PCSST K-12 Parent Bulletin

Lead Person's Message

As we close the 2025–2026 school year, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our families for their continued partnership and support throughout another successful year at PCSST. Together, we have celebrated academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, artistic performances, leadership opportunities, field trips, community service projects, and countless moments of growth for our scholars.

The final weeks of school were filled with memorable milestones across all four campuses. At our K-1 Campus, we proudly celebrated our Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony, recognizing the successful completion of our youngest scholars’ first year of formal education. Their enthusiasm, growth, and accomplishments throughout the year were truly inspiring. We also celebrated our first-grade students as they prepared for the next step in their educational journey.

At the 2-3 Campus, third-grade scholars were recognized during the annual Stepping Up Ceremony as they prepared to transition to the 4-7 Campus. Families, staff, and students celebrated the academic and personal growth that has prepared these scholars for the exciting challenges ahead.

At the 4-7 Campus, students concluded the year with memorable experiences, including the Annual Talent Show, which showcased the creativity, confidence, and talents of our scholars. The year culminated with a special Moving Up Ceremony for our eighth-grade students, marking the completion of their middle school years and the beginning of their high school journey.

At the 8-12 Campus, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026. Surrounded by family, friends, and staff, our graduates reflected on years of hard work and achievement while looking ahead to bright futures in college, careers, military service, and skilled trades. We congratulate each graduate and thank their families for entrusting PCSST with their educational journey.

This school year was particularly special as PCSST was recognized with the prestigious 2025 Lighthouse Award, becoming the only charter school among nine New Jersey school systems honored for expanding equitable access to dual enrollment opportunities. This recognition reflects the hard work of our students, staff, and families and reinforces our commitment to ensuring every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities.

We also celebrate the many successes achieved throughout the year in athletics, JROTC, dual enrollment programs, career and technical education, performing arts, robotics, academic competitions, and student leadership activities. These opportunities continue to provide our scholars with experiences that prepare them for success both in and out of the classroom.

As we begin summer vacation, we encourage all families to continue supporting learning at home through reading, educational activities, family experiences, and opportunities for exploration and discovery. Please also take advantage of the Summer Learning Challenge to keep our scholars learning during the summer. (See below for more details) We hope the summer months provide time for rest, relaxation, and meaningful moments with loved ones.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff, thank you for your partnership, trust, and support throughout the year. We wish all PCSST families a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the first day of school on August 24, 2026.

Congratulations on another outstanding year, PCSST family!

Mr. Riza Gurcanli

Lead Person

June Events and Activities

K-1 Campus

2-3 Campus

4-7 Campus

8-12 Campus

Summer Learning Challenge

Dear Families,

We are excited to invite all current K–7 students to participate in our Summer Learning Challenge! This engaging program helps students maintain their academic skills, prevent summer learning loss, and prepare for a successful start to the new school year.

Instead of traditional summer homework, students will participate in a district-wide challenge using our online learning platforms, with opportunities to win exciting family prizes and attend a special district celebration event! "

Important Reminders & August Calendar

K-12

Monday, August 25th - Opening Day for All Students
Tuesday, August 26th - Friday, August 29th - Half Day for Students

K-1 :

2-3 :

4-7 :

8-12 :

Parent -Teacher Organization (PTO)

PTO Information:
Our PTOs play an important role in supporting our school community. We encourage all families to get involved in upcoming meetings and events.

Contact Information:

K–7 PTO: Ms. Scott – 973-333-4729, krishana.scott@pcsst.org

8–12 PTO: Mr. Lightner – 973-247-0600, william.lightner@pcsst.org

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to learn more about how you can participate.

Other Websites and Resources for Parents

Academic Support

Khan Academy (khanacademy.org): Offers free lessons in various subjects to help students get back into the academic rhythm.
Scholastic (scholastic.com): Provides reading challenges, book lists, and tips to re-engage with literacy.
IXL (ixl.com): Interactive practice in math, language arts, science, and social studies tailored to each child’s level.

