Rutherford Public Schools, Author at Washington School

May June

Rutherford Public Schools — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:37:13 +0000

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible energy and excitement that filled our halls in April. Discovery Day was a true highlight! With a space theme that sparked curiosity and creativity, students participated in a variety of workshops, including a high-energy PE session, rocket ship building in the classroom, a STEM activity, an outer space postcard creation, and a spectacular laser light show assembly to kick off the day. One of the most special moments was the creation of our new student-centered art mural, guided by Mrs. Clossey.

Looking ahead, May is a busy and meaningful month. Our third graders will take the NJSLA in English Language Arts and Mathematics. We look forward to showcasing student talents at our spring concert and art show. We will also gather as a school community for our annual Memorial Day Assembly, where we take time to honor and thank local veterans for their service.
June will bring celebration and joy as we wrap up the school year with end-of-year activities, including Field Day fun and special third-grade events. It’s an exciting time filled with memories in the making!

Wishing all of our families a joyful and successful end to the school year.

Upcoming Events for May/June

May 5-6, 12-14: NJSLA for Grade 3
May 7- 3rd grade photo
May 13: 1st grade field trip (Carlson/Ruskowski, Kosinska)
May 14: 1st grade trip (Valderrama, Minervini, Aleles)
May 15: Art Show
May 16: Field Day (Rain Date is May 20)
May 21: New Parent Orientation (Incoming 1st graders)
May 22: Veterans Assembly
May 23,26: Schools Closed
May 28: Walk to School with the Mayor
May 28: Concert Grades 1-3
May 30: All School Sing/Washington School Spirit Day
May 30: 3rd grade visits Pierrepont School
May 30: PTA Spring Lau
June 6: 3rd grade carnival
June 6: K Students visit Washington
June 10: Schools Closed/Teacher Professional Day
June 13: Science Fair-Grade 3
June 16: Grade 3 breakfast
June 17: PreK 4 moving up ceremony
June 18: PreK sneak-a-peek
June 18-24: One Session Days
June 23: All School Sing Assembly/Washington School Spirit Day
June 24: Last Day of School

Warm Regards,
Jessica Saxon

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March April

Rutherford Public Schools — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:00:06 +0000

As we welcome spring, we reflect on the many exciting events that warmed our winter months in January and February. From classroom activities to school-wide initiatives, our students have been engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Our literacy and math programs continue to support learning and growth. Please encourage your child to read daily and practice math fluency skills at home. We continue to focus on executive functioning skills in the classroom, helping students with organization, time management, and self regulation. Our word of the week program continues to help build vocabulary, language and character development. Washington students had an amazing time participating in Scooterville. Their enthusiasm and teamwork made it a huge success. We celebrated the 100th day of School, and Valentines Day, making learning fun and memorable for our students.

Upcoming Events for March and April
March 3- One Session Day/Teacher Professional Development
March 3-7 Read Across America and Spirit Week
March 6-7 Book Fair with Family Shopping March 7 at 6:00
March 7- Trimester 2 ends
March 17- ColorDay/Green-Responsibility
March 25- Report Cards Issued via Parent Portal
March 28- Apex Fun Run
March 31- All School Sing/Bulldog Spirit Day
April 9- Color Day- Blue/Trustworthiness
April 11- Discovery Day
April 17- PTA spring celebration event
April 18-25 Spring Recess
April 30- All School Sing/Bulldog Spirit Day

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Washington School a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Warm regards,

Jessica Saxon

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Weather and Climate

Rutherford Public Schools — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:08:01 +0000

The students in Ms. Scrimenti’s 3rd grade class were finishing up their Mystery Science Unit on Weather & Climate. Here, they were investigating how you can keep your house from blowing away in a windstorm. This science activity demonstrates students using critical thinking and collaborative skills which aligns with our Profile of a Rutherford graduate initiative.

