SWS Newsletter

Our Fall Conferences will take place during the first week of November. Families will receive an email on Tuesday, October 22 at 2 p.m. with instructions on how to sign up for appointments. Conference dates and times are as follows:

• Tuesday, November 5 from 5:45–8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 6 from 1:00–3:15 p.m.

Please note that SWS will have early dismissal on both conference days. You can view the early dismissal schedule via our student handbook by clicking here. Additionally, no lunch will be served on early dismissal days.

Pumpkin Run Information

The Annual Pumpkin Run will be held on Wednesday, October 30 this year. Students will warm up outside at 2 p.m., with the run starting at 2:15 p.m. Please refer to the map below for the run route.

• To keep our Pumpkin Run safe, we ask that parents/guardians always remain inside the center viewing circle. Please allow staff members and 6th Grade Buddies to support our students during the run.

Halloween Information

We are looking forward to celebrating Halloween at SWS!

• Class parties, which are for students only, will take place before the parade.
• Children will wear their costumes to school and keep them on all day.

Please remain mindful of our our no-candy policy, which is outlined in the Student Handbook on our website. Our Board of Education policy encourages nutritious lunch and snack choices for students, and foods high in sugar, such as candy, are not conducive to a productive school day. Candy is not permitted at school or on the bus. We appreciate your continued cooperation in packing lunches and snacks that support this guideline and promote a healthy learning environment for all students.

Our Halloween Parade will begin promptly at 2:15 p.m. Please refer to the map below for details on the parade route and the best viewing locations for each grade level.

The parade will proceed as follows:

• The procession will start with 6th grade, followed by each grade in descending order. Students will move to their designated spots around the circle.
• Pre-K and Kindergarten will come out last and begin with their first lap around the circle.
• After Pre-K and Kindergarten complete their lap, 1st grade will walk the circle. Each subsequent grade will take their turn (2nd grade, then 3rd, and so on) once the previous grade returns to their spot.
• Once all grades have completed their lap, we will invite the students to take one final loop around the parade route, finishing at their designated spots for class photos.

To ensure everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that parents and guardians remain inside the center viewing circle throughout the parade. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Pickup of Students After Parade

Parents/guardians who wish to pick up their child after the parade MUST fill out the SWS Transportation Form by noon - click here for the link - click here for the link. This form must be filled out to pick up your child. Student sign-out will occur at tables starting at 2:45 p.m., as noted on the map.

Halloween Costume Guidelines

• Halloween costumes should be school-appropriate.
  

• Avoid excessively scary costumes as they might frighten our younger students.

• Costumes should not represent violence; no blood or gore.
  

• Toy weapons of any kind are not allowed.

• Children may not wear costume masks that block vision or hide identities.
  

• Please check your child's costume for safety. Ensure it is not too long and does not create a tripping hazard.

• We ask that adults visiting the school adhere to all of these guidelines as well.

A big thank you to Nurse Mrs. Misyak for organizing a fantastic nutrition assembly this week! We were joined by Kimberly Varner, a nutritionist from Weiss Markets, who taught students how to "taste the rainbow." They had the opportunity to sample a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables while learning how each one helps keep their bodies healthy. Students shared their reactions with thumbs up or down to show what they liked best!

Students in Ms. Manella's class complete a STEM challenge. Students had to solve a problem and build a fence for their pumpkins using a variety of supplies. .

In 2nd grade students are in their material properties unit in science. 2nd grade used different materials to experiment and learn what materials insulate and what materials conduct heat and cold.

Kindergarten students take on the Beanstalk Challenge in Technology Enrichment Class and work with partners to build the tallest beanstalk to the clouds.

Preschool students learning through play in various centers.

Third grade students try dinosaur jumping to understand just how large prehistoric creatures were and compare their own size jumps with that of dinosaurs.

Second grade works on Leaf Man creations after listening aloud to the story in Library class.

Last week, our 6th grade students went on a field trip to Sussex Technical School, where they joined other sixth graders from across the county. The day featured an inspiring motivational speaker, along with games and activities focused on character education and celebrating the value of respect.

Third grade writers work on the beginning of their stories to use the strategy of starting a story with Who What Where When and Why.

Preschool class is studying birds and listening to the differnt sounds birds can make.

Fifth grade students get some independent reading time in class.

Second grade writers working on their stories about a special place or an adventure they took.

Kindergarten students worked together to make cinnamon playdough from scratch. After everyone pitched in to help with the mixing and kneading, they had a great time playing with their homemade creation!

Music teacher Ms. Norell works with fifth grade on their upcoming concert songs.

We'd like to invite you to as we honor our Veterans with a “Veterans Day Tribute.” This very special event on Monday, November 11, 2024, will feature readings, songs, and patriotic music all about the history and importance of Veterans Day. We welcome our Sandyston Walpack residents and families, especially our community Veterans.

An RSVP must be submitted in order to attend this special event. Please RSVP by Monday, November 6, 2023 to Mrs. Timerly Hill, 973-948-4450 thill@sandystonwalpack.org or click here to fill out an online RSVP Google Form. We hope you are able to join us for our “Veterans Day Tribute” on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:30 am.

We will be displaying our annual Wall of Honor during this week. All prior submissions will be displayed. If you would like to add your veteran family member, email a picture, name, military rank, and duties performed to wwesighan@sandystonwalpack.org by Monday, November 6th. A formal invitation is below.

We will always list upcoming important dates here in our newsletter.

Families can always check to most current event dates and times using our Google Calendar on our school webpage at this link: SWS Webpage.

Wednesday, October 30 - Annual Pumpkin Run, 2pm

Thursday, October 31 - Halloween Parade, 2:15pm

Monday, Nov. 4 - PTO Meeting, 7pm at SWS

Tuesday, Nov. 5 - Early Dismissal, Parent-Teacher Conferences, evening

Wednesday, Nov. 6 - Early Dismissal, Parent-Teacher Conferences, afternoon

Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8 - No School, NJ Teacher's Convention

Monday, November 11 - Veteran's Day Ceremony, 10:30am, all veterans and their families welcome

Tues. Nov. 19 - Picture Retake Day

Take Back Day is right around the corner! This Saturday, October 26th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, local collection sites across Sussex County will be open for safe disposal of unused, unwanted or expired medications. You can find a local collection sites near you by going to: DEA Take Back Site.