Watchung Weekly News -June 18, 2022

Important Dates

6/20 – 5th grade Carnival on the field
6/22 – 5th grade Moving Up Ceremony – 10:30 am
6/24 – 2:30 – 5th Grade Clap Out
6/27 – Early Dismissal
6/28 – Last Day of School – Early Dismissal 

Updates/Reminders

Spring Concert – Watchung’s Spring Concert was a huge success. The concert in the park concept was a huge hit and the weather couldn’t have been any better. The students sounded amazing both instrumentally and lyrically. Thank you to all of the staff members who came out to help with the logistics and those who just came out to enjoy the show. Mr. Boote, as always, did what he did and put on a great show.

Galimoto inspired Toy Parade - Galimoto Karen Lynn Williams is a story about Kondi, a young African boy who wants to make a Galimoto (Chichewa word for push toy vehicle) and participate in the village toy parade but finds he doesn't have enough wire to make his own Galimoto It is a story of perseverance, resourcefulness, and finding joy in creating. Watchung's second - fifth graders learned about simple machines and have been hard at work in small groups designing and building their own " Galimoto " out of mostly recyclable and found materials. Kindergarten and first graders studied sound and made musical instruments for the parade. All the materials were donated to Watchung from the parents and surrounding community. Parents were invited to the parade, as students walked around the Watchung Field with their “Galimotos”.  Click on the link for the photos.

Board of Education Meeting – Monday, 6/20 – The Montclair Board of Ed will be honoring the district’s Educators of the year this Monday at the Board Meeting. This includes Watchung’s very own Drury Thorp. Please join us in person or virtually to honor her.

Moving up ceremony virtual link - The following link can be used to view the live streaming of the ceremony. 

MPS Summer Enrichment Camps - It’s that time of year again, we’re gearing up for the 2022 summer season! Be encouraged to visit My School Bucks to view the available camps and enroll your child(ren) in one or more MPS Summer Enrichment Camps (SEC) for one or more weeks. The programs are run by certified teachers who have planned fun filled camp experiences in safe environments. FYI…Some of our very own Watchung teachers are directing amazing camps, check out their flyers!

From the desk of Mrs. Polizzano

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In preparation for the transition to Middle School each year I work with our 5th grade students to assist them in acquiring knowledge about the respective schools they have chosen to attend. I review each of our middle schools and we discuss their choices.

Most importantly, I talk with them about the emotional transition and what that means to us as human beings related to our feelings. I talk with them about the developmental process of knowing and being comfortable in our surroundings and moving to new surroundings, while acknowledging their loss of leaving their elementary school. We talk about feelings and the students who want to share do so.

As part of this exercise, I ask the each of our students to fill out a blank index card writing down the pros and cons of what they think about middle, school thus eliciting the emotional content of how they feel.

I then read all of the 5th grade responses to see if I need to talk to any student that might be worried about something. I then speak to the student to alleviate worries or concerns. Finally, I will call Parents and Caregivers so that you are aware of what I spoke about to your child. Your child knows that I will call you to advise you of anything you need to know .

This is an important lesson where the students can express themselves.

Debra Polizzano , MSW, LCSW

From the PTA

Non-Homeroom Staff Year End Collection – Now that the end of the school year is approaching the Watchung PTA is collecting donations to acknowledge the work of all non-homeroom certified teachers and non-homeroom support staff.*

Specifically, this collection will cover:

· Related Arts and Special Education Teachers

· Clinicians and Therapists - nurse, speech and occupational therapists, social worker and counselor

. Paraprofessionals

· Administrative staff, custodial team, cafeteria staff, crossing guard

Any amount is welcomed and deeply appreciated. We ask that all donations be submitted by June 22 by going to our MemberHub store store at https://watchung.memberhub.com/store

Please email Usha Naidu with any questions.

*Homeroom teacher and Kindergarten only paraprofessional gifts will be coordinated separately through class parents.

Buy a Brick - This is your chance to commemorate your family's legacy at Watchung School. Consider purchasing a brick to honor your graduating fifth grader or your hard-working student so that you can enjoy seeing it in the years to come. The deadline for forms and payments is June 20th. Please contact Usha Naidu at [email protected] with any questions. Please see the form here.
Montclair Kids News – Hey, Hey, Hey, The Montclair Kids News is looking for book reviews! Here is the link for submission.

First Day School Supplies – Believe it or not it’s time to order your school supplies for the 2022-2023 school year! Here’s how it works: Each spring the Watchung teachers select their supplies from the 1st Day School Supplies catalog. Below is the link to order your teacher curated list. A great team of volunteers delivers the box labeled with your child’s name to their newly assigned classroom the last week in August. The supplies are competitively priced, guaranteed in stock & the teachers request exactly what’s needed. The PTA makes a small profit for each box sold to help fund our incredible programming. We are always incredibly grateful for those who also donate kits! Thank you to Jacquie Mital for leading this fabulous service again for us this year! Please email Jacquie  if you have any questions. Use this link and order today!!

Kindly, Patty, Alex, Jen and Hillary

Have a great week!

Patrick Krenn

Principal