Mr. Dolente's Welcome Letter 2023-2024 School Year
Mr. Dolente's Welcome Letter 2023-2024 School Year
Greetings, Colt Nation:
It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone, and we are already kicking off the 2023-2024 school year. We are ecstatic about the work completed over the past two months as our team has been collaborating on new projects and programs that will undoubtedly enhance the CRHS experience! Our Board of Education has also established new goals for our district concentrated on increasing Math proficiency on the NJGPA, strengthening our partnerships with our constituent districts, improving the safety and security of our campus, and placing a major focus on mental health and wellness. These goals, along with tons of great information and news about Colt Nation can be found on our website, https://www.crhsd.org/, which I encourage you to visit regularly throughout the year.
As we excitedly welcome our Colts back to school on September 5th, we’d like to share a few of the changes at CRHS this year so you are fully aware of what is on the horizon at our great high school!
Grants, Grants, and More Grants:
Our district applied for and received three MAJOR, competitive grants this summer totaling 5.13 million dollars. This additional money will allow us to fund a variety of programs, projects, and positions without impacting local taxes or the school budget. Here is a brief breakdown/summary of those grants:
School-Based Mental Health Training Grant
o $250,000 per grant cycle for five grant cycles ($1.25 million)
o Recruiting mental health professionals and providing resources for our students and local community. Care Solace access for all our teachers, students, and their families!
o Mental health screener for every student on campus.
BSCA Stronger Connections Grant
o $1.38 Million over two years
o Technology upgrades, expansion of senior mentor program, PBIS, translation software, and an additional guidance counselor to focus on truancy and drop-out prevention.
21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant
o $500,000 per year for five years ($2.5 million)
o Provides after-school and summer programming including transportation.
Personal Chromebook Insurance:
Cumberland Regional High School is pleased to announce that parents and guardians are now able to purchase Chromebook insurance through a third-party provider, School Device Coverage. The plan is only $32/year and covers inclusive Chromebook damage with no deductible. Parents who sign up will be reimbursed by School Device Coverage for any fees charged to them from damage to the device. Don't get charged $300 for a broken Chromebook when you can get full coverage for $32/year! Register for coverage through our website under the “Parents” tab by clicking “Chromebook Insurance”.
New Food Service Provider:
Nutri-Serve has been contracted by CRSD to be our new food service provider, replacing our previous provider, Sodexo. The process for creating an account for your student and managing their funds will remain the same utilizing Primero Edge. Information on this process can be found on the district website under the “Parents” tab by clicking “Food Service”.
ScentWorks K-9 Services:
The safety and well-being of students and staff should always be a top priority for any educational institution. With increasing concerns about drugs and other threats in schools, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect our Colt Community. ScentWorks professional K9 services offer a comprehensive solution to enhance school safety, foster a secure learning environment, and ensure the highest level of protection for everyone on campus. Periodically throughout the school year K-9 units will be present at CRHS conducting narcotic sweeps, assisting with threat detection, and providing weapon screenings at major after-school events.
Building Projects Completed:
Student Wellness & Instructional Center (SWIC)
o We are putting on the final touches as we wrap up this total renovation of the old media center. The new SWIC should be ready for our students by October 1st, and will include a brand new E-Sports gaming room, Broadcasting Media studio and lab, school store, student wellness lounge, conference/meeting area, and a massive wall of books and resources.
CRHS Ropes Course
o Construction and required staff training was completed at the start of summer break and our students have already begun to utilize the new ropes course, which was solely funded through federal grants and at no cost to our Board of Education, School Based Funds, or Local Taxes. This course will be designated for teambuilding, physical education classes and social emotional learning as well as offsite educational experiences for our local and sending school districts. CRHS is excited for the many individuals and groups who will get to experience our ropes course for years to come!
In closing, we want to wish all of our staff, students, and community a safe, successful, action-packed school year filled with countless memories that will last a lifetime. We simply cannot wait to see what this promising school year brings as we continue to create connections that will empower every student to be successful and fulfill their dreams! #CRHSColtPride
Sincerely,
Carl Dolente
Superintendent