Joseph A. Citta Elementary | Toms River Regional School District

Girls on the Run

Coaches at Citta Elementary welcome Girls on the Run 2021 participants. During the lessons, the girls are learning the vital connection between their physical and emotional health. The program encourages girls to recognize and embrace their inner strengths and build up their sense of confidence. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

2 days ago

Robotics at Citta

Students at Citta have learned to code using various online platforms this year, including Tynker, code.org, and Kodable. They have now had the opportunity to take their skills to the next level by experimenting with robotics. Kindergarten students are learning to use Code and Go Mouse, 1st and 2nd grades are learning to program Ozobots and 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are practicing their skills with Sphero robots. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

May 04, 2021

Summer Program: Digital Camp Invention

Once again our district will be offering Camp Invention this summer! Dates: July 12-15 9:30 am -3:30 pm Location: Pine Beach Elementary School Cost: $260 The camp is in person and there is a virtual option if a family would prefer it. Please click on the title of the post above to view the flyer for this program.

Apr 13, 2021

Science at Citta

ELL (English Language Learners) in grades 3 and 4 learned about weather and chemical reactions last week. Grade 3 students created "hurricanes in a cup", while grade 4 students created "exploding rainbows". Fun and science were combined for a great learning experience for all! Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Mar 30, 2021

Citta Celebrates St. Patrick's Day

Citta staff and students celebrated St. Patrick's Day in true Citta Style! Some classrooms were even visited by naughty leprechauns! Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Mar 19, 2021

JAC Read Across America Spirit Week

Please mark your calendars for our Read Across America Spirit Week from Monday, March 1st through Thursday, March 4th.

Feb 24, 2021

Citta Students Send Valentine Wishes

Citta students created Valentines this week that will be presented to children who are less fortunate and living in shelters. The hope is to brighten the day of other children who may not have the opportunity to celebrate Valentine's Day with friends.

Jan 31, 2021

Referendum Work Continues at Citta

TRRS referendum work is continuing at Citta as our old carpets are being removed and new tile is being installed in our classrooms, offices and faculty room. Shown here is Mrs. Foytlin's 4th grade classroom. Please see additional pictures in our Photo Gallery as they become available.

Jan 15, 2021

Outstanding Teachers

Congratulations to Miss Emily Marino, our Support Professional of the Year and Mrs. Kristine Nolte, our Teacher of the Year! We are fortunate to have these two wonderful teachers working with us at Citta Elementary!

Dec 10, 2020

Virtual Learning at Citta

Students at Citta Elementary are proud of their work, whether they are in school or at home working virtually! Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Dec 02, 2020

Recess Time!!!

Students in Mrs. D'Ulisse's 1st grade class enjoyed recess outside, socially distanced, of course. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Nov 22, 2020

Staff Team Building

On Thursday, November 12th, our Citta staff participated in a fun, socially-distanced, team building activity using "Would You Rather" questions to get to know each other better. A great time was had by all, as laughter could be heard throughout the halls!

Nov 15, 2020

Halloween at Citta

While Halloween may look very different this year, Citta Elementary wasn't short of witches, goblins and all kinds of Halloween characters! Staff and students had the opportunity to dress up Wednesday and Thursday, in school and at home. Happy Halloween to all of our Citta families! Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Oct 29, 2020

Welcome Back 2nd -5th Grade Students

Our Citta staff was so happy to welcome back our second through fifth grade students this week in our hybrid model of instruction! It's so nice to see our students faces in-person! Please see additional photos in our Photo Gallery.

Oct 27, 2020

Welcome Back Students!!!

Our Citta staff was so happy to welcome back our youngest students this past week in a hybrid model of in-person and virtual instruction. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery!

Oct 12, 2020

Welcoming Back Students with Our Citta Style Expectations

We are so excited to welcome back some of our Citta students next week! Please click on the link above to view the new Citta Style expectations video with your students before they return. We can't wait to see you!!!

Oct 02, 2020

Thank you Citta PTO!!!

