2022-2023 Wrap-Up

Dear WLBSD Families,

And just like that, the 2022-2023 school year is coming to an end, marked by all the traditional celebrations of our students' many accomplishments and milestones. We enjoyed our Variety Show and Spring Concert, our 8th Grade Dance and Field Days, NJHS Induction and the BME Spring Show, the Fourth Grade LEAD Graduation and Fourth Grade Stepping Up Ceremony, and tomorrow night, the 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony.

In addition to student recognitions, we also celebrated our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, honored our Staff Members of the Year, and bid bittersweet farewells to retiring staff members whose legacy here will never be forgotten. We are truly proud to be West Long Branch, and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our students and staff at the conclusion of another outstanding school year.

I wish the Class of 2023 all the best of success and happiness as they move forward into high school. As you walk across the stage tomorrow evening, know that we are proud of you and that you will always be a WLB Spartan.

On a personal note, I want to extend my gratitude to all the members of our school community for contributing to an outstanding school year, and for allowing me the honor of being part of your team. The opportunity to work among your children's educators and administrators, in service to your children and their education, is a privilege and responsibility that I take seriously and treasure dearly.

I wish you all a summer filled with rest, relaxation, and fun. We will spend a busy summer here planning and preparing for another outstanding school year at Frank Antonides School and Betty McElmon Elementary, and we'll see you again on September 7, 2023!

Christina M. Egan, Ed.D.

This year, we have the bittersweet honor of bidding a fond farewell to some of West Long Branch's finest educators and staff members.

While this is the end of their time in our school district, it is the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, and we wish them all the best. They will truly be missed, but the legacy of their expertise, dedication, love, and care in our district have will leave their impact on our schools and students forever!

By Mrs. Skibinski

The 2022-2023 school year was an exciting one! For the last 180 days, the classrooms have been active, the hallways have been buzzing and the playground has been joyful. For educators, June is always a time that we reflect upon the growth and maturity of the students and it gives us a sense of calm knowing that they are well prepared for the path that lies ahead. It is also the time of the year when we encourage the students to spend the summer months enjoying the time with their family and friends, as it is the BEST time to make memories that will last a lifetime.

With that being said, here are my top 10 suggestions on things to consider this summer:

Skibinski's Summer Suggestions:

1. Spend some time at a Monmouth County or Ocean County parks. You will find walking trails, campsites, playgrounds, spray parks, etc.

2. Grab your sunscreen, sand toys, bathing suit and towel and head to a NJ Beach

3. If you like amusement parks and attractions, check out these fun places in NJ

4. Go see a live performance at any one of the amazing theatres in NJ

5. Plan a "stay-cation" at home with family and friends

6. Cozy up with a book at one of the Monmouth County or Ocean County libraries

7. Eat ice cream...this is ALWAYS a memorable experience!

8. Reach out to a friend or family member (via phone, email, text or Zoom) that you haven't talked to in a while...make plans if possible. The summer is a wonderful time to reconnect!

9. Keep those academic skills sharp this summer. There are so many resources available just through a simple Google search, here are some suggestions to get started.

10. Pace yourself and work on your ELA and Math summer assignments a little each week; do not wait until the end of August...you want this to be a stress-free summer.

Have a happy, healthy and safe summer.

We will see you in September!

Mrs. Skibinski

Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction

Check out the May and June editions of the Spartan Press, our student newspaper, by clicking below. Thank you to the contributors and staff of the Spartan Press, and also their advisor Mrs. Hess - what an incredible year of sharing WLB news!

Each year, the district receives Federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In June, the district will write a grant application detailing how it intends to use these funds during the 2023-2024 school year for items such as professional development, enriching instruction, meeting the needs of students identified as needing additional assistance, and supporting English Language Learners. We are seeking the input of staff and families in helping us determine the needs of the school district, and therefore the best uses of these funds.

In continuation of a newer tradition at Betty McElmon School, the fourth grade students were symbolically welcomed at Frank Antonides School for the first time! The BME fourth graders paraded out the front doors of their elementary school and around to the front of FAS, where they were celebrated by their BME Principal, Mr. Ehardt, and welcomed by their new FAS Principal, Mrs. Winter. Winners of the LEAD Graduation essay contest read their compositions aloud, and then the ceremonies concluded with the students singing "You Can Count On Me" and proceeding through the front doors of their new school. Great job fourth graders, and welcome to middle school!

In another incredible BME tradition, our elementary school students had their big days on stage on June 13th and 14th! Many thanks again to Monmouth University for graciously hosting the Spring Show in the Pollak Theater. This is truly a one-of-a-kind show and opportunity for our students to shine!

Our fourth grade students were the stars of the show, absolutely knocking out their speaking roles and final group rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Tomorrow's the big day for our graduating 8th grade class! Commencement Ceremonies will begin at 4:00 PM in the Pollak Theater at Monmouth University.

Congratulations to the FAS Class of 2023!!

June 20: Regular Action Meeting of the Board of Education

June 21: EARLY DISMISSAL - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

June 21: FAS 8th Grade Graduation @ 4:00 PM at Monmouth University's Pollak Theater

July 25: Regular Action Meeting of the Board of Education

August 22: Regular Action Meeting of the Board of Education

August 24: FAS 5th Grade Orientation @ 11:00 AM

September 5: Staff Professional Development (NO SCHOOL)

September 6: Staff Professional Development (NO SCHOOL)

September 7: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! (Early Dismissal Day for Students)