Our third-grade students recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Ellis Island! Through interactive exhibits and guided exploration, students learned about the experiences of immigrants who entered the United States in search of new opportunities. The trip brought our social studies curriculum to life, helping students develop a deeper understanding of immigration, American history, and the diverse stories that helped shape our nation.
1 day ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students on Ellis Island.
Students and teacher looking at the artifacts.
Students excited to see the Statue of Liberty while riding the ferry.
Students exploring the registration room.
Students enjoying the day on Ellis Island.
Today, our first and second graders beautifully celebrated Flag Day! Dressed proudly in their finest red, white, and blue, the children filled the air with patriotic songs and meaningful poetry readings. We extend a huge thank you to our incredible teachers and staff for organizing such a moving event to honor the American flag.
6 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Teacher welcomes everyone to the special event.
Student reads her poem about the flag.
Student reads her poem about the American flag.
Students saying the Pledge and singing patriotic songs.

Our fourth graders brought great energy to our annual Bike Rodeo! The students enjoyed being outside and mastering essential cycling skills, including hand signals and safe braking techniques. The wonderful instructors from EZ Ride were on hand to check tires and carefully adjust helmet straps, ensuring every child had a proper, secure fit. We are incredibly grateful to EZ Ride for partnering with our school to teach our children these vital safety habits. An event like this truly takes a village, and we want to extend a huge thank you to the teachers and parent volunteers who assisted and helped keep everyone hydrated throughout the day. We would also like to give a special shout-out to John from Jay's Cycle Center, who joined us during the morning session to help inflate tires and fix some brakes. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day such a safe, fun success!

6 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students lined up and ready.
John from Jay Cycle help adjust the seat for a student.
EZ Ride instructor talks about the importance for braking safely when riding in groups.
Student rides on the course.
Students checking their helmets to be sure it's a good fit.
The second graders in Class 2D have been buzzing with excitement as they wrapped up their study of insect life cycles! After learning about the fascinating stages insects go through, students were challenged to become young engineers and designers by creating their very own insects. Working collaboratively in pairs, students used a variety of materials to STEM their creations, making sure each insect included all the important parts of a real insect — a head, thorax, abdomen, six legs, and two antennae. The classroom was filled with creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving as students brought their imaginative insects to life!
15 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students creating their insect.
Students creating their insect.
Students creating their insect.
Students creating their insect.
Students creating their insect.
Students planning their insect.
Students designing their insect.
Students designing their insect.
The Westfield High School Food Allergy Awareness Club visited our fourth and fifth graders for a special assembly. The high school students delivered a highly knowledgeable presentation, sharing crucial strategies on how our students can keep themselves and their peers safe. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive Kahoot game that wrapped up the session, which beautifully reinforced what they learned.
17 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Dr. Hung is photographed with the 3 WHS students and their club advisor, Mrs. Doyle.
WHS Students share the importance of reading the nutrition and ingredients labels.
Students listening and learning about food allergies and how to stay safe.

On Friday, our fifth graders enjoyed a beautiful day of hands-on science at Sandy Hook! As part of this rich Environmental Education Program, students participated in salt marsh studies, engaged in historical discussions, and took an exploration walk along the ocean. They took part in several interactive activities investigating the unique ecology of the New Jersey coastal area, making for an unforgettable day of outdoor learning.

18 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
The lighthouse at Sandy Hook.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The students enjoying the trip.
The students enjoying the trip.
The students enjoying the trip.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The students seining at Sandy Hook.
The Jefferson Staff faced off against the McKinley Staff in our charity volleyball game. It was a thrilling evening of volleyball and a spectacular community-builder for both schools. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to cheer on the teachers and support a phenomenal cause. The students' enthusiasm and high energy lifted our spirits on the court! Thanks to your incredible generosity, the PTO raised over $2,000 for Connor's Wings of Courage where the organization supports pediatric cancer patients and their families during difficult times. We also want to give a massive shout-out to our amazing teachers who played, decorated, and cheered us on!

