Important Dates:
2/16 – Presidents’ Day – District Closed
2/24 -2/28– School Book Fair
2/27– End of Rotation 1 - (Grade 2 & 3 Related Arts)
Proposed Updates to the 25/26 district calendar
To preserve spring break as scheduled and minimize disruption for students, staff, and families, the district is proposing the following calendar adjustment. The Board of Education will consider approval of this adjustment at its February 9th meeting.
- Lunar New Year (February 17th) will become a regular school day.
- If an additional day is needed due to an unexpected closure, Eid al-Fitr (March 20th) would also be designated as a school day.
Upcoming Spirit Days – reminders will follow
2/19 – 100th Day of School – Dress like you are 100 Years Old!
Updates/Reminders:
Parking at Dismissal – Now more than ever it is important that everyone is following the parking procedures during dismissal on both Garden Street and Frederick Street. The streets are packed with snow and even harder to navigate. During dismissal, cars should only be parked on the North side of the street. There is no stopping or standing on the school-side of the street. On Frederick Street, there should be no stopping or standing on the Northside (School side) of the street.
Fridge Facts – The Watchung Fridge Facts will give you the W’s of Watchung (who, what, when, where), all in one place. Click here to download
Watchung School Family Handbook – Click here to download the 2025-26 Handbook. It is in this handbook you can find all the ins and outs of the who, what, when & where at Watchung.
From the PTA:
It was so nice to see so many of you at Friday’s Sweetheart Dance! We loved the outfits and all the dance moves! Special THANK YOU to Allison Mitchell and Anca Lasc for spearheading this event - It’s a Watchung fan favorite for sure!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
SCHOOL TOURS - FEB 10, 2026 - Tour Guides Needed!
We could use a few more volunteers this Tuesday Night.
It's that time of year where parents of prospective students tour the Montclair Public Schools to determine where they would like to send their kiddos to school in the Fall. The Watchung Elementary Tour date has been set for February 10th - 6-7pm and 7-8pm.
Parent volunteers are needed to give tours to let folks know about the many great things Watchung Elementary has to offer. If you are able, please pick a time you're available to lead a group of new parents on a quick tour of the school.
SIGNUP HERE
**We will hold a prep info session prior to the tour, as well as provide speaking points.**
BOOK FAIR - February 24 - 28
The Watchung PTA and Watchung Booksellers present the”Its a Small World” Book Fair! This year's international themed Book Fair runs for a few days during the week leading up to Family Day on Saturday. This is one of Watchung's biggest events and we need your help to make it a success. If you are interested and able to volunteer in any capacity, please sign up below.
Questions? Contact Book Fair Chairs Vicki Fiabane or Kerri McMahon
SIGNUP HERE
Join the Watchung PTA Board
Ready to jump in, make a difference, and have fun doing it? We’re looking to fill two PTA Co-President roles for a two-year term. It’s a team-based role with big impact, great people, and lots of positive energy. Nominate yourself or a fellow parent—Watchung needs you!
This role leads Watchung PTA Board meetings; serves ex-officio on all committees; oversees communications, budgeting, calendar planning, and Watchung PTA events; serves as a liaison between the parent community, teachers, Principal, and PTAC.
Please email our nominating committee, Lizzie Valle ([email protected]) , with your interest or nomination.
Special Election Info Sessions
If you’re still undecided about the March 10 Special Election, Superintendent Turner is hosting several sessions at various times and formats (in-person and virtual). The district has also posted an updated Budget Q&A covering 30 questions on the official website to address common concerns about the deficit, tax impact, future additional revenue streams, etc.
2/11 (In-person): Budget Town Hall @ Watchung (6 PM – 8 PM)
2/18 (Virtual): Budget Town Hall (8 PM – 9:30 PM)
Sincerely, Your PTA Board,
Tracey Santarcangelo, Elizabeth Stotler, Anca Lasc and Kelly Donnamiller
Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday!
Patrick Krenn
Principal
Watchung School