Wemrock Brook School January Highlights

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

9-1-1 Assembly

All first graders were introduced to the importance of 9-1-1 by the County Prosecutor’s Office. A dispatcher simulated a 9-1-1 call so students would learn when and how to make a call to get help.

Geography Bee Challenge

Each year our 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National Geographic Society. Students in classrooms all over the United States are challenged to explore the world of geographic knowledge. It is estimated that 5 million school children will compete for a chance to take the Ultimate Test of Knowledge in May hosted by Jeopardy’s own, Alex Trebek. This year 10 students from Wemrock Brook competed, and after many nail biting questions a fourth grader, Jacob Fradkin, emerged the winner. Jacob’s prize was a written test which could bring him one step closer to meeting Alex Trebek! The contest not only adds geography to the classrooms, but it sparks student interest in the subject and increases public awareness about geography.

Community Connections

During lunch, students at Wemrock have the opportunity to explore other areas of interest thanks to our Community Connections. On Wednesdays, Mrs. Clara Crimmins visits and reads to our students in her book club session. On Fridays, Mr. Martin Spindel introduces our children to the wonderful world of stamp collecting. On Thursdays, Mr. Cliff Shulman challenges our students with developing strategies and engages them in the game of chess. Students sign up with the lunch assistants and enjoy a real community connection.

Wild Cat Café

On Friday, January 20th, the Student Council hosted a special ceremony during lunch with Pomptonian Food Services to honor and name the cafetorium. They dedicated the lunchroom by unveiling a banner with the new name on it and reciting poetry that Student Council members collaboratively wrote to honor their lunchroom. All students were given a free bag of apples as a treat for the day. Pomptonian representatives Gail Kenneally and Cindy Sue Schaller and our lunch employees were on hand with Student Council Officers to introduce the new Wildcat Café.

GET A GRIP Assembly

All students were treated to a multimedia presentation from Camfel Productions entitled, Get A Grip. This assembly sent the message that students need to take responsibility for their actions and get in control of their lives. With the new Anti-Bullying Law still concerning parents and students across the state, this assembly presented age appropriate, real life skills and techniques to students to help them guard off this behavior. Students learn how to exercise self-control when they are in a bullying situation or when they are experiencing feelings of frustration or anger. This assembly helped our students to understand that positive self-control leads to good relationships, academic success and feeling good about themselves and others. Thank you Wemrock Brook PTA for funding this program.