Dragons' Dish
Updates from Allenwood School

March 2026 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Dear Allenwood Elementary School Families,
March is shaping up to be an exciting month at Allenwood, and I am thrilled to share all that we have coming up for our Allenwood Dragons!
March 2: iReady reports will be available to parents in the Genesis Parent Portal.
March 2–6: We will celebrate Read Across America Week. This special week is dedicated to fostering a love of reading in our students. Be sure to check the newsletter for all themed days and activities. Highlights include the Books! The Magic of Reading Assembly on March 5 and Wall’s 175th Birthday Celebration Assembly on March 6.
On Thursday, March 5 (6:00–8:00 PM), please join us for Ice Cream Wars at Nicholas Creamery! This fun event supports our Allenwood PTG and is a friendly competition among the elementary schools. The winning school earns an ice cream party and the opportunity to name a flavor. I’ll be scooping toppings alongside Mrs. Bramley and Mrs. Smyth. Let’s show our Dragon pride!
Also on March 5 at 7:00 PM, 5th grade families are invited to the 5th to 6th Grade Parent Information Night at the WIS Auditorium.
On Friday, March 6, we will celebrate Wall Township’s 175th birthday with a special schoolwide assembly. Students will learn fun facts about our community, participate in township trivia, and witness the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule from 1976. The items will be displayed throughout the following week before Allenwood adds new items from 2026 and reseals the capsule until 2076. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to connect with our town’s rich history and bright future.
Additional March events include:
March 9: 3rd Grade Field Trip to the Monmouth Museum
March 12: 5th Grade Math Placement Test; 4th Grade Field Trip to The Franklin Institute
Week of March 16: Penny Wars
March 17: Spirit Day – Wear Green
March 19: PTG Meeting
March 20: Rock Your Socks – World Down Syndrome Day
March 23–27: Neurodiversity Week
March 30 & 31: PTG Snack Cart Days
March 31: Harlem Wizards Assembly featuring the Harlem Wizards
Finally, please remember that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward one hour!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement makes Allenwood such a special place for our students.
With Dragon Pride,
James Sterenczak
Principal
Read-A-Thon Inflatable Obstacle Course
Read-A-Thon Chick-fil-A Party
Read-A-Thon Lunch with the Principal Winners
100th Day of School Celebrations
Heroes and Cool Kids
Lunch with Friends
We Love Valentine's Day
Allenwood's Staff Learning About Sign Language
Our Presidents' Parade
Kids Heart Challenge Kickoff!
Celebrating 250 Years of America
Join us in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with events and activities all year. This section will share district celebrations, announcements, and ways our school community can honor this historic milestone.
Allenwood PTG
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.
Allenwood PTG Website
Follow Allenwood PTG on Facebook!
WTPS K-5 25-26 Handbook
AW Calendar
District News
WTPS BOE Meeting | 3.17.26 | 7:00pm | WHS Auditorium
WTPS Appoints Dr. David Bleakley as New Superintendent of Schools
As you are aware, Dr. Handerhan announced back in the fall that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. Since then, the Wall Township Board of Education has been actively engaged in the search for a new Superintendent of Schools. At last night’s Board of Education Meeting, the Board of Education appointed Dr. David Bleakley as the next WTPS Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Bleakley brings with him over 20 years of educational experience, and the Board of Education is thrilled to welcome him to the District.
To learn more about Dr. Bleakley, click here. To learn more about the Superintendent Search, click here.
The Crimson Knights Foundation's 6th Annual Gala
The Crimson Knights Foundation's 6th Annual Gala. will be held on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at Spring Lake Manor. This event celebrates and honors distinguished Wall Township Community members. Please click here to read the 2026 Press Release.
Upcoming Registration Dates: Mark Your Calendars!
It's time to start planning for the 2026-2027 school year! Please take note of the upcoming registration dates for our youngest students:
- Kindergarten Registration: Monday, February 2, 2026
- Preschool Registration: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Children are registered in their neighborhood schools in the order that completed registrations are received. Please be advised in the event that grade-level capacity is reached, incoming students may be assigned to another WTPS elementary school.
Registration Questions?
Do you have questions or need assistance with the registration process? Please follow this link to the district website or contact Kerrin McGowan, our District Registrar, with all your questions and inquiries.
- Email: kmcgowan@wallpublicschools.org
- Phone: 732-556-2658
Student Health & Wellness
Finding Stability:
If your family is experiencing economic challenges or homelessness, visit the McKinney Vento webpage for essential information and guidance on available resources.
District Homeless Education Liaison
Tiffany Steiner
tsteiner@wallpublicschools.org
732.556.2647