WTPS

District Newsletter

December 20, 2024

~ SUPER-SIZED END-OF-YEAR EDITION ~

calendar

Click here for the District Calendar

Please mark your calendars!

IMPORTANT DISTRICT DATES:

Friday, December 20: Minimal Day - Start of Holiday Recess

Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1: Schools Closed - Holiday Recess

Thursday, January 2: School Reopens

Monday, January 20: Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr Day

Thursday, January 23: 7:30pm BOE Meeting @ Council Chambers - 475 Valley Road

Holiday Recess

Superintendent Search Information

(November 20, 2025): Dr. Mark Toback, Superintendent of Wayne Schools, to Announce Retirement

(December 10, 2025): Wayne Township Public Schools Board of Education Selects Comegno Education Institute for Superintendent Search

😜 Newsletter Riddle: What is the best breakfast cereal to eat in the winter? *answer at bottom

Congralations GEOY Nominees!

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) strives to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students and celebrate New Jersey’s outstanding educators. Wayne Township Public Schools honors our hardworking teachers and educational services professionals for their dedication to their students and their profession.

Teacher Educator of the Year Nominees: Jaclyn Huntington (PECC), Carolyn Radler (APT), Kaitlyn Zarrillo (FAL), Gail Gultz (JFK), Nicole Couso (LAF), Kimberly Laracy(PACK), Megan Purdue (PL), Tiffany Powell (RC), Cindy Contella (RY), Laura Hoogstrate (TD), Deborah Mahoney (AW), Alyssa Masella (GW), Alexis McNamara (SC), Anna Schlesier (WH), Katherine Pritchard (WV)

Education Services Professional of the Year Nominees: Dana Cavallo (PECC), Nicolette Minervini (APT), Kelly Caslander (FAL), Gina Miele (JFK), Elizabeth Tengwall (LAF), Alison Muhlnickel (PACK), Kathy Statile (PL), Fatiha Bouyaala (RC), Erica Batelli (RY), Elizabeth Sponenburg (TD), Joanne Eakins (AW), Maria Lucarelli (GW), Crisanne Gusmano (SC), Laura Gomez (WH), Erica Foster (WV)

Schuyler Colfax Girls on the Run

Students from Schuyler-Colfax Middle School participated in the Fall 5K event organized by Girls on the Run North. This event marked the culmination of a 10-week season, which concluded with a 5K race held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. Throughout the season, the girls, guided by their coaches, met weekly to engage in social-emotional lessons aimed at building their confidence. These lessons encouraged the girls to explore their emotions while also training for the 5K race.

SCMS Girls on the Run
SCMS Girls on the Run
SCMS Girls on the Run
SCMS Girls on the Run

Wayne Hills Peer Chats

Recently the Wayne Hills High School Student Ambassadors and 8th graders at Schuyler Colfax and Anthony Wayne Middle Schools participated in their annual Peer Chats. The Ambassadors spoke to the students about making good choices, peer pressure, social media safety and reputation. They also shared their experiences and advice with the 8th graders to help them better understand their role in creating a positive school environment by being good citizens and role models. The Peer Chats have been taking place annually for over 10 years and is one of the highlights of the year for all the students involved. A 2nd Peer Chat will take place in February at both middle schools again where the Ambassadors will discuss what to expect when they enter high school next year. The Student Ambassador Program is organized and run by Donna King, Student Assistance Coordinator at Wayne Hills.

Recently the Wayne Hills High School Student Ambassadors and 8th graders at Schuyler Colfax and Anthony Wayne Middle Schools participated in their annual Peer Chats. The Ambassadors spoke to the students about making good choices, peer pressure, social media safety and reputation. They also shared their experiences and advice with the 8th graders to help them better understand their role in creating a positive school environment by being good citizens and role models. The Peer Chats have been taking place annually for over 10 years and is one of the highlights of the year for all the students involved. A 2nd Peer Chat will take place in February at both middle schools again where the Ambassadors will discuss what to expect when they enter high school next year. The Student Ambassador Program is organized and run by Donna King, Student Assistance Coordinator at Wayne Hills.

