Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some information for families who are new to Cordero. Additional questions can be directed to the school office at (201) 714-4390.
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1. What is the school uniform and where can I purchase it?
Students are to wear the navy uniform shirt, collar or tee, with the Cordero logo with khaki pants or skirt. Students must wear sneakers or shoes with socks, no sandals. Uniforms can be purchased prior to the start of school. Parents will receive information on dates/times of school uniform sales in August. Uniforms are also sold at select times during the school year. A summer uniform policy that allows khaki shorts is in effect during summer months, June and September.
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2. What are school hours? What time and where do we drop off and pick up our children?
School starts at 8:30 pm and the late bell is at 8:45 pm. Dismissal is at 2:45. Pre-K students are dismissed early around 2:30 pm. Drop off and pick-up is at the front and back entrances to the building. Pre-K parents can drop their children off at the classroom if they prefer. Other parents can drop their children off at the classroom for the month of September only.
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3. Do we need to pack food for our children?
You can pack a lunch if you would like but the school also has a cafeteria and you can get a hot lunch daily. The cost for 2019-2020 school year for lunch is $3.00/day. Meals for Pre-K students are served in the classroom and your child will sit with his classmates and his teacher. The first week of school you will fill out forms to assess is you qualify for a free or discounted lunch. Based upon income guidelines, you will then be notified as to how much, if anything, you will need to pay for school lunch. After a few weeks your teacher will give you your child's student ID number and you can pay for lunch online . Breakfast at the bell is offered to all children free of charge.
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4. Is there an early care and/or aftercare program?
Yes. The C.A.S.P.E.R program provides low-cost aftercare in the school from 2:45-6:00 pm daily. The Morning S.T.A.R.S. program provides care before school begins, starting at 7:00 am. Registration and information will be available on the first week of school after 3:00 pm. C.A.S.P.E.R. aftercare will not start until the second week of school. You can find information on the stars and casper programs on the JCBOE website
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5. What will happen on the first day?
Preschool and kindergarten parents should take their children to their assigned homerooms. Teachers will call their children's names and parents will then take their children to the classroom. The teacher will provide some information and you may be given some paperwork to fill out. All other students should report directly to their classroom.
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6. Is there a parent orientation at the beginning of the school year?
There is a Back to School Night held the first full week of school on a Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. All parents are encouraged to attend.
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7. Is there a Parent Teacher Organization?
The Parent Teacher Organization at Cordero is called the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Meetings are held at least five times a year. PTA contacts, meeting dates, news and updates are on the PTA page.
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8. What is Breakfast for Guidance?
Breakfast for Guidance is an opportunity for parents to meet with guidance counselors to address any questions or issues they may have. Meetings are typically held one morning a month in the library and will be listed on the monthly school calendar.
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9. Does Cordero offer any after school enrichment programs?
The PTA Enrichment Committee runs an after school program for PK through 5th grade students. There are two 10-week sessions per school year, one session beginning in the Fall and the other in the Winter. Activities typically include Art, Dance, Chess, Yoga, Soccer, Tennis, Lego, Engineering, Theater, Woodshop and Cooking. See the Enrichment Program page on the PTA website for additional details. In addition, our 4th and 5th grade classes received a 21st Century grant sponsored by the Newark YMCA. Students can receive tutoring and participate in a variety of recreation activities Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 5:45.
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10. What is SEPAC?
The JCPS Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a working partnership between parents, school professionals, educators and the community. There is a representative for every school. The goal is to support parents with children of special needs and raise awareness. See this SEPAC flyer for additional information including Cordero’s SEPAC school representatives.
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11. How do I find out about school activities and programs?
All activities are listed on the school calendar that is sent home monthly to all students and also posted on the school website. There is a weekly Sunday afternoon call from the principal Mr. Stanton that highlights key activities for the week; call the school office if you are not receiving this robocall. Sign up for Mr. Stanton's email distribution list and weekly digest.