Westfield River Elementary News

Dear Westfield River Families,

As the days get cooler and fall turns to winter, please remember to send your child to school dressed for the weather. Warm coats, hats, and gloves help keep everyone comfortable during recess and arrival times. These next two months are busy and exciting months filled with learning, gratitude, and fun seasonal activities. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students stay healthy, happy, and ready to learn!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all. Thank you for helping our students stay warm, healthy, and ready to learn. Happy Holidays!

Warmly,
Christopher Manfredi

Please log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal to complete the back-to-school forms for your child. It is imperative these forms be updated each year. If you don't have an account or are having trouble logging in, please reach out to our Central Registration Office at 572-6439.

Breakfast and lunch menus can be found online here: https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/page/menus

Beginning this month we will no longer send home paper copies.

👋 Happy Holidays from Your School Nurse! 🍎

Welcome to the end of the year! This is a busy time, but it's also the perfect opportunity to

reinforce healthy habits. Here is some important information from the Health Office.

November Focus: Cold & Flu Season Awareness

🤧 Stay Healthy: Fighting the Cold and Flu

We are officially in the height of the cold and flu season. The best defense is a good offense!

● Handwashing Heroes: Remind your child to wash their hands often with soap and

water for at least 20 seconds (singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice usually does the

trick!). If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer.

● Catch the Cough: Teach your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue, not

their hands.

● When to Stay Home: Please review the school's guidelines for when a student should

stay home sick. A general rule is: keep your child home if they have a fever of 100.0 or

higher, are vomiting, or have diarrhea.

❄️ Rest and Fuel Up

A strong immune system starts with good habits:

● Sleep: Elementary-aged children need 9-12 hours of sleep per night.

● Hydration: Continue to encourage water, even if it's cold outside.

● Nutrition: Offer a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure they get essential

vitamins.

Winter Safety Reminders 🧣

● Dress for the Weather: Even if the sun is shining, winter air can be biting. Please

ensure your child wears a warm coat, hat, mittens/gloves, and a scarf on cold days,

especially for outdoor recess or waiting for the bus. Label all items with their name!

● Playground Safety: Remind children that playground equipment, especially metal, can

be very cold and should be touched carefully. If we have snow or ice, please remind

them to walk, not run, to prevent slips and falls.

In Good Health,

Nurse Carlene

As we move into the busy holiday season of November and December, we want to thank you for your continued commitment to your child's education. Even during these exciting months, every single day in school counts! Regular attendance ensures your child:

• Stays engaged in learning and doesn't miss key concepts.

• Maintains their classroom routines.

• Is fully prepared for a smooth transition into the new year.

Let’s keep up the momentum and finish the year strong together!

Congratulations to

• PreK 3 and PreK 4 for having 100% attendance twce in the month of October!

Upcoming attendance incentives worth noting:

• Our first attendance raffle will take place on Friday, December 5th.

• We will also hold an Attendance Dance Party on Friday, December 5th in the gym. Any student with 95% or better attendance for the term will be invited to join!

Parent involvement powers our PTO! Every helping hand strengthens our school and supports our chidldren. There are so many ways to be involved: attend meetings, volunteer for events, or make donations. If you’re interested in being involved, please email westfieldriverpto@gmail.com.

Important Upcoming PTO Dates

November 4th: Bake Sale

November 19th: PTO Meeting @ 6:00 pm

November 24th: Pie & cookie dough pick up 3:30-5:00

January 20th: Dine to Donate @ The Maple Leaf 5:00-9:30

PTO questions?

Email westfieldriverpto@gmail.com

• 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