Westfield River Elementary News

Dear WRES Families,

It is hard to believe we are already flipping the calendar to February! They say time flies when you’re learning, and based on the energy in our hallways, this school year is absolutely soaring. While it is exciting to watch our students grow academically, we are equally focused on the growth of their character. As we move into the second half of the year, we continue to work hard at WRES, ensuring that our school is a place where every child feels safe, respected, and ready to succeed.

February is a month that lends itself to focus on friendship, kindness, and taking care of one another. I would like to challenge our students to look beyond their usual circles and find ways to lift each other up. Taking care of one another means holding ourselves accountable for our words and actions, practicing empathy even when it’s difficult, and understanding that our individual choices impact our entire school community. I’m asking for your partnership at home to reinforce these values, as we work together to cultivate a culture of excellence and heart.

Thank you for sharing your children with us!

Mrs. Phelan

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

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

As we jump into the second half of the school year, the Health Office is focusing on keeping our students resilient during the peak of the "cold and flu" season. Between the chilly temperatures and the indoor playtime, we want to ensure every student stays healthy, focused, and ready to learn.

🧼 Staying Healthy During Cold & Flu Season

We have seen an uptick in respiratory illnesses lately. To keep our classrooms healthy, please remind your students of the "Big Three":

1. Handwashing: Scrub with soap for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice).

2. The "Elbow Cough": Always cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.

3. Rest & Hydration: Ensure your child is getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water

🧼 Hydration & Skin Care

Cold air and indoor heating can lead to chapped lips, nosebleeds, and itchy skin.

• Hydrate: Even though it’s cold, kids still need plenty of water. Send a reusable water bottle to school daily.
• Moisturize: Applying lotion after a bath or shower can help prevent "winter itch."
• Consider applying a lip balm before they head out to school.

🧤 Dress for the Weather

Recess is a vital part of the day for burning energy. Please ensure your child comes to school with a warm coat, hat, and gloves every day.

Labeling these items with your child's name helps us return them if they end up in the Lost and Found!

🦷Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Healthy teeth are vital to overall health!

• The 2x2 Rule: Brush twice a day for two minutes each time.

• Replace: If your child has recently been sick with the flu or strep throat, be sure to replace their toothbrush to prevent re-infection.

In Good Health,

Nurse Carlene

February may be a short month, but every school day still matters! Regular attendance helps your child stay connected, keep up with learning, and build strong habits that lead to success.

Let’s keep the momentum going—every day counts!

Congratulations to

• PreK 3 and PreK 4 for having 100% attendance twice in the month of January!
• Grade 2 for having 100% attendance ince in the month of January!
• Grade 1 for 100% attendance once in the month of January!
• All of the students who enjoyed our Attendance Dance Party on December 5th!
• All of our First Term Attendance Raffle winners!

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!

MCAS testing for grades 3 and 4 takes place duirng the months of April and May. In an effort to be sure all students are present on testing days I am sharing the schedule with you now.

April 7th and 8th: Grade 4 ELA

April 14th and 15th: Grade 3 ELA

May 5th and 6th: Grade 3 Math

May 12th and 13th: Grade 4 Math

Being involved in the PTO is a great way to strengthen our school community. Whether it's volunteering your time, attending meetings, offering suggestions or making donations, every helping hand-big or small- helps! If you'd like to get involved, please email westfieldriverpto@gmail.com.

Important Upcoming PTO Dates

February 28th: Thunderbirds game 6pm

March 12th: Cookies & Coco Paint Night @ the school 6pm

• 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