September Wrap-Up

Dear Families,

It has been a pleasure to welcome all of our students back for a fresh new school year. Lots of wonderful things are happening here in our schools, and we're excited for all that the 2026-2027 school year has in store.

Below, you'll find a few highlights from September along with updates on district news and upcoming events. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. It remains a privilege to serve this school community and to work alongside you to help our students learn and thrive.

All the best,

Christina Egan

Superintendent of Schools

We are beginning our strategic planning process and invite families, staff, and community members to share their ideas, hopes, and priorities for our schools.

Please save the date for our community engagement session on Wednesday evening, December 2, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:15 PM in the Frank Antonides School Gymnasium.

Your perspective will help guide our goals and decisions for the years ahead. All voices are valued, and we look forward to planning our future together.

Keep your eyes open for more information and an RSVP, coming soon!

A scene from our first week of the Innovamat math rollout in 2nd grade! The challenge was for students to write all numbers between 1-100 containing the number 7 on their "Magic Pad," then work together to order the numbers from least to greatest. Lots of movement, problem-solving, math talk, and fun!

We're loving the start of this new approach to learning math - look for a more robust update on the rollout in grades K-2 in next month's newsletter!

Do you know a classroom teacher or education services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, or making a difference? If so, please take a few minutes to recommend this person to be recognized through the Governor's Educator of the Year Program.

This year, to encourage more participation and make the process as user-friendly as possible, we're welcoming digital nominations in addition to the traditional paper forms.

Please note that the application itself is scored on how well it includes and supports the following criteria:

• Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school
• Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
• Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom
• Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and
• Plays an active role in the community as well as the school.
  
  

Please submit this form by Monday, November 2, 2026.

Volunteers are always welcome! Please email westlongbranchpta@gmail.com to get involved!

Many of the fun and memorable opportunities our students enjoy are only made possible through the generous volunteerism of our WLBSD families via the PTA.

Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month. Please follow WLBPTA on Instagram and West Long Branch PTA on Facebook!

New year, new round of Spartan Press coverage of all the FAS happenings! Click below to check out their first edition of the school year!

Upcoming Events in October:

The Monmouth County Vocational School District will be visiting West Long Branch students and families on October 7, 2026 to share information about The Career Center, a shared-time vocational high school serving students with special needs throughout Monmouth County.

• Eligible students will learn more about the career center and the opportunities provided.

• Parents are welcome to attend the parent workshop on 10/7 at 9:30 a.m., and/or the virtual evening session at 6:00 p.m.

Special Education Parent Advisory Group

• 10/14: SEPAG meeting
• Mrs. Levine and the Special Services team will be offering a “meet and greet” opportunity for families at 9:30 a.m., in person in the media center.
• Another virtual meeting will be held that night at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Levine will provide an introduction to members of the team and a presentation to support families in understanding some of the most common acronyms used in education.

This week is the New Jersey Week of Respect!

In schools throughout the state, this week is set aside to promote positive, kind school communities. Special events are planned all week, including Chalk the Walk at each school, lunch-time activities, and a spirit week to recognize our schoolwide commitment to be a kind and caring community. See the flyers below for more info!

On Friday, join students and staff across the state in wearing BLUE and GOLD to show unity and commitment to standing up against harassment, intimidation, and bullying.