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February is Black History Month

Rutherford Public Schools — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:00:37 +0000

February is Black History Month! Third graders in Ms. Sampedro & Mrs. Podolanczuk’s class completed research projects on influential African Americans in US history. Students then taught their peers about the famous person they had researched by presenting their written summaries to the class. This activity demonstrates students exhibiting the communication competency as part of our Profile of a Rutherford Graduate initiative.

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A Word From Mrs. Saxon – January/February

Rutherford Public Schools — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:42:26 +0000

Welcome Back and Happy New Year, Washington Families!

I hope you had a joyful holiday season. I am excited to welcome you back as we begin 2025 together. As the winter season approaches, I want to keep you all informed and prepared for the months ahead. Here are some important dates and reminders.

School closures/Delays/Early Dismissals: Stay updated on weather-related announcements via our website, email, and phone alerts.
Dress warmly: Please ensure students come to school with warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves as they will need these items for outdoor recess when the weather permits.
Safety: Remind students to be cautious when walking or playing in snowy and icy conditions. Please help us support safety in the winter by encouraging children to walk slowly and not allowing students to pick up snow and ice on the school grounds.
Word of the Week: Each week we focus on a new word which is infused in our daily announcements and activities. We encourage you to discuss the word of the week with your children at home. Words of the Week for January are Joyful, Dependable, and Trust.
Arrival/Dismissal: The safety of our students is a top priority. Please help us maintain a safe environment during arrival and dismissal by following the procedures outlined in our handbook, such as no double parking or parking in the yellow- marked areas, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of all students. We understand that arrival and dismissal can be hectic. Please be patient and considerate of other drivers and pedestrians. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Events for January/February

January 20: Schools closed-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23: One Session Day/Parent-Teacher Conferences
January 24: School Closed/Parent-Teacher Conferences
January 31: All School Sing/Spirit Day- Wear Bulldog Gear or Blue/White
February 7: Parent Academy -Anxious Generation K-3 at Washington School Library/8:50 AM
February 7: Friendship Fun Night 6:30 PM.
February 13: 100th Day of School
February 14,17: School Closed/Winter Recess
February 25-26: Scooterville
February 28: All School Sing/Spirit Day- Wear Bulldog Gear or Blue/White

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Giving Tree Initiative to help support the Bergen County Animal Shelter. Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated.

I look forward to a joyful and safe winter season for all our students and families.

Warm regards,

Jessica Saxon

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A Word From Mrs. Saxon- December

Rutherford Public Schools — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:03 +0000

As we enter December, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful highlights from November. Our Thanksgiving Parade and Assembly were shining examples of how students demonstrate the Rutherford Profile of a Graduate competencies. From their creativity in designing their parade projects, to their collaboration and communication in working together, they truly embodied excellence. It was inspiring to see their hard work and pride on full display. Washington students also continue to embrace our Word of the Week program. Throughout the past month, words like honesty, self control, and thankful have guided our students in developing essential character traits. They have applied these values in classrooms, friendships, and daily routines. Another highlight has been the success of our Lunchbox, Water Bottle, Jacket Challenge! This initiative encourages students to show responsibility by keeping track of their belongings. The progress we have seen has been remarkable- small challenges can inspire big growth!

Looking ahead to December, our focus will be on the value of generosity- not just in giving gifts but in sharing kindness, time and support with one another. As we move into the holiday season, we will continue to build on these important lessons. I hope this time of the year brings joy, warmth, and special moments. Thank you for helping to make Washington School a place of learning, growth , and community. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

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October/November at Washington

Rutherford Public Schools — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:00:40 +0000

The start of fall at Washington School has been a season full of excitement, learning, and community! Our students have enjoyed everything from the Walk for Washington and the Book Fair to themed Spirit Days. We are looking forward to creative pumpkin decorating, and festive Halloween and Thanksgiving activities. Students have embraced our “Words of the Week, focusing on values like fairness, respect, responsibility, kindness, and honesty. To build executive functioning skills, our Backpack Challenge encourages students to take on the monthly task of keeping backpacks organized. It has been wonderful seeing our students grow, show school spirit, and develop important life skills. Here is to an amazing season of growth and fun at Washington School.

