Washington Elementary School 🐾

October 9, 2026

The week of October 5 was filled with opportunities to strengthen our caring and inclusive community as we celebrated New Jersey’s Week of (Extra) Respect. Teachers and counselors collaborated throughout the week to help students reflect on what it means to be kind, respectful, inclusive, and supportive members of our school community. Our second graders also participated in an engaging Pedestrian Safety Assembly presented by our partners at EZ Ride, and we celebrated National Walk to School Day with members of our Washington community. I had the privilege of walking with the Berman family, while Councilman Armento joined the George family for their walk to school. Be sure to check out this week’s live feed and news articles for more highlights of the wonderful learning happening at Washington!

Enjoy this week's photo gallery...

Washington School Live Feed

Washington School News

Week of Respect Spotlight

October 5 - 9, 2026

During the Week of (Extra) Respect, our first graders participated in a lesson about the power of our words. Ms. LaRosa introduced students to Charlie, a fictional new student who was feeling nervous about starting at Washington School. Through an interactive activity, students saw how unkind words could leave Charlie feeling hurt, as his picture was crumpled with each unkind comment that said to him. As students shared kind and encouraging words, Charlie's picture was slowly unfolded. However, the wrinkles remained, helping students understand that even when we try to make things better, hurtful words can leave lasting “feeling scars.” This meaningful activity reminded students of the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy every day.

From the Office of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Washington School Compass Coordinator: Julie Cennamo, jcennamo@westfieldnjk12.org

Upcoming Community Input Sessions

What to Expect for Halloween

Halloween Parade: Friday, October 30 at 9:05 AM, shortly after arrival
Students will parade twice around the perimeter of the school using the sidewalks.
Families are welcome to watch from grassy areas or front lawns.
Keep all sidewalks clear for the parade.
Students should arrive at school already dressed in their costumes.
After the parade, each class will find a spot outside for a group photo.
Costumes: masks and costume weapons are not permitted, including guns, axes, knives, swords, etc.
No Halloween goodie bags, food, candy, or cards with food/candy attached should be sent to school.
Each class will enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and games organized by class parents in consultation with teachers. Only class parents are permitted to attend class parties.
Students may bring one special snack from home to enjoy during their class celebration.

Questions about costumes or the celebration? Please reach out to me!

5th Grade Focus

This section of the newsletter will be used to communicate important information and reminders pertaining to fifth grade events.

Update on Fairview Lake Trip

Following three confirmed cases of Flu A and one confirmed case of COVID-19 among our fifth grade students, and in consultation with the Westfield Department of Health, we made the decision to reschedule the Fairview Lake trip out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our students’ health and well-being. We are pleased to share that the trip has been successfully rescheduled for Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29. While the weather may be a bit cooler, we are grateful to keep this fifth grade tradition in the fall while also allowing students additional time to recover and return healthy and ready to enjoy the experience. Thank you to our families and staff for their patience, flexibility, and support as we navigated this unexpected situation.