Welcome back! The first two days of school after winter break were all about reacclimating to our classroom routines, reviewing expected behaviors, and reconnecting with friends and teachers. Students eagerly engaged in activities to refresh their understanding of what it means to be safe, kind, and responsible. We're excited to dive into a full week of learning next week! On Monday, we’ll start with a Kindergarten mini-assembly where Bucket Filling Superheroes (our teachers in disguise!) will bring social stories to life and celebrate our students’ positive choices. As you may recall, on Election Day students voted for a special bucket filling reward. Pre-K classes voted for extra playground time and Kindergarten classes voted for a "camp out day". As a special surprise, we’ll announce that their bucket-filling efforts have earned them their reward next Friday, January 10!

Thank you to all the families who uploaded a photo to the Winter Tradition Padlet! These beautiful photographs help strengthen our connections and serve as a wonderful reminder of how much we have to be grateful for.

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.

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.

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.

January is Muslim Heritage Month, in celebration of the rich cultural traditions, invaluable contributions, and diverse experiences of Muslim Americans, as we reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding, respect, and inclusion for all.

This month we celebrate the dedication and leadership of our Board of Education. These committed volunteers work tirelessly to ensure our students, staff, and community have the resources and support needed for success. Thank you!

This is the time of year when many grown ups commit to making resolutions for the new year. This article offers tips and ideas for also helping kids set achievable and age-appropriate New Year’s resolutions to encourage healthy habits and personal growth.

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

February

3: School Counseling Week

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

7: PTO Pizza Friday

11: Pre-K and Kindergarten Report Cards Issued

13: Valentine's Day Class Parties

14: School Closed

17: School Closed

21: PTO Pizza Friday

27: Dental Hygiene Assemblies

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