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New Albany Elementary School

Be Safe * Be Responsible * Be Respectful

January 2026 New Albany Parent Connection Newsletter

Posted Date: 12/28/25 (11:34 AM)


New Albany Parent Connection

January 2026

 
A New Year's greeting with text overlayed on a soft-focus image of blooming branches and sunlight.
 
A graphic with hand-drawn text listing "NEW YEAR, NEW MOMENTS, NEW ADVENTURES, NEW LESSONS, NEW MEMORIES, NEW CHALLENGES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES."
Text on a pink background reads: 'EVERY MORNING YOU HAVE A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A BETTER version of yourself..'
 

Important Dates

January is Braille Literacy Month
January is School Board Appreciation Month
January is Muslim Heritage Month
January 1: New Year's Day
January 5: School Reopens
January 8: Invention Convention Information Session, New Albany @ 5:00pm
January 9: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
January 20: BOE Meeting 7:00pm @ Cinnaminson Middle School
January 21: Session 2 of Clubs Ends
January 27: CEHASA Public Meeting 6:00pm @ New Albany Library
January 28: Session 3 of Clubs Begin
January photo where it is snowing
 
A dark blue background with the text 'Muslim Heritage Month' in elegant white script.

January is Muslim Heritage Month

Muslim Heritage Month (MHM) is celebrated in January, with many events and festivals scheduled across the U.S. The month was created to acknowledge, educate, and promote the rich cultural and historical contributions of the Muslim community and celebrate the community’s rich history, patriotism, advocacy, civic engagement and philanthropy.
The Muslim Heritage Month Coalition of NJ strives to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity among diverse communities by organizing events, initiatives, and educational programs that highlight the diverse tapestry of Muslim heritage. Through collaboration and engagement, they aim to build bridges of mutual respect, breaking down stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and interconnected society.
 

Thank You, Cinnaminson Board of Education!

In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Cinnaminson Board of Education for their dedication and advocacy on behalf of our students. Our school board members serve with passion and purpose, focusing on student achievement, innovation, and inclusivity to ensure all learners have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Their thoughtful leadership strengthens our schools and positively impacts our entire community. We are grateful for their continued commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences and shaping a bright future for all Cinnaminson students.
 

January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

In recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Cinnaminson Township Police Department, along with law enforcement officers everywhere. Their steadfast commitment to protecting and serving our community does not go unnoticed. Each day, they go above and beyond to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of our students, families, and residents.
We are deeply thankful for their hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering professionalism. Because of their dedication, Cinnaminson remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and raise families.
We also look forward to recognizing our very own School Resource Officer, Tom Lillagore, on February 15 in celebration of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
 

January 19th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service, justice, and equality. His powerful message reminds us of the importance of kindness, courage, and standing up for what is right. As a school community, we are inspired to continue his work by fostering respect, empathy, and inclusivity, and by encouraging our students to lead with compassion as they help build a more just and peaceful world. Take a moment to discuss the importance of Dr. King's message with your child through the eyes of Kid President: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kid President.
 

Counseling Corner

Illustration for Random Acts of Kindness Day with diverse hands holding hearts.

Random Acts of Kindness Week Service Project

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 14-20, 2026. Every year, The Counseling Department encourages students to find ways that they can spread kindness within their community. We are excited to announce that our Birthday in a Bag service project is back!

The Birthday in a Bag service project involves creating bags filled with birthday essentials: cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins, forks, decorations, party hats, a birthday card, and small gifts. The items will be donated to a local organization serving individuals or families who might not be able to afford a birthday celebration.

If you are able to donate, please send the items in a labeled bag for the Counseling Department between January 7th and February 6th. All donations will be assembled into individual party bags, which will be donated to The Unforgotten Haven on February 16th. Last year, we were able to help 20 families celebrate birthdays!

Contact Ms. Aja Jones at jonesa@cinnaminson.com with any questions.
 

Library News

Winter has arrived and it is a great time to read both fiction and nonfiction snow related stories. There are so many fun and entertaining books to choose from:
How to Catch a Snowman
Snowmen at Night
The Three Snow Bears
Tacky the Penguin
The Snowy Day
The Mitten
Where Do Polar Bears Live
The Biggest Snowman Ever
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, snuggle up, and share the magic of reading with your child.

Love, Mrs. Conn
A moose, penguin, bear, dog, and squirrel are reading books in a snowy scene with the text 'Winter Reading'.
A group of woodland animals wearing Santa hats read books in the snow.
 

