In March 2018, the Board of Education held two public meetings which included the approval of the preliminary budget (and revised preliminary budget) for the 2018-2019 school year which represents an opportunity for WRSD to maintain existing programs and fidelity to the goals of our Strategic Plan. The proposed budget also continues our investment in security, technology, and facility enhancements throughout. The preliminary budget will be submitted to the county for review prior to a final vote for approval by the Board of Education at the public hearing on April, 26, 2018.

At the public meeting on March 29, we featured Student of the Month and other student recognitions as well as reviewing our HS winter sports and visual/performing arts wrap up. During the special public report portion of the meeting Daniel Miller, Adelyn Gann, Purvik Patel and HS students shared their exciting experience this year with the NJ STEM League Competition. Our elementary school administrators were also on hand to provide an overview of our Elementary Education program (click the presentation to find out more).

2018-19 Before/Aftercare Update

At the March 29 meeting, the Board of Education formally approved the use of our facilities by Champions Before-and After-School to provide services to our families beginning in September. The welcome letter provides an overview of the program confirming locations, hours, and rates as well as an invitation to two meet-and-greets scheduled to take place at 7 PM on April 11 at Brookside Elementary School and April 25 at George Elementary School to accommodate families from both towns. All interested families are welcome to attend either session.

Reading Workshop Professional Development

The district's Reading Workshop Professional Development in grades K-7 has gone very well this year, and the students are enjoying the implementation of the new program.

Reader's Workshop is a framework for literacy instruction that provides students with a supportive environment and involves them in authentic reading experiences that focus on the strengths and needs of each individual student. It features the following:

• -daily, extended time working with authentic texts
• -classroom libraries of leveled books
• -opportunities for talk a priority
• -students read and practice strategies in “just right” books

DISTRICT NURSES

This month’s Spotlight focuses on our Nursing Department, seven certified school nurses who dedicate their time, effort and medical expertise to our students, staff, and faculty throughout the year: Our unsung heroes are: top row - Mary Connolly (Pre-K & HS), Charlene Alessi (George), Heidi Catalano (Washington), Sue Petersen (Berkeley), bottom row - Patty Buckley (HS), Debbie Penn (MS & District Head Nurse), Anna Parke (Brookside). Our nurses come from diverse backgrounds in the medical field, generating a wealth of collaborative nursing expertise, this includes Physical Education, Hospice Care, Orthopedics, Medical-Surgical, Cardiac ICU, Oncology, and Child Adolescent Psychiatry. All seven nurses continued their education, completing the School Nurse Certification requirements in the State of New Jersey. Collectively, they have given 82 years of experience to our district.

Our nurses wear so many different hats that it's hard to keep up with their daily activities. They manage their Health Offices with a constant flow of students and staff. They treat acute and chronic illness, assess and administer first aid, medication, and specialized services, perform required health screenings and referrals regulated by State Code, and of course prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases. Their efforts are endless, and each and every hour is true dedication in giving of their time for our physical and emotional well being.

Additionally, they are often our front line of defense for health issues and advise our students, their families, and district staff/faculty members on the management and treatment of acute and chronic problems. They are in the classrooms, individually addressing the health needs of their specific buildings and communities, and collaboratively keeping our district as healthy as possible. In their “free” time, they organize and promote programs such as the Annual Flu Clinic, Blood Bank Drive, EpiPen, Glucagon, and CPR/AED training for faculty and staff. In addition, Seizure, Safety, Childhood Obesity and Nutrition programs are conducted throughout the year in an effort to promote health and wellness. This year, a District Health Portal was developed linking health,

You are cordially invited ...

2017-2018 Upcoming Dates

March

• 30: District Closed

April

• 2-6: Schools Closed (Spring Break)
• 26: Board of Education Meeting (Annual Budget Hearing)

2018-2019 School Calendar

At the January 18, 2018 meeting, the Board approved the school calendar for 2018-2019. The calendar is attached for your reference and can be found on the district website, here, along with the NJ Department of Education list of religious holidays permitting student absence from school.