District Newsletter

October 10, 2025

School Events

October

• October 11: Marching Band Competition @ Wayne Wayne Valley

• October 28: Fall Chorus Concert @ Wayne Valley High School

November

• November 15: Wayne Valley Fall Play

• November 15: Turkey Trot - Sponsored by WTPS Unified Sports @ Wayne Hills High School

One Town - One Heart - United - WAY better in WAYne

😜 Newsletter Riddle: What did the corn say when it gets a compliment? 🌽 *answer at bottom

Wayne Counseling Department Collective Resume

At the onset of the school year, professional school counselors met to plan activities and to share each school's plans to support our students. Part of this meeting was devoted to completing a collective resume which included reviewing the experience, certifications, and initiatives the counselors have brought to our community. During the week of respect, which is led by our counseling department, the Wayne Public Schools would like to share some of the information collected during this activity to highlight the skill and capacity of our exceptional counseling team.

Of the 26 counselors in attendance at the meeting, the total years of service counseling students added up to 343 years in education directly serving students! In fact, the average length of service in our counseling department is 13.1 years. Our two longest serving counselors have 27 years serving students in Wayne! This level of experience in this role across our district provides our students and their families stability and knowledge in all areas of social, academic, and wellness support.

The team is also highly skilled. When looking at previous work experience, 38% of our staff have served in clinical and/or private counseling practices in a variety of capacities including crisis counseling, medical and substance assistance programs, and coordination of outreach programs. In their roles as counselors in Wayne, the majority of our staff also offer additional mentoring of our young people as coaches, club advisors, running group counseling sessions for students with identified needs, and training staff in areas such as mental health first aid and the nurtured heart approach to support students. Outside of work, we have many staff members involved with charity work, professional and organizational leadership, and participating in various arts programs in Wayne and surrounding communities.

The planning session commenced with counselors sharing their hopes to bring additional programs and assistance to our students and their families this year. The student support services department wanted to share this work to highlight the counselors exceptional capacity and commitment to helping our students to ensure they are appreciated for all they offer our community.

Student Support Services Recognizes Elementary and Pre-K Staff for October 2025 from Ryerson, Pines Lake, John F. Kennedy, Packanack, and Randall Carter!

Mrs. Nicole Messina: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Nicole Messina for her exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in supporting the students at Randall Carter Elementary School. Nicole has played a pivotal role in preparing students not only academically but also socially, ensuring a smooth and confident transition into a more inclusive program. Her thoughtful approach, patience, and commitment to each student’s growth have created a nurturing environment where every child feels supported and empowered. This achievement reflects her passion for inclusive education and her unwavering belief in the potential of all students. We commend Mrs. Messina for her outstanding work and the positive impact she continues to make in our school community!

Mrs. Heather De Filippo: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Heather De Filippo for her exceptional hard work and unwavering dedication to the students at Ryerson Elementary School. Heather consistently fosters a successful and well-structured classroom environment, where each student’s needs are attentively met with care and professionalism. Her commitment extends beyond her own classroom as she ensures that her staff is well-trained and equipped to support every learner effectively. We commend Mrs. De Filippo for this outstanding achievement and her inspiring leadership in creating an inclusive, supportive space for all students to thrive.

Mrs. Aylleen Acevedo: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Aylleen Acevedo for her outstanding hard work and unwavering dedication to our students. Ayleen plays a vital role at Pines Lake, Packanack, and Randall Carter elementary schools, where she consistently supports both students and staff with professionalism and genuine care. Her ability to build strong, positive relationships with students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents alike speaks volumes about her commitment to our school community. Always eager to lend a helping hand, Mrs. Acevedo is often the first to volunteer whenever assistance is needed. We wholeheartedly commend her for her exceptional dedication and steadfast support of our school staff and students!

Mrs. Cindy Salerno: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Cindy Salerno for her outstanding hard work and unwavering dedication to the students of Ryerson Elementary School. Mrs. Salerno consistently brings positivity, warmth, and genuine care to every interaction with both students and staff. Her tremendous love for children shines through in all that she does. As a Lead Paraprofessional, Mrs. Salerno serves as an exceptional role model and a valuable resource to her fellow staff members. Her passion for supporting students and her expertise in her role make a significant and lasting impact on our school community. We commend Mrs. Salerno for her commitment, enthusiasm, and the inspiring example she sets every day. Ryerson Elementary is fortunate to have such a devoted and compassionate team member.

Mrs. Ghada Ajaj: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Ghada Ajaj for her outstanding hard work and unwavering dedication to the students of Ryerson Elementary School. Mrs. Ajaj consistently goes above and beyond to support the students she works with, demonstrating exceptional patience, empathy, and care. Her compassionate approach and genuine commitment make a profound difference in the lives of the children she serves. As a true team player, Ghada collaborates seamlessly with colleagues to create a nurturing and inclusive environment. We wholeheartedly commend Mrs. Ajaj for her empathetic, patient, and caring nature. Her contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful to have her as an integral part of our team!