Nurse's Corner

A round sign welcomes visitors to the Nurse's Office with colorful text and cute illustrations.

A MESSAGE FROM NURSE ORMSBY

Nurse Ormsby will begin annual student health screenings after the New Year. Screenings will be conducted during the school day and will include vision, hearing, height, weight, and blood pressure (depending on grade level). If a screening indicates the need for follow-up, parents/guardians will be notified. If you have any questions or concerns about these screenings, please feel free to contact Nurse Ormsby at ormsbyk@cinnaminson.com. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students healthy!

Just a reminder that accidents do happen and there are times when a change of clothing is needed for our kindergarten and elementary age students. Please send in a change of clothing to keep in your child’s backpack or cubby. We will also accept donations of leggings and sweatpants your child has outgrown, as well as new packages of underwear and socks, in case of emergency.

Holiday celebrations are the perfect time to gather with friends and family. Unfortunately, they are also a perfect time to spread germs. Please remember to practice good hand hygiene
and review our Guidelines for Illness.
Illness Guideline Reminders - Guidelines for Illness- Elementary
  • Fever Free 24 hours (no fever reducer medication)
  • GI symptom free 24 hours prior to return to school

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit The Food Bank of South Jersey for resources to help.

We wish our whole New Albany and School Community a Happy and Healthy New Year!!
 

January is Braille Literacy Month

In the United States January is Braille Literacy Month and January 4th is recognized internationally as World Braille Day to honor the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the code. While hearing the word “braille” many often think of people who are blind. However, braille is beneficial to many individuals with visual impairments, including those with dual sensory loss and/or multiple disabilities.

Braille Literacy Month celebrates the power of braille to transform lives and break down barriers. By promoting braille literacy, we create a more inclusive world where people with visual disabilities can fully participate and achieve their potential. Let’s embrace its importance and work toward a world where everyone has equal access to information and opportunities.
Remember, braille is not just a system of dots. It’s a gateway to independence, knowledge, and endless possibilities. Happy Braille Literacy Month!

To learn more about Braille Literacy Month, click the button below.
Graphic celebrating National Braille Literacy Month with Braille dots and text.
Braille Literacy Fact Sheet
 
The words 'PARENT RESOURCES' are displayed in white text against a vibrant, multi-colored wooden background.
 

"Give Kids A Smile" Day

The Dental Hygiene program at Rowan College at Burlington County in Mount Laurel will once again be a participant in the "Give Kids a Smile" (GKAS) Day event, which provides FREE dental care for children ages 13 years and younger. Last year they were able to provide approximately $100,000 of free dental treatment to 109 children from Burlington and Camden county school districts. They hope for an equally great turnout this year, with a goal of treating 100 children.

Attached is the flyer in both English and Spanish. This is a great opportunity for children in need!

Event Details:
  • Date: Friday, February 6, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location: RCBC Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1000 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054.
  • Appointments: Scan the QR code on the flyer or email gkas@rcbc.edu 
Please reach out should you have any questions or concerns.

 
Illustration of school breakfast and lunch menu items including a burger, bananas, an apple, and drinks.

School Breakfast & Lunch

January Breakfast & Lunch Menus - Breakfast and Lunch

Daily school breakfast costs $1.85 and lunch costs $2.90 this year. You may send in cash or a check, made payable to Cinnaminson Lunch Program. Please mark the envelope containing the cash or check with your child's full name and homeroom teacher OR you may use our online lunch system to make a credit card payment. You will be able to view your child's lunch purchases, account balance, and amount due on the Lunchtime School Payment Portal
We strongly encourage all parents to prepay for your student’s meal account and to create an account at no cost through https://www.schoolpaymentportal.com/
 

Lost & Found

Please have your child check the lost and found bin, located right outside of the main office, if you think they may have misplaced an item. It is always a good idea to label all of your child's items so that we can return them safely to the owner.
Three diverse cartoon children stand around a 'Lost and Found' box filled with clothing and a lunchbox.
 

Governor's Educator of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Crissy Brightbill on being selected as New Albany School's Governor's Educator of the Year! The Cinnaminson School District has been so lucky to have had Ms. Brightbill’s expertise over the years, teaching both at Eleanor Rush and New Albany Schools for 25 years. Ms. Brightbill is currently one of our reading interventionists working with first and second grade students. In every role that Ms. Brightbill has had, she works tirelessly to support not only her students, but also collaborates with those around her to support her colleagues and their students as well. Her professionalism, knowledge of literacy instruction, and willingness to go above and beyond truly sets her apart as an exceptional educator at New Albany School! Congratulations!
 

