Weekly Notes from the Desk of Mrs. Espinoza -- October 4, 2026

Posted Date: 10/04/26 (01:00 PM)

WEEK

LY NOTES FROM THE DESK OF MRS. ESPINOZA
WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 2026

Greetings Villano Families,

New Jersey’s annual Week of Respect begins Monday! The week kicks off our year-long commitment to keeping Villano School free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Students will participate in interactive lessons focused on positive behavior, respect for diversity, and standing up for one another.

We will conclude the week with one of Villano's engaging community events: Villano Walk to School Day. Students are invited to wear their Emerson best as they walk to school behind the Marching Cavos! Sixth grade symphonic band students will be invited to march alongside the Marching Cavos for this event. Mr. Gibbs will share more details.

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM HAPPENINGS

Inspired by Frida Kahlo! In Spanish class, sixth graders explored Hispanic heritage through the art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, known for her iconic self-portraits. Students created their own self-portraits, adding meaningful symbols that reflect who they are.

Fourth graders in Mrs. Doran's class used coins to model energy transfer during particle collisions as they study sound waves. The class also used different resources in the classroom to study for their upcoming U.S. states and capitals quiz.

Collage

LUNCH INFORMATION

There are three choices daily: a hot meal, a selection of cold sandwiches, or a bagel/yogurt bag. Students must have money in their accounts to purchase a meal. Information on how to add money to your child's lunch account can be found HERE.

The monthly menu will be posted on the school website and shared in my weekly emails.

Click HERE for the monthly menu

OCTOBER LUNCH INFORMATION
The October lunch menu has been posted. On Tuesday, October 13th, Villano Students will have the option to have a Sushi Lunch. All Sushi Lunch orders MUST be preordered HERE. All preorders must be received by Tuesday, October 6th.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Villano Book Talks

PTA-sponsored monthly book talks will be held in the Villano Learning Lab for grades 4-6 at 8:00 a.m.

The first book talk, Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy (book #1), will be held on Friday, October 23rd.

Book Talk Schedule

Villano Online Newspaper
Click the image to visit our online news.

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE

Click HERE for the full calendar of events.

Monday 10/5/26
Express Yourself -- Wear Your Favorite Color
Fifth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM

Tuesday 10/6/26
Dress to Impress and Smile Big!
Concert Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM
Villano Picture Day
Last day to complete Google Form for Sushi Order

Wednesday 10/7/26
Embracing Our Differences -- Mismatch Day -- dress in your most mismatched, wacky outfit
Symphonic Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Villano View Meeting -- 3:15-4:15 PM -- Villano Learning Lab

Thursday 10/8/26
No Drama Pajama Day -- Wear your pajamas to school and put bullying to bed
Beginner Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM
Sixth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM

Friday 10/9/26
Emerson Pride -- Show respect for the Emerson community by wearing red and black
Walk to School Day 2026

LOOKING AHEAD
Monday 10/12/26
Columbus Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Fifth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM
BOE Meeting at EJSHS -- 7:30 PM

Tuesday 10/13/26
Concert Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM

Wednesday 10/14/26
Districtwide PLG Day -- One Session Day -- 12:50 PM
Symphonic Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM

Thursday 10/15/26
Beginner Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM
Sixth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Student Congress Meeting -- 3:15-4:00 PM
Villano School Musical Interest Meeting -- 3:15-4:00 PM

Friday 10/16/26

SCHOOL NOTICES AND FLYERS

Emerson Community School
Our Fall Emerson Community School Catalog is now live! Registration is OPEN! Check out all the wonderful classes offered for adults and children beginning in October! Visit our ECS website for all the details: https://www.emersonschools.org/emerson-community-school