This week in Pre-K, students continued exploring boxes by answering the question, “What jobs involve boxes?” Students experimented with materials to find the best ways to move boxes and practiced the letter formation during Language Arts while identifying initial sounds and counting syllables. In Math, students played a variety of tabletop games including Going Up!—a fun game using a spinner, taking turns, and moving game pieces on an elevator board to practice counting to 10. Students also enjoyed reading holiday-themed books, creating festive cards, and learning about traditions.

This week in Kindergarten, students practiced identifying consonants, short vowels, and lowercase letter formation in Fundations. They echoed, sky wrote, and wrote letters, stretched vowel sounds, and read sentences with Baby Echo. In Reader’s Workshop, students tapped out long and short words, while in Writing Workshop, they created their own pattern books. During math, they explored shapes by touch and classified blocks by shape and size. In Social Studies, students learned about the difference between needs and wants. Science was full of wonder as they discovered how snowflakes reflect light to show beautiful colors. We also enjoyed reading The Mitten by Jan Brett!

On behalf of the entire Lincoln School staff, we wish you all a happy and safe winter break. We hope this time offers joy and relaxation (as much as possible with little ones 😉), and we look forward to continuing our learning together in the new year - see you in 2025!

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

In December, our Kindergarten Wrap classes explored exciting seasonal topics and activities! Students learned about hibernation and migration, discovering how animals prepare for winter. They also explored different winter holidays, celebrating the unique ways people enjoy this time of year. One of their favorite activities was the candy cane experiment, where students observed how candy canes dissolve in four different liquids—it was so fun to see the differences! No matter what's celebrate,d we agreed that decorating and baking special treats are some of the sweetest parts of the season. Students are excited about winter and all the learning it brings!

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.

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.

We’d love to welcome your children back in the New Year with family photos of special celebrations from the winter break! Displaying these familiar photos on the digital board in the main entrance will provide for a warm and comforting transition back to Lincoln School. Please help us by adding your pictures to this Padlet virtual bulletin board. Thank you for sharing your memories with us!

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.

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

⏰ 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.

The Mitten by Jan Brett tells the story of a young boy named Nick who loses his mitten in the snow, which becomes a warm home for a growing group of animals. As each animal squeezes into the mitten, the story highlights themes of cooperation, kindness, and the power of helping others. The beautifully story also emphasizes the idea that when we make space for others, we create stronger connections and a sense of community.

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