Wallace's Weekly Newsletter
10.16.2026
As we wrap up another great week at Wallace, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, and families for continuing to make our school such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Each week, we continue to build on our routines, strengthen our connections, and create opportunities for students to learn, challenge themselves, and celebrate their successes. I am grateful for the positive energy and partnership that make our Wallace community so special.
Please remember that Wednesday, October 21, is Parent-Teacher Conference Day. School will dismiss at 1:00 PM, and there will be no Passport to Learning After School Program that afternoon. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your child has appropriate arrangements for dismissal.
Parent-teacher conferences are an important opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate progress, discuss goals, and work together to support each student’s continued growth and success. Thank you for making time for these important conversations and for your ongoing partnership with our staff.
Thanks to our Wallace PTO for sponsoring our recent first grade trip to the Bergen County Zoo and our fifth grade trip to Ellis Island. We look forward to our third grade trip to Sterling Hill Mine next week.
On behalf of Vice Principals Della Fave and Mehnert, have a wonderful weekend.
Regards,
Mr. Bartlett
Principal
Wallace Elementary School
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarteners had another exciting week filled with exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning! From strengthening our early literacy and math skills to learning more about ourselves and the world around us, our students continue to grow in so many wonderful ways. We love seeing their confidence, curiosity, and excitement shine through each day.
In ELA, we explored our Essential Question, “How can your senses help you learn?” through this week’s Big Book, Senses at the Seashore. We focused on the letter Ss and practiced recognizing and producing the /s/ sound. Our Kindergarteners also worked on blending onset and rime, identifying beginning sounds in words, and blending individual phonemes. We continued building our sight word vocabulary by adding the red word “see” to our growing list! We also explored informational texts and poems while discovering how our senses help us learn about the world around us.
In Math, we began exploring numbers 6–10! Our Kindergarteners practiced counting, representing quantities, and writing numbers through engaging games and hands-on activities. We used math manipulatives to help us connect numbers to quantities and played fun games like Roll and Record to strengthen our counting skills. These activities gave our students opportunities to practice their number sense while building confidence and independence.
In Social Studies, we continued using our Move This World program to help us recognize and identify emotions in ourselves and others. We also celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about Hispanic culture and influential Hispanic figures. Through meaningful conversations and engaging activities, we explored the many ways people, traditions, and cultures contribute to our communities and make our world special.
We are so proud of all the progress our Kindergarteners are making. Thank you for your continued support as we learn, grow, and discover new things together. We look forward to another wonderful week of learning ahead!
First Grade
What a phenomenal week in first grade! Between all of our hands-on classroom learning and an amazing field trip to the Bergen County Zoo, our week was packed full of excitement. Seeing the students’ eyes light up as they saw the animals was truly priceless. A HUGE, heartfelt thank you to our amazing Wallace PTO for sponsoring this incredible adventure and making it possible for our learners!
In Math, students are preparing for their end-of-unit assessment on addition, subtraction, and story problems. To ensure everyone feels confident and masters these skills, we reviewed key concepts using a variety of learning tools—including math games, targeted worksheets, individual whiteboards, counting cubes, and whole-class exercises.
In ELA this week, we kicked off Week 3 of Unit 1, focusing on short-vowel words featuring L-blends. We also continued diving into fantasy stories, working together to identify the characters, setting, events, and key details. Our essential question guiding our discussions this week was: "What makes a pet special?"
In Social Studies, we are wrapping up our unit on exploring towns and learning what makes a community thrive. Students shared insightful discussions about our local community and created wonderful work reflecting on all the ways they can be helpful, responsible community members!
Second Grade
We have been busy in 2nd grade!
This week we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by reading and writing about Pele, the famous soccer player from Brazil.
In math, students are finishing up our unit on place value concepts and practicing these skills through hands-on center activities.
We are becoming experts in our three part drill in ILP, practicing letter sounds and blending them into words. In ELA, students are learning about text features in expository texts and are working on finishing up realistic fiction writing. We are looking forward to our upcoming field trip to the Woodbridge Aquarium.
