West End Weekly Update

Dear West End Families,

Welcome back! I am so excited to kick off another school year on September 1st. The start of the year is always a special time - the hallways buzzing with energy, students eager to explore new ideas, and our staff ready to support each child’s success. We are committed to creating a safe, caring, and engaging environment where every student can thrive. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey. We can’t wait to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

Warmly,

Mrs. Robin

Principal

West End School

A welcome packet will be mailed to all families by Tuesday, August 26th. To view your child’s homeroom number and classroom placement, please log into your Genesis Parent Portal account on or after August 21st. 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!

Please save the date for the following important events:

• August 26th - West End Virtual Parent Information Session
• 2:10 - 3:10 pm
• Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8132916441549353312
• August 27th - Pre-K/K Orientation
• 3:15 - 4:15 pm
• Please enter in through Door 12 on Harrington Avenue
• September 1st - First Day of School!
• September 23rd - Back to School Night
• 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
• Please enter through Door 1

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.

School supply lists for the upcoming school year are now available for families. We encourage you to review the list early, so your child is prepared for a successful start to the school year. Thank you for your support as we get ready for another great year at West End School!

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program provides free meals when school is out!

Who is eligible for free summer meals?

• Children 18 years of age or younger who come to an approved open site or a site to which they are enrolled
• Adults over 18 years of age who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities may also receive meals

How to locate a summer food service program feeding site:

• To find the closest feeding site near you, call 866-348-6479
• or for Spanish, call 877-842-6273
• or visit the USDA site finder website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder

Summer meals are available at the following locations:

• North Plainfield Middle School: 34 Wilson Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ 07060
• East End Elementary School: 170 Oneida Avenue, North Plainfield, NJ 07060
• Somerset Intermediate School: 303 Somerset Street, North Plainfield, NJ 07060

Questions: 908-769-6060 x6105

The Summer Food Service Program is authorized by Section 13 of the National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966 as amended by Public Law 103-448.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

If you are interested in requesting a food allergy or special diet request through Maschio's for next school, please read the attached letter.

We’re launching our “Drop, Don’t Stop!” campaign to support a safe and efficient arrival for all students. Families are reminded to pull forward, remain in their vehicles, and have children ready to exit quickly from the curbside.

Thank you for adhering to these expectations to keep everyone safe.

👉 Click here to view the drop-off procedures video

👉 Click here to read the full letter and expectations

• August 26th - West End Virtual Parent Information Session
• 2:10 - 3:10 pm
• Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8132916441549353312
• August 27th - Pre-K/K Orientation
• 3:15 - 4:15 pm
• Please enter in through Door 12 on Harrington Avenue
• September 1st - First Day of School!
• September 23rd - Back to School Night
• 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
• Please enter through Door 1

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/

Library Card Application:

English Application

Spanish Application