Thank you to our Citta PTO and our entire Citta family for an incredible donation of $12,000 from last year's fundraising efforts! This money will be used to revitalize some of our outside learning and play areas for our students. Please continue to support our students and our school by joining this wonderful PTO group!

Oct 02, 2020

First Week of School at Citta

Students were welcomed back, virtually. this week by their new teachers for the 2020/2021 school year. Best wishes for a successful school year to all of our staff and students! Please see additional photos on our Photo Gallery page.

Sep 12, 2020

School Starts Tuesday, September 8th!!!

Please click on the link above to read all about our enhanced virtual learning plan for the start of our 2020/2021 school year. More information can also be found on our district webpage: www.trschools.com and in the tab on this page titled "The Citta Scoop". Our Citta staff can't wait to see all of our students' smiling faces!

Sep 07, 2020

Teachers Go Back to School!

The Citta Seahawk family is finally back together again! We enjoyed reconnecting with our staff and preparing to implement a virtual learning model that truly replicates in-person instruction while simultaneously focusing on engagement strategies, relationship building, and social emotional well-being. We cannot wait to see our students on September 8! Thank you to our wonderful PTO for the delicious breakfast and snacks you provided! Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Sep 01, 2020

Welcoming Kindergarten and New Students to Citta Elementary!!!

View our kindergarten and new student live stream orientation for information about our virtual and hybrid programs and our traditional instructional model. Hear from our kindergarten teachers, our Supervisor of Instruction, Mr. Blessing, and our school Principal, Mrs. Brown. Our school year starts on September 8, and we will connect with every student, no matter the physical distance between us! Please click on the title above to access the link.

Aug 25, 2020

Citta PTO, Admin and Teachers Celebrate Our 5th Graders

Citta 5th graders were celebrated on Wednesday, June 10th, at Citta Elementary School, while following social distancing guidelines. Students were able to pick up awards, chorus and 5th grade t-shirts, as well as a gift from our PTO. 5th grade teachers, Special Area teachers, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Kennedy were on hand to send off our 5th graders with waves and smiles. Best wishes in middle school! We'll miss you!!! Please see additional photos in our Photo Gallery!

Jun 15, 2020

Citta Cares Project

Over the past couple of weeks, Citta students, families and staff created cards and pictures to help brighten the days of residents at the Green Acres Assisted Living Center in Toms River. This project was headed by teachers Emily Marino and Nancy Hourigan. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

May 26, 2020

Thank you, Citta Teachers Video

Please click on the link above to see the video put together by our PTO for Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to our families and students! We miss you all!

May 10, 2020

Citta Strong!!! We miss our students!

Please click on the link above to view our CITTA STRONG video to our students and their families to show how much we miss them and are so proud of how hard they are working. We hope to be back together soon! Thank you, Mrs. DeFrancesco for your creative talents!

Apr 23, 2020

Citta Spirit is Alive and Well!

Let's stay connected and have some fun together while we are teaching and learning from home. Join us for our first Citta Seahawk virtual spirit week from Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27. Please post your pics on Twitter to @CittaElementary using the hashtag #cittastyle1920.

Mar 23, 2020

Troubleshooting with Google Classroom

Please click on the link above to find Google Classroom troubleshooting help for families. This is a live document that will continue to be updated as we move forward in the coming weeks. For specific tech help from our district Technology Department please use the following email: ParentTechHelp@trschools.com. Be safe and well!

Mar 20, 2020

Community Outreach

For any families that may need assistance with meals, groceries or any other types of services, please click on the link above for the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Silverton, right on Hooper Avenue. They are in the same plaza as The People´s Pantry, our hometown food bank, and The Beat Center, a free community resource center. Also, continue to check our school district´s webpage, www.trschools.com, for information about ¨grab and go¨ food for families that receive free or reduced lunch. Stay well everyone!

