August 30, 2023

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

My name is Cameron Baynes and it is my privilege to serve the Penns Grove Carneys Point community as the principal at Paul W. Carleton Elementary school. I could not be more excited about the upcoming 2023-24 school year. At Carleton, our mission is to instill social and academic confidence in our students by providing opportunities for creativity, expression and the satisfaction of intellectual curiosity. We believe that all of our students are destined to be “Leaders and Achievers”

 The first day of school is Thursday, September 7, 2023 and is a full day. School hours for Carleton School are 8:30 am – 2:45 pm and students who walk or are dropped off are not permitted to be on school property before: 8:10 am. Bus drop off time to school is 8:15 am. Please check your child’s Genesis portal for bus stop location and pick up time. On the first day of school only, parents may accompany their child onto the playground and into their classroom until 9:00 am. The Genesis portal will be available to parents beginning September 1, 2023. Additionally, our Back To School Night is being held on September 5, 2023. We will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m.

 Your help and assistance is needed to allow for a safe environment for students being dropped off and picked up daily:

 · Students who walk or dropped off are not permitted to be on school property before 8:20 am.

·  Walkers and students dropped off on Smith Avenue must cross at crosswalk area unless an adult crosses them.

·  During dismissal, if you are parked on the other side of Smith Avenue, your child will have to use the crosswalk or remain on the sidewalk for an adult to come and escort them across the street.

·  Students who need to cross Route 130/Virginia Avenue, must walk on sidewalk and be crossed by the crossing guard located across from Andy’s.

·  Parking or stopping in the driveway of the building is strictly prohibited at any time.  Please use the parking lot.

Our school community is committed to making sure that every student receives an engaging and rigorous learning experience that prepares them for their future endeavors. We will treat your students with respect, we will encourage and inspire your student(s) but most importantly, we will love them.

 Academically, we challenge our students to do their very best and put forth-maximum effort at all times. Our English Language Arts and Math curriculums are designed to ensure that students are learning all of the required skills as indicated by the State of New Jersey and the Department of Education. We provide our students with learning opportunities that take into consideration their interests and learning styles. Our staff works hard to make sure that your students receive a personalized education program that is fun and engaging.

 We recognize that our students have academic and social learning needs. We are intentional in addressing the social components of our students’ development. Carleton participates in the “D.R.E.A.M.S.” program that helps students “Develop Resilience through Engaging Approaches to Maximize Success” This program helps our school community to better support students and families that have been exposed to trauma. Additionally, we utilize the “Nurtured Heart Approach” in dealing with students. This approach recognizes the greatness that exists in all of our students and helps us to focus on their strengths. Lastly, we use the S.I.L.A.S. program to support socioemotional growth and development.

 At PWC, your students will have extracurricular options including sports clubs, safety patrol, band/choir club and chess. Our chess program is school wide and every student will learn to play as a part of his/her instructional program. This year students will also get a chance to participate in a dance club. Lastly, there are after school programs designed to provide students enrichment and remediation opportunities. Our 21st Century after School program allows students a chance to participate in fun and engaging activities like cooking, sports, coding, photography etc. We also offer tutoring opportunities for students looking to sharpen their skills!

 We look forward to the beginning of the 2023-24 school year and we thank you for your partnership. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to educate and grow with your students! We are going to have an amazing school year on purpose.     

Sincerely,

Mr. Cameron D. Baynes, Principal

& Staff at Paul W. Carleton School