Preschool · Cherry Hill Public Schools
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
No school
Regular day 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Nurse contact: Ms. Kaitlyn Bernard, kbernard@chclc.org (for flu shot documentation)
This week
Full calendarLunch from the district's monthly menu. Whole month
Reminders
Nov30
Annual Flu Vaccine Deadline
Flu vaccine is due every year for children six months and older by November 30.
district
Mar1
New Jersey School Vaccine Requirements for Child Care & Preschool (March 2026)
NJ requires children in child care centers and preschools to meet minimum immunization requirements based on the AAP childhood schedule. Doses required by 3 months: 1 DTaP, 1 IPV/OPV, 1 Hib, 1 PCV. By 5 months: 2 DTaP, 2 IPV/OPV, 2 Hib, 2 PCV. By 7 months: 3 DTaP, 2 IPV/OPV, 2-3 Hib, 3 PCV, 1 Flu. By 16 months: 3 DTaP, 2 IPV/OPV, 3-4 Hib, 4 PCV, 1 Flu, 1 MMR, 1 VAR. By 19 months: 4 DTaP, 3 IPV, 3-4 Hib, 4 PCV, 1 Flu, 1 MMR, 1 VAR. Children must show proof of at least one dose of each required vaccine before entry (provisional admission). Medical and religious exemptions are detailed in the Immunization of Children in Child Care Centers and Schools regulations (nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/acode). Resources: NJ Immunization Requirements FAQ at nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements.
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Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Cubby Change of Clothes
Send your child in weather-appropriate clothing, since outdoor play occurs daily weather permitting. Also keep a weather-appropriate change of clothing in the child's cubby (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes).
reminder
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Playgrounds closed to the public during SACC hours
All school playgrounds are closed to the public during School/Student-Age Child Care (SACC) hours, 7 am-6 pm, Monday-Friday. Please do not bring or send children to play on school grounds during these hours.
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New Jersey School Vaccine Requirements for Child Care & Preschool
New Jersey requires children attending child care centers and preschools to meet minimum immunization requirements based on the AAP childhood schedule. The document outlines vaccine dose requirements by age (3 months, 5 months, 7 months, 16 months, 19 months) including DTaP, IPV/OPV, Hib, PCV, Flu, MMR, and Varicella. Flu vaccine is due every year by November 30 for children six months and older. For additional information and resources, visit nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/acode or nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements.
reminder
Nov30
Important Flu Shot Information
The State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has mandated that all children in childcare and all preschool students must receive a flu vaccine by November 30, 2026. Please schedule an appointment with your doctor early. After your child receives the immunization, send in a doctor's note with the date to the school nurse. Students who do not have an immunization cannot come to school beginning December 1, 2026. The Department of Health will not grant extensions. Site Nurse: Ms. Kaitlyn Bernard, kbernard@chclc.org
reminder
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Nut-Free Zone Policy
All Cherry Hill Public Preschool locations are completely nut free. Nut products such as peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, hazelnut spread (Nutella), and whole nuts are not permitted. Do not send your child to school with nut products as it poses health and safety risks for students and staff and they will not be permitted to be consumed while at school.
reminder
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Photo and Video Privacy Policy
Parents are reminded to ensure that when posting photos or videos of their child outside of school, at the bus stop, or at school events on social media, there are no other students in the photo or video being shared publicly. This is a major privacy concern for students and families who have not expressed approval for their child's photo or video to be publicly shared.
reminder
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Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Awareness
Starting school or returning to school can be a great experience for youngest learners, but for others it can be scary as they adjust to their new routine. Ensuring students attend school daily and on time assists them in their transition and provides the best learning opportunity. Students attending daily and on time are exposed to the entirety of the curriculum and social opportunities with peers. As part of NJDOE's efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, all student absences will be tracked. NJDOE defines chronic absenteeism as being absent for more than 10% of the school year. In accordance with the Cherry Hill Attendance Policy, attendance letters will be sent home at intervals of 4, 7, and 10 consecutive days absent from the program. Preschool students absent for 10 or more consecutive days will be at risk of losing their spot in the preschool program.
reminder
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Nap Linens Laundry Reminder
All linens used for naptime are sent home Friday with your student. Please launder the linens and return to school Monday. Contact Amanda Gerald, CPIS, at agerald@chclc.org or 856-429-5600 ext. 4458 with any questions or concerns.
reminder
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Chronic Absenteeism and Attendance Policy
The NJDOE tracks all student absences as part of efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, defined as being absent for more than 10% of the school year. In accordance with the Cherry Hill Attendance Policy, attendance letters will be sent home at intervals of 4, 7, and 10 consecutive days absent from the program. Preschool students absent for 10 or more consecutive days will be at risk of losing their spot in the preschool program. Daily and on-time attendance ensures students are exposed to the full curriculum and have social opportunities with peers.
