Wemrock Brook School December Highlights

The following highlights are submitted by Irene Policastro, the Secretary to Superintendent John J. Marciante of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.

Wemrock Brook’s Cultural Arts Performances

On December 10th students at Wemrock Brook School were treated to a musical performance of “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great” performed by a group of actors from Arts Power National Touring Theater. This musical adaptation of a Judy Blume book highlighted the importance of facing your fears and the value of friendship. Then on December 13th, the students were treated to an exciting performance from a land far away – Bejing, China! Performers filled the stage, dancing in bright colorful costumes and performing spectacular acrobatics! Thank you Wemrock Brook PTA for two assemblies to remember!

Holiday Happenings

First grade students had a great time traveling around the world. Students gave presentations while dressed in the clothing to represent the country studied in their homeroom. They traveled with their passports in hand to each “country” represented to learn about holiday traditions across the globe.

Members of the Wemrock Brook School Choir helped spread holiday cheer while welcoming staff and students in the front foyer, as they performed a selection of holiday songs on the morning of Friday, December 22nd. The staff was in their pajamas sipping hot chocolate and caroling to join in the holiday fun. Thank you Mrs. Bischof, choir director, for organizing this event. What a wonderful way to kick off the final day of school before the winter recess!

Wemrock is a Community of Givers

Students and staff of Wemrock Brook School participated in multiple community service projects to help those in need. Ms. Baglieri sponsored the “Giving Tree”. Children of need who attend our school and district received presents for the holidays. The Student Council, facilitated by Mr. Kriley, sponsored an event to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. They collected cleaning supplies for a shore town. Ms. Zammitto’s class collected socks for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, and Ms. DiGiso’s class, in conjunction with Scholastic Books, collected pajamas for those less fortunate. It was heart-warming to see the outpouring of generosity. What a great experience for the students!

Winning Grants at Wemrock

We are proud to announce that Wemrock was awarded four grants in December! Ms. Gandero and Ms. Giuca won a competitive grant from Optimum Lightpath, allowing these two teachers to purchase iPads for classroom use. Thank you to Optimum Lightpath for their generosity. Ms. Giuca also authored a grant for a class trip to Allair State Park, taking three classes on a historical journey. We extend our thanks to Target for their generosity and commitment to our students. Manalapan will match the grant so that the entire Wemrock fourth grade can attend this curriculum related trip. Ms. Giuca authored another grant for the purchase of a SMART Response System. This purchase will enhance the interactive capabilities of the SMART Board in the classroom. Finally, Mrs. Wilpon, principal of Wemrock Brook co-authored a grant with Mr. Duffy, principal of Lafayette Mills for the purchase of a web-based software program, ST Math, which will support and enhance mathematics instruction. We would like to thank the Manalapan Englishtown Foundation for their generosity for the ST Math Grant and the SMART Response System. Wemrock is working to put technology in the hands of the students!