Author: BONITA BROWN

Lenna W. Conrow
Early Childhood Learning Center
335 Long Branch Avenue
Long Branch, NJ Preschool 3 9 20-3:20
Preschool 4 9:20-3:20
Kindergarten 8:40-3:20

PARENT HANDBOOK
2021-2022
Bonita Potter-Brown
Principal

2021-2022
LONG BRANCH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Where Children Matter Most”
Tasha Youngblood, PRESIDENT
Lucille Perez, Vice President
Avery W. Grant
Michele Critelli, Ed.D.
Armand R. Zambrano JR.
Donald Covin
Violeta Peters
Joseph M. Ferraina
ADMINISTRATION
Francisco E. Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools
Janet Lynn Dudick, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Alvin L. Freeman, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Alisa Aquino
Director of Grants & Innovative Programs
Nicole Esposito
Director of Curriculum, Planning & Teacher Development
Peter E. Genovese III, RSBO, QPA
School Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Tara Puleio
Chief Academic Officer
Nancy L. Valenti
Assistant School Business Administrator/Assistant
Board Secretary
Jena Valdiviezo, Ed.D.
Director of Personnel
540 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-571-2868

Lenna W. Conrow
Early Childhood Learning Center
PARENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Welcome……………………………. 4
Mission Statement………………. 5
Staff Directory……..……………….. 6
Curiosity Corner …...………………. 7
Attendance………………….………. 8
District Calendar……………………. 9
Field Trip Policy…………………….. 10
School Emergencies……………….. 11
Transportation…………………….… 12
Visitation and Custody……………... 13
Nursing Services……………………. 14
Parent-Teacher Organization……… 15
Frequently Asked Questions………. 16
District Directory…………………….. 17
Uniformity of Dress Policy………….. 18-19

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WELCOME
We welcome you and your child to the Lenna W. Conrow
EarlyLearning Center. Since this is often a child’s first experience away from home, the teachers and staff endeavor to make it a pleasant learning experience for your child. Our primary goal is to offer your child a safe and healthy environment designed to promote academic success.
Working together we can set your child on the road to a healthy and happy childhood full of wonder and the joy of learning.
The handbook contains information on the program philosophy, curriculum, goals and objectives, an overview of the curriculum for children, and statements of the school’s policies and procedures. The handbook contains valuable information that you should know in order for your child to have the most successful learning experience possible. Please take the time to read our handbook carefully.
The Lenna W. Conrow School provides ESL support to bilingual students, co-teaching and in-class support for special needs students, guidance counselor, pre-school intervention referral team, in-class resource, a student/family support team, curriculum facilitators, full child study team, speech, language, occupational, physical therapists, nursing services, and physical education.

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LONG BRANCH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is concise:
We, the Long Branch School Community, strive to meet and exceed the standards set forth by the state of New Jersey

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LENNA W. CONROW
335 Long Branch Avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
Phone 732-222-4539/732-222-2001 Fax
Preschool Staff
Phone (732) 222-4539—Fax (732) 222-2001

Principal
Bonita Potter-Brown
School Nurse
Marge Chapman
Secretaries
Dianne Panduri
Tania Rodriguez
Family Support Team Advisor
Jen Gervase
P.I.R.T.
Siobhan Curry
Master Teacher
Tracy McMahon
Child Study Team
Tiffanie Kurtz
Maria Cuevas
Speech
Luann Candelmo
Occupational
Therapist
Preschool Teachers
Tanisha Allbright
Elaine Atkinson
Kaitlin Baiata
Abigail Berbrick
Amy Branagan
Caitlin Cannito
Anthony DeSantis
Jeanine Fasano
Megan Fuentes
Jennifer Lelivelt
Megan Liberatore
Dawn O’Grady
Leah Oppito
Alissa Popo
Kim Porzio
Melissa Riggi
Rebecca Schwartz
Jean Ann Wagner
Rene Yennella
Kindergarten Teachers
Alexandra Casares
Stefania Britt
Felicia Clark
Jennifer Long
Francine Marucci
Wally Morales
Preschool
Paraprofessionals
Jennifer Adams
Lucas Aquino
Jennifer Buono
Theresa D’Annunzio
Lauren Flynn
Elvia Franco
Ja’Keia Goff
Hailee Gordon
Stephanie Kircher
Shana Linton-Sanderson
Micha McKinney
Desirea Medina
Arielle Ostrowsky
Lisann Perrulli
Jaime Reilly
Rita Russomano
Joanne Sciarappa
Ta’Tyana Snelling
Jennifer Throckmorton
Dawn VanBrunt
Alda Viegas
Linda Vieira
Christina Vincelli
Raejeen
Kindergarten Paraprofessionals
Jen Adams
Jane Flannign
Tanai Johnson
Debra Langel
Gloria Pizarro
Patricia Sanchez Socorro
Karen Stout
In Class Support
Tamara Sulzbach
Bonnie Tedeschi
ESL
Sabrina Sheerin
Safe School
Environment
Thomas McClennon
Custodians
Donte Hart
Garry McCleave
Angel Vives

