Principal’s Weekly Update
March 20, 2026
Dear Families and Caregivers,
The month-long observance of Ramadan comes to an end with the first day Eid al-Fitr.
Eid is a celebration of special morning prayers, charity, festive meals, new clothes,
and gift-giving to loved ones. Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate! We are also
going to warmly accept the first day of Spring. May this be the start of warmer weather
and lots of outdoor recess.
Today our PTA/SATp organized an Irish Heritage Assembly with a beautiful performance
from JigGig, where students learned the history of Irish dancing, watched a performance,
and were taught some basic steps!
Introduction: We welcome Ms. Xiaoyan “Sally” Lin, our new Mandarin teacher.
Ms. Lin will provide Mandarin instruction to our students during the 3rd Trimester.
Ms. Lin comes to us via Nishuane School and has most recently provided Mandarin instruction
to various schools across the district.
Judy Weston Award: Parents/guardians of current Montclair Public Schools students,
current MPS students, and recent alumni — this is your opportunity to shine a light on an educator.
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is administering the 2026 Judy Weston Awards
for Inspired Teaching. Nominate a teacher or counselor and help honor the legacy of Judy Weston,
a devoted advocate for public education.
“Each year, the Judy Weston Awards remind us that the heart of Montclair Public Schools is found
in our classrooms,” said Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner. “Our educators do
far more than deliver instruction, they spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and inspire students
to see possibilities for their future. I encourage families, students, and colleagues to nominate
a teacher who has made a lasting impact. Taking a few moments to recognize an educator is a powerful
way to honor the dedication and care that define our school community.”
The deadline is April 12. Winners will be notified at the end of April, and awards will be presented
on June 11 at a public ceremony co-hosted by MFEE and the Montclair Public Schools. For details and
to submit a nomination, please visit:
www.mfee.org/weston-awards. Thank you.
Carpool Line Reminders: The safety of our students is always most important.
The car pool line is intended for a quick, seamless, and safe drop off. Please make sure your child
is ready to get out of the car; being on the passenger side is best for a quick drop off. Once your
child has exited the vehicle, continue to move along the line. If there is something that will prevent
you from making a quick, safe drop off, then please park and walk your child up to the door.
Save the Date: 5th Grade Movie Night at CHB on April 17th: 5th grade families/siblings
are welcome. This, along with our upcoming popcorn sale, will be our final fundraiser for the 5th grade
end-of-year festivities. Details to follow!
School Action Team Partnership (SATp)
Topic: School Action Team
Time: Mar 24, 2026 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://mpsdnj.zoom.us/j/83954826053
Meeting ID: 839 5482 6053
Passcode: CHB
Upcoming Events
- March 22: Family Skate Night, 5:00 PM
- March 24: School Action Team Partnership Meeting (SATp), 6:30 PM
- March 25: Abbreviated Day, 1:40 PM dismissal; Evening Parent Teacher Conferences
- March 26: Abbreviated Day, 1:40 PM dismissal; Afternoon Parent Teacher Conferences
Looking Ahead
- March 31 – April 3: Spring Break! Note adjusted dates.
Warmest regards,
Nami Kuwabara
Principal