Mar 14, 2020

Important Community Programs at Citta

This year, various programs were started at Citta Elementary School to benefit our students and school community! For example, student volunteers from High School North have been visiting weekly to mentor students and work with our after school Homework Club. Our Community Care Cricket Closet was created to provide items such as school supplies, clothing, costumes, and other needed items to students who may be in need. Recently, our staff had dinner and an orientation at the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Silverton to learn more about how we can help the community through the organization. Additionally, our school plans to host families at the Soul Kitchen in the evening for dinner, so they may have a chance to learn about all of the important resources available to them. Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Mar 08, 2020

Citta Celebrates Dr. Seuss

Citta students were treated to a special day put together by our PTO. Guest readers came to share their favorite Dr. Seuss books and students were treated to hats, stickers and cookies. Students also enjoyed a special visit from the Cat in the Hat! Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Mar 02, 2020

Joseph A. Citta Scholarship

The Joseph A. Citta Scholarship is available to all Toms River high school seniors that attended Citta for at least one year. Please click on the link to access the application, or it can also be found in the Parent Resource section of our webpage. Applications are due in the high school guidance offices no later than April 21st.

Feb 10, 2020

Cookies with a Cop

Citta students showing Citta Style: Respect, Responsibility and Self-control, were chosen by their teachers to attend "Cookies with a Cop". These students enjoyed a snack and received a certificate from the Toms River Police Department, all while learning more about our safety officer, Officer Bob. Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Feb 10, 2020

4th Grade Technology Club

Citta's 4th grade technology club is using Snap Circuits to learn about the flow of electricity and open and closed circuits. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Feb 02, 2020

Orchestra and Band Perform at Citta

On Thursday, January 30th, Citta's 5th grade orchestra and band, under the direction of Mr. Larry Butts, entertained friends and family with their winter concert. Congratulations on a job well done! For additional photos, please see our photo gallery.

Feb 02, 2020

Citta Chorus Entertains with "Disney Spectacular"

On Thursday, January 16th, the Citta 5th grade chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Nancy Hourigan, entertained friends and family with a "Disney Spectacular" concert. Congratulations on a job well done! For additional photos, please see our photo gallery.

Jan 20, 2020

PTO Dine-out Event at Papa John's

Our Citta PTO is having a series of dine-out nights at Papa John's Pizza on Rt. 37, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Please come out and support this delicious fundraiser! Dine-in only! Pictured is the Papa John's mascot worn by our own secretary, Mrs. Calcara.

Jan 15, 2020

Family BINGO at Citta

Students in grades Kindergarten through 1st grade, and their families enjoyed a fun evening out playing BINGO at our most recent PTO event. Grades 3 through 5 students will have the same opportunity with their families on Thursday, January 30th from 6-7:30 pm. Additional photos can be found in our photo gallery.

Jan 12, 2020

Citta Style Celebrated

Students and staff celebrated in Citta Style by participating in a pep rally to reinforce the expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Self-control. A special visit by the Chik-Fil-A cow added to the excitement to promote a PTO dine-out event. Please see additional pictures in our photo gallery.

Jan 09, 2020

Citta Honors Teachers

Citta Elementary is proud to announce that Mrs. Sara McNerny is our Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Jen Perillo is our Educational Support Staff Person of the Year! We are so lucky to have these two wonderful women teaching our students!

Dec 20, 2019

Citta's Kindergarten Students Celebrate the Holidays

Students in Citta's Kindergarten classes entertained their friends and families with holiday songs. Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Dec 20, 2019

Santa Vists Citta

Citta students and families listened to stories, sang carols and made crafts, along with visiting Santa. Thank you PTO for all you do for our school, students and teachers! Happy holidays to all!

Dec 14, 2019

1st Graders Find the Gingerbread Kid

Citta's first graders entertained family and friends with the holiday play, "The Gingerbread Caper". Earlier in the week, they traveled to Green Acres Assisted Living Center to spread holiday cheer to the residents. Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Dec 14, 2019

Holidays Around the World

Students in Miss Zhirova's classes created poinsettias as a part of their "Holidays Around the World" lessons. In this lesson, students learned about Las Posadas in Mexico. Please see additional photos in our photo gallery.

