Mrs. Carotenuto and Mrs. Langhart's classes joined forces to explore the exciting traditions of St. Patrick's Day! The students discovered where Ireland is located, learned about its flag, delicious food, and various traditions. The highlight of the day was a special demonstration of Irish step dancing by one of the first graders, after which the students eagerly tried their own dance moves. What a fun way to celebrate!
Lots of in-person and remote opportunities through April 8 to learn about the Budget and Bond Referendum! https://bit.ly/WPS-BudgetBond-Engagement
Class 2D published nonfiction books, demonstrating their study of nonfiction writing. Their work included strong introductions, text features, and dedication pages. Families attended a "Meet the Author" event last week to celebrate the students' progress.
The 4-H Master Tree Stewards presented an enrichment program in each of our 4th grade classrooms. The students learned about the nature and life of trees. Students enjoyed learning about how trees grow; how to identify them; and about their importance to our environment. The children participated in a fun and collaborative game to wrap up the experience. Thank you to our teachers for arranging this experience for our 4th graders.
St. Patrick's Day brought a fun and collaborative STEAM challenge to buddy class, 1C and 4C! Students joined forces to design and build leprechaun traps. This hands-on project required them to apply engineering principles, integrate three elements of leprechaun lore, and refine their designs through testing and problem-solving. A truly engaging learning experience!
Read Across America week was made even more special by a visit from 5 WHS athletes! These Jefferson alumni returned to their elementary school to share the joy of reading with our students. They read aloud from several picture books, and their visit was a delight for both our students and staff. We extend a huge thank you to Coach Andzel for organizing this wonderful experience for our students!
Jefferson had the incredible opportunity to welcome author/illustrator David Biedrzycki! Or as he likes to call himself, the Authorator. Mrs. Harrigan has been sharing his books and students were excited to meet him. Mr. Biedrzycki shared his creative process, showed us how he brings his characters to life, and even drew original art with help of students’ input during the assemblies. Jefferson students in all grades were completely engaged and inspired by his energetic, entertaining, and enthusiastic presentations. Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this program for us!
Mrs. Cardillo's 4th grade class has been buzzing with excitement as they had the privilege of welcoming multiple parents to teach, share, and inspire our students! Last week Mr. Briamonte, a volunteer firefighter for Scotch Plains, who taught us life-saving lessons on emergency preparedness. Mr. Glyn, the President of Uncanny Brands, who motivated the students with a powerful message: the work we do in the classroom today is shaping the future we will create! Thank you to our parent presenters for enriching our student learning experiences.
Our students were able to experience the SkyDome today. The SkyDome is a portable and inflatable planetarium. The excitement began as students entered the dome through a tunnel. Once inside the dome, students explored our galaxy and learned about the constellations of stars that we can see on a clear night. After that, student jaws were dropping with fascination as they saw our solar system up close and learned exciting facts about each planet. Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this enrichment program for the students.
Maud Dahme, a Holocaust survivor and educator, visited Jefferson to speak with our 5th graders. The students have been learning about the Holocaust and reading Lois Lowry's historical fiction novel , Number the Stars. As Mr. Latessa said when introducing Ms. Dahme, “For all the lessons that Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Bowers, Mrs. Amadeo, and I teach in class, today those lessons come to life in a firsthand account from somebody who was there.” Ms. Dahme’s story reveals the tragedy of the Holocaust and the importance of being an upstander for others. The teachers and students were honored to have Ms. Dahme share and entrust her story with them.
Mr. Arak visited with Class 4L to speak about his career and role as an entrepreneur currently working for an online company. At the conclusion of his presentation, students had the opportunity to plan a mind map and think about how they could turn their hobbies and interests into business ideas. Students had fun creating a vision board for their small business ventures.
With the generous support of our families, our Early Act Club collected almost 900 canned food items for the Souper Bowl food drive. The food pantry at Grace Church was restocked. Our students earned a fun Crazy Hair Day this week!
Dating back to 1885, George Washington’s birthday was the first federal holiday honoring an individual’s birth date. In 1971, it moved to the third Monday in February, falling between Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays, inspiring the name Presidents Day. #PresidentsDay
Buddy classes (1A and 4L) joined together for a Valentine story and bonded over a spirited game of Valentine Bingo. The older students enjoy helping the little ones.
REMINDER: The deadline to submit completed petitions for candidacy in April 15, 2025 School Board Election is 4p on Tues, Feb 25. Nominating petition updated to reflect new legislation requiring 25 signatures. https://www.westfieldnjk12.org/page/boardelectionapril2025
Check out our updated Bond + Budget portal with a robust schedule of community engagement sessions now posted. Whether in-person or remote, day or evening, there are plenty of opportunities to have your questions answered. westfieldnjk12.org/vote
Dr. Irene and Dr. Brett Druger visited Jefferson to celebrate Dental Health Awareness Month! They shared a valuable lesson with our first graders about the importance of regular dental check-ups, as well as brushing and flossing. To wrap up their visit, they read a delightful book about a child's first trip to the dentist that they authored themselves. It was a joy to have them with us!
Due to inclement weather forecasted overnight expected to impact travel in the AM, all Westfield Public Schools will have delayed opening tomorrow (Thurs), Feb 6. Delayed opening schedule here: https://www.westfieldnjk12.org/page/inclement-weather-procedures-school-closings
Parent presenters and the principal share their Lunar New Year traditions with our students, enriching their understanding of this important holiday. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!
Mark your calendar! 📅 On February 10 at 6 p.m., experience Wild Symphony at Edison Intermediate School. Learn more, including how to get your free ticket to this magical, family-friendly event: https://www.westfieldnjk12.org/article/1997849
