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.

Scripps National Spelling Bee

Each year, our fourth and fifth grade students participate in spelling bee competitions. After multiple class bees and two grade level bees, the final six candidates met for the school’s qualifying round of Wemrock Brook’s spelling bee on January 4th, 2013. We are proud to announce that Anthony Barthel is our first place winner. Aniket Khanna is our second place winner and Allison Bass is our third place winner. Anthony will be representing Wemrock Brook at Monmouth University, competing for a coveted place at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC. We wish you the best of luck in this competition!

Geography Bee Challenge

Each year our 4th and 5th graders have the opportunity to participate in the National Geography 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. This year 11 students from Wemrock Brook competed, and after many nail biting questions, a fourth grader, Michael Spinelli, emerged the winner. Our second place winner is Daniel Marshall and our third place winner is Anna Katz. Congratulations to all the participants. Michael will be moving on to take a written test which could bring him one step closer to qualifying for the national competition. The contest not only adds geography to the classrooms, but it sparks student interest in the subject and increases public awareness about geography.

Service Dog Assembly

Third through fifth grade students at Wemrock Brook were treated to an informative assembly about service dogs. Students learned about some of the amazing tasks these dogs can perform, their special bond with their owners and how they are trained. Students also learned about what to do and what not to do if they come into contact with a service dog in a store or restaurant. We all will remember that these dogs are working hard to make sure that their owners are safe!

Author’s Visit – Meet Lisa Willever

On Friday, January 18th, all students were treated to an assembly presented by Lisa Willever. Ms. Willever shared how her ideas took hold and eventually became the central themes for her books. She took all of the students with her on an exciting journey explaining how authors and illustrators build their ideas into published texts! Ms. Willever is known for writing the “Nicky Fifth” books, an informative series integrating the history, geography and culture of New Jersey. Her main character, Nicky Fifth, is now on his way to becoming known as the New Jersey’s Official Junior Ambassador!

The Pledge Assembly

On January 25, 2013, all students were treated to a multimedia presentation from Camfel Productions entitled The Pledge. This assembly sent the message that students can make a difference when it comes to bullying. Students learned to make a commitment to building others up, rather than tearing them down. This pledge refers to being a part of the solution – a call to step up and make a difference. Thank you Wemrock Brook PTA for funding this program.