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The Washington Star ⭐
December 22, 2023
Dear Washington Families,
During this most busy time of year, I wish you a moment to stop and reflect on all the joys this season brings. I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season. Spend time with loved ones, cherish the little moments, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let the joy of giving fill your hearts, and remember that the greatest gift of all is the gift of ourselves – our time, our love, and our presence.
With all of the hustle & bustle that surrounds us, I hope we can all find the time for peace, gathering, giving, and for celebration. No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate, please know that we wish you the happiest! From all of us here at Washington School, we wish you a restful and enjoyable winter break with those you love!
Below is one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I think it captures the spirit of the holidays so perfectly.
On Tuesday, we had a surprise visitor from The (friendly) Grinch! 💚
Ms. Jen's recommendations for Family Fun over break!
It is so wonderful to have the kids home for a whole week! But we also realize that you may need some ideas for how to keep them entertained. Check out these resources that were so thoughtfully put together by our own Ms. Jen Cannon.
November 10- January 15 It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. Cost: $9 and up Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
November 20-January 15 Visit Taylor Park and enjoy magical light displays as you stroll along a path at the lake’s edge. After you and your family enjoy the lights, visit Millburn’s unique retailers and restaurants. The park is lit from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM nightly. Cost: Free to enter 100 Main Street, Millburn, NJ, 07041
Christmas Light Show & Village
November 23-December 30, dates and times vary (check ticket schedule for full details) Drive through a beautiful exhibit that twinkles with over two million dazzling lights—your littles will be amazed by all the sparkle and shine on this mile-long course. Afterward, head to the village to spot Santa, go ice skating, dine on hot cocoa and s’mores, and play lots of festive-filled games. Cost: $29 standard admission or $79 VIP admission Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Pl., Augusta, NJ 07822 (973) 383-7644
November 25-January 1, select dates Hit your favorite theme park at night to see it completely decked out in colorful lights and mingle with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ride the roller coasters—plenty of smaller ones perfect for your kiddos—and enjoy the street entertainment all over the park. Finish the night with a festive treat, like a cup of hot chocolate, yummy cider, and fried s’mores. Cost: more information to come Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ 08527
November 25-27, December 3-4, 10-11, and January 7-8 Got kids who love trains? There will be running steam and diesel trains on a 1200-square-foot model layout, including Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Kids can try running trains on the children’s layout or check out the new second railroad. Cost: Kids under 10 are free 575 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
November 23-January 1 Start your engine and explore 32 acres of holiday light displays at Demarest Farms. You can also warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, enjoy hot cocoa and treats in the retail farm market, and take pictures with Santa while listening to Santa’s reindeer singing. Cost: $35 per car Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ 07642(201) 666-0472
December 29-January 1 Walk back in time to see life-size dinosaurs, and while you are there, Ride-A-Dino, jump in a bounce house, create a dino craft, dig for fossils, learn about ancient oceans, walk with dinosaurs, and even meet baby dinos. Cost: $19 and up New Jersey Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ 08837
NIGHTLY STARTING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST (CLOSED DECEMBER 24 & 25) ADMISSION BY DONATION. CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF GIVING BY BRINGING A DONATION OF: NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS NEW (UNWRAPPED) TOYS GENTLY USED COATS Reservations are not required. This special event is set to the backdrop of some animals. The focus is on an evening stroll outdoors through light displays and photo ops with friends and family, featuring some fun seasonal activities such as a s’mores station, Grinch weekend and photos with Santa! Not all of the Zoo is open and accessible. Areas to check out to see an animal or two that are open are the Touch Tank, Reptile House and Farm.
You can also check out the Jersey Family Fun website for some other ideas for winter activities.
PTO Corner
Thank you so much to our PTO volunteers for putting together a fun and festive Cookies with Olaf event on Wednesday this week! All of the children enjoyed the story time, Olaf and of course, the cookies! 🍪
Ariana Rodriguez, President
Brielle Barnes, Secretary
Imma Sproviero, Treasurer
2023 Holiday Show!
A round of applause for our little performers! 👏
Our Holiday Show was quite a success! Thank you to all of our Washington staff who worked so hard to prepare decorations, songs, dance moves, and of course, our little stars for this big performance! ⭐ It was great to see so many families come and watch our students - they loved having you here!
Another hit was Mrs. Wolfe's life-sized snow globe!
Ms. Katie's class (with Ms. Jen)
Ms. Lina's class
Ms. Laura's class
Ms. M's class
Ms. Meg's class
Ms. Jen, Mrs. Hanenberg and Nurse Laura
🗨️ Miss Shayna's Speech Corner!
This week in speech we learned all about winter clothing! The students worked on labeling/identifying each clothing item and describing it based on its function. We read "Froggy Gets Dressed" and had fun dressing Froggy in his hat, mittens, scarf and boots to get him ready to play in the snow. We also played with a sensory bin filled with "snow" and animals to work on our various speech and language goals!
Here is a link to a list of fun winter books 📚 and songs 🎶to read and sing with your children over winter break. While reading/singing, you can ask simple questions such as: What do you see? Who is that? Where is he going? You can also act out what the characters are doing by imitating their movements and facial expressions. Last, talk about the book! You don’t have to only read the words on the page. Talk about the pictures with your child and let them point to/ tell you what they see. Have fun!
https://www.annadeeslp.com/post/top-books-and-songs-for-preschool-winter-speech-therapy-sessions
Spotlight on Ms. Katie's class!
Ms. Katie's class has been working hard to learn their letters and Holidays around the world. This week they created Menorahs 🕎 and enjoyed practicing counting to 8. We have also been practicing turn taking and sharing with all of our friends.
Spotlight on Ms. Laura's Class!
Ms. Laura's class had a yummy lesson on baking cookies! Baking with your littles is such a fun way for them to learn. They get to feel different textures, and practice their fine motor skills by pouring ingredients, cutting out different shapes, sprinkling sprinkles on top, and spreading icing. It's also a nice way to bond and make memories. And let's not forget the delicious result!