Recently the Wayne Hills High School Student Ambassadors and 8th graders at Schuyler Colfax and Anthony Wayne Middle Schools participated in their annual Peer Chats. The Ambassadors spoke to the students about making good choices, peer pressure, social media safety and reputation. They also shared their experiences and advice with the 8th graders to help them better understand their role in creating a positive school environment by being good citizens and role models. The Peer Chats have been taking place annually for over 10 years and is one of the highlights of the year for all the students involved. A 2nd Peer Chat will take place in February at both middle schools again where the Ambassadors will discuss what to expect when they enter high school next year. The Student Ambassador Program is organized and run by Donna King, Student Assistance Coordinator at Wayne Hills.
Recently the Wayne Hills High School Student Ambassadors and 8th graders at Schuyler Colfax and Anthony Wayne Middle Schools participated in their annual Peer Chats. The Ambassadors spoke to the students about making good choices, peer pressure, social media safety and reputation. They also shared their experiences and advice with the 8th graders to help them better understand their role in creating a positive school environment by being good citizens and role models. The Peer Chats have been taking place annually for over 10 years and is one of the highlights of the year for all the students involved. A 2nd Peer Chat will take place in February at both middle schools again where the Ambassadors will discuss what to expect when they enter high school next year. The Student Ambassador Program is organized and run by Donna King, Student Assistance Coordinator at Wayne Hills.

Wayne Valley Pop Culture and Fashion Classes Collaborate for ValleyPop!

The first-ever Wayne Valley Pop Culture + Fashion collaboration is coming together beautifully. Miss Fili and Miss Dean have combined their classes to create “Valley Pop!” – a lookbook that reflects the important relationship between fashion history and American pop culture. The students were tasked with researching a designated decade, starting with the 1900s and ending with a glimpse into the future of the 2030s. Groups then worked together to create original fashion designs, pulling inspiration from their pop culture research. The research process is key to the success of every fashion collection, and this hard work is reflected in their illustrations and lookbook page layouts. The pages will be compiled and printed by the fantastic Valley Print Shop team. Valley Pop! will be available in the Wayne Valley Media Center for everyone’s enjoyment starting in January ‘25.

The first-ever Wayne Valley Pop Culture + Fashion collaboration is coming together beautifully. Miss Fili and Miss Dean have combined their classes to create “Valley Pop!” – a lookbook that reflects the important relationship between fashion history and American pop culture. The students were tasked with researching a designated decade, starting with the 1900s and ending with a glimpse into the future of the 2030s. Groups then worked together to create original fashion designs, pulling inspiration from their pop culture research. The research process is key to the success of every fashion collection, and this hard work is reflected in their illustrations and lookbook page layouts. The pages will be compiled and printed by the fantastic Valley Print Shop team. Valley Pop! will be available in the Wayne Valley Media Center for everyone’s enjoyment starting in January ‘25.

1920's & 1930's

The first-ever Wayne Valley Pop Culture + Fashion collaboration is coming together beautifully. Miss Fili and Miss Dean have combined their classes to create “Valley Pop!” – a lookbook that reflects the important relationship between fashion history and American pop culture. The students were tasked with researching a designated decade, starting with the 1900s and ending with a glimpse into the future of the 2030s. Groups then worked together to create original fashion designs, pulling inspiration from their pop culture research. The research process is key to the success of every fashion collection, and this hard work is reflected in their illustrations and lookbook page layouts. The pages will be compiled and printed by the fantastic Valley Print Shop team. Valley Pop! will be available in the Wayne Valley Media Center for everyone’s enjoyment starting in January ‘25.

1930's

The first-ever Wayne Valley Pop Culture + Fashion collaboration is coming together beautifully. Miss Fili and Miss Dean have combined their classes to create “Valley Pop!” – a lookbook that reflects the important relationship between fashion history and American pop culture. The students were tasked with researching a designated decade, starting with the 1900s and ending with a glimpse into the future of the 2030s. Groups then worked together to create original fashion designs, pulling inspiration from their pop culture research. The research process is key to the success of every fashion collection, and this hard work is reflected in their illustrations and lookbook page layouts. The pages will be compiled and printed by the fantastic Valley Print Shop team. Valley Pop! will be available in the Wayne Valley Media Center for everyone’s enjoyment starting in January ‘25.

