Dear EFS Parents,

Happy Autumn from EFS. The New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act designates the week of the first Monday in October each year as a "Week of Respect." This initiative also ties into our SEL class meeting program and monthly character trait themes. The EFS counselors are preparing a fun and meaningful week of Spirit Days to reinforce the importance of RESPECT for all. Please read the attachment below to join in on the fun. Additionally, Mr. Finnegan and Ms. Pilato will be teaming up next week to host class meetings focused on fair play and organized game rules for students to apply at recess. It is going to be a week full of teamwork and growth as we continue progress towards our Dreams Taking Flight.

(Week of Respect)

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle V. Gadaleta

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

A rolling pick-up option is available after school at the upper gate for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade students. Those interested in utilizing this option should follow the same traffic pattern as morning drop-off at the top gate on Hawthorne Road. Students waiting for car pick-up at this location will be sent out to the teacher on duty to wait by the gate until the parents’ car is in sight to make a safe exchange. Students must remain at the gate and refrain from playing on the field or equipment during dismissal time. As cars pull away, others in line may pull up to keep the traffic flowing. Please use Park Lane to Essex Avenue for traffic flow and be sure you have your family nameplate hanging from the rear view mirror. Nameplates for new families are included in this summer packet. Cars may not line up prior to 3:00pm and may not idle more than 3 minutes. Safety is a priority. An officer will be present to assist with vehicle traffic.

Students may only enter and exit on the passenger side of the car for safety reasons. Please be aware that if utilizing the lower lot for 4th-6th grade drop off/pick up, you are not permitted to drop-off and pick-up students on Forest Way because it creates a dangerous situation. Do not stop your car in traffic and allow students to exit from or enter your vehicle. During car drop-off and pick-up at either location, drivers must stay in their vehicles and move up. Do not park in line and get out of your car.

Only students that can independently enter and exit vehicles may use the lower lot.

Parents, please note that the parking spaces in the lower lot off of Forest Way are for staff members only.

STATE NUTRITION PROGRAM

All students enrolled in New Jersey public schools must be surveyed to determine the percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced price school meals. This survey is necessary even if the school does not participate in any of the federally funded Child Nutrition Programs. Only if you are interested in this program please complete the application in the link below and return it to the main office as soon as possible.

(State Nutrition Application)

JOB OPENINGS

EFS is looking for a 6th Grade Math and Science teacher for this school year. If you know of anyone who might be interested and possesses the proper qualifications, please have them contact the main office.

TECH BITS

• Don't forget to download the EFS App if you have not done so already for a quick and easy way to access school information.

• Thank you for all your likes on our Instagram account. If you have requested to follow us and have not been accepted it may be because we cannot recognize your profile name. Please email Mr. Pannullo (mpannullo@efsk-6.org) to gain access. Please know this is a secure account and only parents and staff of EFS will be accepted.

ATTENDANCE CALLS

Just a reminder that if your child is going to be absent from school, you must call the attendance line (973-226-0505, press 1) and leave a detailed message as to the reasons for the absence. Nurse Renz must track all illness related school absences.

Morning Ensemble Rehearsals

Orchestra rehearsals are held at 8:00am in the music room on Wednesday's starting on October 4th.

Band rehearsals are held at 8:00am in the music room on Thursday's, starting on October 5th.

Broadcasting Club is for 6th-grade students and meets almost every Tuesday at 8:00am in the STEAM Lab. Students will learn to direct, film and produce the morning announcements.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. McNish (KMcNish@efsk-6.org)

Meeting Dates:

October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

November 7th,14th, 21st, 28th

December 5th, 12th,19th

6th Grade Art Club

Art Club will start Monday, November 27th at 7:30am in the Art Room and will run for 10 weeks.

Meeting Dates:

November 27th

December 4th, 11th, 18th

January 8th, 22nd, 29th

February 5th, 12th, 26th

If you have any questions please contact Ms. McNish (KMcNish@efsk-6.org) or Mr. Trogani (jtrogani@efsk-6.org)

• Thank you to everyone who attended the welcome back party this past Friday. Also, thank you again to Paige and Colin Daniels.
• The 6th Grade Car Wash will take place Saturday, October 7th, 11am - 1pm
• You can now upload photos to our yearbook app "entourage" for this school year.

• 10/5 PTA meeting 8:45am
• 10/7 6th Grade Car Wash
• 10/17 Family Fun Night
• 10/23 Pumpkin Hunt 10am
  

Enrichment Classes

Registration for Fall Enrichment is now open on the NEW MobileArq app!

This fall, we are offering a 7-week session filled with a wide variety of classes run by EFS faculty and outside vendors. These classes will run after school October - December.