Third Grade
This week in ELA, our third graders have been taking a deeper look at character development through our anchor text, Yoon and the Jade Bracelet. Students have been exploring how a character’s feelings, actions, and experiences help us better understand who they are. We also practiced identifying an author’s claim, visualizing while reading, and identifying important events to summarize a story. In Writing Workshop, students continued developing their personal narratives and creating illustrations to accompany their writing. We love seeing their creativity and the meaningful experiences they choose to share.
In Math, our third graders practiced solving problems involving numbers over and under 100. Students used number lines, visual models, and equations to solve travel problems that cross over 100. We also explored different ways to find the difference between two numbers using addition and subtraction. Students are continuing to build confidence by showing their work, explaining their thinking, and sharing strategies with their classmates.
As we continued celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, our third graders have been learning about influential Hispanic figures and their contributions to history and society. We have also been exploring Hispanic and Latin American cultures, traditions, and experiences. These lessons give students an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our communities, learn about people who have made a difference, and appreciate the many cultures that help shape our world.
Fourth Grade
Our readers reached a wonderful milestone as we finished our very first class novel, Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? Students learned how Sonia turned obstacles into opportunities and made history in 2009 when she became the first Hispanic justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court. To celebrate finishing our novel, our fourth graders created Sonia Sotomayor posters showcasing important facts, accomplishments, and inspiring lessons from her life!
This week, our readers also strengthened their nonfiction reading comprehension skills by focusing on identifying the central idea and supporting details. Students revisited the argumentative text Dollars and Sense and practiced carefully rereading to determine the author's central idea. They were challenged to identify three relevant supporting details that helped explain and strengthen that central idea. Using highlighting strategies, students identified important information, distinguished key details from less relevant information, and used evidence from the text to support their thinking.
This week, students wrapped up Unit 1 in math by reviewing and applying previously taught skills. They celebrated their learning by completing a math craft that allowed them to demonstrate their understanding in a fun and engaging way. Students also began Unit 3, focusing on multiple towers and cluster problems. As they explored these new concepts, students practiced using mathematical reasoning, identifying patterns, and solving problems in different ways.
Our fourth graders wrapped up their Hispanic Heritage Month projects by presenting their wonderful Google Slides presentations to their classmates! Throughout this project, students researched different Hispanic countries, explored their rich cultures and traditions, and learned about their history, geography, food, celebrations, and interesting facts! They did a PHENOMENAL job. It was wonderful to see their creativity, enthusiasm, and confidence shine as they stood proudly in front of their classmates and presented their hard work!
Fifth Grade
This week in Language Arts, students will continue reading Esperanza Rising as they strengthen their comprehension and analytical reading skills. Our focus will be on Key Ideas and Details as students explore the important events, characters, and themes in the novel. Students will practice quoting accurately from the text to support their answers, making inferences, and explaining their thinking using relevant text evidence. They will also identify key details to determine the theme and summarize important parts of the story. In addition, students will compare and contrast characters, settings, and events, using specific examples from the text to explain their ideas. Through reading, discussion, and written responses, students will continue developing their ability to think critically and support their understanding with evidence from the text.
This week in Math, students will begin Unit 2: 3-D Geometry & Measurement, focusing on Prisms & Solids. Students will explore three-dimensional shapes and develop their understanding of the attributes and properties of geometric solids. They will identify and describe different prisms and solids, examine their faces, edges, and vertices, and explore how these shapes can be represented and compared. Through hands-on activities, mathematical discussions, and problem-solving opportunities, students will build their spatial reasoning skills and strengthen their understanding of three-dimensional geometry and measurement.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, our fifth-grade students collaborated with Seton Hall University to explore the Celebrating 250 Years of Latino Impact on American History exhibit. Students researched a Latino individual, community, or historical story that interested them, identified significant contributions, and discovered how Latino individuals and communities have helped shape our nation's history, culture, and society. Through research, guided discussions, and written reflections, students celebrated the lasting impact of Latino contributions and developed a deeper appreciation for the diverse people and stories that make up American history.