1970's

The first-ever Wayne Valley Pop Culture + Fashion collaboration is coming together beautifully. Miss Fili and Miss Dean have combined their classes to create “Valley Pop!” – a lookbook that reflects the important relationship between fashion history and American pop culture. The students were tasked with researching a designated decade, starting with the 1900s and ending with a glimpse into the future of the 2030s. Groups then worked together to create original fashion designs, pulling inspiration from their pop culture research. The research process is key to the success of every fashion collection, and this hard work is reflected in their illustrations and lookbook page layouts. The pages will be compiled and printed by the fantastic Valley Print Shop team. Valley Pop! will be available in the Wayne Valley Media Center for everyone’s enjoyment starting in January ‘25.

1980's & 1990's

Student-Led Conferences at Ryerson - Purposeful Conversations About Learning

For the past several years, Ryerson has hosted student-led conferences during parent-teacher conference sessions. These conferences differ from traditional conferences as students are actively involved in the process, from preparing to presenting their work. In preparation leading up to the conferences, students arrange and organize their work, track their progress, and plan next steps. During the conferences, they present their work, have an open discussion of their learning, showcase strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate progress toward their goals.

This conference-style model comes from the teachings of the Leader In Me Program, empowering students to manage their academic responsibilities. By taking ownership of their work, students are expressing self-awareness and have shared feelings that they have more control of their learning, ultimately demonstrating an overall motivation to improve.

Student-led conferences have helped to pave the platform to build a better academic community at Ryerson, as students, staff, and families work together to create a vision for growth!

For the past several years, Ryerson has hosted student-led conferences during parent-teacher conference sessions. These conferences differ from traditional conferences as students are actively involved in the process, from preparing to presenting their work. In preparation leading up to the conferences, students arrange and organize their work, track their progress, and plan next steps. During the conferences, they present their work, have an open discussion of their learning, showcase strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate progress toward their goals. This conference-style model comes from the teachings of the Leader In Me Program, empowering students to manage their academic responsibilities. By taking ownership of their work, students are expressing self-awareness and have shared feelings that they have more control of their learning, ultimately demonstrating an overall motivation to improve. Student-led conferences have helped to pave the platform to build a better academic community at Ryerson, as students, staff, and families work together to create a vision for growth!
For the past several years, Ryerson has hosted student-led conferences during parent-teacher conference sessions. These conferences differ from traditional conferences as students are actively involved in the process, from preparing to presenting their work. In preparation leading up to the conferences, students arrange and organize their work, track their progress, and plan next steps. During the conferences, they present their work, have an open discussion of their learning, showcase strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate progress toward their goals. This conference-style model comes from the teachings of the Leader In Me Program, empowering students to manage their academic responsibilities. By taking ownership of their work, students are expressing self-awareness and have shared feelings that they have more control of their learning, ultimately demonstrating an overall motivation to improve. Student-led conferences have helped to pave the platform to build a better academic community at Ryerson, as students, staff, and families work together to create a vision for growth!
For the past several years, Ryerson has hosted student-led conferences during parent-teacher conference sessions. These conferences differ from traditional conferences as students are actively involved in the process, from preparing to presenting their work. In preparation leading up to the conferences, students arrange and organize their work, track their progress, and plan next steps. During the conferences, they present their work, have an open discussion of their learning, showcase strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate progress toward their goals. This conference-style model comes from the teachings of the Leader In Me Program, empowering students to manage their academic responsibilities. By taking ownership of their work, students are expressing self-awareness and have shared feelings that they have more control of their learning, ultimately demonstrating an overall motivation to improve. Student-led conferences have helped to pave the platform to build a better academic community at Ryerson, as students, staff, and families work together to create a vision for growth!

Theunis Dey Presents Frozen Kids

Theunis Dey presented Frozen Kids, directed by our very own Mr. Easse and Mrs. Batiz.

