Westfield River Elementary News

Dear Westfield River Families,

As autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, we enter a wonderful time of year to pause and reflect on what matters most. Throughout October and November, our school focus will center on one of the core pillars of our ROCKS PBIS framework: Showing Kindness.With the holiday season around the corner, it’s a perfect time to remind our students how powerful small acts of care and respect can be.

Over the next couple of months, keep an eye out for our Positive Office Referrals! Teachers write Positive Office Referrals to celebrate students who show kindness by:

• Including peers during recess and lunch

• Using polite and encouraging language

• Helping teachers and classmates without being asked

Students may come home with their Positive Office Referral and a WRES sticker! They also get a raffle ticket to enter into drawings for a chance to win things like extra time outisde or in the gym with a friend, lunch with the principals, fun time with one of our adjustment counselors or Mr. Manfredi, and an opportunity to be our Friday Morning DJ, just to name a few!

You can support us at home by asking your child, "How did you show kindness at school today?" or by proudly displaying their Positive Office Referrals. Thank you for helping us continue to build a caring WRES community!

All My Best,

Mrs. Phelan

Dear Families,

As we move into October and November, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Our students have settled into their routines and are working hard each day to learn, grow, and build positive relationships.

October and November are busy and exciting months at school! Students will continue strengthening their academic skills while participating in classroom activities, special events, and opportunities to celebrate our school community.

As the weather gets cooler, please remember to send your child to school prepared for changing temperatures. Labeling coats, jackets, and other personal belongings is also helpful.

Happy Fall! - Mr. Manfredi

Attendance Matters: Introducing Surprise Attendance Days!

At our school, every single day of learning counts! To celebrate our students who are here and ready to learn, we are excited to launch Surprise Attendance Days this year.

At least once a month on a randomly chosen day, every student present at school will receive a fun, special treat! Because these days are a surprise, the best way to make sure your child doesn't miss out is to build strong daily attendance habits.

We completely understand that kids get sick, and we fully support students staying home to rest and recover when they aren't feeling well. However, we ask for your partnership in keeping absences for non-medical reasons, such as family vacations, movie days, or extracurricular lessons, to a minimum. Staying on track with school routines sets our students up for lifelong success.

Thank you for helping us make every school day count. We can't wait to surprise our students soon!

Congratulations to:

• Grade 1 who had 100% attendance once in the month of September!
• Grade 4 who had 100% attendance once in the month of September!

All students in these classes received an Attendance Raffle Ticket. Winners for the Attendance Raffle will be chosen each term when report cards come out.

Our Otter Essentials Food Pantry continues to be fully stocked!

As the colder months approach and the holiday season gets underway, keeping the family fed shouldn't be an added stress. Our food pantry is stocked with warm, nutritious groceries and holiday essentials, free and available to every family in our community. Whether you need a little extra help to stretch your budget this month or just a friendly hand, please reach out.

To schedule your quiet, personal shopping time, just reach out to Mrs. Allie, Mrs. Phelan, Mr. Manfredi, or Nurse Dudas. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Breakfast and lunch menus can be found online here: https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/3724

Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Illness Prevention

As the weather cools, we begin to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, including seasonal influenza, common colds, and stomach bugs. Staying proactive is our best defense in keeping our classrooms healthy.

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home from school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: Temperature of 100.0°F (37.8°C) or higher. Students must be fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as Tylenol or Motrin) before returning to school.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Students should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode.

• Persistent Cough or Severe Sore Throat: If symptoms interfere with comfort and concentration in class.

• Undiagnosed Rash: Any rash accompanied by fever or draining lesions should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Healthy Habits at Home and School

• Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the restroom or blowing their nose.

• Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Remind children to cover their mouth and nose with an elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Dressing for Autumn Weather

In October and November, morning temperatures can be quite chilly while afternoons remain mild. Students go outside for recess every day unless there is active rain or severe cold weather.

• Dress in Layers: Layered clothing (e.g., t-shirt, sweatshirt, light jacket) allows children to adjust comfortably throughout the day.

• Label Everything: Please write your child's first and last name inside coats, jackets, hats, and sweatshirts. Unlabeled items frequently end up in the Lost and Found.

• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes and sneakers are safest for playground play and physical education classes.

Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation in promoting a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all of our students. Together, we can ensure our school community stays well throughout the autumn season.

Nurse Carlene

The PTO is gearing up for an exciting year, and we need your support! We are currently seeking raffle prize donations for upcoming events. Donations may include themed baskets, merchandise, gift cards, services or monetary contributions. Any raffle prize donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated and helps make our events successful for our students and families.

Upcoming Events

• Pie & Cookie Dough Sales End: October 6
• Book Fair: October 13-16
• Open House & Parent Night at the Book Fair: October 13
• Voting Day Bake Sale: November 3
• Pie & Cookie Dough Pick-Up: November 5

WRES PTO

• R: Respond with Respect
• O: Own Your Actions
• C: Collaborate
• K: Keep Trying
• S: Show Kindness

Westfield River Elementary School

Asst. Principal: Mr. Christopher Manfredi

Main Office: Mrs. Theresa Allie

Nurse: Mrs. Carlene Dudas

Adjustment Counselors: Mrs. Amy Crowley and Ms. Emily Raybuck

Website: WRES
Location:133 Franklin Street
Phone: (413) 579-9400