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Principal’s Message
February 6, 2026
Dear Whiton Families,
Earlier this week, we experienced heating issues in the cafeteria, and because it was too cold for students to eat there comfortably, lunch was held in classrooms instead (students were still able to purchase hot and cold lunch). This was a minor schedule adjustment that allowed the day to continue smoothly. Families can be assured that whenever there is an actual emergency that directly impacts students, immediate communication will always be sent home. At times, however—much like decisions around indoor recess—situations arise during the normal course of the school day that are safely and effectively managed by staff through minor adjustments. These routine, well-handled moments do not require communication home, as they are part of the everyday operations of a school.
Speaking of cold weather and as it continues to remain cold, I want to take a moment to remind families how important regular movement and play are for young students. Daily physical activity helps students build strong bodies, improve focus and behavior, and support social and emotional well-being—even when it’s chilly outside.
Whenever possible, we encourage students to continue playing outdoors with appropriate winter clothing. Fresh air and movement can make a big difference in their energy and readiness to learn. On especially cold days, which we have had plenty of this winter, indoor play is a great alternative.
Here are a few simple ideas for active indoor play:
- Dance parties or follow-the-leader movement games
- Indoor obstacle courses using pillows, tape, or furniture (with supervision)
- Yoga or stretching videos made for kids
- Balloon volleyball or beanbag toss
- Active games like Simon Says, freeze dance, or scavenger hunts
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students healthy, active, and ready to learn all year long.
School reminders:
-Next Friday, February 13th is a single session day for students and school is closed Monday, February 16th for President's Day.
-Yearbook sales have begun - please see below and be sure to place your order by March 27.
-Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now underway. More information can be found below.
Reminder, tomorrow, February 7th, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJ Barnabas Health hospital, will host its annual Cardiac Athletic Screening from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the hospital’s Cardiac Diagnostic Testing Department, located on the second floor of the main hospital on Rehill Avenue.
The free screening is available to young athletes ages 14 to 18 and is designed to help identify potential risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest.
Screenings will be conducted by RWJUH Somerset cardiologists, nurses, and technicians and include a cardiovascular history review, physical examination, blood pressure screening, body measurements, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). Echocardiograms will be performed when clinically indicated.
The cardiac screening is free of charge, but advance registration is required. A parent or guardian must accompany each student. To register, please call 908-685-2414.
Please find more information here.
Sincerely,
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| School Reminders/ News |
NURSE REMINDER
If your student has been ill, please find more information here on when your student may return.
The nurse is looking for clothing donations if you are cleaning out your closets. If you have extra pants (girls/boys) in small or medium, the nurse would love them! Thank you for your consideration.
 LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
The Whiton library is welcoming 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 - Here is the sign up. Any questions, please email Ms. Gale - sgale@branchburg.k12.nj.us.
 CAFETERIA VOLUNTEERS
Parents/guardians interested in volunteering in our lunch room should use this PTO sign up link here through March. 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.
 LOST AND FOUND
Reminder: As the colder months approach, please label your student’s belongings to make it easier for us to return misplaced items.
PARENT SQUARE
Reminders to check your settings in parent square to make sure you are set up for emails/texts or app notifications so you receive all notifications, this is our form of communication to parents.
 YEARBOOKS
Our online store for yearbook is now open! Please find the link here. The online store will close Friday, March 27, 2026. After the online store closes you can be added to a waitlist. Any questions on yearbooks, please reach out to Mrs. Breese, jbreese@branchburg.k12.nj.us
 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten pre-registration is now open. Please makes sure to select the correct year, 2026-2027 when registering. Please refer to correspondence on our website, prior to registration, as some requirements have recently changed. Please see our website here.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Please find community information on our school website here.
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| PTO/BEF Events |
PTO EVENTS
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Upcoming Calendar Dates:
2.13- Single Session- Staff Development
2.16- School Closed- President's Day
2.25- Second and Third Grade Science Fair
3.27- Single Session- Staff Development
3.30-4.3- School Closed- Spring Break |
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