Time Management & Organization

Cozi Family Organizer (cozi.com): A free app for organizing family schedules and school assignments.
Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org): Offers resources to set digital boundaries and manage screen time effectively.

Mental Health & Emotional Adjustment

Child Mind Institute (childmind.org): Provides expert advice on helping children transition back to school routines.
GoZen (gozen.com): Offers tools and programs to help children build resilience and cope with stress.

Routine & Sleep Reset

National Sleep Foundation (thensf.org): Provides tips for getting children back on a healthy sleep schedule.
HealthyChildren.org (healthychildren.org): Offers advice on creating a balanced daily routine.

Building Motivation

Understood.org (understood.org): Provides strategies to motivate kids, especially those with learning differences.
PBS Kids for Parents (pbs.org/parents): Encourages learning through play with resources and games for younger children.

Parent Support Networks

Parent Toolkit (parenttoolkit.com): Helps parents understand what their children need to succeed academically and socially.
Facebook Groups and Local Forums: Many communities have local parenting groups that share tips and support for school adjustments.

Other Websites and Resources for Parents

Here are additional resources for parents to support their children in K-12 schools

Common Sense Media: Provides age-appropriate media recommendations, tips, and resources for parents to guide their children's learning through movies, games, and apps. https://www.commonsensemedia.org
Prodigy: A free, curriculum-aligned math platform offering engaging math games for students. Parents can use this to track progress and help their child improve math skills. https://www.prodigygame.com
National PTA - Family Resources: Offers resources for parents to get involved in their child's education, including tips on fostering a positive school-home partnership and advocacy. https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources
Parent Toolkit: An all-in-one resource for parents to track and support their child’s social, emotional, and academic growth from pre-K through high school. https://www.parenttoolkit.com
ABCmouse: Provides a comprehensive early learning platform for children ages 2-8, offering interactive lessons across reading, math, science, and art. https://www.abcmouse.com
IXL: Offers personalized learning in math, language arts, science, and social studies. Parents can use the platform to reinforce skills with tailored recommendations. https://www.ixl.com
Starfall: A free public service for early literacy skills, offering interactive reading and phonics games designed to engage young learners. https://www.starfall.com
Parents.com (Parenting Education Resources): Offers expert parenting tips and education resources covering topics from early childhood to high school. https://www.parents.com
NWEA Family Toolkit: Provides insights into MAP Growth testing, explaining how parents can support their children’s progress with targeted strategies. https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit
Learning Heroes: Provides parents with actionable information to support their child’s academic success, including readiness checks, skill-building tips, and personalized learning tools. https://www.bealearninghero.org

These resources cover a wide range of subjects and age groups, offering practical support to help parents engage with their child's learning at home.

FAQs for Parents

Student Database System:

How can I access my child(ren)’s assessment results, grades and attendance as well as discipline records 24/7?

Yes, if you log on the Genesis Student Database, all the information is on your finger tips.

I don’t know how to access the Genesis Database. What should I do?

You can reach out to school secretary or any of the admins and request your username and password.

I do not know how to navigate the database, Where can I receive help?

Please watch the online training video or check out the manual.

What do you need to do if you want to update your child’s information on the database?

Reach out to you campus Secretary and provide the updated information and necessary documents if asked.

Transportation:

How can I get information on School Transportation?

Please visit our transportation webpage to learn all about transportation at PCSST.

Food Service:

How can I check school’s daily breakfast and lunch menu?

All our campus lunch information can be reached for our Food Service provider Maschio’s website.

Anonymous Reporting:

How can I report an incident anonymously?
You can report any incident that is a concerning you but you do not want to be identified, you can use our school’s “STOPit” platform to report and get rapid respond from a school administrator.

PCSST 2026-2027 Academic Calendar

Disclaimer: The information in this bulletin is accurate at the time of publication and is based on entries provided by each campus. In the event of any differences, updates communicated directly by building administrators should be considered the most current and accurate information. Please check your building administrator's emails regularly, as events, activities, or details may be adjusted throughout the week.

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