West End Weekly Update
September 9th, 2024

West End Weekly Update
Week of October 5th , 2026
National Week of Respect - October 5th - October 9th, 2026
At West End School, we believe that respect is something we practice every day. During the National Week of Respect, students will participate in activities and conversations that remind us of the importance of being kind, including others, listening to one another, and treating everyone with dignity. In addition, we will host a spirit week.
National PTA Appreciation Day!
At this week’s PTA meeting, we celebrated our wonderful PTA in honor of National PTA Day!
Our Westie Student Leadership Team created the following video to honor our PTA and thank them for all they do to support our school community. We are so grateful for their partnership and commitment to our students!
The West End GRIT KIT, Motivation Mondays, and GRIT Family Interviews
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!
For Parents
Songs/Videos
Genesis Parent Portal Log In
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? Please call our main office at 908-769-6083.
Internet Enabled Device Policy
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.
Drop, Dont Stop!
👉 Click here to view the drop-off procedures video
👉 Click here to read the full letter and expectations
Safety Message
PTA Updates
Trunk or Treat - October 30th
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
Fall Gear Sale
StopIT and be a STAR!
North Plainfield utilizes STOPit Solutions and Be “A STaR” to promote safety.
STOPit provides you with an anonymous, comfortable way for you to share information so that you can provide or get help as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The purpose of this Be “A STaR” is to report issues of school Safety and Security threats against the following:
Student/staff
A school
Residency issues involving a student or family
Please be aware that this reporting system is only monitored when school is in session. Reports filed after school hours will be checked on the next school day.
Upcoming Events
- October 9th - 4 Hour Session Day
- October 12th - No School (In-Service)
- October 26th - 28th: 2nd Grade Field Trips - North Plainfield Fire Museum
- 10/26 - Mrs. Fernandez and Mr. Lilly's Class
- 10/27 - Mrs. Tejada and Mrs. Hernandez's class
- 10/28 - Mrs. Shealy and Mrs. Lozada's class
- October 30th: Halloween Parade @ 9am
- October 30th: PTA Trunk or Treat!
North Plainfield Community Resources
NJHelps Assistance
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/