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Comprehensive Equity Plan
The Long Branch School District conducted a comprehensive needs assessment of its equity and equality needs. The comprehensive Equity Plan is designed to meet these assessed needs. The Board of Education has authorized the submission of the Comprehensive Equity Plan to the New Jersey Department of Education, and will support full implementation of the plan.
Some highlights of the plan include:
Staff Development & Training
School & Classroom Practices
Equity and Equality in Curriculum
Equity and Equality in Guidance & Service
You may review the plan and respond to it by contacting the
office of the Affirmative Action Officer at 732-571-2868

CUSTODY
It is the parents respon

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ATTENDANCE
Reporting an absence
To report that your child will be absent, please communicate with the teacher via Class Dojo/Remind or you can call the main office at 732-222-4539 Ext. 0 and leave a message for the teacher.
Returning to school
A note stating the reason for an absence is requested upon a child’s return to school. Students absent for more than 3 days and those under a physician’s care must bring in a note from the physician for the school nurse.
Tardiness
When a student arrives late to school, the parent or guardian must accompany the child into the school and sign them in. The child will be escorted to class by school personnel. No children may be left unattended at the front door. When you accompany your child into the school building, please park in front of the school, on Avenel Boulevard, and enter through the main entrance. Please do not park in the staff parking lots.
Early Dismissal
If an early dismissal is required for your child, they should be picked up from school only by persons who are listed on the child’s emergency information.
When picking up a child from school, the parent must sign the child out at the front desk no later than 3:00 PM. A school representative will get the child from class and bring them to the front desk. If a babysitter or caregiver is designated by a parent to pick up a child, and is not listed on the child’s emergency information the child will not be released. Adults picking up students may be required to provide
photo identification.
Release of Students
Students will not be released to anyone who is not listed on their emergency contact information. In an emergency the principal
will approve requests. Proper identification will be
required.

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District Calendar 2019- 2020
2021
Thursday September 5 Schools Open
Monday October 11 Professional Day/Staff
SchoolClosed/Students
Thursday—Friday November 4—5 NJEA Convention
School Closed
Thursday—Friday November 25-26 Thanksgiving Recess
Schools Closed
Thursday—Friday December 23–Dec 31 Winter Recess
Schools Closed
2022
Monday January 3 Schools Reopens
Monday January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Birthday Schools Closed
FMonday February 21 President’s Day Weekend
Schools Closed
Friday—Friday Apr. 15—Apr. 22 Spring Recess
Schools closed
Monday April 25 Schools Re-opens
Friday May 30 Memorial Day Weekend
Schools Closed
Thursday June 18 Summer Recess
Staff & Students
16

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FIELD TRIP POLICY
Field Trips
Field trips are designed to stimulate children’s interest and curiosity. They provide opportunities for social growth and development and are appropriate extensions of the curriculum. The privilege of participating in a class trip will be denied if a child is without a signed, parental permission slip.
Trips are scheduled throughout the year. Your child’s teacher will send home a monthly calendar with any scheduled trips. Trips may need to be cancelled due to conditions beyond our control: weather, bus availability, or site availability.
Walking Trips
Parents will be asked to fill out permission slips for walking trips. This permission verifies that the school has parental permission to take your child on walks around the school block during the entire school year.
*It is particularly important that parents or guardians sign and return permission slips in
order to assure a child’s participation.

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SCHOOL EMERGENCIES
Emergency School Closings:
When school closing is made necessary by weather conditions such as snow, sleet, hurricane, or if other reasons should require the closing of schools, please check the District website for up to date information at
www.longbranch.k12.nj.us and the District’s facebook page. You will also receive a phone call from the District’s automated phone
Notification system. Please update revised phone numbers in the
office.

Delayed Opening:
Delayed opening of schools will be one and one-half (1½) hour later than the regular opening time. The schedules are:
LWC - 10:40 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.—Kindergarten
11:20 a.m.—3:20 p.m.—Pre-K
Early Dismissal:
LWC Early Dismissal - 1:15 PM Pre-K and Kindergarten
Contacting Home:
It is very important that we have current telephone numbers and emergency contact names and telephone numbers for your children. A minimum of two contacts, other than parents must be on file at the school. These must be individuals who can be reached if a parent is unavailable to pick up their child.
If custody information changes for any reason, you will be asked to fill out new emergency cards. Periodically, we will ask you to update the information that we have on file.

