West End Weekly Update

Sign-ups for before- and after-school clubs will open in the Genesis Parent Portal on Monday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m.

Club enrollment will be first come, first served, so please carefully review the club options below before making your selections.

To sign up for a club:

1. Log in to the Genesis Parent Portal.
2. Click on the “Clubs” tab.
3. Review the available clubs and submit your selection.

Club sign-ups will close on Friday, September 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Club advisors will contact parents during the week of September 28 to confirm enrollment. Please note that submitting a club request does not guarantee placement.

All clubs will begin on Monday, October 5th.

Art - Lisa Cerulo (Grades 2, 3, 4)

Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.

Tuesdays 4th Grade/Wednesdays 3rd Grade/Thursdays 2nd Grade

Our goal is for West End Elementary School students to engage in meaningful extracurricular activities outside of the regular school day. Clubs provide students with opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and connect with others.

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

Art Club is designed to provide students with added exposure to the visual arts and to develop artistic skills. Students will be using various materials to create a variety of projects. Art club is for second grade, third grade and fourth grade.

Newspaper - Amanda Aldred (Grades 2, 3, 4)

Time: 7:30 - 8:10 a.m.

Wednesdays/Grades 2-4

Our goal is for West End Elementary School students to engage in meaningful extracurricular activities outside of the regular school day. Clubs provide students with opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and connect with others.

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

Meet The Wildcat!

The Wildcat is our school newspaper created by students in Grades 2–4! Students will have the opportunity to share school news, write stories, interview classmates and teachers, and showcase the amazing things happening in our school. Through teamwork, creativity, and writing, our young journalists will help keep our school community informed and connected!

Stay tuned for the latest Wildcat news!

Student Council - Francesca Gil & Amanda Aldred (Grades 3, 4)

Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.

Tuesdays/Grades 3-4

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

Join Student Council and make your voice count! Student Council gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, share ideas, work together, and help make West End Elementary an even better place. Members will participate in school projects, special events, service activities, and fun initiatives while representing their classmates and showing school spirit.

Technology - Christina Moscatello (Grades 3, 4)

Time: 7:15 - 8:10 a.m.

Tuesdays 4th Grade/Fridays 3rd Grade

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

This club is intended for students in Grades 3-4 who love “all things tech” and want to further explore and develop their skills. Students will use a variety of devices and apps to move

beyond just typing, playing games and taking photos; we will think critically, create, and

work collaboratively to complete several projects and challenges.

Chorus - Micki Stukane (Grades 3, 4)

Time: 7:20 - 8:10 a.m.

Wednesdays/Grades 3-4

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

Chorus is for any third or fourth grader who loves to sing and make music! We will be meeting once a week to learn how to use our voices together to make beautiful music. Students will learn music from all over the world and have opportunities for small group and individual solos!

Sports Club - Chris Sepesi (Fall/Winter Only) (Grades 3, 4)

Club Sign-Up Dates:
📅 Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM through Friday, September 25th at 3:00 PM

• Club registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space in each club is limited.

• Signing up for a club does not guarantee placement. Parents/guardians will be contacted if their child is rostered for a club.

• Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off and/or picking up their child on time according to the club schedule.

• Repeated late arrivals or late pick-ups may result in removal from the club.

• Please review the club information carefully before submitting your child’s registration.

2nd Grade Sports Club

Sports Club is an afterschool program from 2:40-3:40 and will take place on Wednesdays.

The club will take place after school at West End Gymnasium.

Pick up will be at 3:40 at Harrington door #14.

*Note* If your child gets picked up late from sports club 3 times, they will be asked to not return

3rd Grade Sports Club

Sports Club is an after school program from 2:40-3:40

and will take place on Thursdays.

The club will take place after school at West End Gymnasium.

Pick up will be at 3:40 at Harrington door #14.

*Note* If your child gets picked up late from sports club 3 times, they will be asked to not return

4th Grade Sports Club

Sports Club is an afterschool program from 2:40-3:40

and will take place on Tuesdays.

The club will take place after school at West End Gymnasium.

Pick up will be at 3:40 at Harrington door #14.