reminder
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Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) Welcome Back Video
Cherry Hill SEPAG invites parents to view their Welcome Back video for the 2026-2027 school year.
district
Coming up
All datesOct26
Oct26
Construction Project Tours at Rosa Middle School
Tours of recent bond referendum improvements made at Rosa Middle School. Sign-ups are required to attend. Tours will take place at 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
event
Oct26
In School Pumpkin Patch
In-school pumpkin patch event. Week of 10/26, based on site.
event
Oct26
Construction Project Tours - Rosa Middle School
Tours of recent bond referendum improvements at Rosa Middle School. Tour times: 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Sign-ups are required to attend.
district
Oct26
Super Hero Day (Wear your Super Hero T-shirts)
Super Hero Day at Chesterbrook Academy of Voorhees - students are encouraged to wear their Super Hero T-shirts.
event
Oct26
Construction Project Tours at Rosa Middle School
6:00 PM
Tours of improvements made with recent bond referendum funding at Rosa Middle School. Tour times: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 p.m. Sign-up required.
event
Oct26
Construction Project Tour at Rosa
6:00 PM
Join us to see the recent bond referendum improvements made at Giacamo S. Rosa Middle School! The community is invited to tour updated hallways and classrooms, the music suite, the cafeteria/auditorium area, and more.Construction Project Tours will be hosted on Monday, October 26th. There will be four groups of tours at varying times: 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.Sign-ups are required to attend. Please sign up online: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AAFAC22A3F9C34-66465035-community
district
Oct26
SEPAG Meeting (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) on Zoom
7:30 PM
Monthly SEPAG meeting via Zoom with a presentation on 504 plans by Mr. George Zografos, Cherry Hill Supervisor of School Counseling, followed by SEPAG updates. RSVP to receive the meeting link.
district
Oct27
Trunk or Treat
5:30 PM
Cherry Hill Preschool PTA presents Trunk or Treat. Costumes welcome. Volunteers needed to host trunks; volunteer form to be sent at a later date.
event
Oct27
Oct28
Oct29
Pajama Day (Fall Into Slumber)
Wear your coziest pajamas. Note: the Oct calendar lists Pajama Day on Oct 21, so confirm the date with the school.
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Who to contact
Full staff directory (11)
Amanda Gerald
Preschool Community Parent and Involvement Specialist (CPIS)
Amanda Gianfortune
Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist
Buses & transportation
District pageTransportation office(856) 489-5851
Hours7:00 am - 4:30 pm daily
- Bus running late?Call the transportation office (7:00 am - 4:30 pm daily). When notified in advance, the Transportation Department will attempt to send an automated message for individual route delays of 20 minutes or more. As a friendly reminder, please be sure your contact information in Genesis is up to date for best service.
- Late bus after activitiesLate buses only run for the middle and high schools; there is no late bus at this school.
- Need a different stop for today?Permission to change buses, or bus stop, will be granted in cases of EMERGENCY ONLY. Students must ride on their assigned bus as well as get off the bus at their assigned stop. We will do our best to accommodate EMERGENCY situations that might require your child changing buses or pick-up and drop-off points for the current day. Requests to change bus stops must be sent to the principal in writing prior to 11:30am. The principal must approve any change in drop-off by signing the note. Upon approval, your request will be sent to the CHPS Transportation Department and the driver will be notified.
- Changing your regular bus stopValid bus stop change requests for existing bus stop locations will only be accepted until October 31st for the current school year. Following that date, only new move-in stops or extreme emergency changes will be considered. Bus stops must be consistent for time efficiency, student safety and driver's knowledge of route, especially substitutes. Bus stop change request form
- Left something on the bus?The CHPS Transportation Department's procedure is to have your student's driver hold on to anything found on the bus for 3 days before turning it over to the bus contractors’ office. Neither Cherry Hill Public Schools or our bus contractors are responsible for missing or damaged items. Lost items
- Weather closings & delaysSchool closing information
Transportation department staff (6)
Malberg Administration Building, 45 Ranoldo Terrace, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-0391
District budget
State budget reportCherry Hill Public Schools, 2026-27 budget, from New Jersey Department of Education files.
- Employee benefits2025-26: $54.1M → 2026-27: $61.4M (+13.6%)
- State school aidDown $857,788 from last year State aid file
- Local school tax levyUp 7.4% from last year
- Surplus budgeted to balance the budget2025-26: $13.1M → 2026-27: $3.8MPlanned amount, not what is left in reserve. Does not include capital or maintenance reserve withdrawals.