Many thanks to our students and staff for all of the hard work and dedication.

The new lighting system and curtain is amazing - thank you PTO!

The Stage Crew was amazing!

A special thank you to Wayne Hills 11th grader Chad Thompson who served as the videographer and photographer.

TD Presents Frozen Kids
TD Presents Frozen Kids
TD Presents Frozen Kids

Wayne Hills Band Students Represent the Community

The Wayne Hills High School Band is proud to announce that many of its students have taken the skills learned in our program and enriched them with outside performance experiences in the Caldwell University Honors Band, North Jersey Area Band, and the Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band. These students have represented our school and community with pride and enthusiasm! Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to all!
Caldwell University Honors Band (left to right): Faryah Schwarz-Mallet percussion Eric Walec -Trumpet Marcus Nieves-Bassoon Haleemah Masri-French Horn Sadie Valencia-Oboe Esen Edeer-Trombone
North Jersey Area Band (left to right) Joe Catalano-Bass Clarinet Ian Kwon-Soprano Clarinet Julianna Stier-Oboe Valery Hernandez-Flute Tia Moussalieh-Soprano Clarinet
North Jersey Area Band (left to right): Joe Catalano-Bass Clarinet Ian Kwon-Soprano Clarinet Julianna Stier-Oboe Valery Hernandez-Flute Tia Moussalieh-Soprano Clarinet
Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band (left to right) Erin Han-Flute Liam Sheffield-Alto Saxophone
Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band (left to right): Erin Han-Flute Liam Sheffield-Alto Saxophone

Wayne Valley Media Center Hosts Winter Wonderland Workshop

'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.

'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.

'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.
'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.
'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.
'Tis the season at Wayne Valley Media Center! In the lower level of the WV library, media specialist Mrs. Erica Foster organized a winter wonderland workshop for the students, which included arts and crafts projects, as well as STEM projects, for the students to utilize during the holiday season. Stations included ornament painting, jewelry making, fused beads, meditative coloring, friendship bracelets, origami, Legos, and a wrapping station. Students partook in activities while a holiday movie played in the media center theater area. Teachers signed up their classes to visit the media center for the winter wonderland workshop, and study hall students were also able to utilize the craft stations.
Wayne School Students, Staff, and Parents GIVE BACK

James Fallon Student Council Holiday Toy Drive to Benefit St. Joseph's Hospital

The James Fallon Student Council held a toy drive to benefit hospital bound children at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. Over 100 toys were collected over a two week period and were delivered to the hospital by Mr. Maayan, Mrs. Neavill, and Student Council representatives on Thursday, Dec. 19th. The hospital staff were very appreciative of the donation. Thank you to all the families that helped make this toy drive our most successful one yet!

The James Fallon Student Council held a toy drive to benefit hospital bound children at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. Over 100 toys were collected over a two week period and were delivered to the hospital by Mr. Maayan, Mrs. Neavill, and Student Council representatives on Thursday, Dec. 19th. The hospital staff were very appreciative of the donation. Thank you to all the families that helped make this toy drive our most successful one yet!
The James Fallon Student Council held a toy drive to benefit hospital bound children at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. Over 100 toys were collected over a two week period and were delivered to the hospital by Mr. Maayan, Mrs. Neavill, and Student Council representatives on Thursday, Dec. 19th. The hospital staff were very appreciative of the donation. Thank you to all the families that helped make this toy drive our most successful one yet!

Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive 2024 at Theunis Dey

Pajama Partners are primarily non profit organizations that work with children and families experiencing uncertainty in their lives. They include group homes, foster care agencies, shelters, Head Start programs, and schools. We work with Pajama Partners across the nation to reach children in need.

Through the generosity and kindness of our Theunis Dey families, our school was able to donate a grand total of 198 pairs of pajamas! Scholastic matches each pair of pajamas donated with a book- so children in need can have a warm, restful and educational bedtime!

We are so thankful for Mrs. Sek and her class for running this Pajama Drive.

