Principal's Newsletter

This week in Pre-K, we began the unit of study on Boxes. Students explored their many uses and purposes. They read A Box Can Be... and discussed what boxes might hold and how they can inspire pretend play. During Math, students practiced counting forward and backward using number lines and played games to reinforce these skills. In Fundations, students practiced letter sounds and formations. For Fine Motor activities, they created shapes on geoboards with rubber bands. Families can join the fun by sharing unique boxes or participating in classroom holiday celebrations (please inquire with your child's teacher) — your contributions make learning even more special!

This week in Kindergarten, students explored foundational skills in literacy, math, and science through engaging activities. In Fundations, they practiced naming letter-keyword-sounds for consonants and short vowels, sky writing, and identifying rhyming words. In Readers' Workshop, students pointed to words in text and listened to A Sled for Gabo during Read Aloud. Writing Workshop focused on planning, drawing, and labeling stories. Math lessons included numeral recognition, counting, and representing numbers from 5 to 10 in various ways. In Social Studies, students discussed how families care for one another and explored winter animal adaptations. Science lessons introduced living versus nonliving things and the fascinating ways trees communicate.

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

The Student Registration portal has been updated for 2025-2026 school year. Please share this information with any prospective families. 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.

We've added a quick link on our mobile app to the Genesis Parent Portal, This easy-to-navigate tool provides the latest updates and notifications, all in one place. You can customize it by district and school, and easily access the website. Download for free today on the App Store for the iPhone or Google Play for Android devices.

Our school is excited to participate in Scholastic’s Pajama Drive, which collects new pajamas for children in need, ages 0-12, to help ensure a warm and comforting bedtime. Join us in the spirit of giving by wearing your coziest pajamas to school on Pajama Day, Friday, Dec 13, and consider donating a brand-new set of pajamas to support this wonderful cause!

Stay warm and show your Westfield spirit with this fun winter hat!

The PTO will be offering Kindergarteners Pizza Lunch every Friday this November and December! Place your orders today on Membership Toolkit. Deadline for ordering is Monday, October 28th.

Pizza Lunch Fridays will begin on Friday, November 1st and run 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13.

You will have the option to purchase 1 slice for $3 or 2 slices for $6. Your order includes all 5 lunch dates and there are no refunds once purchased.

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.

⏰ 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.

Put those Amazon delivery boxes to good use this holiday season! A Box Can Be Many Things by Dana Meachen Rau explores the endless possibilities of how an ordinary box can spark imagination and transform into something extraordinary. Through simple text and engaging illustrations, the book encourages children to think outside the box and discover the many ways a box can be used for play and creativity.

December

2: National Special Education Day

6: Training Day | PTO Kindergarten Pizza Day

13: Pajama Drive Day | Holiday Concerts, EIS Broadway Singers

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

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