View detailed class descriptions, pricing, and other important info by visiting

https://www.effee.org/enrichment-fall-2023.

Registration will close on Monday, 10/2. Registrations will not be accepted or changed after 10/2.

Variety Show

Save the Date! Friday, November 17th 7:00-8:30pm, School Gym

Come and support our students who are performing a variety of acts including singing, dancing, comedy, instruments, and more! Free Admission courtesy of your Foundation donations!

Instagram!

Follow us on Instagram for continued information and photos @essex_fells_foundation_effee

The next Board of Education Meetings will be held on the following dates:

• Workshop Meeting - Wednesday, October 4, 2023 (Media Center)
  
• Regular Business Meeting - Wednesday, October 18, 2023 (Media Center)

For any Essex Fells Families who have recently moved within town, please update all information in the school office by providing three (3) proofs of residency: a deed, lease or tax bill; a photo ID; and a utility bill, all with your name and Essex Fells address. In addition, a signed residency/domicile status form, provided by the school, is required.

10/04/23 - BOE Meeting @7:30pm (Media Center)

10/05/23 - PTA Meeting @8:45am (Media Center)

10/06/23 - Spirit Meeting @8:45am (Wear orange and black)

10/07/23 - 6th Grade Car Wash

10/09/23 - School Closed: Columbus Day/Staff PD

10/16/23 - School Picture Make-up Day

10/17/23 - Family Fun Night - No Homework

10/23/23 - PTA Pumpkin Hunt

10/24/23 - PTA Pumpkin Hunt Rain date

10/25/23 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

10/26/23 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

10/31/23 - Halloween: 12:00pm Dismissal, 1:30pm return, 1:45pm Parade, 2:00pm Parties

Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

Lower Lot Procedures

CDC Milestone Checklist

CDC information regarding COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

VACCINES FOR CHILDREN KICK OFF EVENT

Please click here for information to schedule an appointment.

NEWARK MUSEUM OF ART EVENTS

The Newark Museum offers many events for families. Please visit their website for more information.

WEST ESSEX 2024-2025 DISTRICT CALENDAR

2024-2025 District Calendar

WEST ESSEX PRESENTATIONS

West Essex High School will be hosting Mr. Chris Herren for two presentations, one for parents and one for students. Chris Herren was a celebrated basketball star from Fall River, MA. He played at Boston College and Fresno State, two seasons in the NBA, including one with his hometown team, the Boston Celtics, and seven seasons overseas before losing it all to the disease of addiction. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, Chris has been sober since August 1, 2008, and he now shares his story with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

For West Essex Families and Members of our School Community

CHRIS HERREN STORY

Presentation Time: 1 Hour

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: West Essex High School Auditorium

In this very personal presentation, Chris will share his recovery journey in a brutally honest format with just a microphone. The event will start with a 5-minute film introducing Herren and showing highlights of his basketball career and his dream to play in the NBA which began to unravel by making a few bad decisions. From growing up in Fall River, MA to playing Division 1 basketball, and in the NBA, he will take the audience on his journey from addiction to sobriety. Additionally, he will address themes of gateway drugs, prescription drug use, vaping, and the responsibility of prevention starting with us all. To conclude the event Chris will field questions from the audience.

We hope you strongly consider attending this event. Mr. Herren’s message is one that our entire school community needs to endorse. The more support we receive, the greater the impact this program will have on our students. Additionally, because this event will draw a high attendance, we are requiring members of our school community to complete the Chris Herren Story Registration Form in advance. The evening program is not intended for students; therefore, if you register to attend, please do not include your child in the registration form.

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools

Resources:

Chris Herren Bio

Herren Talks Message

ESSEX COUNTY RECYLING DAY

Please click here for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal information.

LITERACY CENTER AT CALDWELL UNIVERSITY

The literacy center at Caldwell University has enrollment opportunities for elementary students' tutoring needs this Fall. Their graduate students are ready to support your struggling readers or enrich your advanced readers, by providing one on one and group-oriented tutoring for students in Grades K-3, as well as online options. Their five week tutoring sessions are tailored to meet your child's needs. Session A will be held on Wednesdays beginning September 6th and continuing through October 4th. Session B will begin on October 11th and will meet through November 15. Tutoring sessions are 60 minutes in length and are offered in person at the Jennings Library on campus from 4:30-6:30pm.

Please click here for the application.

COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Please click the link below for a list of helpful resources:

(Counseling Resources)

TINY TREASURES 2023-2024

The Tiny Treasures program at Essex Fells School is available for aftercare for the 2023-2024 school year. If you would like to register your child, please complete the registration packet below and contact Jennifer Zampino directly.

(Tiny Treasures Registration Packet)