1-24-25 Walnut Ridge News and Updates
Suzanne MacDougall
January 24, 2025
Dear Walnut Ridge Families,
This is the Walnut Ridge School News Page--thank you for reviewing upcoming events, updates, and reminders that are posted here each week.
Events and Preschool Happenings:
Wash the Germs Away Program
Sussex County Department of Health will be back on January 29th to see the remaining classes. The presentation included a story and a discussion about germs. Students also saw what germs look like under a UV light.
Sussex County YMCA Winter Carnival
The Sussex County YMCA will be holding a free winter carnival on Saturday, January 25th from 12:00 - 3:00 at the YMCA at 15 Wits End Road in Hardyston. Please click here for more information.
Kindness Day “Spirit Week”
Monday, February 10th- Friday, February 14th
The Vernon Township School District’s school counselors have put together “Spirit Days” to celebrate Kindness Month.
The Walnut Ridge School would also like to give back to the community by donating a non-perishable food item throughout the week for the local food bank. Please send in your non-perishable items with your student throughout the week.
Monday, 2/10 Wear Pajamas Dream of Kindness
Tuesday, 2/11 Wear bright colors Let your Kindness Shine
Weds., 2/12 Wear a sweater Warm up with Kindness
Thur., 2/13 Wear Team/Vernon apparel Be a Part of Team Kindness
Friday, 2/14 Wear red or pink Show your love and kindness on Valentine’s Day
Nurse News:
Please see Ms. Kim’s January Newsletter for important information from the Walnut Ridge Health Office. Click HERE.
Health Office Reminder: Since many of you are new to the school district I just wanted to let you all know that if your child has diarrhea, vomiting or a fever - there is the 24 hour rule. They have to be diarrhea, vomiting or fever (without the use of medication) free for 24 hours before returning to school. Thank you for your understanding and adherence to this protocol. It truly helps in keeping students healthy!
New Jersey Blood Services Blood Donation
A blood drive will be held on Sunday, January 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. at the McAfee Fire House, 88 State Route 94, McAfee, NJ. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click on the link below for more information.
Important Reminders:
Please continue to keep your child’s colored tag on his/her back pack for the month of January.
Please label your child’s lunch box and backpack--writing your child’s name on the inside will help. At times, one of these items is left on the bus, and this will help us get it back to your child quickly.
Our classrooms are Peanut/Tree Nut Responsible. To ensure the safety of all students, please send a pre-packaged snack or a snack with a clearly labeled list of ingredients for your child. Snacks must not contain peanuts or tree nuts. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment!
Reminder for student pick up:
**We kindly ask parents to avoid picking up their child early unless it is absolutely necessary. Early pickups can disrupt the classroom’s end-of-day routine, which includes packing up, lining up, and transitioning to the all-purpose room. Please keep in mind that most classrooms have only one aide, and maintaining consistency is important for a smooth dismissal process.
Unlike many schools, our preschool students are personally walked down to their parents at the end of the day, ensuring a safe and secure handoff. Your cooperation helps us provide the best experience for all children. Thank you for your understanding and support!**
Thank you for logging into the Genesis system if you are picking your child up instead of him/her taking the bus AND/OR someone else is picking your child up. For a step-by-step guide, watch this instructional video.
Calling students for Parent Pick-Up will begin at 3:20pm. Parents are encouraged to arrive earlier so they can sign their child out and then wait for their child to come out to them when called. Over the last two weeks, our system has become more streamlined and parents should be able to get to Cedar Mountain or Rolling Hills if needed to pick up siblings on time.
Please refrain from parking in the crosswalk area of the parking lot. Many parents are walking the lot with children and keeping the crosswalk area open allows that to happen safely.
Bus Reminders
As we have streamlined our dismissal procedures and are now able use the two exits for bus dismissal, buses have been leaving the driveway closer to 3:30. Buses may be arriving at the bus stop a few minutes earlier than the first two weeks of school.
Breakfast/Lunch Updates and Reminders:
All students who would like to have a school breakfast or lunch must use the google form to order each day. Scroll up to find the links to the google forms on this WR webpage. Parents can order for a month, week, or day week at a time. Please note, orders must be received by 8:00am.
If you are interested in checking to see if you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, forms can be found on Genesis. If you would more information please reach out to Sherry Polhemus at spolhemus@vtsd.com or 973-764-6570
If your child is absent, please email abarnable@vtsd.com so you don’t get charged for your child’s meal.
Preschool and Kindergarten Registration:
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION WILL BE OPEN ON MARCH 3 for NEW STUDENTS
Preschool: All current students who are preschool age (meaning NOT 5 by October 1) will automatically be enrolled in the preschool. There is nothing parents need to do.
Kindergarten: Current preschool students going to Kindergarten will automatically be moved up to Kindergarten. No registration necessary. Please stay tuned for information on Kindergarten orientation and parent information sessions.
Your Input is Wanted:
Walnut Ridge Parent/Caregiver Survey Understanding and Improving School Attendance: To ensure that our school can best support your child and improve student attendance, we kindly ask that you complete the following survey. Your feedback is essential in identifying reasons for student absences and developing strategies to encourage regular attendance. All responses will remain confidential. Please click here to access the survey.
SCA News:
To learn more about Vernon’s School and Community Association (SCA) please visit their website to explore all of the wonderful things they do. Click HERE
Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser information was sent home today or Monday. Proceeds from SCA fundraisers go towards events for Cedar Mountain and Walnut Ridge/Vernon preschool students.
The Vernon Township School District's SCA is looking for sponsors and donors for their upcoming Senior Citizen Appreciation Event and Lucky Night Out Tricky Tray. Please click on the links below for more information.
SCA Senior Citizen Event Flyer
SCA Lucky Night Out Tricky Tray Flyer
Please complete this brief interest survey:
Walnut Ridge SCA Interest Survey
Dates to Remember:
January 29 ~ Wash the Germs Away for remaining classes
February 4 ~ Dental Health Program with Newton/Sparta Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
February 10-14~ Kindness Week
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re here to help!
Sincerely,
Suzanne MacDougall