EMS Weekly Newsletter
March 27, 2026
Message From Mr. Faehndrich
Principal of Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School
As we head into the final weekend of our spring musical, I want to congratulate our cast and crew on an outstanding performance. The show has been truly impressive, and I encourage everyone to come out and catch the final performance tonight if you can. It’s well worth it!
Looking ahead, next week will be a short one with schools closed on Friday in observance of Good Friday. We will also be administering the upcoming i-Ready Diagnostic in a little over a week. This assessment is an important tool that helps us better understand each student’s needs and personalize instruction to support their growth. Students should take it very seriously to give an accurate picture of their ability.
There are many other student achievements, events, and highlights included in this week’s newsletter. I hope you enjoy taking a few moments to read through and celebrate all that is happening at EMS.
Last Weeks Survey Results... Dancing while walking was the choice? Not sure if I agree.
Community Survey
WYR have one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
What's Cooking?
Attendance
It matters!!
We have noticed an uptick in student absences recently and wanted to take a moment to remind families of the importance of consistent school attendance. Daily classroom experiences, discussions, and collaborative activities can't be replicate for missing students. For maximum success, students need to stay connected to their learning and maintain momentum as we approach the final trimester.
We also want to remind families of the proper procedure for reporting absences. All absences must be reported through the Genesis Parent Portal. If your child will be missing school for any reason, please log in to your account and submit the absence notification as early as possible. This streamlined process helps our office staff stay informed and ensures your child’s records are kept up to date.
Present Student Percentages for this week: 2 in a row for 8th Grade. Well done! Increase for whole school as well.
06- 94.35%
07- 91.58%
08- 95.15%
TOTAL 93.75%
Who will take the win next week?
iReady Team Pizza Party
Students:
Get ready to show what you know! On April 6th and 7th, you’ll be taking the last i-Ready Diagnostic. This assessment is an important opportunity to demonstrate your growth and help your teachers better understand how to support you moving forward.
To make things even more exciting, the team that shows the most growth will earn a Flex Period Pizza Party, generously sponsored by our PTO! 🍕
Take your time, stay focused, and give your best effort. Your hard work can pay off in a big way for your entire team. We’re excited to see all the progress you’ve made!
Spring Musical
We had an incredible turnout for last night’s performance of our spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and our students truly shined on stage. Their hard work, talent, and dedication were on full display, and it was a great night for our school community. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, there’s still one more opportunity. Come out tonight and support our cast and crew for the final performance. You won’t want to miss it!
Battle of the Books
Total Eclipse of the... Playground!
REACT Kick Ball
Help Keep Our School Community Safe!
Students, your eyes and ears play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment. Remember, safety is a team effort. If you observe any suspicious activity, unattended items, or hear anything concerning, please don't hesitate. Immediately report what you saw or heard to Officer Jim, the Principal, or any trusted adult at school. Your action matters, and by saying something, you help protect everyone.
🚨Attention 8th Grade Families: Graduation Gowns🚨
We are now beginning to collect for graduation gowns and stoles. To ensure every student is ready for the ceremony, please note the following details:
Total Amount Due: $25.00
Payment Method: Please make checks payable to Eisenhower Middle School.
Submission: Students should hand their payments directly to their homeroom teacher.
Thank you for your help in getting our graduates ready for their milestone moment!
Cycle for a Cause with MAD4Kids! 🚲
Board of Ed Honors our Championship Basketball Team
A Note from the School Nurse: Staying Healthy
With the changing seasons, we are seeing a rise in common germs and viruses. To keep our students healthy, happy, and in the classroom, we ask for your help in reinforcing these simple but effective habits:
Wash Hands Often: Encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or the inside of the elbow to prevent germs from spreading through the air.
Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth: This is the easiest way for germs to enter the body!
Stay Home When Sick: If your child has a fever, persistent cough, or is feeling unwell, please keep them home until they are symptom-free (and fever-free without medication) for 24 hours.
By working together, we can keep our school a healthy place for everyone to learn!
New NJSLA Format
EMS Testing Dates
May 4th: EMS Reading
May 6th: EMS Writing
May 12th: EMS Math
May 14th & 15th - EMS Science
Please see the letter and video below for more info.
Join Our Lunch Crew
We’re Hiring: Lunch Aide
Eisenhower Middle School is currently seeking a dependable and caring Lunch Aide to join our school community. This position plays an important role in supporting students during the lunch period and helping to maintain a safe, positive environment.
The position offers a competitive hourly salary and is a great opportunity for community members who enjoy working with students and being part of a school setting. If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out to the main office and ask to speak with Mr. Faehndrich.
Don't Miss Out, Join the PTO
Wyckoff Summer Academies 2026
Wyckoff Summer Academies is open to students entering Kindergarten through Grade 7 and offers a variety of academic and enrichment courses, including STEAM classes through National Hall of Inventors® Camp Invention, taught by certified Wyckoff teachers.
- Dates: Four one-week sessions (8:30 AM – 12:45 PM)
- July 6–10 | July 13–17 | July 20–24 | July 27–31
- Registration & Class Selection
- Opens Monday, February 2nd at 8:00 AM
- Program Brochure & Class Descriptions
- Cost: $25 non-refundable registration fee per student, $200 per week of classes
- Questions: summer@wyckoffschools.org
- (201) 848-5700 x3210
Thank you for your assistance in sharing this information with families.
Best regards,
Mrs. Kristin Stern
Director, Wyckoff Summer Academies