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WES- Family Newsletter 9/12/2025

Posted Date: 9/12/25 (4:00 PM)
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Principal’s Message

September 12, 2025


Dear Whiton Families,


Thank you for joining us at our Back-to-School night this week.  It is always a great way to meet our families and for our teachers to share about all of the exciting things that will occur in class this year.  Here is the opening slideshow from the night!
During BTSN we discussed the importance of daily school attendance.
Consistent daily attendance is a key part of your student’s academic success. When students are present each day, they are better able to keep up with classroom learning, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop positive habits that support long-term success.
Even occasional absences can add up and make it harder for students to stay on track. We understand that illnesses and emergencies happen, but we encourage families to prioritize regular attendance whenever possible.
Thank you for your partnership in helping your student build strong routines and make the most of every school day!

I am excited to share that earlier today, our 3rd grade students were officially inducted into the Safety Patrol program!
This is a proud moment for our school, as Safety Patrol is one of the first opportunities for our students to step into a leadership role within our school community. These students will help promote safety, support school routines, and serve as positive role models for their peers—especially our younger students.
At our school, we believe that student leadership helps foster a sense of responsibility, builds confidence, and encourages teamwork and respect. Through Safety Patrol, our 3rd graders will begin to see themselves as capable leaders who contribute meaningfully to their school environment.
Please join us in congratulating our new Safety Patrol members! We are proud of their commitment and look forward to seeing them grow in their leadership throughout the year.



REFERENDUM UPDATE: 
As we move closer to the September 16 bond referendum, we want to personally invite you to be part of the conversation about what this vote means for the future of our schools and community. We’ve created a short video that walks through the highlights of the proposed projects and how they would support safer, more sustainable, and future-ready learning environments across the district. I encourage you to take a look and share it with others. 
To explore full project details, visual renderings, FAQs, voting logistics, and more, visit our website. You may also email us at referendum@branchburg.k12.nj.us  with any additional questions.

referendum vote flyer


School Reminders/ News

Attendance for the upcoming school year

All parents/guardians are required to use Genesis to report student absences.  More information is in our handbook (In the Genesis Parent Portal → Attendance → Notify Office → Fill out the attendance code, date, and leave a reason for the absence in the comment area.  If your student will be absent due to illness or a family trip, you will need to mark your student as absent.)

A stylized illustration of a tablet device with a blank screen.

Visitor and Early Dismissal Procedure 

All visitors must sign in using our iPad located in the entryway.  Please bring your driver’s license for scanning. After signing in, you will be buzzed into the main office to receive your visitor badge. 

We can only accommodate a limited number of people in the entryway at one time.  You may need to wait outside the main door while we clear the lobby of visitors.  Please plan accordingly and allow extra time to complete the sign-in process and visit our building.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.


cars parked with parking signVISITOR PARKING

Please use the "visitor" spaces in our main parking lot to park when dropping off or picking up students.  At no time can you park in the bus lanes.


notepadSTUDENT DISMISSAL
Please make sure to email the office (wesoffice@branchburg.k12.nj.us) and your student's teacher(s) should there be a change in your student's dismissal. Please advise our office by 2:00 p.m. of these changes.

INFORMATION FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR: MS. STEWART
Please meet our guidance counselor, Ms. Stewart (below) and review information on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) here.

books on a shelf  LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
In the near future, Ms. Sam Gale, our school librarian, will be sharing information for volunteer opportunities in the library.

health and support image
RESOURCES FROM MS. D'ANTONIO, Mental Health and Well Being Social Worker:

Parenting Tips for a Successful Back to School Season: Learning Routines & Educational Activities for Kids

Back to School Tips for Kids Who Are Struggling

Fun Fall Activities for Families

Somerset County Resources Guide
Important Upcoming Dates: 

PICTURE DAY Picture Day is Coming!
Student portraits are scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 25. All students will have their individual photo taken with their homeroom class. Teachers will let you know which day your student’s class is scheduled.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to place online orders before Picture Day. Please note that all students will have their photo taken, regardless of whether an order has been placed. If you’re unable to order online ahead of time, students may bring a completed order envelope on Picture Day.
For those who do not place an order in advance, there will be a limited window after Picture Day to order photos online.
Here is more information from our Photographer. Flyers were sent home this week as well. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

With warm regards,    

        

Upcoming Dates:

9.16-Referendum Vote

9.23- School Closed- Rosh Hashanah

9.24- Picture Day

9.25- Picture Day 

10.2- School Closed- Yom Kippur

10.3- School Closed- Staff Development