Pajama Partners are primarily non profit organizations that work with children and families experiencing uncertainty in their lives. They include group homes, foster care agencies, shelters, Head Start programs, and schools. We work with Pajama Partners across the nation to reach children in need. Through the generosity and kindness of our Theunis Dey families, our school was able to donate a grand total of 198 pairs of pajamas! Scholastic matches each pair of pajamas donated with a book- so children in need can have a warm, restful and educational bedtime! We are so thankful for Mrs. Sek and her class for running this Pajama Drive.
Pajama Partners are primarily non profit organizations that work with children and families experiencing uncertainty in their lives. They include group homes, foster care agencies, shelters, Head Start programs, and schools. We work with Pajama Partners across the nation to reach children in need. Through the generosity and kindness of our Theunis Dey families, our school was able to donate a grand total of 198 pairs of pajamas! Scholastic matches each pair of pajamas donated with a book- so children in need can have a warm, restful and educational bedtime! We are so thankful for Mrs. Sek and her class for running this Pajama Drive.

Anthony Wayne Gives Back

* AW Holiday Toy Drive

AWMS Gives Back

Over the past few weeks, the Anthony Wayne community has come together to donate toys for needy children in Passaic County. Team Altruismo, the house of givers, sponsored this event and over 688 toys were sorted, packaged and delivered to Paterson Fire Department. Anthony Wayne would like to thank the community for their generous donations and for being part of making a child’s holiday brighter this year!

AWMS Gives Back
AWMS Gives Back
AWMS Gives Back
AWMS Gives Back
AWMS Gives Back

* AW Spreading Holiday Cheer

On Monday, December 16, 2024 the House Council Presidents of Anthony Wayne visited residents at CareOne in Wayne to spread holiday cheer. At AW’s first House Day, students spent time creating winter themed pictures and cards for residents at CareOne.  A large component of the House System is to give back to the community and our first activity was a huge success.  The House Council Presidents can be seen in the pictures below hanging the students’ creations around the facility.  Residents were happy to meet the students and the students were very happy to deliver the creations.

AWMS Care One Visit
AWMS Care One Visit
AWMS Care One Visit
AWMS Care One Visit

George Washington Eagles Donate Books

128 new books were collected and donated during the GWMS book fair. Each time someone donated they rang the bell and spread the joy of a good deed! They were delivered to hospitalized children at Hackensack University Medical Center with help from the Lansing family.

GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center
GWMS Book Donation to Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center

Pines Lake Holiday Giving Tree and Coat Drive

Every year Pines Lake Elementary school sponsors their Holiday Giving Tree, which gives an opportunity for the school community to give to local families in need and to CASA (Children in foster care in Passaic county). This year because of the generous donations, all of the wishes on the tree were filled. In conjunction with the Holiday Giving Tree, they also sponsor an annual coat drive which also assists local families in need. The Pines Lake staff would like to thank everyone who participated in these events and would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

Every year Pines Lake Elementary school sponsors their Holiday Giving Tree which gives an opportunity for the school community to give to local families in need and to CASA (Children in foster care in Passaic country). This year because of the generous donations, all of the wishes on the tree were filled. In conjunction with the Holiday Giving Tree, they also sponsor an annual coat drive which also assists local families in need. The Pines Lake staff would like to thank everyone who participated in these events and would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!

Randall Carter Kindergarten Again Spreads Warm Winter Wishes

It is a long standing, yearly tradition that the Randall Carter kindergarten leads the school in the Kindergarten Cares Mitten Tree Project. Each year, the Kindergarten classes organize the donation drive and work with the United Way to help outfit needy Passaic County residents with warm winter clothing. It is such a valuable experience for our littlest community members.

This year, our school collected 83 pairs of gloves and mittens, 61 hats, 14 scarves, 53 pairs of socks and 17 matching winter sets, totaling 246 warm winter clothing items to help those in need!

