West End Weekly Update

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This is a special time for all of us to reflect on the diversity that strengthens our community and to appreciate the traditions, stories, and values that have shaped our shared history!

Our annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will be held on the evening of October 10th. Please be on the lookout for more information about our upcoming event!

The North Plainfield School District is participating in the Governor's Educator of the Year (GEOY) recognition program. The GEOY program recognizes one teacher and one educational services professional from each school. If you would like to nominate an outstanding teacher and/or educational services professional from West End School, you can find links to the nomination form and eligibility criteria below. Forms were also sent home with students this week.

Please return completed forms to the main office no later than September 30th, 2024.

https://www.nj.gov/education/recognition/educators/geoy/materials/NominationForm.pdf

Our goal is for West End Elementary School students to engage in extra curricular activities outside of the regular school day.

Student Sign-Up links will be sent to families via text notification and email on Monday at 8:30 am. Club sign ups will close on September 20th. Clubs will begin the week of October 1st.

If your child plans to participate in any of the music programs, please select a club that does not conflict with the music rehearsal schedule. Music programs will distribute additional information.

BAND - Grade 4 - At the elementary school level students who participate in band lessons receive small group lessons during the school day. Your child will be assigned to a specific day of the week for band lessons, one time per week, and the actual time of the lesson is rotated throughout a cycle so that your child will not miss the same subject more than once every 6 or 7 weeks. Students who take band lessons also participate in a mandatory weekly meeting before school hours. Students use this time to learn the music that they will perform at various concerts through the school year. I look forward to a great year of music.
Advisor: Mr. Roque
E-mail: victor_roque@nplainfield.org
Rehearsals: Fridays, 7:00 – 8:10 AM*

(Band sign-ups are done separately.)

WE CHORUS – Grade 3 & 4 - Chorus is for any third or fourth grader who loves to sing and make music! We will be meeting once a week to learn how to use our voices together to make beautiful music. Students will learn music from all over the world and have opportunities for small group and individual solos!
Advisor: Ms. Micki Stukane
E-mail: micki_stukane@nplainfiled.org
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:15-8:15 AM*

*Additional days and times for concerts and performances will be shared.*

Art Club - Grades 2 - 4 - Art club is designed to provide students with added exposure to the visual arts and to explore creative ideas and talents. Students will be using diverse materials to create a variety of projects. Art club ends in December.

Advisor: Ms. Lisa Cerulo
E-mail: lisa_cerulo@nplainfield.org
Meetings: Tuesdays – Grade 4
Wednesday – Grade 3
Thursdays – Grade 2

2:40-3:40 PM

Newspaper Club - Grades 2 - 4 - The Newspaper Club is for Second, Third and Fourth Graders who enjoy researching, typing, creating, interviewing and of course, WRITING!! Students will be expected to hand in newspaper articles and/or writing assignments on time for publication through Google Classroom. The West End WILDCAT Newspaper will be published seasonally three times a year.
Advisor: Amanda Aldred
Email: Amanda_aldred@nplainfield.org
Meetings: Monday 7:30 - 8:10 AM

SPORTS Club - Grades 2 - 4 - Students who want to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle should join this club. Students will be introduced to a variety of sports and activities that will keep them active and moving.
Students will work on skills, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the different sessions. Come join us for some fun activities while also staying active.
Advisors: Mr. Sepesi and Mrs. Keller
E-mail: chris_sepesi@nplainfield.org / rebecca_keller@nplainfield.org
Meetings: Tuesdays – Grade 4
Wednesday – Grade 2
Thursdays – Grade 3

2:40-3:40 PM

STUDENT COUNCIL - Grades 3 and 4 - Student Council is a group of 3rd and 4th grade students who meet regularly at West End School. We, with support from the staff and school community, work throughout the year on implementing activities centering on service learning, character education, and creating special fun days for the West End School population to enjoy. With student council, we “lead” our school in a positive way. If you are responsible, hardworking, determined, and a “leader”, student council is for you! Please fill out the application if you are interested:

Advisors: Ms. DeVizio and Mrs. DeLeon
E-mail: deanna_devizio@nplainfield.org
nicole_deleon@nplainfield.org
Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:40-3:40 PM

TECHNOLOGY CLUB - Grades 3 and 4 - This club is intended for students in Grades 3 - 4 who love “all things tech” and want to further explore and develop their skills. Students will use a variety of devices and apps to move beyond just typing, playing games and taking photos; we will think critically, create, and work collaboratively to complete several projects and challenges.
Advisor: Ms. Christina Moscatello
E-mail: christina_moscatello@nplainfield.org
Meetings: Tuesdays – Grade 4
Fridays – Grade 3
(starting mid October)
7:15 - 8:15 AM

*NEW* MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB - Grades 3 and 4 - This year, we are excited to launch a MUSICAL THEATRE Club for 3rd and 4th graders. This club will begin in January. Be on the lookout for more information!

Over the coming weeks, students will complete their Fall I-ready Assessment.
The I-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions based on student responses. Each item a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier ones. I-Ready is an online program that will help us determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows us to meet your child where they are and provides us with data to inform instruction.
To help prepare your child for the i-Ready Diagnostic, encourage them to:
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat a full breakfast
- Try their best on each question and try not to rush.
- For Math questions, use paper and pencil to show work.

You can also learn more about i-Ready by visiting i-ReadyCentral.com/FamilyCenter.
As always, thank you for your continued support and for being a partner in your child’s learning!

A few reminders...

The parking lot directly behind the school building and on Harrington Avenue is RESERVED for staff only. Parents/Guardians are asked to refrain from dropping children off in the lot or parking in this area.

Please be considerate of our neighbors by refraining from blocking and making U-turns in the driveways of the homes in the neighborhood. Additionally, please do not use the Sundance School parking lot when picking up and dropping off your children.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Please click the link or the photos below to fill out the lunch application for this school year. It is important for families to fill this out as soon as possible.

https://www.nplainfield.org/departments/business-office/food-services

Please save the date for our West End Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 17th from 5:30-7:30 pm. More information will be sent home with students this week. We look forward to seeing all of families.

To keep children with food allergies safe, we follow guidelines for classroom parties. Please click on the document below for more information.

Coming soon!

Pop on by for our first PTA meeting on September 24th at 7pm in the Community Room. Children are welcome; there will be a free popcorn bar to enjoy while we discuss the events and fundraisers we will host this year!

Join the PTA and stay up to date with all our meetings and events

https://westendpta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

Did your child grow over summer? You're in luck, we started our school gear sale! Get your 2024 West End School gear with a new design! We will have many opportunities to show our school spirit throughout the year.

Purchase here: School Spirit Sale

https://spiritsale.online/westend/shop/home

Monday, September 16th: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

Tuesday, September 17th (5:30 - 7:30): Back to School Night

Tuesday, September 24th (7:00pm) - PTA Meeting

Saturday, September 28th: North Plainfield Fall Festival

Tuesday, October 1st: Clubs begin

Friday, October 4th: Picture Day!