October 2023

October is here and there are many autumn activities for the “Bear Cubs” to enjoy.

The kindergarten will be visiting Allaire Community Farm to learn about life on a farm, go for a hayride, interact with farm animals and even see how a farm operates! In social studies the 3rd grade has been learning about the people, places in their community. They will visit Allaire State Park as a culminating activity to this unit of study.

The PTA will be sponsoring the fall Book Fair on the 10th - 13th of the month. Here are a few helpful hints when selecting books at the Book Fair. Find and select books your child will love, keep in mind your child's age, child's interests, child's recent experiences and your child's reading level, but don't over-emphasize this. If your child can read the first page aloud to you, chances are he or she can read the entire book. Lastly, help your child start their own library or give a book as a gift.

The West Belmar Fire Department will be discussing fire safety with our students. The discussion includes designing a fire safety plan for your home, who to call and what steps to follow in case of a fire.

The 5th grade morning helpers have been filling the morning airwaves with the school the word of the week, morning mindsets and positive messages. These announcements are filled with many important messages for our students to think about. We will also feature special Words of Wisdom messages during the weeks of Respect and Unity Week.

On Friday, October 13th, the PTA will be hosting the annual Fall Festival. There will be a variety of games, a DJ dance party, chili contest and fall activities for all to enjoy. Come join the fun from 6:30 - 8:00 pm behind the school on the blacktop.

Please check the West Belmar Website regularly to stay informed with all the school’s activities and programs. In addition to our website the PTA will be sending out Baxter Bears to keep the community informed of school happenings.

The month will end with the annual celebration of Halloween. This is a good time to discuss Halloween safety with your children. The parade is scheduled to begin approximately 1:45 on the 31st. At the conclusion of the parade, the students will go back to their classrooms for their Halloween festivities.

The month of October will be filled with many fun fall activities.

"Cali Goes to School"

Kindergarteners in Ms. Thompson's class and Cali had a wonderful time showcasing our Tail Waggin Tutors program. Special thanks to Ms. Ciumei, WHS TV Production teacher, for creating this special footage for our school, and the book chapter!

October 16th-20th

Tuesday, October 31st

1:45 pm

November 1, 2023

7:00-8:30 PM

WHS Cafeteria

Thursday, November 2nd from 5:30-7:30 PM

at West Belmar Elementary School

Come celebrate Dia De los Muertos at WBS! There will be live music, arts and crafts, and dancing! Authentic Mexican food will be available to purchase. Come enjoy this special celebration with us!

Suggestions to stay healthy during cold, flu, and COVID season are helpful during this busy time of year. Habits like frequent handwashing, exercising, eating a balanced meal, and getting plenty of rest are the best ways to maintain a healthy immune system. If you experience symptoms of a cold, flu, or COVID, please stay home. If you have a temperature greater than 100.0, you must be fever-free without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Those diagnosed with COVID, whether it be symptomatic or asymptomatic, should be isolated for 5 days, beginning on the first full day of symptoms (or the day you were tested if asymptomatic), and may return to school on day 6 if symptom-free. If you have any questions, you can refer to the guidelines on the district website or speak directly with the School Nurse.

The PTA wanted to say ‘Welcome Back’ to another year at West Belmar School! We are excited to get reacquainted with you all and meet those of you who are new to our school. West Belmar is truly a great place to be, and we are looking forward to another year filled with adventure!

PTA executive board:

• Charlene Gorhan - President
• Marissa Mc Intrye - Vice President
• Meghan McDermott Treasurer
• Erin Polo - Recording Secretary
• Shannon Cusick - Corresponding Secretary

Please feel free to come to us if you have any questions, concerns…or even ideas.! We welcome your input! There are many changes underway this year…some challenging and others we eagerly anticipate.