It is a long standing, yearly tradition that the Randall Carter kindergarten leads the school in the Kindergarten Cares Mitten Tree Project. Each year, the Kindergarten classes organize the donation drive and work with the United Way to help outfit needy Passaic County residents with warm winter clothing. It is such a valuable experience for our littlest community members. This year, our school collected 83 pairs of gloves and mittens, 61 hats, 14 scarves, 53 pairs of socks and 17 matching winter sets, totaling 246 warm winter clothing items to help those in need!
It is a long standing, yearly tradition that the Randall Carter kindergarten leads the school in the Kindergarten Cares Mitten Tree Project. Each year, the Kindergarten classes organize the donation drive and work with the United Way to help outfit needy Passaic County residents with warm winter clothing. It is such a valuable experience for our littlest community members. This year, our school collected 83 pairs of gloves and mittens, 61 hats, 14 scarves, 53 pairs of socks and 17 matching winter sets, totaling 246 warm winter clothing items to help those in need!

Lafayette Elementary Brings Holiday Cheer to Foster Children Through CASA Partnership

This holiday season, Lafayette Elementary partnered with Child Focus, a Wayne-based organization that operates the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Passaic and Union Counties. CASA advocates for vulnerable children in foster care, collecting holiday wishes to bring joy during a challenging time. The Lafayette school community came together to make those wishes come true, providing over 100 gifts for CASA-appointed children. The kindness and generosity of students, families, and staff made this holiday season brighter for so many deserving kids.

This holiday season, Lafayette Elementary partnered with Child Focus, a Wayne-based organization that operates the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Passaic and Union Counties. CASA advocates for vulnerable children in foster care, collecting holiday wishes to bring joy during a challenging time.

The Lafayette school community came together to make those wishes come true, providing over 100 gifts for CASA-appointed children. The kindness and generosity of students, families, and staff made this holiday season brighter for so many deserving kids.

This holiday season, Lafayette Elementary partnered with Child Focus, a Wayne-based organization that operates the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Passaic and Union Counties. CASA advocates for vulnerable children in foster care, collecting holiday wishes to bring joy during a challenging time. The Lafayette school community came together to make those wishes come true, providing over 100 gifts for CASA-appointed children. The kindness and generosity of students, families, and staff made this holiday season brighter for so many deserving kids.
This holiday season, Lafayette Elementary partnered with Child Focus, a Wayne-based organization that operates the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Passaic and Union Counties. CASA advocates for vulnerable children in foster care, collecting holiday wishes to bring joy during a challenging time. The Lafayette school community came together to make those wishes come true, providing over 100 gifts for CASA-appointed children. The kindness and generosity of students, families, and staff made this holiday season brighter for so many deserving kids.

Ryerson & Community Partnership

Ryerson Elementary School has partnered alongside The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of Wayne for another year in an effort to spread cheer during the holiday season. Ryerson Nurse, Connie Venturelli, and BGC Unit Director, Dan Dipsey, work hand-in-hand to identify families who could benefit from support, and together, they collect hundreds of items that are then distributed during the Boys & Girls Club Giving Event - an evening celebration where the children and their families have the opportunity to enjoy dinner, activities, and each other’s company, all while the gifts are being dispersed. Items range from games and toys, to clothing, to household items - differing due to the familial requests that come in.

Donors to the Giving Tree come far and wide, many of them being our own Wayne staff, who partake in donation requests that make a direct impact on their own students. Through this partnership, which has had an overwhelming positive response from when it began and has grown dramatically in size since then, we hope to continue this collaborative effort to provide for our school families.

Ryerson Elementary School has partnered alongside The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) of Wayne for another year in an effort to spread cheer during the holiday season. Ryerson Nurse, Connie Venturelli, and BGC Unit Director, Dan Dipsey, work hand-in-hand to identify families who could benefit from support, and together, they collect hundreds of items that are then distributed during the Boys & Girls Club Giving Event - an evening celebration where the children and their families have the opportunity to enjoy dinner, activities, and each other’s company, all while the gifts are being dispersed. Items range from games and toys, to clothing, to household items - differing due to the familial requests that come in. Donors to the Giving Tree come far and wide, many of them being our own Wayne staff, who partake in donation requests that make a direct impact on their own students. Through this partnership, which has had an overwhelming positive response from when it began and has grown dramatically in size since then, we hope to continue this collaborative effort to provide for our school families.