Dec 13, 2019

District Takes Part in Rally to Save Toms River

December 10, 2019 -- Thousands of students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members headed to Trenton for the Rally to Save Toms River. High School students loaded onto 30 buses and parents in their cars to demand that Governor Murphy restore the district's state aid funding and to protest the state Department of Education's response to the district's application for emergency funding. #WhatTRStandsToLose

Dec 10, 2019

Citta Students Do the Wave for Fair Funding

Citta Elementary students wrote letters on hands to send to Governor Murphy and did "the wave" to let the governor know that the future of our school district is in his hands. Additional photos can be seen in our photo gallery.

Dec 09, 2019

Giving Thanks

Students in Mrs. McNerny's class learned about the American holiday of Thanksgiving by sharing a feast, passing "dishes" around, and taking turns to share why they are thankful.

Nov 27, 2019

2nd Grade Thanksgiving Show

Citta's second grade students put on a Thanksgiving show for their friends and family, as a precursor to the upcoming holiday, and enjoyed a feast together afterward. Pictured are students from Mrs. Machcinski's class. For additional photos, please check out our photo gallery!

Nov 22, 2019

Citta Holiday Craft Fair

Please join our PTO and many crafters for a fun-filled day of shopping for unique holiday gifts. Please click on the link above to view the flyer.

Nov 10, 2019

A Petting Zoo Comes to Citta

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders at Citta Elementary were treated to a petting zoo on Friday, October 18th. They learned about and were able to pet many farm animals such as goats, cows, potbelly pigs, and lambs. Thank you to our PTO for another wonderful, hands-on, educational event for our students! Please see additional photos in our Photo Gallery.

Oct 20, 2019

Cookies With a Cop

One Citta student from each class was chosen by their teacher to be honored for showing Citta Style each day at school. These students were treated to some cookies and some time learning about our Safety Officer, Officer Bob. Thank you to the Toms River Police Department, the Citta PTO, Sargent Gene Bachonski, and our own Officer Bob Cheslock! Please see additional photos in our photo gallery!

Oct 16, 2019

Citta Style goes Italian!

Citta families came together for our first Citta Style pasta night. Students signed a Citta Style banner, won prizes and best of all, spent quality time eating and talking together with their families while supporting our Citta Style initiative and expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Self-Control. Please see our photo gallery for additional photos from a great night!

Oct 13, 2019

Fire Safety Visit for Grades K through 3

Students in grades K through 3 were taught about fire safety and had the opportunity to see a fire truck up close. Please see our photo gallery for additional photos.

Oct 13, 2019

Author, Bob Salomon, visits Citta students.

Author and co-author, of "Beyond the Laces", Bob Salomon and Rick Young, visited Citta students to teach and reinforce the importance of kindness. Students were treated to a reading of the book by Rick Young. Please see our photo gallery for more picture from this event.

Oct 06, 2019

Save the Date: Jersey Shore Makerfest 10/12/19

Please click on the link above for more information.

Sep 29, 2019

Positive Messages from Our PTO

Citta's PTO has been hard at work creating beautiful, positive messages for our students to see everyday. Thank you for all you do! For more pictures, please see the Photo Gallery page.

Sep 22, 2019

Remembering

Students celebrated Patriot's Day while remembering those who sacrificed so much for our country on 9/11.

Sep 16, 2019

Opening Week at Citta

Students and teachers are back to school and ready for a great year!

Sep 08, 2019

$10,000 PTO Donation

Citta Elementary was recently presented with a $10,000 donation check, by the PTO, to purchase additional chromebooks for our students to use for multiple programs and student enrichment. A huge thank you goes out to our entire school community who supported the many fundraisers throughout the year to make this generous gift possible! Thank you, PTO, for your generosity and hard work!

Jul 08, 2019

Going the Extra Mile!

Ms. Sally Cimino from the transportation department goes the extra mile! Not only does she help keep our students safe when they ride on the bus to and from school, but she also cares for them by attending the Spring Band and Orchestra concerts at Citta Elementary School.

