contents of the dress code in order to avoid situations
that detract from our educational environment. Students who are in violation of the dress code will be
required to change their clothing and parents may be contacted. Hats and hoods are not permitted to
be worn during the school day. The only headwear permitted are those that are worn for religious
reasons. Masks are required to be worn at all times inside school buildings and on the bus
regardless of vaccination status. Students who do not comply with Governor Murphy’s
Executive Order #251 will be sent home.

                          Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Atmosphere
Churchill Junior High School
Dropped Off / Forgotten Items: The main office will not deliver student items unless deemed an
emergency by an administrator. In order to prevent disruptions during class instruction, students will
not be called to the main office and will need to pick up items during passing time.

Health Suite: Our school nurses are located in the Health Suite in room 1716. School nurses are
restricted by NJ State Law from distributing any prescription or non-prescription medication without a
doctor’s order. Medication forms can be found here. The nurse will assess all students who are feeling
ill and will determine if the student needs to be sent home. Additionally, we will have an isolation room
for students who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Emergency contacts will be notified in this
instance and must pick up the student from school within 30 minutes of notification.

Locker Number and Combination: Student locker numbers and combinations are posted on your
student’s schedule. Please do not share this information with anyone. Homeroom teachers will assist
students with their locker on the first day of school, if needed.

Masks: According to Executive Order 251, all students and staff are required to wear a mask at all
times when inside the school building except when the individual is engaged in an activity that cannot
physically be performed while wearing a mask, such as eating or drinking, or playing a musical
instrument. Students who ride the bus to school must wear a mask when on the bus. Masks are not
required of any individual while outdoors. Students are required to provide their own mask and it is
recommended that students carry additional masks in a zip-loc type bag on their person in the
event a mask becomes damaged or soiled. Bandanas worn over the nose and mouth and neck
gaiters are not acceptable face coverings and cannot be worn.

Orientation: Orientation for all 8th grade students and new-to-the-district 9th grade students will be held
in-person on August 31st or September 1st from 8:30-11:30 AM. Students will be split into two groups
alphabetically and will be assigned on either August 31st or September 1st. Student orientation is a
student-only event. Please refer to the Blackboard message that was sent on August 17th to all 8th
grade and new-to-the-district 9th grade students for more details. The program will include:
           o A tour of the building
           o A chance for students to meet their school counselor and attend counselor presentations
           o A presentation with building administrators
           o Distribution of Lenovo laptop PCs as part of the 1:1 device initiative
           o A chance for students to walk the building independently with their schedules and find
               their classroom locations and lockers.

PTA: The Churchill Junior High School Parent-Teacher Association helps support programs for
students and teachers at CJHS. During the 2020-2021 school year, a few of the initiatives the PTA
helped to support included:
     • Funding for the installation of chilled water bottle re-filling stations in Churchill Junior High
         School for students and staff.
     • Support and funding for students prizes for a Diverse Books Reading Challenge that was
         facilitated by our Media Center Specialist.
     • Sponsorship of a luncheon for Churchill staff during Teacher-Appreciation Week.
     • A Churchill Junior High School Spirit-Wear Sale.
The Churchill PTA will be hosting a membership drive in the near future. Your membership dues go
back to students and staff in the form of helpful grants that improve the student experience at Churchill
Junior High School. The Churchill PTA is also seeking interested individuals for their executive board
including fundraising / spirit-wear chairperson and membership chairperson.               Please email
ebchurchillpta@gmail.com if you would like more information.

                          Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Atmosphere
Churchill Junior High School
Schedules: Student schedules for the 2021-2022 school year will be available on Parent Access after
3PM on Friday, August 27th. If you have a concern regarding your schedule, please contact your child’s
counselor. Counselor contact numbers are listed on the School Counseling web page on the CJHS
website.

School Counseling: This year, the CJHS School Counseling Department will offer the following
programs:
   • 8th Grade Parent Night – Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00 PM
   • 9th Grade Parent Night – Tuesday, November 16th at 7:00 PM

In addition to individual counseling meetings, the School Counseling Department offers a variety of peer
support groups that meet during the school day.

Student Drop-Off / Pick-Up: Student drop-off for those who are being driven by a parent/guardian is
on Norton Road in front of the south building. Students should be dropped off starting at 7am.

Student Handbook: The CJHS Student/Parent Handbook is posted on the CJHS webpage. Parents
and students should refer to the online handbook for detailed information related to student life at CJHS.

Student ID’s: Students must wear their school ID from the waist-up while in the building. IDs and
lanyards will be issued on September 9th and 10th. IDs are also required to receive meals in the cafeteria.
Students forgetting their ID may purchase one in the school counseling office. CLICK HERE to review
policy #5517 – Student Identification Cards.

Student/Parent Signature Form - Important Annual Notices: Please log-in to Parent Access to
complete the district’s Important Annual Notices Signature Form.
   • Section 1 - Registration
          o Student Contact Tab – please review the Student Contact tab to ensure all phone, email,
             and medical information is correct and up-to-date.
          o Critical Policies and Regulations – please review all policies and regulations which can
             be found on the District webpage under Board of Education.
          o Supplemental Accidental Insurance Optional Coverage – please refer to the Financial
             Services webpage for more information.
   • Section 2 - Technology
          o Acceptable Use Policy (Technology) – please CLICK HERE to review the Acceptable
             Use Policy.
          o District Internet Publicity Permission Agreement – please review and select the option if
             you do not wish to have your child’s image posted on any media.
          o FERPA – please review in its entirety
   • Section 3 – Student Services
          o Student Handbook
          o Attendance Policy
   • Section 4 – Facilities
   • Section 5 – Transportation – masks must be worn on the bus regardless of vaccination status.
   • Section 6 – Child Nutrition
          o All families are encouraged to complete the Lunch Application form in Parent Access to
             see if you qualify for additional benefits and help gauge meal demand.
          o All students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch meals for the 2021-2022
             school year.
          o Please refer to the Child Nutrition Webpage for more details.

                          Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Atmosphere
Churchill Junior High School
             o   Free and Reduced School Meals Application – please refer to the Child Nutrition
                 webpage for more information. In addition, the free and reduced price school meals
                 application is available in the Forms library in Parent Access.

Yearbook and Student ID Pictures: Information on how to order student portraits is attached with this
message or you can click here. Yearbook and ID pictures will be taken on September 9th and 10th during
Physical Education/Health Education classes.

The CJHS administration, faculty, and staff value the school-home connection. We will continue to
provide regular communication to keep you abreast of information related to your child’s education. We
are looking forward to working with you through the 2021-2022 school year. Please enjoy the remaining
days of summer and stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Matthew Hanas                          Mr. Ian Evanovich                 Ms. Katherine Dragonetti
Principal                              8th Grade GLA                     9th Grade GLA
732-353-0915                           732-613-6801                      732-613-6780
mhanas@ebnet.org                       ievanovich@ebnet.org              kdragonetti@ebnet.org
@CJHSprinc (twitter)

Attachments:

East Brunswick Public Schools Cafeteria Information – 2021-2022 School Year
Lifetouch School Picture Order Form

                          Excellence in Academics, the Arts, Athletics, and Atmosphere
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