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TRANSPORTATION
Bussing
It is imperative that parents and guardians bring children to designated bus stops each morning and receive children at the end of the day.
An adult must escort children to the bus. Once on the bus your child must take a seat, buckle the seatbelt, and remain in that seat until arrival at the school. Bus aides ride on each bus to supervise children.
You MUST receive your child at the end of the day. If no one is at the bus stop, children will be returned to LWC. It then
becomes your responsibility to pick up your child.
Transportation changes must be reported to the school. If you move, please bring a new proof of residence to the school. A ‘Change of Transportation’ form MUST be completed at the school office. You will be notified of the new transportation start date.

Walkers
Children who are driven and picked up daily, in a private vehicle are considered ‘walkers‘. Walkers may be dropped off using the valet service on CHELTON AVENUE . Drop off hours for Kindergarten begin at 8:20 AM. Pre-K student drop off begins at 9:20 AM. Pick up for all students is at 3:20 PM. Pre-K pick up is in the side parking lot on CHELTON AVENUE. Kindergarten pick up is in the back parking lot. Walkers will not be released at dismissal if they are not on the pick up list. Photo ID is required for anyone picking up for the first time.
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Kindergarten Drop off for those students who are not eating school breakfast is from 8:40 AM - 8:50 AM in the back parking lot. Your child will be met by a staff member and accompanied into school.

Thank you for your cooperation in assuring safe and efficient traffic flow. Please remember that these measures are taken to assure the SAFETY of your child.

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VISITATIONS
The Lenna W. Conrow Preschool encourages and welcomes parent participation. The staff provides many opportunities to visit. During the school year there are many parent workshops, class activities and children performances.
In order to assure your child the best transition into preschool a designated visitation schedule is provided. We ask your full cooperation in adhering to this schedule in order not to disrupt learning.

CUSTODY
It is the parent’s responsibility to report to the building principal in writing and to provide legal documentation of any situations affecting their child.
If you advise the school that you have been granted full custody of your child and that your spouse is no longer permitted to pick up your child from school you must furnish the school with a copy of the court order, regarding custody. Without the court order, we cannot prohibit a parent from contact with your child in the event he or she comes to the school.
If you have any other legal documentation, such as a restraining order or visitation schedule, you must furnish the school with a copy of the order.
* These policies are designed to provide the utmost safety for your child. Thank you for your cooperation.

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NURSING SERVICES
The school nurses, can be reached by dialing 732-222-4539 and selecting option #4. They are available daily to treat school-related injuries and/or illness.

Every effort is made to prevent accidents. However, each year a few do occur. In these instances, an accident report is completed by the school nurse, for any injury, which
occurs to a student on school property or under school
supervision.
Please make sure the school has your updated telephone and emergency numbers so that immediate contact can be made.

Nurse’s requests:
Please do not send sick children to school.
Children should be kept home 24 hours after a fever subsides.
Contagious illnesses or other conditions must be reported to the nurse immediately (i.e. chicken pox, lice).
Medications:
Some children with chronic illness and specific disabilities often require medication during school hours. Parent/guardians are asked to bring the medication to the nurse with written directions from the doctor. Please do not send medication to school in your child’s book bag.

Allergies:
All allergies or special dietary concerns must be reported to the nurse’s office

The school nurse conducts screening for vision and hearing, and measures height and weight for all students at the
preschool.

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.PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a joint organization for both the Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center and the Lenna W. Conrow School. Meetings will be held on an alternating bases between both buildings. Please plan to attend these meetings and become an integral part of your child’s education. Flyers will be sent home prior to the meetings. The building principals from both schools will act as the advisors for the PTO.

PTO EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Jennifer Campbell
Vice President
Kimberly Walker
Recording Secretary
Ana Rugo
Treasurer
Lauren Toffel
Advisors
Bonita Potter Brown
Linda Alston-Morgan

Membership for the LWC PTO is $5 per family.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if my child needs to be changed?
Young children have toileting accidents, food spills, and generally get messy. That is why the school requires all children to have a fresh change of uniform in their cubbies. Please send these in a bag with the child’s name: pants, shirt, underclothes, and socks.
It is embarrassing for your child if an accident occurs and there are no clean uniform. If soiled uniform are sent home, please be sure to send in a fresh change of clothing.
What should I send for snack?
Children should bring a small, healthy snack and drink in their backpack each day. We suggest crackers, cookies, pretzels, sliced fruit, and juice. Please do not send glass containers.
What else does my child need?
Please send your child with a backpack every day. Please be sure to check your child’s backpack every day for important messages.
Identification Tags
A plastic colored LWC tag will be placed on your child’s backpack. The tag is used to designate the dismissal location. Please do not remove the tag.