Physical Education
This week in PE at Wallace we kept the energy high and had a lot of fun! Students in grades K-2 started to get in the mood for Halloween and continued to learn about spatial awareness, boundaries, and moving their bodies through space by playing one of our favorite Halloween games - Steal The Candy! Using cones, a haunted house is built around the center of the gym with different objects placed around the outside to act as the candy. Students are split into teams and work together to try and steal as much candy as possible without getting tagged by the ghosts inside the house. Students worked hard, had fun, and did a great job!
In grades 3-5 we continued learning and practicing Football. Students learned different passing patterns like a Hail Mary, and a hook. Students then got the opportunity to practice running these different passing patterns while taking turns being the Quarterback, Center, and Wide Receiver. Students are learning all the necessary skills to eventually participate in modified football games that will put all the practice to the test. Great job everyone!
World Language
Students had fun practicing how to express their feelings in Spanish! Using individual whiteboards, they wrote and illustrated sentences such as “Estoy contento,” “Estoy triste,” and “Estoy aburrido.” Students also shared their responses with the class, strengthening their Spanish vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills through an interactive activity!
Art
As we enter the second half of the first grading period, our art gaze shifts to a few projects that take us back in time to this past summer, wraps up Hispanic History and gets us ready for Fallo-ween.
To begin the new series of projects, first we reflected on our summer vacation and the modes of transportation we used to arrive at our destinations. We talked about how planes, trains, cars and bikes are irregular shaped objects and made connections between their irregular shapes and the principle of art & design - free forms. Then the children were asked to draw what mode of transportation their families used over the summer to arrive at their vacation destination. Afterwards they cut their free forms with scissors, colored them in and prepared their pieces for installation next week. Soon our hallway will become a small world of flying planes, traffic jams and cruise ships sailing away!
Music
Our Kindergartners very much enjoyed moving to “Bitty Bitty Bat” last week, but this week we explored the spooky sounds of our egg shakers. This activity had students sing along, keep a steady beat, and follow directions such as hiding their eggs, placing it on the floor, spinning it around, and quickly stopping their sounds just to jump back in again for the chorus and do it all again. It was such a fun and silly way to explore music together as a class.
Our 2nd and 3rd grade classes have been enjoying their trips to the musical pumpkin patch clapping and saying spooky rhythms to the instrumental tune of “Spooky Scary Skeletons” using the rhythm words “pump-kin” , “ghost” , and “rest” . (Note: “Rest” MUST be said with a Count Dracula accent for maximum spookiness, of course!) After, we gathered at the circle carpet for a fun game of “Pass the Pumpkin” where students sing the pumpkin’s tune as they pass him along to the steady beat, but if he lands on you, you’re sent to the pumpkin patch where you will play either boomwhackers, rhythm sticks, or egg shakers on a steady beat or ostinato (a repeated musical pattern) while the friends at the circle continue the activity. The last person left in the circle is then serenaded one last time with the pass the pumpkin tune! We had such a friend time singing and playing together.
Science
Kindergarten
This week in kindergarten, students are diving deeper into our unit on Structure & Function. Students are using the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to consider how they would "build a better beanstalk". After reviewing the story, students worked hard to draw models of their better beanstalk. Then, we got the chance to build our own beanstalks out of pipe cleaners! This was a real challenge, as kindergarteners had to work together as a team to create a sturdy structure that could support the weight of a plastic egg. Once again, we emphasize the importance of a growth mindset. We might not achieve the challenge on our first try, but we try, try again!
First Grade
This week in science, our first graders wrapped up a brief unit on sound, which we look forward to revisiting later in November. Throughout the unit, students engaged in hands-on activities to explore how sound and vibration are connected. A highlight for the class was investigating the question, "Can sound make seeds move?"—they had a wonderful time playing drums and watching how the seeds responded to the vibrations!
