Dear Cucinella Families,
The start of a new school year is almost here, and we are excited to welcome our students back to Cucinella on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
I hope your family has enjoyed a relaxing and memorable summer. As we prepare to open our doors, our staff is working hard to ensure that classrooms are ready, routines are in place, and every student feels welcomed, supported, and excited to begin the year.
The beginning of school often brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and questions. Please know that our team is committed to making the transition as smooth and positive as possible for both students and families. We will continue to focus on providing a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child.
We have many exciting activities planned as we prepare for another successful year of learning, collaboration, and schoolwide celebrations. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the Cucinella community and look forward to everything we will accomplish together in the upcoming school year.
We are also pleased to welcome several new staff members to our school this year. We are fortunate to have added a talented group of educators and professionals to complement our already outstanding Cucinella team.
Ms. Melissa Benbrook Ms. Kylie Brown Mrs. Lena Dickman
Mrs. Kim Kazan Mrs. Ellen Mazzei Ms. Lauren Mosner
🏫The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 1st🎒
The information below is provided as a quick reference as we prepare for the start of the school year.
Teacher Assignments
As previously communicated by the district, families should receive an email on Monday, August 24, containing login information and a link to the Genesis Parent Portal.
The portal will provide access to your child’s homeroom teacher, bus assignment, and other important back to school information. If you have difficulty accessing your account, please contact Carol Conicelli at cconicelli@wtschools.org.
Creating balanced classrooms is a detailed process that considers academic needs, social and emotional factors, class size, and overall classroom composition. Beginning in May, our staff dedicated significant time to reviewing student placements. Parent feedback involving extenuating circumstances was considered when possible. However, Washington Township Board of Education policy does not permit requests for specific teachers.
Homeroom assignments are final and changes are not possible.
BAC Staff Listing
Kindergarten Mrs. Joann Burrows Mrs. JoAnna Hennelly Mrs. Kim MacMillan Mrs. Julie Morrison Ms. Lauren Mosner | First Grade Ms. Meowset Abbett Ms. Melissa Benbrook Mrs. Christine Draghi Mrs. Sandra Wood | Second Grade Ms. Kaitlyn Hennelly Mrs. Dawn Mackenzie Ms. Allie Mazzilli Mr. Russell Perkalis Mrs. Ginny Plumbo |
Third Grade Mrs. Kelsey Brands Ms. Debbie Hille Mrs. Alyssa Frankosky Ms. Carissa Stark | Fourth Grade Mrs. Jessica Chaparro Mr. Michael Donovan Mrs. Victoria Richardson Ms. Erica Sonzogni 4th and 5th Grade staff teach both grade levels. The 4th grade team are the ELA/Social Studies teachers and will start their day with 4th grade students. | Fifth Grade Mrs. Bridget Brown Mrs. Larissa Krul Mrs. Colleen Jones Mr. Herb Mauro The 5th grade team are the Math/Science teachers and will start their day with 5th grade students. The pairing or “switch” teacher is indicated by their orders in the corresponding columns. |
Special Education Mrs. Christine Bissell, ICR 1st and 4th Grade Math ICR Ms. Julia Blohm, Speech Ms. Kylie Brown, K ICR Mrs. Stacy Davies, 2nd and 5th ELA RR Mrs. Julie Davis, LLD and 2nd Grade Math RR Mrs. Lena Dickman, ICR 4th and 5th Grade ELA+SS Mrs. Janel Ellard, ICR 2nd Grade Mrs. Ellen Mazzei, Speech Mrs. Justine Snyder, ICR 3rd Grade Mrs. Alycia Spatola, LLD Mrs. Tami Stricchiola, LLD Mrs. MaryEllen Leonard, ICR 4th and 5th Grade Math + SCI Ms. Heather Melendez, ICR and RR 4th and 5th Grade Math and ELA Mrs. Kellianne Zuzuro, PreK Speech | Special Areas Mrs. Kelly Bartnicki - Art Ms. Kathleen Erbe - PE and Health Mrs. Vilmary Hernandez - Spanish Mrs. Kim Kazan- STEAM / Library Mrs. Tara Postigo - Music Ms. Andreina DeSousa- Health Ms. Kristyn Scrimo- Music | Support Staff Mrs. Amy Casha, Math Mrs. Dana Castellana, G&T Mrs. Jen Cryan, Literacy Mr. Matthew Dauchert, G&T Mrs. Jess Ewer, Nurse Mr. Dave Jones, Math Coach Mrs. Nadine Sciancalepore, Literacy Mrs. Michelle Sorchini, ESL |
Child Study Team Mrs. Nicole Drury, School Psychologist Mrs. Stephanie Kimmel, BCBA Mrs. Tanya Leonhardt, Social Worker Mrs. Kristen Olsen, LDTC | Office Staff Mrs. Deanna Dargel, Secretary Mrs. Jeanie Anderson, Secretary Mrs. Kyra McCool, Guidance Sergeant Kirk Griffin, SRO | Preschool Mrs. Amanda Miranda, PSD Ms. Lauren Fernicola, Integrated Prek Mrs. Vanessa Ryan, Integrated Prek |
*G&T - Gifted and Talented, LDTC - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, SRO - School Resource Officer, RR - Resource Room, LLD - Language/Learning Disability, ICR - In Class Resource, BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Supply Lists: Click HERE (Currently there is an issue with Google Drive Access) Please use the link on BAC Homepage under the "For Parents" header.
