Dear Washington Wizards,
As we close out another week together, I’m excited to share our next Monthly Challenge for October: Spark Kindness . This month, we invite our students and families to look for simple, meaningful ways to brighten someone else’s day. The challenge is to perform one small act of kindness each day. It doesn’t have to be big—sometimes the smallest gestures carry the greatest impact. Holding a door, offering a genuine compliment, writing an encouraging note, or simply choosing to smile can be the spark that changes someone’s day for the better. In a world that can often feel rushed and busy, these moments of kindness remind us to slow down and notice one another. They help our children see that they have the power to shape their community with positivity, respect, and care. When kindness becomes a habit, it creates ripples that extend far beyond what we can see. I encourage you to talk as a family about this challenge and perhaps even share the acts of kindness you notice at home, at school, or in the neighborhood. Together, let’s make October a month filled with compassion, generosity, and connection.
Shout-Outs & Spotlights
Words of Wisdom: Each morning we have our “Words of Wisdom” read over the PA system and this week, our 5th grade leaders kicked off the tradition, helping us all start the day on the right note. We’re excited to hear next week’s voices!
Guidance Lessons: A big thank-you to Ms. Steinberg for leading lessons on social and emotional skills throughout our school over the past 2 weeks. Her sessions have helped students build important tools for managing emotions, fostering empathy, strengthening friendships, and making positive choices. We are grateful for the time and care she has dedicated to supporting our students’ growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Full Tummies: A heartfelt thank you to the PTO Hospitality Committee and to all the families who generously contributed snacks to stock our staff lounge. Your thoughtful gifts not only keep our staff fueled throughout the day but also show how much you value and support the hard work of our team!
Reminders for Families
Your child’s i-Ready scores are now available through their classlink portal. Throughout the year, the goal is for your child to reach performance levels that meet or exceed grade-level expectations by the end of the year. We are focused on tracking growth over time, so the most important thing is to see steady progress toward these goals.
From October 6-10th, we are excited to celebrate the Week of Respect at Washington School! Throughout the week, students will take part in activities that highlight kindness, empathy, and respect. We’ll enjoy themed Spirit Week dress-up days (see attached flyer), share “Caught Being Kind” cards that will be displayed outside the guidance office, and spread positive messages with our Kindness in Chalk activity. Students will also reflect on respect through age-appropriate classroom activities, and we’ll wrap up the week with a special assembly, Abracabully, on October 10th, sponsored by the PTO and focusing on the I.C.A.R.E. message: Individual, Community, Attitude, Respect, and Empathy. Together, these activities will help our students see the power of respect in building a kinder, stronger school community!
The WEF Color Run is this Saturday, September 27th at 11:00 AM at Eisenhower Middle School. The Wyckoff Education Foundation (WEF) has donated thousands of dollars to our schools through the years. Most recently, WEF has donated money to help upgrade our media center, and is working hard to raise additional funds to complete this initiative. The winning school receives a $500 bonus donation to their PE program and of course, the crowd-favorite: the student who raises the most money at each school will get to “Blast” me with color! I hope to see many of you there!!
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Sincerely,
Kelly O’Brien
Friday Folder Documents: Please click here to see the most recent Friday Folder documents.
Ramapo Girls Soccer Youth Night
Upcoming Events:
9/27/25 - WEF Color Run - 11:00-1:00 pm @ EMS
10/1/25 - Spirit Day -- Washington Walk to School Day
10/2/25 - Schools Closed - Yom Kippur
10/7-9/25 - Washington’s Fall Book Fair - Student Only Shopping
10/8/25 - Fall Book Fair Parent Shopping Night @ 6:00-7:30 pm - Media Center
10/13/15 - Minimum Day for Students - PD for Staff - Dismissal @ 1:05 pm
10/14/25 - Washington PTO Meeting @ 9:15 - MPR
10/16/25 - Washington PTO Harvest Festival @ 3:30-5:00 pm - Back Field
10/17/25 - Washington PTO Harvest Festival Rain Date @ 3:30-5:00 pm - Back Field
10/31/25 - Washington Halloween Parade @ 2:30 pm for Parents - Back Field
11/5/25 - Spirit Day
11/6-7/25 - Schools Closed - NJEA Conference
11/10/25 - Schools Closed - Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/11/25 - Washington PTO Meeting @ 9:15 - MPR
11/14/25 - District 5th Grade Bingo @ EMS
11/17/25 - Minimum Day for Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Dismissal @ 1:05 pm
11/18/25 - Delayed Opening - Arrival Starts @ 10:05
11/26/25 - Minimum Day - Start of Thanksgiving Break - Dismissal @ 1:05 pm
11/27-28/25 - Schools Closed - Thanksgiving Break
12/3/25 - Spirit Day
12/5/25 - End of the 1st Marking Period
12/12/25 - Report Cards Released @ 3:30 pm