Embedded Files
Lead Person's Message
Lead Person's Message
Dear PCSST Families,
As we settle into the 2026–2027 school year, I am pleased to welcome you to our first K–12 Parent Bulletin of the year. The opening weeks have reminded us once again what makes PCSST special: students excited to learn, dedicated educators creating welcoming and engaging classrooms, families actively participating in their children’s education, and a community united around the success of our scholars.
Across our four campuses, the year began with tremendous energy. Students quickly transitioned from the excitement of the first days to establishing routines, building relationships, and engaging in meaningful learning. Our classrooms are already filled with reading, writing, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and exploration.
One of the most encouraging highlights of these first weeks has been seeing so many families at our Back-to-School Nights. These evenings are much more than opportunities to meet teachers. They strengthen the partnership between home and school that is essential to student success. Thank you to every parent and guardian who attended, asked questions, met our staff, and demonstrated to your children that their education matters.
This partnership will be especially important because 2026–2027 is a significant year in PCSST's history. We are seeking renewal of our charter for another 10 years, along with approval to expand our high school by 240 additional students over four years. Our renewal site visit is scheduled for October 16, when representatives from the New Jersey Department of Education will have an opportunity to see our schools, speak with members of our community, and learn more about the work taking place across PCSST.
We would especially like our parents to be part of this important process. Parent interviews will be conducted during the site visit, and parents and guardians who are interested in participating are welcome to volunteer. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and perspectives directly as members of the PCSST community. If you would like to participate in the parent interview, please reach out to me or your building principal. We would be pleased to have you represent our PCSST families.
Our strongest preparation for renewal, however, is not something created specifically for a visit. It is what happens every day: strong teaching and learning, students who are engaged and supported, safe and welcoming schools, meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom, responsible leadership, and families who are active partners in their children's education.
We also enter this important year with much to celebrate. PCSST begins the year as a New Jersey Lighthouse Award recipient, recognized for expanding equitable access to dual-enrollment opportunities. Our students continue to benefit from growing college and career pathways, JROTC, STEAM, the arts, enrichment programs, academic supports, and many other opportunities designed to prepare every Lion for what comes after graduation.
Fall athletics are also underway, and our Lions are back in action! This season, our students are competing in boys and girls soccer, boys and girls cross country, girls volleyball, and middle school flag football. Athletics are an important part of the PCSST experience, building teamwork, discipline, school pride, and a sense of belonging. We encourage our families to come out, wear your PCSST colors, and support our student-athletes and coaches. You can find the fall athletics schedule in this bulletin and at Game Schedule Website
As you explore this month's Parent Bulletin, you will find many more examples of our students learning, competing, creating, serving, and growing across our four campuses. Please take time to review the campus updates, celebrate our students' accomplishments, note upcoming events, and take advantage of the programs and resources available to your family.
We have begun the year strongly, but a successful school year is built one day at a time. Thank you for entrusting PCSST with your children, for supporting our teachers and staff, and for continuing to walk beside us during this particularly important year.
Together, as One School, One Voice, One Pride, we look forward to making this milestone year another exceptional chapter in the PCSST story.
Mr. Riza Gurcanli
Lead Person
August Events and Activities
August Events and Activities
Important Reminders & September Calendar
Important Reminders & September Calendar
K-12
Monday, September 7- Labor Day- District Closed
Monday, September 21st- Yom Kippur- District Closed
Wednesday, September 23rd- Math and Literacy Night
Monday, September 28th- Progress Report Distribution
K-1 :
Thursday, September 3rd- K-1 Back To School Night
Monday, September 14th- New Teachers Meeting
2-3 :
Thursday, September 10th-Back to School Night
Monday, September 14th- Boys/ Girls Club Begins
Tuesday, September 15th- Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
4-7 :
Wednesday, September 2nd- Back to School Night 5:30 pm
8-12 :
Wednesday, September 9th- Back to School Night
Athletics Departments' September Calendar
Athletics Departments' September Calendar
Athletes of the Week
Athletes of the Week
Parent -Teacher Organization (PTO)
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.
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
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
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
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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