21 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Jefferson and McKinley staff in a group picture
Mr. Marino taps the ball over.
Dr. Hung photographed with two 5th graders
McKinley teacher serves as the students cheer him on
Mrs. Fetter and Mrs. Halloran are our MC's for the evening
Representative from Connor's Wings of Courage speaks about their mission and shares gratitude
Jefferson staff
Jazzy and Dr. Hung are photographed with representatives from Connor's Wings of Courage in front of the beautiful banner
Jefferson staff, families and students cheer for everyone.
Mr. Thompson gets ready to hit the ball
Our fourth graders participated in a Bike Safety Assembly this week to prepare for safer spring and summer riding. They learned the vital importance of using hand gestures to signal turns, wearing helmets properly, sporting bright-colored clothing, and avoiding distractions while on the road. This was excellent preparation for their upcoming Bike Rodeo in June. Thank you to Mr. Mike Johnson from EZ Ride for a great program!

27 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Presenter shares the importance of riding with a helmet.
Presenter welcomes the students
Presenter shares the importance of riding without distractions
Presenter leads students in hand signals
Presenter shares it is important to make sure there is sufficient air in the tires before riding
Presenter shares the importance of riding with others but maintain a safe distance


Our students dove into marine biology this week with the incredible Whalemobile program. Students learned about different whale species and their ocean habitats, but the absolute highlight was getting to step inside a life-sized inflatable whale! A huge thank you to our wonderful PTO for sponsoring this unforgettable, hands-on experience for our students.

27 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students learning about whales and their habitats
Students inside the whale looking at the anatomy
Students looking at artifacts from real whales
Massive size of a nile humpback whale in our gym
Students learning about whales and their habitats
Students entering the whale
Students learning about whales and their habitats
Massive size of a nile humpback whale in our gym
Student entering the whale
This week, Jefferson recognized Allergy Awareness Week with specialized lessons for our first, second, and third graders. One of our parents, Mrs. Larkin, presented to our students, and our helpful PTO volunteers facilitated a hands-on activity. Students learned the critical importance of both food and environmental allergies, as well as how to advocate for their own safety and care for others. The students were engaged and had insightful thoughts to share!
27 days ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students playing bingo
Students playing bingo
Students playing bingo
Mrs. Larkin shows the 9 common allergens on the screen.
Students listening to the presentation
Students answer questions based on what they learned
We were thrilled to welcome Mr. Alongi of Alongi Media to our school! With a career spanning TV shows, live events, and news productions, he offered the students in 4L a fascinating look into the world of media. Our students were incredibly curious as they learned how producers use cameras, lighting, and sound to tell powerful stories and create exciting content. We are so grateful to him for sharing his professional equipment and technical expertise with our budding creators!
about 1 month ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Mr. Alongi speaking with the students and showing him the equipment.
Students are excited for the interview.
Mr. Alongi speaking with the students and showing him the equipment.
Mr. Alongi guides a student in using the camera.
Ms. Lavin and students wait for the interview to begin.
Mr. Alongi guides students in using the cameras.
Ms. Lavin is ready for the interview.
Our 4th and 5th-grade orchestra delivered a wonderful performance at our school assembly. Mrs. Naylor did a fantastic job leading the students in her final concert before her retirement. It was a truly special occasion, made even more memorable by a guest appearance from Mrs. Naylor's daughter, who served as the piano accompanist for our final song, 'Try Everything.' We wish Mrs. Naylor all the best as she begins her well-deserved retirement this summer!
about 1 month ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Orchestra students performing
Orchestra students performing
Orchestra students performing with Mrs. Naylor and her daughter on the keyboard
Students enjoying the performance
Mrs. Naylor and her daughter
Mrs. Naylor joins in the performance
Orchestra students performing
Orchestra students performing
Our orchestra performs for our students.
Mrs. Naylor, her daugther and our 4th and 5th grade orchestra
Today’s Field Day was a wonderful success, aided by beautiful weather and great school spirit. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our PE teachers, Mr. Marino and Dr. Andzel, for their organization and to the WHS volunteers for their time and support. Additionally, we are grateful to the PTO for providing ice pops to help our students cool off at the conclusion of the activities.
about 1 month ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students taking a break.
Students having fun at Field Day.
Students having fun at Field Day.
Students having fun at Field Day.
Our 2 PE teachers posing for a photo.
Students having fun at Field Day at Tug of War!
Students enjoying their ice pops.
Students enjoying their ice pops.
Students enjoying their ice pops.
Students having fun at Field Day.

