Dragons' Dish

Dear Allenwood Elementary School Families,

As the weather gets cooler, our school year is certainly warming up! We recently wrapped up our Book Fair and Week of Respect, and I could not be more proud of our young Dragons. Throughout the week, our students demonstrated kindness, respect, and positive character in the way they treated one another. They truly represented what it means to be an Allenwood Dragon!

At Allenwood, we work hard and play hard, and October is filled with many exciting opportunities for our students and families. Please take a moment to mark these important dates on your calendar.

October 16 – PTG Trunk or Treat - Postponed!
Rain Date: October 23

• Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat: 6:00–6:30 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
• We are looking for families who would be willing to decorate a trunk for the event. If you are interested, please contact the PTG.
• All students must be accompanied by an adult.

October 20 – Fire Prevention Assembly

• Students in Grades K–2 will participate in a Fire Prevention Assembly.

October 21 – PTG Hoffman’s Ice Cream Fundraiser

• 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• Come out to enjoy some ice cream and support Allenwood! I will be there helping to scoop, so I hope to see many of our Dragons and their families. The winning school has the opportunity to win $10,000!

October 26 – School is Closed

October 27 – The Magic in You Assembly

• Our students will enjoy a special assembly celebrating the unique qualities and talents that make each of us special.

October 28 – Allenwood Pumpkin Patch

• Our Dragons will have the opportunity to enjoy one of our favorite fall traditions! Click on the hyperlink for detailed information about the event.

October 30 – Allenwood Halloween Parade

• 10:30 a.m.
• Our Halloween Parade is always a special Allenwood tradition, and we look forward to celebrating with our students and families! Click on the hyperlink for detailed information about the event.
• Please do not begin assembling in the back of the school before 10:00 a.m. This will allow us to safely prepare the area and ensure that our school day continues to run smoothly.

• Please do not park in the post office parking lot. Vehicles parked in the post office lot may be towed at the owner's expense.

Thank you for helping us keep our Halloween celebration safe, respectful, and fun for everyone!

There is so much happening at Allenwood, and I am excited to see our Dragons continuing to learn, grow, and make wonderful memories together. Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

With Dragon Pride,

James Sterenczak
Principal

Thank you Mrs. Cimino and the tireless PTG Board for a year full of enriching and

fun experiences. Please consider being an active member of the Allenwood PTG.

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.

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