This week in Pre-K, students continued their exploration of boxes with the guiding question, “What are some characteristics of boxes?” Other imaginative dramatic play activities included: fishing for numbers from box boats and taking a ride on a box train. Students also learned new vocabulary—cube, rectangular prism, square, and rectangle—while comparing two- and three-dimensional shapes. Students created snowperson boxes, sequenced numbers 1-10 on a handmade number line, and practiced numeral writing. Literacy activities included sequencing the letters in their names and letter formation practice during Fundations. Students also had thoughtful discussions about welcoming new friends.

This week in Kindergarten, students engaged in exciting learning across all subjects! In Fundations, they practiced letter formation, identified consonant and short vowel sounds, and echoed and wrote letters using fun techniques like "sky writing" and Baby Echo. They also stretched vowel sounds and explored rhyming words. During Readers’ Workshop, students pointed to each word as they read Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and practiced re-reading to match. In Writers’ Workshop, they added details to their writing with words or pictures.

Math time included games and activities to practice number recognition, sequencing, counting, and comparing numbers while exploring number relationships and probability. In Social Studies, students created people graphs to celebrate how our families are alike and different. Lastly, in Science, they explored the fascinating adaptations and defenses of the arctic hare.

Thank you to all those who participated in the Scholastic Pajama Drive. With your generosity, we collected over 200 pairs of pajamas. These pajamas will be donated to the Newark YMCA which operates an emergency shelter for families who are unexpectedly displaced from their homes.

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

As winter is upon us, we want to remind you of our Inclement Weather Procedures, available under “District Information” at westfieldnjk12.org. Deciding to close schools or adjust schedules due to weather is rarely an exact process. We base our decisions on the best available information and conditions at the time. In the event of emergency closures or changes, we will notify all staff and families via text, voice call, and email. Updates also will be posted on district and school websites and our social media channels.. Please familiarize yourselves with our procedures so that we can all stay informed and safe this winter.

Online registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now available for Kindergarten and Grade 1. Visit the Student Registration Portal at westfieldnjk12.org to access all the information and forms needed for a secure registration process. Don't have an incoming Kindergartner or 1st grader? Help spread the word to friends and neighbors in Westfield!

Please note, currently enrolled students (in Pre-K or Kindergarten) will be automatically enrolled for the next grade. Updated medical or lease documents may be required at a later date.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Westfield is accepting submissions of original work from elementary and intermediate school students for its annual Essay/Poetry/Art Contest. This year's theme is: Building Bridges to the Beloved Community. Please refer to the Elementary and Intermediate guidelines for entry details, also posted on What's New in our Schools.

Deadline to submit entries to your school's main office is Thursday, January 9.

The PTO will be offering Kindergarteners Pizza Lunch almost every Friday this January and February! Place your orders today below. Deadline for ordering is Monday, December 30th.

Pizza Lunch Fridays will begin on Friday, January 3rd and run 1/10, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21 & 2/28.

*Please note: NO PIZZA on 1/17

You will have the option to purchase 1 slice for $3, or 2 slices for $6. Your order includes all 7 lunch dates and there are no refunds once purchased.

To Volunteer to serve pizza, sign up here

Friday, January 17, 2025 will be Kindergarten Grandparents' & Special Persons' Day. Kindergarten students will perform a few musical numbers and enjoy a special treat with their special guests!

Advanced registration for each guest is required. All guests must be registered by Mon, Jan 13, 2025.

This is an opportunity for families to learn about school-related topics and meet other families.

⏰ 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.

🤒 Flu Vaccine

A message from Nurse Oviedo: The flu vaccine is required yearly for students ages 4 and under. Please email documentation of your child's 2024-25 flu vaccine to Nurse Oviedo no later than December 31. If your child is in Kindergarten or will be 5 years of age by December 31, providing proof of your child's flu shot no longer required. To learn more about how to protect against the flu, visit the CDC website.

Datebook, a publication of the San Francisco Chronicle, offers a guide to 13 children’s books celebrating various winter holidays and religious traditions, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and more. The selection highlights themes of light, family, and cultural values. The collection is ideal for teaching inclusivity and understanding during the holiday season.

December

20: Early Dismissal | Spirit Day

23 - 31: Winter Break Schools Closed

January

1: New Year's Day | Schools Closed

2: Students Return to School

3: Spirit Day | PTO Pizza Friday

17: Training Day | Kindergarten Grandparents' & Special Persons' Day

20: District Closed | MLK Jr. Day

24: PTO Pizza Friday

31: PTO Pizza Friday