In Pre-K this week, students began their unit of study on trees 🌳 by exploring what they already know about them. Students discussed animals that live in trees, tree parts, and a fruit with a star-shaped seed. They also practiced forming letters and lines in oats, shaving cream, and dirt using sticks...this makes writing super fun!

In Kindergarten, we kicked off our Week of "Extra" Respect with full-class morning meetings, where all Kindergarten students were reminded of our school-wide expectations: be safe, be kind, and be responsible. The students had a blast chanting, role-playing, singing, and practicing mindful breathing—an engaging and fun way to re-acclimate to these important values!

With regard to academics, students enjoyed reading Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings, using the story to build listening comprehension skills. In Fundations, they practiced letter sounds, writing n and m, and engaged in vowel extension activities with magnet and dry erase boards. Moving to Language Arts, students worked on book handling, adding to their stories, and organizing their writing in folders. In Math, they reinforced counting and comparing numbers while also creating a triangle collage. Additionally, they made number boards to practice the "one more" pattern. In Social Studies, students explored feelings and learned about fire truck parts, and in Science, they observed and recorded changes in the weather.

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

We've updated the Facilities Bond Referendum Information Portal with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and a form to submit additional questions. As mentioned previously, this site provides initial details on the scope of the referendum, including the key areas of focus and our community's vision for the future. As the district moves closer to finalizing the language of the referendum in February 2025, the portal will continue to grow with more comprehensive information, including specific project details, financials, and opportunities for community engagement in advance of the April 2025 vote.

The Golden Pass is a great way for Westfield senior residents to see our talented high school students on stage and on the field. Learn more about the program here: https://www.westfieldnjk12.org/article/1811820. Please share with your family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you for helping to spread the word about this fantastic community initiative.

The Westfield Public School District is piloting a new initiative at our secondary schools aimed at enhancing safety during concerts and performances. Starting this academic year, all individuals planning to attend performing arts events at the high school and intermediate schools will be required to obtain a ticket. This measure is being implemented to ensure a secure and controlled environment for all attendees. For your convenience, tickets can be scheduled in advance for the entire year by visiting wpsvpa.booktix.com. The complete 2024-2025 Winter and Spring Concert Schedule is posted on the Visual and Performing Arts website. Learn more here and thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Halloween parades and class parties will take place Friday, October 25.

Class parents will coordinate with teachers to choose a seasonal game, story, or craft for the Halloween party. Due to severe allergies, no snacks will be served, but students may pack a special treat from home (no candy).

🎉 Get ready for the most "SPOOK-TACULAR" show of the season! Join us at Lincoln's Fall Family Social Fundraiser on Friday, October 25th, where science, stories and laughter await you starting at 3:30 PM! This fun and engaging S.T.E.M. program is brought to us by the Science Heroes. This event will be held outdoors so dress for the occasion!

👻 For just $10 per child, we invite siblings, friends and family to join in an evening of fantastic fun while supporting Lincoln School. Each child attending is required to purchase a ticket, but *please note* that with each child’s admission purchased, a parent or caregiver is also welcome to join! Snacks, drinks and goodies will be available for purchase on site!

🎈 So, mark your calendars, dust off your costumes (or not – casual attire is just as welcome), and join us at Lincoln's Fall Family Social Fundraiser for a night of giggles, games, and spooky science. It's a silly, spectacular, and sparkling event you won't want to miss! See you there! 🎃✨

⏰ Timely Arrival

We appreciate your cooperation getting students to school on time each and every day! Late arrivals interrupt the flow of the class, and the late comer requires time to catch up with what the class has already accomplished.

📥Parent Pick-Up & Changes to Dismissal Plans

When the dismissal plan of a student is a parent pick up, it is the expectation that a parent or guardian will pick up. Any change to the plan must be communicated in an email to the teacher and the main office secretaries on the day of the change. The designee for pick up will have to show the teacher a government issued photo ID. These practices help us to manage the safe dismissal of all students.

Building confidence in children can be achieved through small, everyday actions, like encouraging independence and letting kids make mistakes. Praising effort rather than results, teaching problem-solving, and allowing them to take healthy risks are key to helping children develop resilience and self-assurance.

October

14: School Closed (Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day)

16: Pumpkin Patch

21: Food Drive through 11/15

25: Halloween Parade & Class Parties (rain date 10/28) | Family Fall Social

November

1: Training Day | Diwali | First Day of American Indian Heritage Month

3: Daylight Savings Time Ends

5: Election Day | Early Dismissal for Staff In-Service

6: Early Dismissal for Staff In-Service

7-8: School Closed

11: Veterans' Day

12: Picture Retake Day

12-13: Fall Book Fair

14: PTO General Membership Meeting

18-19: Parent Teacher Conferences | Early Dismissal

27: Early Dismissal

28-29: School Closed