Dear Washington Wizards,
As October continues, our Monthly Challenge Spark Kindness: Random Acts of Kindness is well underway! It has been inspiring to see students look for ways, big and small, to bring a little light into someone else’s day. This week, I encourage you to pause with your child and reflect on the power of those small moments. Whether it’s including a new friend at recess, helping a sibling with a chore, or writing a kind note to a teacher, these simple choices remind us that kindness is contagious. Each act creates a ripple that touches more people than we may ever know. A great way to extend the challenge at home is to share “kindness stories” at the dinner table or bedtime; “what did you do today to show kindness? What kindness did you notice in others?” These conversations help children see that compassion is not only valuable but also doable every single day. Let’s continue building a community where kindness is our daily habit!
Shout-Outs & Spotlights
Golden Sneaker: This year, our PE classes have a new achievement award! Each month, Mr. Cornetta and Mr. Carroll will be recognizing classes that consistently demonstrate our core virtues. Key virtues include teamwork, sportsmanship, encouraging words, doing the right thing, showing kindness and respect to everyone in the gym, including teachers and peers. The “Golden Sneaker” will be given out monthly to one K-2 class and one 3-5 class. This month’s winners are 2M and 4DG!!
Walk to School Day: Shout out to all the parent volunteers at Wednesday’s Walk to School Day. Our students were greeted with smiles, treats, and beautiful balloons. Thank you for helping us learn about how walking to school helps to keep our planet clean!
Reminders for Families
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. Please see the dress up days below:
Monday - Tie Dye Day
Tuesday - Pajama Day
Wednesday - Wear Red Day
Thursday - Sports Jersey Day
Friday - Spirit Wear Day
Current 4th and 5th grade families, be on the lookout for NJSLA scores that were mailed home this week and please let me know if you have any questions.
Student use of social media, texting, online video games, and unsupervised use of technology often results in unsafe behaviors, conflict, and mental health concerns. At school, we have seen the impact of this as the above can get in the way of a student's ability to interact appropriately with peers and often distracts from academic achievement and focus. Please see two resources from the National Association of Elementary School Principals on this topic.
In conjunction with NJ4S, the Wyckoff PTO Coordinating Council is excited to be presenting 5 parent presentations over the course of this school year. These presentations will be held at EMS from 7-8pm on the below dates. We hope to see you there!
10/21 - Bullying Breakthrough: Rights, Support, and Solutions
12/2 - Raising Resilience: Empowering Parents, Strengthening Kids
2/3 - The Attendance Agenda: Every Day Counts
4/14 - The Digital Parent: Navigating Social Media for Your Kids
5/12 - Summer Strong: Supporting Kids; Mental Health
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:
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
