Principal's Message
Dear West Long Branch Community,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with excitement for the 2023-2024 school year. As we prepare for another year of growth, learning, and community, I want to extend a warm welcome to all students, parents, and guardians in the West Long Branch community.
We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes that will enhance the educational experience for our students. One significant change is the transformation of our Genius Hour class into an enrichment and intervention period called WINN (What I Need Now). The WINN period has been designed to provide students with tailored interventions and engaging enrichment activities to foster their personal growth and academic success. We know that the individual needs of each student might vary at different points of the school year, and the WINN period provides a flexible opportunity each day to meet those needs as they evolve and develop.
During the WINN period, teachers will work closely with students to identify their individual needs and provide targeted interventions to address any academic challenges they may be facing. Whether it's through one-on-one sessions, small group activities, or personalized learning plans, we are committed to helping every student thrive. Students receiving more intensive individualized support will be enrolled in SOAR, ELL, and/or REACH classes for either the full year or for a period of time until they demonstrate readiness to exit the program.
In addition to interventions, the WINN period will also offer a range of enrichment activities. These activities aim to broaden students' horizons and encourage their curiosity. From participating in band lessons to engaging in accelerated learning, the WINN period will provide students with time to dive deeper into areas of personal interest and expand their academic capabilities. One example of this can be seen in our new Accelerated Math Enrichment class in grades 7 and 8 which takes place throughout the school year for students enrolled in an advanced mathematics class. This new opportunity will not only help cultivate a high level of critical thinking and problem solving in our students, it will also assist them in developing a more profound understanding of mathematical principles, which will enhance their cognitive abilities as a whole.
As we embark on this new school year, I encourage parents and guardians to remain actively engaged in your child's education. Your support and involvement play a vital role in their success. Stay connected with our school community, attend parent-teacher meetings, and reach out to our faculty whenever necessary. Together, we will create a positive and enriching learning environment for our students.
We look forward to a year filled with exciting opportunities, growth, and achievements. Once again, welcome to the new school year. Let us embrace this journey together and make it a memorable and successful one for our students.
Warm regards,
Frank Antonides School Principal