*Note* If your child gets picked up late from sports club 3 times, they will be asked to not return

The North Plainfield School District is participating in the Governor’s Educator of the Year (GEOY) recognition program again this year. The GEOY program recognizes one teacher and one educational services professional from each school. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize someone who meets the following criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

If you would like to nominate an outstanding teacher and/or educational services professional at West End School, you can find a link to the nomination form below. Please return completed forms to the main office than later than September 25, 2026.

Dear West End Families,

As part of our Motivation Monday initiative, students are learning about determination, perseverance, and how to use GRIT when facing challenges. Through classroom discussions, read-alouds,

activities, and real-life stories, we are helping students understand that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities to learn, grow, and try again.

During our morning announcements, we invite students to share family stories of perseverance and

grit by conducting GRIT interviews. If your child is interested in participating, please support them by

allowing them to interview you or another family member who has persevered through a challenge.

The challenge may relate to school, work, family, sports, learning a new skill, moving to a new place,

or achieving a personal goal.

Please help your child focus the interview on the challenge the person faced, how the person felt

when things became difficult, the actions or strategies they used, how they kept themselves from

giving up, and what they learned from the experience.

What Does GRIT Mean?

Guts The bravery and courage to face challenges head-on.

Resilience The ability to bounce back from failure, adversity, or setbacks.

Initiative The drive to take action and find creative ways to solve problems.

Tenacity The commitment to stick with a goal over time, even when things get difficult.

OUR GRIT PROMISE

G - Give it your best.

R - Redo if necessary.

I - Ignore the urge to quit.

T - Take the time to do it

right.

Thank you for helping us show students that perseverance is something people use every day. Your family’s story will help our students understand that challenges can be overcome through courage, effort, problem- solving, and determination.

With determination, we rise and soar!

It is vital that all families sign into Genesis to view this information and complete VITAL health forms, dismissal information, and other documents so that we may ensure that we are updated on important information regarding your child. Please complete all mandatory forms in Genesis before the first day of school. Thank you!

Need assistance? Stop by on our Genesis help time before or after back to school night on September 23rd!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In accordance with a recently enacted law and the New Jersey Department of Education’s 2026 Guidance, our district must implement a mandatory "bell-to-bell" internet-enabled device policy this school year. This statewide requirement supports our ongoing commitment to maintaining a focused, safe, and productive learning environment for all students.

Policy Overview and Storage: Beginning this school year, all personal internet-enabled devices, including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, personal laptops/tablets and wireless headphones/earbuds, must be turned off and stored away for the duration of the school day. This requirement is in effect from the first bell to the last bell, which includes lunch periods and transitioning between classes. Cell phones must be off and stored in backpacks or assigned lockers.

Staying Connected: We recognize that families are accustomed to communicating directly with their children during the school day. To support this transition, we encourage the following protocols:

• In the event of an emergency, please contact the main office of your child’s school, and staff will immediately relay the message or assist your child.
• If a student needs to contact home, they will be permitted to use a school phone.

Exceptions: Per state guidelines, exceptions will be made for students with documented medical necessities, 504/IEP accommodations, or specific pre-approved educational uses under teacher guidance.

For more comprehensive information, including enforcement details and practical tips for this transition, please review our Frequently Asked Questions document and dedicated website page. Thank you for your partnership and cooperation in helping our students minimize distractions and maximize their academic success. Please click here for a PDF of this letter.

👉 Click here to view the drop-off procedures video

👉 Click here to read the full letter and expectations

Our annual Trunk or Treat event will take place on October 30th from 5PM-7PM, sign up today!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0548ACAE2AA0F85-65960457-trunk

Questions? Email us at wepta@nplainfield.org

• September 21st - Ridewise Walking School Bus
• September 23rd - Back to School Night (Students are dismissed at 12:20pm)
• 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
• Please enter through Door 1
• September 29th - PTA Meeting
• 7:00 pm
• Please enter through Door 12

This website is designed to assist individuals in determining if they are eligible for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance through Work First NJ (WFNJ), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or General Assistance (GA) & health insurance (NJ Family Care/Medicaid). The website can be viewed in English & Spanish. https://link.edgepilot.com/s/737a69ae/TG1B-dRV3kaXCDZxnRs6vw?u=https://www.njhelps.gov/