Thank you for your cooperation!!

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LONG BRANCH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DISTRICT DIRECTORY

Long Branch Board of Education
540 Broadway
732-571-2868

Joseph M. Ferraina ECLC / Pre K 3-4 Year Old Program / Kindergarten / 80 Avenel Blvd / 732-571-4150	Lenna W. Conrow / Pre K 3-4 Year Old Program / Kindergarten / 335 Long Branch Avenue / 732-222-4539
Amerigo A. Anastasia / 1-5th Grade / 92 Seventh Avenue / 732-571-3396	Morris Avenue School / Pre K 3-4 Year Old Program / Kindergarten / 318 Morris Avenue / 732-571-3139
Gregory School / 1-5th Grade / 201 Monmouth Ave / 732-222-7048	George L. Catrambone / K-5 / 250 Park Avenue / 732-222-3215
Audrey W. Clark / 192 Garfield Avenue / 732-571-4677	Long Branch Middle School / 6th-8th Grade / 364 Indiana Avenue / 732-229-5533
Long Branch High School / 9th-12th Grade / 404 Indiana Ave / 732-229-7300

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UNIFORMITY OF DRESS
The Lenna W. Conrow Early Childhood Learning Center will follow an enforced “Uniformity of Dress” plan. The choices are:
Pants, shorts, skirts and skorts are to be in khaki color.
All pants must be sized appropriately with pressed pockets. Pants are not to be purposely oversized, baggy, or cargo.
Dresses and skirts, as well as slits in these garments, are to be no shorter than fingertip length.
Pants are not to be worn so that they expose the posterior part of the body or underclothing.
Collar shirts, short or long sleeved polo shirts without a collar, turtlenecks and sweaters are to be dark green, white or grey.
Blouses and shirts shall not leave the stomach area exposed.
Undershirts are not to be worn as part of one’s daily outer attire.
All shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters are to have the Long Branch Public School patch (emblem) attached as part of one’s daily attire.
Inappropriate dress is defined as clothing of other styles and color, which deviate from the “Uniformity of Dress” policy. Shorts may not be worn between November 1st and March 31st.

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UNIFORMITY OF DRESS (continues)
Sneakers are the desirable choice of footwear to be worn daily. If sandals are worn, they need to have a back. Plastic beach shoes and/or plastic shoes are not to be worn to school. Hats, scarves and bandanas are not to be worn in school. “Hats” and head coverings of a religious significance will be allowed.
The classroom teacher will note enforcement of the preschool “Uniformity of Dress” during daily attendance. Procedures for students inappropriately dressed will be the following:
1st offense - Teacher will send home a copy of the dress code reminder slip.
2nd offense - The school will contact parent/guardian to fact-find the reason why the student was inappropriately dressed. If ‘Uniformity of Dress” is a financial burden to parent/guardian, the school will utilize related services to provide parent assistance. If the parent/guardian does not with to participate, then the
alternative of not continuing in the District Preschool will be reviewed.

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The Lenna W. Conrow Early Childhood Learning Center has established a school safety committee whose members make on-going recommendations to further improve the security of the preschool. The procedure for preschool
visitors is listed below. Please be aware for the safety of students and staff members these procedures will be strictly adhered to.
No visitors are to enter the building with students during arrival and dismissal.
All visitors to our schools will need to enter the building through the front door. At the buzzer, it is expected that all
visitors will state the purpose of their visit and/or specify with whom they have an appointment.
If the appointment is verified, the visitor will be buzzed in and must present themselves to the safe school officer and/or main office immediately upon entry.
Visitors will be required to show identification, and sign in to obtain a visitor’s pass.
It is imperative that visitors do no hold the door open for others behind them. Each visitor must be acknowledged individually through the buzzer system.
If you pick up our child up early, you must notify the teacher in writing prior to dismissal. If it is an emergency, call the main office (732-222-4539) to notify the school.
Front office secretaries will be required to call 911 and notify school administrators if a visitor is uncooperative, does not
adhere to the procedures, or becomes threatening. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a lockdown.
The safety of your child is our number one responsibility. If you should require clarification regarding these procedures please contact the building Principal. Thank you for your cooperation and help in making the preschool more secure.