Family Newsletter 11/21/2025

Posted Date: 11/21/25 (04:00 PM)

Principal’s Message

November 21, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and break, this is a wonderful time to help our students reflect on gratitude and the many ways we can show appreciation for the people and moments that make our lives special. At school, we will be talking about kindness, thankfulness, and the importance of recognizing the good around us. We encourage you to join us in supporting these messages at home.

Here are a few simple ways families can help students practice gratitude:
1. Share daily “thankful moments.”
Take a few minutes at dinner, before bed, or on the ride to school to have your student name one thing they are grateful for. This helps build a habit of noticing positive things in their day.
2. Encourage students to express appreciation.
A handwritten note, a drawing, or a simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day. Encourage students to thank teachers, staff, classmates, family members, and others who support them.
3. Practice acts of kindness.
Small acts—helping a sibling, picking up toys, holding the door for someone—teach students that gratitude can be shown through our actions as well as our words.
4. Read books about thankfulness.
Stories are a great way to introduce big ideas in a student-friendly way. Consider reading together and talking about how characters show gratitude.
5. Model gratitude at home.
Students learn by watching the adults around them. Saying thank you, acknowledging others’ efforts, and pointing out things you appreciate helps reinforce the message.
We are grateful for our wonderful students, staff, and families who make our school community so special. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving season.

Reminders:
-For the Thanksgiving break next week there is a single session on Wednesday, November 26. Dismissal will begin at 1:15 and school is closed Thursday November 27 and Friday November 28.
-Somerville Genesis and Interact Club is hosting a movie night tonight, please find the flyer with details below.

Sincerely,

School Reminders/ News

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

The Whiton library is open to volunteers. This is a great opportunity to help with shelving books, assisting students with book checkouts, and guiding students in finding books on the shelves. Because initial training is needed, Ms. Gale is looking for anyone who is able to volunteer on a regular or semi-regular basis. Any questions, please email Ms. Gale - sgale@branchburg.k12.nj.us. Here is the sign up.

CAFETERIA VOLUNTEERS

Parents/guardians interested in volunteering in our lunch room should use this PTO sign up link here through December. Please make sure to read the very important information about volunteering located on the sign up.

SCHOOL SPIRITWEAR
Great news! Our School Spirit wear can be purchased at anytime! The orders will be processed on the 1st and 15th. Please find the link to order here. The store will be taking a break after Thanksgiving to allow times to process orders for the Holidays. Please have your order in by December 1st.

hats and mittens clip art

LOST AND FOUND
Reminder, as the colder months approach, please label your student's belongings, it will make it easier to reunite these items.

HOMEWORK FREE NIGHT - DECEMBER 4TH
Homework free night flyer english

Community Information

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Please find community information on our school website here

Somerville High School Genesis and Interact Club

PTO/BEF Events

PTO EVENTS
Dine out schedule

BEF KIND A THON EVENT

Updated Prize Information:
prizes for bef

Upcoming Dates:

11.26- Single session

11.27-11.28- School closed Thanksgiving Break

12.23- Single session

12.24-1.1- School closed for winter break

1.2- School closed for Staff Professional Development

1.19- School closed- MLK, Jr. day

Preschool Program

Guidance Department

Family Newsletter 11/21/2025