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WELCOME BACK TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Rutherford Public Schools — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:03:56 +0000

I am pleased and honored to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year at Washington Elementary School. The first day of school is Thursday, September 5. Letters were sent out with class assignments and instruction on access to the parent portal. Here is the link to the letter with the opening day information. We are so excited to open the doors and meet our students!

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WELCOME to the 2024/2025 School Year

Rutherford Public Schools — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:00:57 +0000

We are excited to welcome you to the new school year at Washington Elementary School. As we open our doors, we are thrilled to continue our journey of learning, growth, and achievement where together, we are committed to pursuing “Excellence for All”!

The Student and Parent Handbook is updated annually and is available on the school website at the start of the school year. Please visit our website at www.rutherfordschools.org. Click on Washington School and then on Washington Quick Links. The Rutherford Public Schools Code of Conduct for K-3 can also be accessed via Quick Links.

The District utilizes an online registration system. Parents must log in to review and, when necessary, update student demographic information.

Information for families who wish to apply for Free and Reduced lunch may do so on the District Website under “District Lunch Program”. For the lunch ordering program (grades K-8) and/or Free/Reduced Price Lunch Application, please visit https://payschoolscentral.com/.

Below are some Key Dates as you prepare to join us in September.

First Day of School for all students : September 5, 2024
Back To School night: September 18, 2024
Picture Day: September 20, 2024
PTA Meeting: October 8, 2024

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an amazing year ahead.

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Spring, 2024

Rutherford Public Schools — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:05:20 +0000

Welcome Spring!

As we transition into the third trimester, I look forward to continued growth for all of our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our staff has been working hard to ensure that our students achieve grade level benchmarks and milestones. We have been focused on activities and messaging that encourage and build a Growth Mindset culture. As parents, you play an important role in all of these initiatives. We welcome our partnership and encourage your involvement in helping your children reach their full potential. Please read on for more information about school events and programs.

Scooterville

An all-time favorite activity for our students returns to Washington School on Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14. Mr. Melfa and a team of PTA volunteers will be transforming our multipurpose room into the town of Scooterville! Making their way on scooters over tar paper roads surrounded by numerous cardboard buildings – pizzeria, bakery, etc. – the students practice skills learned in a unit on pedestrian and vehicular safety. They can also participate in races at the Scooterville Raceway and play games such as Scooter Basketball and Scooter Soccer. Each class visits Scooterville on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Color Days – Character Education

During the month of March, the focus of our Character Education program is on the Pillar of Responsibility. On Friday, March 15 we will wear green to recognize this important Pillar (and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!). Our Physical Education teacher, Mr. Melfa, will read a book on Responsibility to our students. He and the Character Education committee have planned activities for our students to work on both in school and at home. Our next Color Day will be on Wednesday, April 10. We will all wear blue to celebrate the Pillar of Trustworthiness.

PTA Happenings

Thank you to our Washington School PTA for coordinating the Scholastic Book Fair that was held March 5 through March 7. Our students enjoyed shopping for new books by day, and many families enjoyed shopping together in the evening on March 7. On Thursday, March 28, the PTA will provide a Spring Celebration for our students complete with an egg hunt and other activities.

Discovery Day

On Friday, April 26, we celebrate this longstanding Washington School tradition. During Discovery Day, we focus our entire day on one particular theme. Discovery Day themes in the past have included Space, Oceans, the Jungle, and Going Green, among others. This year, our theme will be “Move and Groove”. We are planning to have our day begin and end with assembly programs in the multipurpose room. In between, classes rotate through different learning stations in the library, art/music room, and the multipurpose room. We are looking forward to this great day of fun and learning. More details will be shared as the day gets closer. Discovery Day is provided through the generosity of the Washington School PTA.

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