Jun 16, 2019

Citta's Girls on the Run

Congratulations to our Citta Girls on the Run team and their coaches, Miss Coles, Miss Zhirova, Miss Conboy and Mrs. Brady! These young ladies worked over the last 10 weeks, with their coaches, to learn how to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. The Girls on the Run program culminated with a 5k run in Fair Haven on Sunday. Well done ladies!

Jun 03, 2019

Citta Style Receives a Generous Donation

Thank you to Mr. Horsfield and the Toms River Lester Glenn dealership for your generous donation to our Citta Style initiative, promoting positive behavior in our school! Pictured are Mr. Horsfield, his daughters and members of our Citta Style team!

Jun 03, 2019

Internet Essentials

Please click on the link above for more information about Comcast's low cost computer purchasing and internet service, Internet Essentials.

May 31, 2019

Grade 5 Events

Dear Grade 5 Parents/Guardians, Please click on the link above regarding Grade 5 events.

May 15, 2019

Cookies with Officer Mike for the Month of May

Students showed Citta Style expectations: Respect, Responsibility and Self-Control.

May 15, 2019

Citta Style Kickball Game

Thank you to all of our staff, students and families for coming out to support our 2nd annual staff kickball game, while raising funds for Citta Style, our positive behavior initiative!

May 09, 2019

The Beatles Come to Citta

Congratulations to Mrs. Hourigan and the Citta Chorus on another wonderful performance showcasing the songs of The Beatles!

May 05, 2019

Citta Fun Run for Education

Please see the attached link.

Apr 14, 2019

Easter Magic Show

Dear Seahawk Community, Please see the Flyer from the Township of Toms River Department of Recreation and Division of Youth Services! Thank you!

Apr 10, 2019

Recipe for Success: April 2019

Apr 10, 2019

Citta 2018-2019 NJSLA Testing Calendar

Mar 31, 2019

Mad Science Assembly at Citta!

Thank you to our Citta PTO for providing a fun learning experience for all of our students!

Mar 23, 2019

Congressman Andy Kim visits Citta!

Please click above for the link to the full article on the Toms River Schools website.

Mar 23, 2019

School Performance Report Letter

Please see the attachment regarding School Performance Report. Thank you!

Mar 13, 2019

Social Emotional Parent Academy

We are pleased to announce our first annual Social and Emotional Learning Parent Academy Night. Social and emotional development is the foundation for all learning to occur. Please click on the title above for more information.

Mar 13, 2019

Cookies with Officer Mike for the Month of March

Students were recognized for showing Citta Style!

Mar 10, 2019

Meet the Music Program at OC Library.

Please see the link for the program Meet The Music. Join us at the Ocean Co. Library in Mancini Hall for four musical programs.

Mar 03, 2019

$Ready Math$

Citta Ready Math PTO Presentation

Please click on "Read More" below to view the presentation.

Feb 13, 2019

Students get recognized for having Citta Style!

On February 7th, one student from each class was chosen by their classroom teacher for setting a good example and showing Citta Style. Students were treated to cookies with Officer Mike, our building safety officer, given certificates and deputy badges for following our school's expectations of "Respect, Responsibility and Self-Control". Congratulations to all!

Feb 08, 2019

Ocean County Library: Universal Dance and Drum Program

Jan 27, 2019

Ocean County Library: 3D printing program for kids

Jan 27, 2019

Congratulations to Miss. Staffieri!!!

Congratulations to our Guidance Counselor, Miss Staffieri, for being selected as Citta Elementary's Support Professional of the Year! We are so proud and fortunate to have her working with our students!

Jan 20, 2019

Save Our Schools!!!

HAVE YOU SIGNED? The state wants to strip our district of $70 million over the next six years, but we are fighting back for our students and community. The Save Our Students! Parent-led petition needs your signature! Please take two minutes to sign if you have not already: https://tinyurl.com/SaveOurStudents-parentpetition District Leaders Testify About Funding Crisis at State Conference: http://www.trschools.com/community/district-leaders-testify-about-funding-crisis-at-state-conference

Jan 08, 2019

PJ Day (Dec. 7th) and School-wide Movie Day (Dec. 14th)

This Friday, 12/7, to help fund our Citta Style initiative, students may wear appropriate Pajamas & Sneakers or Shoes, (NOT slippers) to school for $1.00. Parents/Guardians should send the money in an envelope marked "PJ Day". Next Friday, 12/14, students will be treated to the movie "Small Foot" for displaying fabulous Citta Style since we discussed the expectations in September. Permission ships will be sent home. Please send them back only if you DO NOT want your child to view the PG movie and we will find an alternative environment for your child.

