Dragons' Dish

Dear Allenwood Elementary School Families,

Thank you to all of our families for helping make the transition from summer back to school such a seamless one! It has been wonderful to welcome our Dragons back to Allenwood Elementary and see the excitement throughout the building.

Our students have adapted very well to being back at school. They are learning new routines, reconnecting with old friends, and beginning to make new ones. That is what makes the beginning of each school year so special! Students are provided the opportunity to start fresh, build new relationships, and create new memories together.

As we settle into our routines, please remember to keep your information in Pick Up Patrol updated. Having accurate and current information is essential to ensuring that dismissal runs smoothly and safely each day.

I also want to remind families about the importance of regular and timely attendance. Please make every effort to have your child attend school each day and arrive on time. Consistent attendance is extremely important to a student's overall academic and social success. Being present and ready to learn allows students to fully participate in classroom instruction, build relationships with their peers, and take advantage of all that Allenwood has to offer.

Upcoming Events

• September 17 – PTG Meeting, 6:00 PM
  We encourage families to get involved and learn more about the exciting things our PTG does for our students and school community.
• September 21 – School Closed for Yom Kippur
  We wish a meaningful and reflective Yom Kippur to all of our Allenwood families who celebrate.
• September 22 – Band Lessons Begin
  We are excited to see our student musicians begin their musical journey!
• September 23 – Back to School Night, 6:30 PM
  Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet their child's teacher, learn about the curriculum, and become familiar with classroom routines, expectations, and procedures. Please remember that this evening is not intended for individual parent-teacher conferences. There will be opportunities throughout the school year to discuss your child's individual progress and needs with their teacher.
• September 28 – Extra Help Begins
• October 1 – PTG Color Run, 5:00 PM
  Get ready for one of our favorite Allenwood traditions!
• October 2 – Picture Day

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we begin another exciting school year. Together, we can make this a successful year for every Allenwood Dragon!

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.

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