We had some very special visitors this week. Three therapy dogs stopped by to spend time with our students! Our classes had a blast learning about how these dogs are trained to support people and offer comfort. It was the perfect way to de-stress during state testing. Thank you so much to our school counselor, Ms. Saliceti, for organizing such a treat!

about 1 month ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Counselor asks dog owner questions as students enjoy learning about the therapy dog.
Dog owner answers student questions as they pet the therapy dog.
Students all want to pet the therapy dog.
Students all want to pet the therapy dog.
Dog owner answers student questions as they pet the therapy dog.
Dog owner answers student questions as they pet the therapy dog.
Today, our first and second graders gathered for a special Arbor Day celebration on Lansdowne. We were honored to host Mayor Berman and other town officials for the planting of a beautiful new tree, marking a wonderful addition to our landscape by our arrival door. The ceremony began with several of our first and second-grade students sharing heartfelt poems about nature and the importance of trees. It was a perfect day to be outdoors, celebrating growth and community together.
about 2 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students line up to help shovel dirt for the new tree.
Student reads his poem.
Mayor helps students shovel some dirt onto the new tree.
Students share their poem.
Mayor reads the proclamation.
Mayor reads the proclamation to all our 1st and 2nd graders.
Student shares her poem.
Student shares her poem as all other students listen.
Students share their poem.
Students share their poem.
Our 2nd graders recently teamed up to put their math and movement skills to the test! Working in small groups, they measured each other’s standing jumps using both centimeters and inches. Students practiced collaboration, precision, and conversion between units, all while having a blast seeing how far they could jump. It was a fun, hands-on way to make math and physical activity come alive!
2 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Student jumping.
Student jumping.
Student jumping.
Students measuring how far they can jump.
Students measuring how far they can jump.
On Tuesday, our students headed out to the learning garden to celebrate National Garden Day! We kicked off the spring season with some much-needed cleanup to prepare our beds for a successful growing year. Our hard work will continue throughout next week as we get the soil ready for new plantings. In the meantime, our "baby plants" have been growing strong indoors and are nearly ready for their outdoor home!
2 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Our seedlings are growing indoors.
Students pause their weeding for a quick photo.
3rd grade class are proud of their weeding job.
3rd grade class are proud of their weeding job.
Students weeding their raised bed.
Students weeding their raised bed.
Students weeding their raised bed.
Students show off all the weeds they pulled.
Student shows off all the weeds they pulled.
Students are busy weeding.
We were proud to host the WHS Water Safety Club. The high schoolers led an engaging and important lesson for our 3rd graders on how to stay safe at the pool and beach as we look toward the warmer months. It was a special treat to welcome many Jefferson alumni back to our halls as part of the WHS presentation team. Seeing our former students return to contribute so meaningfully to our school community is wonderful full-circle moment. Thank you to the WHS students for their leadership and to our 3rd graders for being such an attentive audience!
2 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
16 members of the WHS Water Safety Club
5 WHS presenters talking with our 3rd graders.
4 WHS presenters talking with our 3rd graders.
4 WHS presenters talking with our 3rd graders.
5 WHS presenters talking with our 3rd graders.
We were thrilled to host the a cappella group Back Track Vocals from NYC for a special school-wide assembly. The performers offered a fantastic blend of entertainment and education, engaging students in interactive demonstrations of vocal percussion and beatboxing. We extend our sincere gratitude to the PTO and Cultural Arts Committee for their dedication to bringing such high-quality enrichment programs to our school community.
3 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
The singers are dancing along.
Students are clapping along to the singing.
Students try beatboxing.
Students enjoying the performance.
Students try beatboxing.
The performers are singing and dancing, while students also move their hands to the lyrics.
This week in math, 2nd graders explored partial sums method, a different way to visualize and solve multi-digit addition. By breaking numbers apart into hundreds, tens and ones, students gained a deeper understanding of place value. They had a great time practicing the steps on their slates and are becoming much more confident in their calculation skills!
3 months ago, Jefferson Elementary School
Students are practicing 3 digit addition.
Students are practicing 3 digit addition.
Students are practicing 3 digit addition.