In the district's words
- Budget gap
largely due to state aid reductions, significant increases in health benefits and rising transportation costs
Budget Clarity Hub 2026-2027 - Reserves
mostly depleted
Budget Clarity Hub 2026-2027
Quoted from the district's own budget documents. The district may count costs differently from the state's figures above.
More from the newsletter
Latest newsletter summary
This week's newsletter spotlights heritage months in October: Italian-American Heritage Month and Polish-American Heritage Month, with background on each, plus profiles of prominent Italian Americans (Samuel J. Porcello, the Oreo food scientist) and Polish Americans. No new school-specific dates, deadlines, or contact information are given in this issue. This newsletter from Chesterbrook Academy of Voorhees (Cherry Hill) for October 2026 covers the Socktober sock collection drive (Oct 12-30), the Fall Festival on Oct 30 at 3pm, and a series of fall spirit days including Pajama Day on Oct 29 per the flyer. It also includes a preschool attendance reminder about chronic absenteeism and a weather-appropriate clothing reminder for outdoor play. A Stephanie Kwolek biography and an autumn-themed flyer were also included. This newsletter covers October events for the Cherry Hill Preschools program, including PTA meetings and fundraisers, the In School Pumpkin Patch, and Trunk or Treat on October 27. It also reminds families about nap linen laundry, the nut-free policy, bus stop timing, and photo/video privacy. Construction project tours at Rosa Middle School are also announced for October 26. The PTA is recruiting for the 2026–2027 school year: Site Liaisons and Room Parents are needed, and families can join the PTA. Trunk or Treat RSVP and volunteer sign-ups are open. A New Jersey flu shot mandate requires all preschool students to receive a flu vaccine by November 30, 2026, with proof sent to the school nurse. This newsletter's main content is a March 2026 New Jersey school vaccine requirements flyer for child care and preschool, covering required doses by age milestones (3, 5, 7, 16, 19 months), the annual flu vaccine deadline of November 30, and provisional admission rules. It also promotes the "You've Been Awesome" staff appreciation form, which families can submit anytime throughout the year. The birthday graphic and placeholder blocks contain no school-specific dates.
Programs (3)
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Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) Video Message
Video message from the Special Education Parent Advisory Group
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Adventure Aquarium Pre-K Pass
Free pass program for all children age 2 through age 5. Sign up today to receive a free Adventure Aquarium pass.
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Clubs & organizations (2)
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PTA Membership 2026–2027
Join the Preschool Program PTA for the 2026–2027 school year. Questions: CHPSPRESCHOOLSPTA@gmail.com. Join via the QR code on the flyer or the membership link.
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Community Bulletin Board
Community Bulletin Board is available online. To have information shared, email publicinfo@chclc.org.
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Volunteering (5)
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Trunk or Treat Volunteer Sign-Up
Volunteers needed for Trunk or Treat in any capacity (decorating trunks, providing candy, handing out treats). Sign up via QR code.
volunteer
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Board of Education Vacancy Applications
Cherry Hill residents may apply to fill a Board of Education vacancy. The appointee serves until the Board's Organization Meeting in January 2028.
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PTA Site Liaisons - Call for Volunteers
Seeking Site Liaisons to serve as main point of contact between PTA Board and assigned preschool site, provide communication from Board to parents, and assist with getting items to site for PTA events/initiatives.
volunteer
Busing & arrival (2)
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Bus Stop Timing and Transportation Contacts
Arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes before pick-up. Buses depart about 10-15 minutes after the end bell. Automated delay messages are sent for 20+ minute route delays when notified in advance. The first three weeks of school may see more fluctuation. Transportation Department: 856-489-5851. Middle/High School late bus: Hillman's (West, Beck, Rosa) 856-753-1123; Hillman's East 856-753-1123; First Student (Berlin) for Carusi 856-753-0222.
busing
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School Bus Transportation Information
Students should arrive at the bus stop 5-10 minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time. Buses depart approximately 10-15 minutes after the end bell time. Automated delay notifications are sent for individual route delays of 20 minutes or more. Timing may fluctuate during the first three weeks of school and throughout the year due to weather, traffic, and construction. Contact Transportation Department at 856-489-5851 for questions. For late bus runs at Middle and High School: Hillman's (West, Beck, Rosa routes) 856-753-1123 or First Student/Berlin (East, Carusi routes) 856-753-0222.
busing
Policy updates (3)
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Nut-Free Zone Policy
All Cherry Hill Public Preschool locations are completely nut free. Nut products such as peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, hazelnut spread (Nutella), and whole nuts are not permitted. Do not send your child to school with nut products as it poses health and safety risks for students and staff and they will not be permitted to be consumed while at school.
updated
Nov30
Flu Vaccination Requirement - Mandatory by November 30, 2026
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services mandates that all children in childcare and all preschool students must receive a flu vaccine by November 30, 2026. After vaccination, parents must send a doctor's note with the date to the school nurse. Students without documentation cannot attend school beginning December 1, 2026. No extensions will be granted by the Department of Health.
