IMPORTANT DISTRICT DATES: |
|
|
| Friday, February 13: Minimal Day - Winter Recess
Monday, February 16: Schools Closed - Winter Recess Thursday, February 19: BOE Meeting @ 475 Valley Road Thursday, March 5: BOE PWS Meeting @ 475 Valley Road
Review the District Calendar and add no-school and other important dates to your personal calendar! |
|
|
WTPS BOE Appoints Robert M. Siracuse as Director of Human Resources |
Wayne Township Public Schools is excited to announce that Mr. Robert Siracuse was appointed as Director of Human Resources at the December 18, 2025 Regular Board of Education meeting. Click here for the full press release. |
National School Counseling Week, February 2 - 6, 2026 |
The Wayne Township Public Schools recognizes the dedication and contribution of all of our Professional School Counselors during National School Counseling Week 2026 (February 2-6, 2026), which is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The district would like to publicly acknowledge how students are positively impacted by their work and echo the ASCA’s theme for this year, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success.” More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools, including our schools here in Wayne, will be sharing information throughout the week to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
Professional school counselors perform many essential functions within our schools, above and beyond the important daily student sessions they host in their counseling offices. School counselors play a lead role in intervention services, wellness programs, school culture activities and lessons, anti-bullying prevention, all in addition to their primary role of offering direct counseling sessions to students who need academic or social support. Their impact is felt throughout the Wayne Public Schools and beyond as they often provide links to vital community resources and organizations which help students and their families when challenges arise. Highlighting the impact of these dedicated professionals is the fact that at our opening meeting this year, we created a collective resume which showed that our team has a combined 343 years of experience counseling students in public schools and that the average length of professional service to the Wayne community is over 13 years, with several members exceeding 15-20 years serving their schools.
To our exceptional school counselors, as we celebrate your contributions to our schools and community, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your dedication and tireless commitment to your students. We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of professional school counselors to support our community in times of need and to ask students to dream big when planning for the next stages of their lives. Your professional skills and passion to help others is essential to the success of our students and to the well-being of our community.
On behalf of the Wayne Township school district, thank you for everything that you do each and every day to support our students. |
|
|
SAVE THE DATE - Elementary Family Science Night |
The Wayne Education Association F.A.S.T. Program (Families And Schools Together) is thrilled to partner with Mad Science for three incredible nights of discovery, experiments, and family fun! We’re inviting all nine elementary schools to join us at their future middle school homes for this special event. Check the schedule below to find out when your school is scheduled to dive into the lab!
Keep an eye out for sign-ups coming soon! |
|
|
STARS & UNIFIED SPORTS Present: BOWLING NIGHT - Thurs., March 19, 2026 Payment via Community Pass under All District Activities |
|
|
😜 Newsletter Riddle: Why was the stadium so cold? ❄️⛄ |
|
|
Valley and Hills Tech Expos at Wayne Middle Schools |
High school tech teachers showcased their programs at the annual middle school Tech Expos. Students circulated throughout the gymnasiums and media centers to learn about Graphic Design, Yearbook, Photography, Robotics, CAD/Interior Design, Manufacturing/Woodworking, Auto, and TV Production. Students left with an inspired understanding of the exciting programs that Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills have to offer our students! |
|
|
Members of Ryerson’s Leader in Me Student Lighthouse Team recently visited K–5 classrooms to lead a lesson connected to our Habit of the Month, “Think Win-Win.” During the activity, students reflected on someone special in their lives, such as a friend, teacher, or family member, and wrote or drew a compliment for them on a paper “snowball,” spreading positivity and appreciation throughout the classroom.
The lesson also included a video about an important classroom leader who initially misused their role by becoming bossy and taking advantage of their position. As the story unfolded, students saw how personal responsibility and respectful leadership can create a more positive environment for everyone. By the end of the video, the powerful message of using leadership in a kind and thoughtful way was clear, reinforcing the importance of thinking win-win in our daily interactions. |
|
|
Learning in the Field: Wayne Valley’s New Jersey School of Conservation Winter Field Trip |
Imagine holding a giant antenna on a cold wintery day, listening for beeping sounds that get louder as you get closer to a hidden animal. That’s just one of the hands-on activities Wayne Valley High School students experienced at the New Jersey School of Conservation on December 17, 2025. Thanks to a grant partnership between our school, NJ School of Conservation, and the Ramapo College Learning Collaborative, science students were transformed into real environmental scientists working in the field. Other sessions included an interpretive hike and a macroinvertebrate pond ecology exploration.
