West Belmar

Why Every Day Matters

Good attendance lays the foundation for a child’s academic success. When students attend school regularly, they keep up with class lessons, build confidence, and develop strong relationships with teachers and peers. Even just two absences per month (about 10% of the school year) can create gaps in learning and make it harder to catch up. We encourage families to make every effort to have students present and on time, because every day really does add up. We need our "Bear Cubs in the Cave"!

Whether your child is entering elementary, middle, or high school, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little uncertainty. While each stage of development presents unique experiences, there are a few universal strategies that can help students of all ages feel prepared, connected, and confident.

1. Get Back into a Routine
A week or two before school starts, begin returning to school-year routines. Younger children can practice bedtime and morning routines, while older students can reset sleep schedules and organize school materials.

2. Build a Sense of Belonging
Connecting with familiar peers can make returning to school feel easier. Plan a playdate for younger children or encourage older students to connect with friends before the first day.

3. Get Familiar with the School Routine
Help your child know what to expect. Younger children can practice drop-off, while older students can review schedules, transportation, locker combinations, or classroom locations.

4. Encourage Voice and Agency
Help your child practice speaking up, asking for help, and solving everyday problems. Talk through situations such as forgetting lunch, getting lost, missing the bus, or needing help. Older students can practice emailing a teacher or asking a question on their own.

5. Talk About Their Feelings
Make time to talk about excitement, worry, or uncertainty. Help your child make a simple plan, such as talking to a Trusted Adult, reaching out to a friend, or asking a teacher for help.

Building on our September Ready, Set, Belong: ALL Means ALL kickoff, Wall Township Public Schools will continue our focus on belonging, respect, safety, and healthy choices throughout October.

We will celebrate Week of Respect, October 5–9, with activities promoting kindness, positive relationships, respect, and belonging. Our schools will also participate in New Jersey Goes Gold & Blue, reinforcing our commitment to respect and bullying prevention.

During Unity Week (School Violence Awareness Week), October 19–23, our school community will focus on unity, trusted adults, positive relationships, and school safety.

Red Ribbon Week, October 23–30, will be celebrated with students at the secondary level, promoting healthy, drug-free choices through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

Throughout the month, ALL Means ALL reminds us that we each play a role in creating a school community where everyone feels connected, valued, safe, and supported.

Below are some of the activities scheduled for Week of Respect. Be on the lookout for information from your school about additional activities planned for Unity Week and Red Ribbon Week.

Monmouth ACTS ResourceConnect
Monmouth ACTS ResourceConnect offers Monmouth County residents a simple way to connect with a wide range of local services and supports. ResourceConnect can help connect families with food, housing assistance, medical care, employment programs, mental health services, child care, and more. For additional assistance or help connecting with resources, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Lack of Permanent Housing
If your family is experiencing economic hardship or does not have permanent housing, please visit the McKinney-Vento webpage for important information about your rights and available resources.

District Homeless Education Liaison
Tiffany Steiner
tsteiner@wallpublicschools.org
732.556.2657