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Wireless Communication Device Policy Update (Policy 5516.01)
Students must keep wireless communication devices (cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, wireless headphones) silenced and in a secure place during instructional periods. Smart watches may be worn but only for timekeeping. Students are prohibited from recording audio or video at all times. Exceptions apply for devices documented in IEPs, 504 plans, or Individual Health Plans with prior School Nurse permission. Discipline for violations is governed by the Student Code of Conduct.
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Procedures (3)
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Photo and Video Privacy Reminder
Families are encouraged to share photos and videos of their children, but when posting outside of school (including at the bus stop or school events), make sure no other students appear in the image or video shared publicly.
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Pep Rally & Early Dismissal Procedures
On Friday, October 9th, there will be a Pep Rally following an abbreviated schedule, beginning around 1:50 PM. For early dismissals occurring after 1:15 PM, an Express Sign-Out option is available for those who qualify. All early dismissals must be entered in the Genesis Parent Portal by 12:30 PM on October 9th. The person picking up the student must be listed in Genesis as an approved contact and present a government-issued ID upon arrival. Student drivers may only drive themselves from campus if they have an approved vehicle with a valid East parking pass.
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Photo and Video Privacy Policy
When posting photos or videos of your child on social media or sharing with others, ensure that no other students appear in the photo or video being shared publicly. This is a major privacy concern for students and families who have not expressed approval for their child's photo or video to be publicly shared.
updated
Initiatives (9)
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You've Been Awesome - Staff Appreciation Form
A form to acknowledge teachers and staff, available throughout the year. Submit as many times as you like; each completed form is printed and given to the identified teacher/staff member.
initiative
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Financial Transparency Platform launched
CHPS launched its financial transparency platform, built with ClearGov, to share information on district financial plans and projects. Includes a video on how to navigate it.
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Clara Barton Bravo Tickets
Students recognized for positive choices, kindness, effort, and exemplary behavior earn Barton Bravo tickets, submitted for a chance to win a weekly prize. Part of the 2026-2027 schoolwide theme at Clara Barton Elementary.
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Bell-to-Bell Personal Device (PIED) Policy
District policy restricting cell phones and personal internet-enabled devices bell to bell. Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Laux visited Cherry Hill HS East to see it in action; students reported more connection and focus. Read the East Side coverage for more.
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Oct12–30
Socktober - Community Sock Donation Drive
This month the school will be collecting new socks in all sizes for those in need in the community. Shelters have reported that socks are one of the least donated, but most needed items. Donations should be sent to school for children to drop in a collection bin. Help provide socks to shelters before the cold weather hits.
initiative
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Scooping Up Some Skills - Social Emotional Learning
Three-part parent education series on social-emotional development: Scoop 1 focuses on helping children notice, name, and understand feelings through feeling faces/wheels and nightly check-ins. Scoop 2 teaches social-emotional skills through teaching rules, practice, and praising effort. Scoop 3 emphasizes family-child relationships through 5-10 minutes daily of child-led play, descriptive commenting, and cozy routines.
initiative
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Early Literacy Universal Screening
Cherry Hill Public Schools introduces the early literacy universal screening process for students in kindergarten through grade five. The screening assesses students' reading skills at least twice a year as required by New Jersey law; Cherry Hill will assess three times a year to track student progress. DIBELS 8 will be used as the screener, administered by a teacher or staff member in no more than 10 minutes. Families will receive a Family Report detailing their child's literacy screening results and information about available support services including reading intervention programs.
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People mentioned (15)
Stephanie Kwolek
Chemist (inventor of Kevlar), featured in newsletter biography
Samuel J. Porcello
Food Scientist, Nabisco (subject of Italian-American spotlight)
Maria Montessori
Italian Physician and Educator
Kairo D.
Dr. Julieta V. García
Pioneering Mexican-American Academic Administrator and Former President of The University of Texas at Brownsville
Jaiden Dalal
Senior Intern at The Drone Life
Sylvia Mendez
Civil Rights Activist and Education Advocate
Elizabeth Martinez
First Mexican American Librarian in California
Dr. Arnulfo Trejo
Professor of Library Science
Barbara Kase-Avner
District Nurse
Heidi Setchel
Malberg Nurse
Kim Cantermen
Principal
Hailey Shaw
Assistant Principal
Pulled from the school's newsletter and website, and the district calendar.