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Woodbury Heights Elementary School

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Mustang Chronicles - October

Posted Date: 10/01/25 (4:00 PM)
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Mustang Chronicles

Go Mustangs

October 1, 2025
A school building with a red roof and brick facade on a sunny day.

Woodbury Heights Family

As we wrap up our first month of the school year, we are thrilled to share how successful and inspiring these first few weeks have been.

The students have settled into their daily routines with enthusiasm and our staff has worked tirelessly to create welcoming and engaging classrooms.

From the excitement of the first day to the smiles and achievements we’ve seen in the hallways, it is clear that we have started this year off on the right foot! We have already created new friendships, meaningful learning experiences, and countless examples of kindness that show the Mustang spirit is alive and well.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our school. We look forward to the months ahead, filled with more growth, learning, and joy.
 

Reminders....

October
  • Book Fair 10/3 - 10/9
  • Fire Prevention Week 10/6
  • Week of Respect 10/6-10/9
  • Mums pick up - 10/4 - 10/5
  • NO SCHOOL Friday 10/10
  • NO SCHOOL Monday 10/13
  • BOE Meeting Tuesday 10/14
  • Haunted Trail Saturday 10/18 (10/19 Rain Date)
  • EARLY DISMISSAL Friday 10/31
  • Halloween Parade!
  • WEAR PINK on Wednesdays!
A cartoon horse stands upright, with a friendly expression.
 
A cartoon horse with brown fur is running.

Upcoming Community Events...


  • Gator Day Friday 10/10
  • Haunted Trail Saturday 10/18 (Rain Date 10/19)
  • Yoga THURSDAYS
  • HASA Meeting 10/9 6:30pm
  • First Responders Night 10/20
 
Image promoting breast cancer awareness, with text and a pink ribbon.
A colorful flyer announces 'Gator Day,' a free community event with various activities.
A Halloween Costume Drive flyer with children in costumes and Halloween decorations.
Promotional poster for First Responders Night in Woodbury Heights, NJ, featuring emergency vehicles and a DJ.
 
An open book with colorful drawings of a sun, clouds, and a hot air balloon above it.

K-3 Literacy Screening Requirement

We would like to inform you of a new state requirement regarding early literacy. The State of New Jersey has passed a new law (P.L. 2024, c. 52) that requires all school districts to administer universal literacy screeners for students in kindergarten through grade three (K–3) beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

Under this regulation:
  • Literacy screeners must be administered at least twice a year.
  • School districts are required to submit screening data to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
  • Parents/guardians will receive notification of their child’s results, along with information about available support services.

The NJDOE has provided guidance, resources, and grant opportunities to assist districts in successfully implementing this important initiative. The goal of the law is to ensure that all students receive the early support they need to develop strong reading and literacy skills.

Our student test data is housed in LinkIt. Please look out for information on how to access the LinkIt Parent Portal so that all of your child's assessment information is available for you to review in the upcoming days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Wells.
 
The New Jersey Department of Education logo with text: New Jersey Student Learning Assessment.

NJSLA - Fall Field Testing

We would like to inform you that the New Jersey Department of Education will be field testing a new state assessment this fall (most likely early to mid-November.) The purpose of this field test is to evaluate the assessment questions and format before the state finalizes the exam for future use. Students in grades 4-6 will be participating in the trial. It will be comprised of three units (ELA, Math and Writing) and will be completed over a two day period.

Please note that this is not a scored assessment. Neither the school nor parents will receive any student results from this test. It is strictly a trial run to help the state improve its assessment system.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we take part in this process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiles at the camera.

Mrs. Bennett

Hi, I'm Cheryl Bennett. I have been at Woodbury Heights Elementary School since November, 2000. I graduated from Rowan University with
certifications in Early Childhood and Elementary
Education.

I have grown twin daughters and a son in law. I have a wonderful grandson, Elliott, who I love spending time with!

cbennett@woodburyhtselem.com

2024-25 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
A smiling woman with dark hair and earrings, framed by a green circle.

Ms. Noel

I have been teaching since 2009, and this is my 14th year teaching kindergarten. I was lucky enough to join the staff of Woodbury Heights Elementary School in 2017. I received my
BA in Elem Ed and Humanities from
St. Peter's University.

Some of My Favorites:
Color: Green
Treat: Chocolate
Drink: Ginger Ale
Foods: Texas Roadhouse, Nothing Bundt Cake
Chick-Fil-A
Sports Team: Lifelong
Dallas Cowboys fan!
A smiling woman and two children pose for a selfie outdoors.

Mrs. Vahey

I am so excited to teach this year! This is my 12th year teaching and 10th year at Woodbury Heights Elementary. I love all things cheetah, coffee and being outside. I have a son in 2nd grade and a daughter in Kindergarten. My husband is a guidance counselor at GCIT. We love being involved with the growth of our children. I am so excited to embark on this journey with you.

Drink: Coffee
Store: Target
Hobby: Walking
Candy: Dots
Food: Pickles and Ranch
Color: Purple and Cheetah
Birthday: September 13th
Sports: Phillies and Eagles
A woman with glasses smiles, resting her chin on her hand.

Ms. Waddell

I have worked at Woodbury Heights Elementary School since 2013 and knew immediately that this was my home. I have my MS in Teaching, Special Education and all my coursework in Behavior Analytics.  

I live in the farmland of southern Gloucester County, have 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 16 chickens. My passion for dogs manifests as fostering rescue dogs of all ages and backgrounds. I love getting my hands in the dirt and will definitely be introducing my students to the joy of messiness! What a great way to learn!

Friendly Reminders:

Charge your Chromebooks every night

Check your folders for homework or important information
 
A horse wearing glasses types on a keyboard in front of a computer screen.

Main Office Contact

856-848-2610
rmorison@woodburyhtselem.com
www.woodburyhtselem.com