Dragons' Dish
Updates from Allenwood School

January 2026 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Dear Allenwood Families,
As we close out 2025, I am already looking ahead to 2026 and the many possibilities a new year can bring to Allenwood. This time of year is always an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and renewed excitement for what lies ahead.
I am proud to congratulate Mrs. Jaqueline Zaraza on being named Allenwood’s Teacher of the Year. Her dedication to her craft, love of teaching, and constant availability to meet students’ needs are truly exceptional. She is a wonderful example of excellence in education. I would also like to congratulate Mrs. Kelsey Magliaro on being named Allenwood’s Educational Services Professional of the Year. Mrs. Magliaro works tirelessly to support her students and advocate for the families of Wall. She is a trusted support for both staff and students, and her commitment does not go unnoticed.
On January 5th, our new dismissal program will go into effect. Pickup Patrol will be utilized for all changes to your child’s dismissal process. Please note the following timeline:
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Friday, December 19th: An introductory email was sent to parents/guardians.
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Monday, December 22nd: A follow-up email was sent informing parents and guardians that Pickup Patrol would send a registration email, providing the opportunity to set up accounts.
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Saturday, January 3rd: A reminder email will be sent encouraging parents to sign up for their accounts, referencing the December 22nd email from Pickup Patrol.
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Monday, January 5th: We will begin utilizing the Pickup Patrol application for dismissal.
Additionally, the district’s Digital Footprint Presentation will take place on Monday, January 12th, at 7:00 p.m. at Wall Intermediate School. This presentation will focus on online safety and responsible digital behavior for our students. I strongly encourage families to attend this important and informative event.
Our PTG Read-A-Thon will also begin on January 12th. This is our school’s largest fundraiser of the year, and the prizes are especially exciting this time around. Thank you in advance for your continued support of this meaningful initiative.
Lastly, thank you for being such a dedicated and supportive school community. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and successful start to the new year.
Sincerely,
James Sterenczak
Principal
Spirit Week at Allenwood
5th Grade Teachers for the Day
Storytime in Kindergarten
Christmahanukwanzamadan Assembly
It's Snowing at Allenwood!
Festive Holiday Sweater
Superintendent Search
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 Reorganization Meeting | 1.6.26 | 5:45pm | WHS Auditorium
Click here to view meeting dates
The Wall Township Board of Education Reorganization Meeting originally scheduled in the Auditorium of the Wall Intermediate School on January 6, 2026, will be held in the Auditorium of the Wall High School. The meeting will commence at 5:45 p.m.
WTPS BOE Vacancy
The Wall Township Board of Education is seeking to fill one Board Vacancy. The terms of this appointment will be from Date of Appointment until the Board of Education conducts its Reorganization Meeting the first week in January 2027. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a resume to Brian J. Smyth, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, by email to bsmyth@wallpublicschools.org; Subject: Board Vacancy; no later than 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026. Interviews and an appointment will take place at the Board of Education Re-organization Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No school on January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. ❤️ #WallTogether #MLK
WHS Military Wall of Honor
Parent Presentation: Unlocking the Secrets of Online Safety: A Guardian's Guide to Social Media for Youth
Our K–5 school counselors are launching a district-wide online safety workshop, Unlocking the Secrets of Online Safety: A Guardian’s Guide to Social Media for Youth, designed to support parents of elementary-aged children on topics including social media, gaming platforms, and cyber safety.
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