Cell Phone/Smartwatches - Internet enabled devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks during the school day, new state-wide ”‘Bell to Bell’ rule. Students may utilize these devices on the bus.
After Care Program: Students can participate in a local program that meets at our school. This program is run by a district approved third party vendor Catholic Charities. Please find information about their aftercare program at Cucinella here. Be sure to make note of the days your child is attending after care in Genesis Parent Portal. Please complete the Child Care Request Form found HERE and submit to the Cucinella office as soon as possible.
At this time, the aftercare program has a wait list as they have reached full enrollment.
School Lunch Program
Please find information from Maschio’s food service including menus, online payments and ordering HERE
Bus and Transportation Information
To find your child’s school bus information, sign in to the GENESIS Parent Portal on the afternoon of 8/24. You will find your bus number, as well as pick up and drop off information. If you have questions, please contact WTSD Transportation Coordinator Mr. Don Todd at dtodd@wtschools.org or visit the transportation section of the district website. The transportation page also includes a Bus Delays link that families can use throughout the school year.
Bus Orientation
A Bus Orientation for Preschool, Kindergarten, and new students will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
During the event, the Transportation Department will review bus safety procedures. Students and one parent or guardian will also have the opportunity to ride a school bus and become familiar with bus routines and expectations.
Drop off/Pick-Up Procedures
You must indicate your child’s dismissal procedure in the GENESIS Parent Portal. Before school starts, log in to set a default schedule that your child will follow on a regular basis (indicate bus, aftercare, or parent pickup for each day of the week).
If there is a change in dismissal procedures, either temporary or permanent, you must log in and indicate the change prior to 1:00pm for that change to go into effect.
When coming to pick up your child, please make sure to bring a valid picture ID so we can verify guardianship.
AM Car Drop Off: We begin allowing students in the front door at 7:35 am. Please park and walk your child to the front door. The school day begins at 7:40 am and students are considered tardy if they arrive after 7:50am.
PM Car Pick-Up: Students will begin the dismissal process at approximately 2:00 pm. Guardians of PreK students will be required to park their cars in the PreK parking lot before getting out to receive their children. Guardians of kindergarten through 5th grade students will park in the K-5 parking lot before getting out to receive their children. Refer to the map below.
Cucinella Open House
We are excited to welcome you and your child to our Open House on Thursday, August 27, from 2:00–3:30 PM!
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to visit their new classroom, meet their teacher, and say hello to some of their new classmates before the first day of school. There is no formal presentation during this event, and families are welcome to arrive and leave at any time during the open house hours. You are not expected to stay for the entire event.
Because many families will be visiting throughout the afternoon, we kindly ask that classroom visits and conversations with teachers be limited to brief introductions. Plan on spending approximately 5–10 minutes in each classroom so that every family has an opportunity to visit.
We also understand that many families have children in multiple grade levels. There is no set schedule, so you are free to stagger your arrival time and move throughout the building at your own pace during the open house.
If you would like to discuss items specific to your child’s needs, please reach out to your child’s teacher to set up a conference/email/phone call at a later date.
PTO Welcome Back Popsicles Party
After you visit your child’s classroom and meet their new teacher, be sure to stop by the main entrance for a sweet treat from our PTO. Popsicles will be available throughout the Open House from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27. It is a fun way for students and families to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, and enjoy a little extra back to school excitement before heading home.
PTO Information
Our PTO plays an important role in supporting the students, staff, and programs that make Cucinella such a special place. Joining the PTO or volunteering at school events is a great way to stay connected, meet other families, and help create meaningful experiences for our students. Whether you are able to give a little time or a lot, every contribution makes a difference. We encourage all families to consider becoming a PTO member and getting involved in whatever way works best for you. Visit the Cucinella PTO website to find out more about what is planned for the school year and how you can get involved.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Cucinella PTO at contact@cucinellapto.com.
Back To School Night
Save the date for the evening of Thursday, September 24th. Teachers will be hosting in-person Back to School Night presentations in their classrooms. This is a chance for you to learn all about the instruction and special activities the classroom teacher has planned for the school year. You can also take this time to meet with special area and support teachers. More details will be provided closer to the date.
Back to School Night Schedule
HOMEROOM TEACHER PRESENTATIONS
6:00-6:45 Grades 4&5
6:50-7:20 Grades 1-3
7:30-8:00 PreK and Kindergarten
* For Grades 4&5 ONLY- Please report to your child’s Homeroom teacher first.
Homeroom teachers will inform parents when to report to “switch” teachers
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER PRESENTATIONS
Between 6:00-8:00
ACADEMIC SUPPORT TEAM AND ELL-
Between 6:00-8:00, parents will be able to visit the team during this time between their child’s homeroom presentations.
PARENT INFORMATION CENTER
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Special Area Teachers will set up a table in the cafeteria for parents to visit between their child’s homeroom presentations.
Closing Remarks
Thank you again for reading through all the information! Please begin to explore our school website to learn more about our school and visit the district's calendar to plan for days off and half days. I will continue to keep you updated via regular weekly newsletters that will be archived in the “News'' section of our school website so that you can go back to review information as needed. We look forward to a wonderful school year together!
Warmly,
Christopher Perruso
Principal