Dec 05, 2018

Family Coding and Engineering Night

Please join us for Family Coding and Engineering Night Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Toms River High School East Media Center. This evening will be a wonderful opportunity for families to do an hour of computer programming together! All three of our High Schools robotics teams will present their work and conduct demonstrations with their FTC robots. At this special evening of learning and fun, parent-child teams will complete fun Code.org puzzles and challenges and learn core concepts in coding. Teams will learn how to apply their coding through various tools such as Arduino Microcontrollers, Finch and Spehro Robots, and some logic and reasoning puzzles and games. No coding experience needed and free for all participants! Student volunteers will be available for support. We encourage all of our students and family members to attend this exciting evening to learn the basics of computer programming and how coding is applied to real-world problems. This night is sponsored by the Toms River Education Association. We hope to see you at Family Code Night!

Nov 25, 2018

Citta's Buddy Bench Arrives

Mrs. Stragauskas and Miss DeBari are proud to announce that the "Buddy Bench" has been delivered, installed, and put to good use already. We are so happy to share that some students have already been using the bench during recess. Here is a picture of Miss DeBari's second grade class to show off our newest addition to the Citta playground.

Nov 21, 2018

Free Thanksgiving Meals Around Ocean County

Please click on the link to see various organizations hosting free Thanksgiving dinners in our county.

Nov 18, 2018

Parent/Teacher Conference Schedule

Nov 12, 2018

Citta Families Help Animal Shelter

Thank you to all of the Citta families that donated to our school's animal shelter collection throughout the month of October. Also, a big thank you to Mrs. Minarchi and Miss Capoano for organizing this collection!

Oct 29, 2018

OceanFirst Grant Recipients

Congratulations to Joseph A. Citta Elementary and all of the Toms River Regional School District OceanFirst Grant Recipients!

Oct 21, 2018

Oct. 15-19: National School Violence Awareness Week

This is an opportunity to promote a safe environment for students throughout the school year! Monday: “Peace Day”- Students are encouraged to wear peace signs and show their commitment to helping keep the peace in our school and community. Tuesday: “Clean Sweep”- Students are encouraged to aid in keeping our school clean and neat. Wednesday: “Dress for Success”- Students and teachers are encouraged to dress their best and give compliments to each other. Thursday: “Limit Screen Use Day”- Read a book, take a walk, play a board game, or make dinner with your family. Explore the possibilities of something new! Friday: “School Spirit Day” Wear your Citta Style attire or school colors.

Oct 13, 2018

Ocean County Commission on Child Safety and Awareness

Ocean County 5th graders and their parent / guardian are invited to learn about local law enforcement, services and resources, and how you can help to keep our community safe! Please click on the link below for details. Space is limited.

Oct 03, 2018

"Race for Citta Style"

Just look at Joseph A. Citta Elementary School's "Citta Style"! The students in our school family are respectful, responsible and exhibit self control. "Citta Style" is Citta Elementary's new positive behavior support in school (PBSIS) program that will officially start in September. The students raised over $3,800 and their very generous PTO decided to match what the students raised for this wonderful program. Students participated in an obstacle course prepared by the PTO to celebrate. The Principal, Mrs. Kennedy and Supervisor of Instruction, Mrs. Brown showed their spirit and support by agreeing to dye their hair with Citta colors if they reached their fundraising goal! Way to go Seahawks. We just love your Citta Style!

Jun 19, 2018

Parent Involvement Survey

Please take a few moments to participate in the Parent Survey for your school. Thank you for your participation and continued support of our school community.

Mar 15, 2018

Joseph A. Citta ElementaryHome of the Seahawks!

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