Mr. Jerry Battifarano: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mr. Jerry Battifarano for his outstanding dedication and hard work in support of the students at Ryerson Elementary School. Jerry consistently goes above and beyond, offering invaluable assistance to his team members, students, and administrators every day. His commitment to fostering strong relationships with both staff and families has made a meaningful impact on the school community. We commend Mr. Battifarano for his exceptional team-building skills and unwavering spirit as a true team player.

Mrs. Rosann Falso: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Rosann Falso for her exceptional dedication and hard work at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. Mrs. Falso consistently takes great pride in her role, always approaching her responsibilities with a cheerful attitude and a welcoming smile. Her enthusiasm and positive spirit are contagious, making her an invaluable team player. Above all, Mrs. Falso’s unwavering commitment to putting students first shines through in everything she does. We commend her for her outstanding contributions and for being such a wonderful support to our school community!

Mrs. Melissa Foord: Student Support Services is proud to recognize Mrs. Melissa Foord for her unwavering hard work and dedication to the students of Pines Lake Elementary School. Melissa consistently goes above and beyond, always prioritizing the needs of her students and providing exceptional support. Her commitment not only positively impacts her students but also makes her an invaluable resource to her colleagues. We wholeheartedly commend Mrs. Foord on this well-deserved achievement and celebrate her continued excellence in fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

Mrs. Michelle Van Ness: Student Support Services would like to extend heartfelt recognition to Mrs. Michelle Van Ness for her outstanding hard work and unwavering dedication to the students at Randall Carter Elementary School. Through her exceptional commitment and skillful guidance, Michelle successfully prepared her students and supported their smooth transition into a least restrictive program. Her efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of the students, fostering their growth and independence. We commend Mrs. Van Ness on this remarkable achievement and celebrate her positive influence within our school community!

Ms. Nadine Helwani: Student Support Services proudly recognizes Ms. Nadine Helwani for her exceptional hard work and unwavering dedication to our students. As a valued member of the Ryerson Elementary School community, Nadine consistently demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting both students and staff. She is a true team player, always prioritizing the needs of the students she works with. Nadine is quick to offer assistance whenever needed, fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Her remarkable rapport with students and staff alike is a testament to her kindness and professionalism. We wholeheartedly commend Ms. Helwani for her outstanding teamwork and steadfast dedication to the success and well-being of our students!

GW Goes Gold to End Childhood Cancer! 💛💛💛

The students of George Washington Middle School are shining a spotlight on a critical cause, demonstrating remarkable community spirit in their mission to "Go Gold" for childhood cancer awareness. Through a fundraising initiative led by the school’s Student Council, GWMS successfully raised $464 to support Solving Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit committed to finding and funding the most promising new treatments for children battling the disease.

The campaign, which ran throughout September in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, centered around the sale of gold shoelaces for $2 a pair. Students, teachers, and staff participated, swapping their regular laces for the bright gold ones to visually stand in solidarity with the thousands of children affected by cancer. The event concluded with a "Gold Out" on September 30, where all members of the school were encouraged to dress in gold or yellow to show their support for the cause.

SCMS PinkOut Flag Football

Great job by all of the teams at the Schuyler Colfax Middle School PinkOut Flag Football. Congratulations to the winning team: JDMIXTAPES. Watch more of the event @scms_media

Student Government at Theunis Dey

Congratulations to our newest 4th and 5th grade Student Government Student Officers. Your leadership, dedication, and school spirit make our Theunis Dey Community very proud. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do this year!

Orange Day at James Fallon

Kindergarteners learned about the color orange today AND our playground Buddy Bench. You can always find a buddy on the Buddy Bench! 🧡

AW Difference Makers

Anthony Wayne Middle School is proud to introduce our new Difference Maker program. Difference Makers are selected by their teachers because they demonstrate positive behavior, are helpful and courteous to their peers, and embody the values we admire in our school community. Two students per grade will receive this recognition at the beginning of every school week. At the end of the month, all students who had received the award will receive a treat from administration during their lunch. Congratulations to this week’s Difference Makers

Preakness ECC

The PECC bus evacuation went so smoothly! Thank you to our transportation department for teaching us bus safety and what to do in an emergency!

Lafayette News Crew📰🎙️

Huge thank you to our first announcers on the Lafayette News Crew. Every morning, these students show up to share information about the day ahead with the whole school.

Happy Fri-YAY from Room 21 at Randall Carter 🐦 🙌

September Students of Character at GW

Congratulations to our George Washington Middle School September Students of Character! You’ve started off the year on the right foot, and we thank you for upholding the pillars of character.

Learn about the Wayne Police Officers serving and protecting in your schools! @waynepolicenj

Detective John Barrows has been the SRO at Anthony Wayne Middle School for 3 years. Det. Barrows grew up in Wayne and serves as the Wayne PBA President. Det. Barrows brings years of experience to this role. Prior to joining WPD, Det. Barrows was a Connecticut State Trooper.

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Email: newsletter@wayneschools.com

Website: www.wayneschools.com

Location: 50 Nellis Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 USA

Phone: 973-633-3000

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Wayne Township School District | 50 Nellis Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 | 973-633-3000