Staff Member of the Month

Congratulations to Mrs. Ormsby, New Albany's School Nurse, on being December's Faculty Member of the Month! Nurse Ormsby is a super hero at New Albany! Not only does she take exceptional care of the children, but she gets to know them personally. In addition, she is an effective communicator with staff and parents. We are so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Don't forget...You can nominate a staff member any time for our Staff Member of the Month! Please use this link and share why this person is so deserving of this honor!
A smiling woman holds a certificate for "New Albany School Faculty Member of the Month" for December 2025.
 
A cartoon pirate ship with the words 'Be Safe,' 'Be Responsible,' and 'Be Respectful' on the sails.
A cartoon pirate with an eye patch and hat next to the words 'Be Respectful, Responsible, Safe'.
 

🗣 Schoolwide Universal Expectations!

📣 New Albany Student Recognition
Good character is important for students and adults. It is shown through our thoughts, words, and actions. At New Albany, we stress respect, responsibility, and kindness by following our schoolwide expectations:

Be Respectful - I will use good manners and treat others in a way that I would like to be treated. I will be kind, express gratitude, forgive others, and help those in need.

Be Responsible - I will do what I am supposed to do and be accountable for my actions. I will try my best in all academic areas.

Be Safe - I will respect school property and make smart choices, doing my best to keep New Albany School a safe and clean place to learn.

Throughout the school year, students and staff will continue to learn ways to display good character traits through counselor and teacher lessons.
 

December Pirates of the Month

We are so excited to announce the December Pirates of the Month. These students exhibited the schoolwide expectations consistently throughout the month, earning Pirate Coins from their teachers, support staff, administrators, and bus drivers.

Chelsea Cathel, Kindergarten (photo not available)
Jack Rau, First Grade
Ian Cirillo, Second Grade
Justin Babiasz, Specials Star Student

Congratulations on a job well done!
A young boy in a black hoodie stands in front of a blue bulletin board with "PIRATES OF THE" text and pirate-themed decorations.
A young boy wearing a Santa hat and a medal holds a certificate that reads 'New Albany Pirate of the Month'.
A young boy proudly holds a "Pirate of the Month" certificate and medal.
A cartoon pirate with an eye patch and a skull on his hat waves with both arms.
 
A colorful artistic design with paint strokes and a paintbrush.

CEHASA NEWS

Phillies Night Out
Once again CEHASA will be holding Cinnaminson Schools Night Out with the Phillies! 
 
Details:
-Tickets are available in sections 326-333. If you would like to be seated with a particular party, please purchase as a group in bulk 
-Tickets are being sold at face value—no upcharge!
-Ticket sales will close 3/29/26
-Approximately one week prior to the game, all tickets will be sent via email to the email address provided when the order was placed. If an MLB account already exists, they will populate right in the app.
 
These tickets could make a nice holiday gift option, so consider picking up a few for family and friends.
 

A special "Thank You" to our Home and School Association for their unending support of our students, staff, and school community. Through your dedication to student programs, assemblies, and student and staff support, you are truly instrumental in the overall success of our school. We are so grateful!

Questions? Contact CEHASA at cehasa@cinnaminson.com or visit the website here: CEHASA Website
A watercolor splash in pink and orange hues with the text 'thank YOU so much' in black calligraphy.
 
a happy new year gif with minions celebrating the new year

Happy New Year!

As we welcome the new year, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to our families for your continued support, partnership, and trust in our school community. Working together, we make a meaningful difference in our students’ growth and success, and we look forward to finishing the year of learning, collaboration, and shared accomplishments successfully.

Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Oliver
 

IMPORTANT LINKS

January Specials Calendar
Student Parent Handbook
2025-2026 School Calendar
2025-2026 Board Meeting Schedule
New Albany Staff Directory
Transportation Department
 
A New Year's wish list of positive qualities: courage, passion, ambition, resilience, humility, and kindness.
 

Follow Us On Social Media

Like us on Facebook: @NAScinnaminson

Follow us on Instagram: newalbanyelementaryschool
The Facebook and Instagram logos are displayed side-by-side.
 


[Sunday, Dec 28 at 4:44 PM]
Information about the Give Kids A Smile event has been included.