This week in Pre-K, students explored how animals survive the winter by hibernating, migrating, or adapting, and they even tested whether fur or skin keeps us warmer in a science experiment. In our building unit, students investigated what makes structures strong by creating houses from different materials and watching a time-lapse video of a house being built. During math, students practiced comparing sets and matching shadows to their shapes. We also incorporated letter and sound identification practice through fun games and activities to build early literacy skills.

This week in Kindergarten, students practiced important phonemic awareness skills like blending and segmenting sounds, reading short vowel words, and putting letters in ABC order. In Readers’ Workshop, they kept a "Reading Folder" and discussed stories, including Not Norman by Kelly Bennett. Young writers celebrated their hard work by sharing their writing with classmates. In Math, students compared container capacities, counted by tens, and played games to practice number recognition. They also explored history by using terms like past and present, learned about the president’s job, and discovered where bugs go in winter!

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

January was full of hands-on learning and creative fun! Our young scientists explored a fascinating chemical reaction by using vinegar and salt to clean pennies. Students learned about penguins and polar bears, making adorable puffy paint crafts. In celebration of Muslim Heritage Month, students read Amira’s Picture Day, colored Mehndi handprints, and enjoyed a special demonstration from Ms. Balli. Students also welcomed the Lunar New Year by creating a festive banner for good luck. To stay warm during the chilly days, students had a cozy “campout” with roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate, and kept moving indoors with Kidz Bop and GoNoodle dance parties. Classrooms looked extra wintery after students decorated with penguin and snowperson crafts. It was a fantastic month of learning and fun!

With 10 buildings to manage throughout Westfield Public Schools, the April 15 vote proposes a path beyond short-term fixes for continual repairs and renovations – including the benefit of more state funding than the annual budget gets! What would this investment specifically bring to our district? Visit the Long-Term Solutions page on the westfieldnjk12.org/vote portal for more details on how these projects would continue to support the needs of students and staff for years to come.

We’re excited to offer a DIY Valentine’s Cookie Kit—a delicious way to celebrate with your little ones!

Kits are just $15 and must be ordered by Tuesday, 2/4 at 10 PM. A big THANK YOU to Bovella’s for providing these sweet treats for us! Orders will be sent home in your child’s backpack on Monday, 2/10, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Save the Date for a unique picture book experience on Monday, February 10, beginning at 6 p.m. at Edison Intermediate School. Described as "a magical blend of storytelling, music, and visual art," join us as elementary band director Trevor Sindorf reads Dan Brown's "Wild Symphony", accompanied by the WHS Wind Ensemble. Secure your free tickets here.

Lincoln School students will have a walking field trip to Edison Intermediate School on Thursday, February 6 to view a teaser of "Wild Symphony". Thanks to everyone who already completed the permission slip.

SAVE THE DATE: The PTO Executive Board cordially invites all families to their next General Membership Meeting:

Date/Time: Thurs, Feb 20, 2025 @ 7:30 PM

Location: Lincoln School Multipurpose Room

Topic: April 2025 Facilities Bond Referendum - more information available HERE

Featured Speaker: Dr. Raymond A. González, Superintendent of Schools

⛄Inclement Weather Procedures

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.

🚗 Pedestrian Safety

Please remind caregivers who drop off and pick up to observe pedestrian safety measures:

allow the crossing guard to ensure all traffic has come to a complete stop, look both ways when crossing, remain in the crosswalk, and leave all emergency lanes on Westfield Avenue clear for buses and emergency responders.

⏰ 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.

January 27 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as we remembered the six million Jews and countless others who died in the Holocaust. Let’s honor their memory throughout the year by rejecting hatred and embracing respect for all.

Happy Lunar New Year! We join in celebrating this special time that marks new beginnings and honors traditions across many cultures. Wishing our community happiness, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake!

Celebrate Lunar New Year with festive picture books and engaging activities that introduce traditions like dragon dances, red envelopes, and family feasts. These books and hands-on crafts help young children explore the holiday’s rich cultural heritage in a fun and meaningful way!

February

3: School Counseling Week

6: Wild Symphony Field Trip to Edison Intermediate School (permission slips REQUIRED)

7: PTO Pizza Friday | Winter Family Social

11: Pre-K and Kindergarten Report Cards Issued

13: Valentine's Day Class Parties | 100th Day of School

14: School Closed

17: School Closed

20: PTO General Membership Meeting @ 7 PM

21: PTO Pizza Friday

27: Dental Hygiene Assemblies

28: Pre-K Training Day | PTO Pizza Friday | Ramadan (begins sundown)

March

1: Athletic Training Month

2: School Social Worker Week

3: Read Across America Week

8: Parents' Night Out

20: Winter Family Social @ 3:30 PM

24: Community Service Week

28: Kindergarten Sing-A-Long | Training Day