☀️With snow on the ground and the sunshine out, students in the radio telemetry sessions enjoyed apricity–a new word for most of us that means the warmth of winter sun. Students used real receivers (that look like large, old-fashioned television antennae) to track simulated animals by following the strength of the signal.
🔬 In the macroinvertebrate survey, students donned rubber boots and hunted for organisms using strainers in the flowing water. Yes, even in cold weather macroinvertebrates are still active in a brook! With the use of magnifying boxes and a microscope students were able to make observations to complete the classification. Then, they learned how to quantify different categories of organisms with different ranges of tolerance for pollution in order to infer water quality. Watershed flow and pollution at lower levels came to life as students looked at this topic from a real life perspective.
Meanwhile, students on the interpretive hike grabbed some hiking poles to navigate the uneven, snowy terrain. They learned to identify animal footprints and observed some of the effects seasonal weather conditions have on trees. They even found an empty bear cave to explore and crawl into!
👏Many thanks to the enthusiastic staff at @NJSOC for sharing their passion and their expertise to make this an unforgettable field trip!! Thank you Ramapo College for this novel opportunity to share some of the work environmental scientists do during the winter months with our students. Ms. Sue-Anne Alonso, Mr. Jeffrey Blake, Mr. Michael Rose, and Nurse Suzanne Deutsch shared their adventurous spirit, their thoughtfulness, and their cheerfulness to make this trip come together. Gratitude is also extended to our administration, bussing supervisor and support staff at Wayne Valley High School for coming together as a team to help secure the Ramapo College grant and provide such an enriching, winter wonderland experience for our students.
|
|
|
One School, One Book is back at Pines Lake! This year, students are unlocking the adventure with Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. The excitement kicked off with a schoolwide launch where students tried to guess the book through mysterious clues hidden around the school and attended an all school assembly where students learned about the book. They also watched their teachers play a fun game and solve puzzles. Throughout the month, students will read 2–3 chapters each night, test their knowledge with trivia questions, and dive into the story through scavenger hunts and themed activities. Students will also show their creativity by dressing up as characters from the book. As part of the program, families are invited to donate puzzles and games to Oasis for Women and the Boys and Girls Club of Paterson, spreading the joy of learning beyond our school. The event concludes with a very special highlight—an author visit from Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library author Christopher Grabenstein!
|
|
|
Lafayette Elementary Kindergarteners dug into learning all about burrows! |
|
|
SCMS 8th graders played at the North Jersey Area Band Concert! |
|
|
Sixth grade Schuyler Colfax students worked to propagate herbs, planted new seeds, and also worked to set up the new hydroponic garden tower donated by an SCMS family. |
|
|
The Pines Lake Elementary School Staff making 🌟MAGIC🌟happen at the Most Magical Talent Show on Earth! |
|
|
Ryerson's STARS Program - Students Teaching And Reaching Students |
Ryerson’s Students Teaching and Reaching Students (STARS) program is shining bright! This special initiative is led by outstanding 4th and 5th grade student leaders who were selected through an application process that highlighted their leadership potential, positive attitudes, and consistent demonstration of respectful behavior.
The STARS program is designed to build meaningful, inclusive connections between students with special needs and their general education peer role models. Our STARS leaders proudly join classrooms during academic lessons, free time, and physical education classes, helping to create a welcoming environment where all students feel supported and valued.
Led by Mrs. Contella, Physical Education Teacher, and Mrs. Olson, School Counselor, students in the program received training focused on diversity awareness, leadership growth, and effective ways to support peers with a wide range of needs and abilities. Whole-group training took place in January, and the program has already kicked off with incredible success. We are so proud of our STARS students for leading with kindness, confidence, and compassion! |
|
|
Our Medical Themed Centers are now Open in Preschool! |
Over the past couple of weeks, our preschool classrooms at Preakness Early Childhood Center have been transforming into medical centers for their make believe play theme. Children are taking on the roles of parents, doctors, nurses, patients, eye doctors and more! Our preschoolers have been making props - ambulances, cards, flowers, and x-rays to support their play. Some centers include an emergency room, baby nursery, eye doctor, dentist and more! They are building their vocabulary and cooperative, imaginative play skills. Our school Nurse, Nurse Brie will be providing lessons on handwashing, skeletal/bones, hearing/vision and making good choices through the month of February to reinforce these concepts!
|
|
|
Microgreens make a Big Impact in Culinary Club and Environmental Club Collaboration🌱 |
The Culinary Club and Environmental Club at Wayne Valley High School have teamed up to grow microgreens, a sustainable food initiative that is in high demand by both gourmet restaurant chefs and nutritional researchers. Microgreens, also known as micros or “vegetable confetti,” are young sprouts that can be grown in as little as seven days on a windowsill.