Second Grade
Our second grade scientists had another exciting week of exploring, experimenting, and discovering! We continued Unit 2: Matter by learning about the different properties of materials, including color, shape, texture, flexibility, and hardness. Students explored how certain materials are better suited for specific purposes. For example, we discussed why rubber is used to make bicycle tires! We also completed our monthly hands-on science lab by investigating the question: Which material makes the best pillow filler? Students worked in groups to design, build, and test models using four different materials: pipe cleaners, mini sponges, feathers, and batting. They compared their results and used their observations to determine which material worked best. Our second grade scientists are tackling challenging concepts through teamwork, creativity, and hands-on learning. We can’t wait to see what exciting discoveries next week will bring!
Third Grade
This week, our third-grade scientists continued working on their exciting STEAM TankChallenge!
Students focused on identifying their client base by determining who they are designing their product or solution for. They explored the importance of understanding their clients’ needs, wants, and challenges as they begin developing creative ideas to solve real-world problems. By putting themselves in their clients’ shoes, students are learning that successful engineering begins with understanding the people they are designing for!
Fourth Grade
This week, fourth-grade students continued their study of energy, deepening their understanding of how energy transfers and transforms from one form to another. Students explored cause-and-effect relationships between energy and a variety of devices, including solar panels, toy drones, and household items such as flashlights, microwaves, and lamps. They also learned how engineers improve the design and performance of devices by developing longer-lasting batteries and reducing the noise produced by machines. As a fun extension of their learning, students explored how food provides energy for living things. They examined food webs to discover how energy transfers from one organism to another within an ecosystem. Through these investigations, students connected their understanding of energy to both everyday technology and the natural world.
Fifth Grade
This week in fifth grade science, students finalized their cafeteria floor plan designs and shared the features they were most proud of, explaining the thinking behind their design choices. We also read The Mysterious Infection, a science investigation story in which students examine an outbreak involving a large number of students at a school becoming ill. Students were introduced to disease transmission, how infectious agents can spread from person to person, and strategies for preventing the spread of infection. Next week, students will continue investigating the outbreak, using scientific reasoning and evidence to better understand how diseases spread and how we can help prevent them.
Health News from the Nurse
This message is simply to provide you with the most current evidenced-based information on head lice. Lice are not an issue at Wallace. Having the best infmroation possible is always helpful since any school in any town is bound to have to address a lice issue at some point during the school year.
We have also provided both the school nurse’s responsibilities along with the parent responsibilities to minimize and control the spread of head lice in school.
Remember - lice is a nuisance but poses no health risks!
Only 1 in 10 transmission occurs at school.
The most common outbreaks are seen at the start of the school year, after winter break, and after spring break… all the times when the students are out of school for extended periods.
At the time live lice are found, the student has probably had the infestation for 1 to 2 weeks.
Transmission occurs most often during playdates and sleepovers.
Transmission can occur from shared hair care items, hats, brushes, and hair ties.
Lice do not jump and do not have wings, so they cannot fly.
The National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) all agree that classroom and/or school wide head lice screening programs have not had a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in the school setting over time and have not proven to be cost effective and therefore no longer recommend this practice. Doing these screenings also makes it impossible to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the students.
Role of the School Nurse:
When live lice are found, we will have the child sent home. Treatment options consist of at-home over-the-counter lice products, seek professional treatment, or consult with your pediatrician for recommended treatment options for recurring or unmanageable cases.
Nurses will reinspect for clean hair upon the students return to school and/or obtain proof of professional lice treatment from the provider.
The respective class will be notified by Nurse Konopka via email.
Parent Responsibilities:
Be familiar with how to detect head lice and how to treat it. For information, please reach out to Nurse Konopka
Check your children routinely for head lice
Inform the school nurse if lice are found.
Ensure that proper treatment has been completed and no live lice are present before your child returns to school. Comb out hair until all nits have been removed.
For more information, visit:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/faq/Lice-2024_FAQ_logo.pdf