Dragons' Dish

Dear Allenwood Elementary School Families,

It is hard to believe that we have reached the final days of another school year. As I reflect on all that we have accomplished together, I am reminded of just how quickly this year has flown by. Our Dragons have grown academically, socially, and emotionally, and none of this would be possible without the incredible partnership between our school and families.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our families for the unwavering support you provide your children and our school community. Whether it was bringing students to school each day, attending school events, helping with studying and homework, or fostering a love of learning at home, your involvement has played a vital role in our students' success. Thank you for being our partners in education.

I would also like to thank our PTG for their tremendous support throughout the year. From grade-level activities to schoolwide events, our PTG consistently goes above and beyond for our students and staff. They dedicate countless hours of planning, organizing, and volunteering to make Allenwood Elementary a special and memorable place for all. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated group supporting our school.

A special thank you goes to our faculty and staff for the countless hours, evenings, and weekends they devote to ensuring that every student succeeds. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our Dragons are evident in everything they do. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such an exceptional team of educators and support staff.

As we approach the end of the school year, please note that June 16, 17, and 18 will be half days for students. Dismissal will take place at 1:05 p.m. each day, so please make any necessary transportation and childcare arrangements. Any changes to dismissal must be put into Pick Up Patrol by 1:50 p.m.

Thursday, June 18, is the last day of school and will also be our annual 5th Grade Clap Out. The Clap Out will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the back playground to celebrate and honor our fifth-grade students as they prepare for their next chapter. Families of our fifth-grade students are welcome to join us for this special event.

In keeping with a cherished tradition at Allenwood Elementary School, we will continue holding all buses until the end of the day on the last day of school, June 18, so that our teachers and staff can come outside to wave goodbye to our Dragons. To make this possible, all buses will load and then wait at Allenwood. Once all buses are called and students are boarded, they will leave at the same time.

Consequently, students who use private transportation will be held outside briefly until all buses have been called and dismissed. If your child rides home via private transportation, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we maintain this tradition that brings our school community together one last time for the school year.

As we head into summer, I encourage all of our Dragons to keep learning by reading, reading, and reading! Regular reading throughout the summer is one of the best ways to prevent the "summer slide" and help students return to school ready to learn and grow.

Thank you again for a wonderful school year. It has been an honor to serve as your principal. I wish all of our Allenwood families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming our Dragons back in the fall, ready for another year of learning, growth, and success.

With Dragon Pride,

James Sterenczak
Principal

Join us in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with events and activities all year. This section will share district celebrations, announcements, and ways our school community can honor this historic milestone.

Thank you Mrs. Cimino and the tireless PTG Board for a year full of enriching and

fun experiences. Please consider being an active member of the Allenwood PTG.

As you are aware, Dr. Handerhan announced back in the fall that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. Since then, the Wall Township Board of Education has been actively engaged in the search for a new Superintendent of Schools. At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, the Board of Education appointed Dr. David Bleakley as the next WTPS Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Bleakley brings with him over 20 years of educational experience, and the Board of Education is thrilled to welcome him to the District.

To learn more about Dr. Bleakley, click here. To learn more about the Superintendent Search, click here.

If your family is experiencing economic challenges or homelessness, visit the McKinney Vento webpage for essential information and guidance on available resources.

District Homeless Education Liaison

Tiffany Steiner
tsteiner@wallpublicschools.org
732.556.2647