Principal's Newsletter

This week in Pre-K, students had an exciting week of learning, even with the freezing temperatures keeping them indoors! As part of their unit on buildings, they explored the important roles of community helpers, learning about who they are, where they work, and what they do. Creativity flourished as students used blueprint paper to design their own buildings and blocks to construct their own architectural masterpieces. In math, they enjoyed games focused on ordering numbers, with some students also practicing early subtraction by taking away one number from a set. It was a fun-filled week of building knowledge and skills!

Kindergarten had an exciting week full of hands-on learning and exploration! In Fundations, students built phonemic awareness by blending and segmenting sounds, reading short vowel words, and practicing alphabetical order and uppercase letter formation. During Readers' Workshop, they used reading folders to track their progress, engaged in thoughtful discussions about texts, and enjoyed an interactive read aloud of Not Norman by Kelly Bennett. Math activities included comparing container capacities, counting by tens, and playing number card games to compare and write numerals. In Social Studies, students learned about families from the past and present and explored the role of the president. Science brought curiosity as they discovered where bugs go in winter. They wrapped up the week celebrating their writing achievements with classmates!

Enjoy this week's photo gallery -

We encourage you to visit the bond referendum and budget vote portal on the district and school websites, now updated with additional pages:

• Long-term Solutions - Outlines needs for building improvements and expanded instructional space that could be funded through a bond referendum.
• Full Day Kindergarten - Quantifies the additional hours of instruction and foundational benefits that would come with a full day program, something a vast majority of school districts in New Jersey have already.
• How to Vote - Provides key dates, downloadable forms, and directions so community members are prepared to vote by mail or in person on Tuesday, April 15.
• Terminology - Simply explains school bond referendum and budget terms that are beyond everyday vocabulary.

Check back often, as this portal will be regularly updated with new details about the bond referendum and the 2025-2026 school district operating budget.

Completed petitions for candidacy in the April 15, 2025 School Board Election are being accepted. Petitions are due to Business Administrator / Board Secretary Patricia Ramos by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25. Additional information, including the nominating petition, is posted under Board Election on the Board tab at westfieldnjk12.org.

Still time to register for K-8 STEAM Night on Wednesday, February 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Edison Intermediate School. Lots of great hands-on learning planned -- some activities listed on the PTC Gifted Education flyer, with additional presentations to come.

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.

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". Please complete your child's permission slip by Friday, January 31.

AM Classes & Full Day Kindergarten Classes @ 10 a.m.

PM Classes & Full Day Pre-K Classes @ 1:30 p.m.

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

Mark your calendars for a special seminar on Monday, February 10, sponsored by the Westfield Athletic Department. Parents and athletes are invited to attend this free seminar, "Injury Prevention and Mental Health," in the WHS auditorium from 6-8 p.m.

🚗 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 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.

With the weather warming up this weekend, it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore! This weekend, enjoy a community scavenger hunt with your little one to spark conversations and sharpen focus. Keep an eye out for things like stop signs, fire hydrants, different types of buildings, and other features in your neighborhood. Have fun discovering and discussing the world around you!

January

31: PTO Pizza Friday

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

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)