August 1, 2024

Dear Speedway Avenue School Families,

Welcome back to another great year at Speedway Avenue School. I am the proud Principal of the one and only, on the rise, Speedway Avenue School. We are extremely proud of the accolades we achieved last year and we are excited to continue to soar! With this in mind, our theme this year is ‘Phoenix Forward’. As Principal, my ultimate goal is to ensure that every Speedway student is provided the highest quality education possible in a safe and supportive learning environment. Supporting me in this work are my awesome Vice Principals; Meghan Yergan (Pk-2), Antwan Hayes (3-4), Christopher Constantino (5-6), and Kelvin Henry (7-8). Your support and partnership in this effort is needed by sending your child to school on time every day, encouraging him/her to read at least 20 minutes every night, monitoring homework and academic progress, and communicating frequently with the teacher. Please note, the official new school hours are 8:15- to 3:05 pm. Throughout the year we will send news of school events and activities via our monthly calendar; however, below are some important reminders and dates to mark in your calendar now.

• The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.  In order to ensure that learning begins on time on the first day of school, I ask that students arrive and gather at their assigned entrance area by 8:10 AM in full uniform. Students who come to school every day and on time will be entered into monthly raffle drawings and also participate in monthly celebrations.  Designated staff members will be present to ensure all students find their respective line location.
• In addition to taking advantage of all the offerings during the summer, we want to remind everyone that every student returning this school year must complete the summer reading. In addition to reading the book, which can be found online, students need to return to school next year with the summer assignment completed by the first day of school. Parents must make sure each child reads their book. Students should be ready for the test that will be given toward the end of September. Here’s the list.
• All students MUST wear uniforms every day. The uniform colors are- burgundy tops and gray bottoms. Gym uniform- burgundy/white shirts (can be a t-shirt) and gray sweatpants. Please note students are not allowed to wear crocs, athletic slides, open toe shoes, or Ugg slides. Students are able to wear hoodies as long as they are the school color of Burgundy. The uniform policy will be enforced.      
• In order for students to receive chromebook agreements, attend school trips, and other school functions, lunch applications must be completed. Click here to access the link or visit our school website. If you have completed an application already, please ensure that you have the confirmation number for verification. 
• Please ensure that all your contact information is updated in SchoolMint for further communications.
• Your child should be completing his/her summer reading assignment. Assignments will be collected on the first day of school and used as the 1st grade for the school year. Assignments can be found on the district and school websites. www.nps.k12.nj.us/spd 
• We will have our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 14th at 6:00pm in the school auditorium. 
• The After School Program as well as Tutoring will begin in September. More information is forthcoming.
• Our Annual Welcome Back BBQ & Supply Giveaway is on August 27th, 2024 3:00-5:00pm. The supplies will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis and all students must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch Application and SchoolMint Re-Enrollment must be completed before entry.
• Please be sure to review our Student/Parent Handbook to review all school policies including ingress and egress assignments. 

Enjoy the final days of summer and I look forward to seeing you in September! 

Sincerely,

Ashley Jiles, Principal