Wayne Hills Students Wrap Thousands of Gifts

Mrs. Kindler
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
Mr. Rewick

Arranged by teacher Christina Kindler, students and staff at Wayne Hills helped wrap 3000-5000 delivered gifts that were donated by Blue Magazine, an organization of active and retired law enforcement professionals that aim to strengthen the ties that bring together the brothers and sisters in blue. Block 6 classes, SDA Captains and Officers, Student Council, NHS, Student Ambassadors, Counelors, Teachers, Custodians, Mrs. Caldwell, and Prinicpal Rewick all wrapped gifts that filled a 16 foot truck! The 'controlled chaos' that happened in the Hills Media Center will make thousands of local children, mostly in Paterson, happy to be able to unwrap a gift this season.

WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts
WHHS Students Wrapping Gifts

WSPA Sensory Friendly Movie Event

Wayne Special Parents Association Presents a Sensory Friendly Movie Event.

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:30am. Please plan to arrive by 10:15am

Hawthorne Theater - 300 Lafayette Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ

Price: $17 per ticket (includes admission, popcorn, and soft drink).

Cash or check acceptable day of event. If paying by cash, please bring exact change. If paying by check, please make out to Special Parents Association.

Contact sss@wayneschools.com with any questions.

WPSA Presents Sensory Friendly Movie Event 12/28/2024

Happy & Healthy from the Board Office!

BOE

As is the yearly tradition, the WTPS Administrators hosted a Holiday breakfast for the Board Office staff.

POLL: What is your favorite Cookie?🍪

What is YOUR favorite cookie?!

STILL OPEN!

Please take a moment to participate in this all important favorite cookie poll! ;-) Enquiring minds are dying to know!

Results will be published in an upcoming WTPS Newsletter.

CLICK HERE FOR THE POLL.

WTPS Young Adult Program Fundraiser

Open for Business!

ABOUT US: Students that attend the Wayne Township Public School Adult Transitional Program, at Wayne Valley High School, make, sell, and create products all year round. 

With Seasonal Creations, students have the opportunity to express their interests and skills as well as their creativity. 

Year Round Order Form: Beaded Bracelets, Key Chains, Tote Bags, Tumblers - Create and personalize your own merchandise!

SCHOOL EVENTS

Keep up with Wayne Hills!

WHHS Athletic schedules🏐🏈

WHHS online ticket purchasing 🎫

WHHS Patriot Press📰

Keep up with Wayne Valley!

WVHS Athletic schedules🏐🏈

WVHS online ticket purchasing 🎫

WVHS Smoke Signals 📰

Capturing memories, one square at a time.

Follow the schools on Instagram!

**please sign into your Instagram before clicking on the school profiles

PECC: Our teachers working hard and collaborating during their PD day!

@preakness_ecc

APT Giving Tree

@ap_terhune_elementary

JFK: Winter hat or holiday headgear

@jfk_bulldogs

Lafayette: Students in 5th grade were challenged with creating the tallest free standing snowman in science.

@lafayette_lions

Packanack Penguins:

@packanackpenguins

Pines Lake Students

@pines_lake_cougars

Randall Carter

@randall_carter_cardinals

https://www.instagram.com/ryersonhuskies/

@ryersonhuskies

**NEW**

Theunis Dey

@theunisdeyelementaryschool

AWMS

@anthonywaynemiddleschool

GWMS Eagles

@gwms.eagles

SCMS

@scms_media

Wayne Hills High School

@waynehillshs

Wayne Valley High Schools

@waynevalleyhs

😜 Newsletter Riddle Answer: Frosted Flakes! ❄ ❄

Add a District/School Calendar event right to your calendar!

From the District Calendar on the website or Events on the WTPS app! Click on the event and then Add to Calendar and choose: Google, Outlook, or iCal

Add to Calendar

District Calendar (calendar view)

Add to Calendar

District Calendar (list view)

Add to Calendar

WTPS App - Events

This tip works for the events from all WTPS schools!

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Community Flyers

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Download the new Wayne Township Schools App!

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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