These tiny greens pack a robust flavor and high nutrition into small portions. Even a few grams of microgreens can add high nutritional value to a meal, providing vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting compounds that can support overall wellness. Ms. Alonso, advisor for the Environmental Club explains that micros are considered a superfood due to the abundance of macronutrients and micronutrients they contain, such as iron, zinc, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and phytochemicals.
Chef Prindilus-DaCosta, advisor for the Culinary Club, notes that micros can be added to sandwiches, salads, burgers, a charcuterie board spread, or blended into smoothies and shakes. As a garnish, they can provide vibrant color and eye appeal to a plate–elevating the quality of any dish! Different varieties provide a range of flavors from bland to spicy, sour or even bitter. For example, Rambo Radish micros add a spicy, radish flavor and a deep purple color to a plate, while amaranth micros add a vibrant flash of fuchsia color and earthy flavor. More mild flavors include a lettuce mix, dill and a cilantro micro.
The Wayne Valley microgreen collaboration highlights how hands-on projects can connect environmental science, health and an application of real-world skills. Culinary students are embracing this project to the fullest and will feature their home-grown micros throughout their competition season this year. Micros are a reminder that small actions can lead to meaningful change for our students and for the environment, as these simple growing methods can support both personal health and a more sustainable food system. Stay tuned for upcoming microgreen sales as the school year progresses.
|
|
|
Students are enjoying our Lafayette Elementary LEGO Club! Our cub club is a place to learn, build, and create together. Each week, students take on fun LEGO challenges that grow creativity and teamwork. |
|
|
Anthony Wayne Middle School had their second House Day of the 25-26 school year, and in keeping with the school theme of “There Is No Place Like Home,” it was a “TOTO-ally Howling good time!
We began the day with a visit from Sergeant Keith Heyman and the K-9 officers of the Passaic County Sheriff's Office. As a team, the officers presented their training and abilities during a school-wide assembly. Superintendent Mr. Cittadino and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kazmark were in attendance at the presentation and joined in the fun.
The four Houses then transitioned to House meetings, where they reviewed all of the community service the school has done so far including winter wreaths and posters made for the Preakness Healthcare Center residents, over 400 toys collected for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club, over $500 raised for the PTO through the House activity Tape a Teacher to the Wall event, over 2,500 items for the Wayne Interfaith Food Pantry, and a special recognition poster presented to the Wayne Board of Education.
Continuing with the dog day theme, we kicked off the Change for Change project to collect money for the Wayne Animal Shelter and the Onyx and Breezy Foundation. Both assist the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office with various needs. Our one family, divided into four Houses, challenged each other in pep rally games for House points. These games included the “Dogstacle” Course (obstacle course), the Top Dog Tower (box stacking challenge) with boxes donated by the Riverdale Home Depot, the Walk the Dog Hula Hoop Contest, and the Air Bud Basketball Showdown.
Students who preferred a tranquil experience spent time in the Silent Retreat area making toys for the cats at the Wayne Animal Shelter. Before the day ended, smaller House groups competed in a “Give a Dog a Bone” game, colored cards thanking families who adopt a pet from the Wayne Animal Shelter, and celebrated their latest contribution to the community.
House points were earned by all four Houses, and a doggone good time was had by all! |
|
|
As Seen In Central Office |
Artwork by Wayne Valley High School Students |
|
|
Learn about the Wayne Police Officers serving and protecting in your schools! @waynepolicenj
SLEO III Steven Rooney was assigned to protect the AP Terhune School at the start of this school year. SLEO Rooney comes with 26 years of experience in Paterson PD where he retired as a Captain. He served in Narcotics, Patrol, Special Operations and the Emergency Response Team. |
Daisy Visits Pines Lake Elementary School |
Daisy Attends the Relay for Life Kick Off Meeting |
|
|
😜 Riddle Answer: Because it had a lot of fans! 🤣 |
|
|
Download the Wayne Township Schools App! |
|
|
 | 973-633-3000 |
|
 | 50 Nellis Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 USA |
|
You are receiving this email because of your relationship with Wayne Township School District. If you wish to stop receiving email updates sent through the Thrillshare service, please unsubscribe.
Wayne Township School District | 50 Nellis Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470 | 973-633-3000 |
|
|
|
