hope that you are enjoying this beautiful fall season. We had a wonderful transition into the new school year in September and early October. We have enjoyed several school events already, and we are looking forward to many other activities planned for the remainder of October and the month of November. Please read on to learn more about upcoming school events and other important information.
Sincerely,
Bill Mulcahy
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Week of Respect
October 3-7 was designated as the Week of Respect in New Jersey schools. At Washington School, students and staff focused on a different area of respect each day including respect for others, self, diversity, school, and the environment. The PTA provided funding for an outstanding assembly program titled Corey the Dribbler. The former Harlem Globetrotter inspired our students with his message about respect and hard work.
School Violence Awareness Week – Spirit Week
During School Violence Awareness Week, scheduled for October 17-21, we are focusing on positive social behaviors that support a “bullying-free school”. We have a theme for each day of the week – i.e. Crazy Sock Day: “Sock it to Bullying”.
Halloween Events
The PTA-sponsored Halloween Social for all students in grade 1-3 will be held on Friday, October 28. Each child must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian. Information has been sent home with the students.. Our Halloween Parade will take place on Thursday, October 31 at 1:30 p.m. Please remember that costumes for each of these school events should be appropriate for the setting. More information will be sent home with the students.
School Closings/Early Dismissals
School will be closed on Tuesday, November 8 for Election Day and on Thursday and Friday, November 10 and 11, for the NJEA Teachers Convention. A one-session day is scheduled on Wednesday, November 23 to begin our Thanksgiving Recess. School will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25.
Thanksgiving Parade and Assembly: All parents and guardians are invited to attend our annual Thanksgiving Parade scheduled for Wednesday, November 23 beginning at 8:35 a.m.
This long-standing tradition at Washington School has been a favorite event over the years. Visitors should gather outside of the school along the fence and sidewalks, similar to Halloween. After the parade is over, all parents and guardians are invited to our Thanksgiving assembly.
More details will be provided in the coming weeks.
Each family is asked to bring one non-perishable food item for our donation to the food pantry.
Parent Academy
The district is in the final stages of planning (and announcing) the many workshops that will be offered for parents throughout the district in 2022-2023. Included will be the workshop offered through our Second Cup of Coffee series at Washington School. Program information and dates will be provided to you shortly.
Tardiness: We strive to have all students present in the building by 8:30 a.m. Student tardiness presents a distraction in the school and can be disruptive to our Morning Assembly. Please plan accordingly to arrive with your child in advance of 8:30 a.m. Do not drop your child if you arrive late. Students arriving late must be signed in at the main office by a parent or guardian.
Absences: If your child is going to be absent from school, it is important that you provide us with notice ASAP. Please call the office at 201-438-7675, ext. 5333. If you would like to request homework, you may do so at that time. All homework will be in the office and should be picked up after dismissal (3:05 p.m.).
Bulldog Aftercare: If your child attends aftercare, but will not be attending on a particular day, please notify the aftercare director in addition to notifying the classroom teacher and school office.
Lost & Found: We maintain a lost & found box for items that have gone missing. One way to insure that your child’s belongings are returned to their proper owner is to label items with their name (lunch boxes, jackets, sweaters, hats, etc.).
Morning Drop-Off: Thank you for your continued cooperation during morning drop-off. We have cones to define the drop-off area. In order to maintain efficiency, please wait to drop off your child until you are one of the first 3 cars in line. The Drop Off Only signs will define this area. Please be very careful leaving the drop-off zone. Reminder: Cross your children by the crossing guard at the corner of Washington Avenue and Wood Street. Please do not cross through or directly in front of the drop-off area.
Parking: Parking is prohibited on Wood Street and Washington Avenue (in areas adjacent to the school) on school days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. These areas are to remain clear in case we encounter any situation that would require the assistance of emergency personnel and vehicles. Parents visiting the school, even for a short period of time, must find parking elsewhere. This includes those parents who are visiting school to participate in class activities and/or PTA events or business.
Washington School Website: Please visit our website to receive updated information, monthly calendars, and information regarding PTA sponsored events. Our web address is www.rutherfordschools.org Click on the Washington School box.