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Woodbury Heights Elementary School

Work Hard Expect Success, Go Mustangs!

Mustang Chronicles - December

Posted Date: 12/02/25 (10:00 AM)


Mustang Chronicles

Go Mustangs

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

Woodbury Heights Family

As we turn the calendar to December, I am thrilled for all that we have accomplished together so far this year. The past few months have been filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit.

December is always a wonderful time in our school with continued learning and joyful celebrations. Throughout the coming weeks, our school will be alive with concerts and winter activities that showcase the incredible talents of our students.

As we approach winter break, I hope you find time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you’re traveling, celebrating, or simply taking a well-earned break, this is an opportunity to reflect on the first half of the year and look ahead to the promise of a new one.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and our shared commitment to student success.
 

Reminders....


12 Days of Christmas! - see calendar below

12/1 - Art Club starts
12/2 - Holiday Giving Tree Starts
12/5 - Grinch Day!!
12/4-12/5 Holiday Shop
12/10 - Winter Concert
  • K-3 arrive at 5:45PM for a 6 PM concert
  • Band, Chorus and Chimes members arrive at 6:30PM for a 6:45 PM start.
12/19 - Wear WHES shirt
12/23 - 12:45 DISMISSAL
12/24-1/5 WINTER BREAK
1/2 - 76ers Orders Due

Check the website for School Clubs Dates and Times!
 
horse running

Upcoming Community Events...


  • 12/6 Craft Show at WHES
  • 12/6 Poinsettia Pick Up
  • 12/6 WH Tree Lighting 6:30
  • 12/12 Parents Night Out @ Gateway
 

Holiday Giving Tree

Our annual Holiday Giving is underway. As always, help from our school community is appreciated. The items needed are listed below (note: there may be more than one item in need). 

All UNWRAPPED items must be dropped off at the main office between 8:15 AM - 3:30 PM beginning Tuesday, December 2nd through Thursday, December 11th. 

If you have any questions, please contact:
Thank you for making the holidays brighter for others!

Link below for Holiday Giving 
Click Here for Giving Tree Link

December Lunch Menu

menu
 
Take Home
grinch
parents night out
toys for tots
sixers
 

Curriculum Corner

TEAM Time

TEAM Time is a dedicated period built into each school day for the students in grade levels 1-6. The groups, by grade level, are thoughtfully created using a combination of academic performance, standardized assessment data, and teacher input. This structure ensures that every child receives instruction tailored to their needs and has the opportunity to grow at an appropriate pace.

To ensure students are placed where they will benefit most, groups are formed using a combination of teacher recommendations and school-wide assessment data. This includes results from standardized assessments, classroom-based benchmarks, and ongoing progress monitoring. By reviewing this data, we can identify each student’s strengths and areas for growth and create groups that target specific skills—whether students need additional support or more advanced enrichment opportunities.

We are excited for the learning and growth that TEAM Time will bring this year. Our teachers have planned engaging and meaningful activities to support each student. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help every child reach their full potential.

Weather Reminder

As we move into the colder months, I want to remind everyone that students come to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Please make sure your child wears a jacket each day, as temperatures have been consistently low during morning arrival and recess. Students may use any entrance during arrival.

Additionally, to help keep traffic flowing smoothly, please do not park in the designated drop-off zones during ARRIVAL and DISMISSAL. This area is reserved for quick drop-offs only.

If you need to park and walk your child to the building, please use the Fire Hall parking lot or street parking.

Thank you!
 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

staff

Mrs. Ragone

Grades 4-5-6 Resource Room Teacher

What I love most about teaching at WHES:
I love coming to school and teaching along side some of the best teachers out there!

When I am not teaching I am:
I am working on my new house with my husband, watching/attending Philadelphia sports games or shopping for new vinyls to add to my collection!
staff

Mr. Dougherty

Sixth-grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher

What I love most about teaching at WHES:
I love being a part of the community and seeing the students around town, having the opportunity to celebrate their successes with them. It also affords me the opportunity to see former students around town and at events to really watch them build upon the foundation that they began at WHES.

When I am not teaching I am:
Spending time with my kids, going to their sports/dance, or visiting the most Magical Place on Earth.
staff

Mrs. Larrabee

5th grade teacher

What I love most about teaching at WHES:
I get to work with THE BEST staff of teachers! Our students and their families are loving and supportive, too! WHES is truly the best.Cheering on Philadelphia sports teams - including Philadelphia Hockey Club (EHC). Mr. Larrabee and I are hosting a junior hockey player this year; we love going to his games.

When I am not teaching, I am:
I enjoy playing board games, solving mysteries, escape rooms, laughing with my family and friends. I can usually be found in a Pilates calls, reading on my porch, or wandering around historical sites.
staff

Mrs. DeVoy

5th grade science and math teacher

What I love most about teaching at WHES:
I love the kids and how we are a small school with great families.

When I am not teaching, I am:
reading, walking, crafting and playing with my #1 buddy, Finn
staff

Mrs. Lizza

Basic Skills Reading Teacher

What I love most about teaching at WHES:
I love that the staff supports each other through thick and thin. I also love the small town of Woodbury Heights and the special kiddos who live here. Teaching here is a dream come true!

When I am not teaching, I am:
spending time with my husband and two sons, Joseph and Branden. We keep busy on the weekends and love to visit all the sights in New Jersey and beyond. I also love cheering on the Eagles with my family. Go Birds!
staff

Mrs. Gismondi

4th Grade Math and SS teacher

What do you love about WHES?
The kids of course!

When I am not teaching I am:
playing with Echo, my dog, or Blink, my cat, riding my bike, baking, crafting or reading.
staff

Ms. Czajkowski

Art Teacher

What do you love about WHES?
I love the small town community of Woodbury Heights and everything about it

When I am not teaching I am:
Playing video games, drawing, reading, or hiking and fishing.
staff

Mrs. Bazulis

One-on-one Instructional Aide

What do you love about WHES?
The amazing students I get to interact with each and every day!

When I am not teaching I am:
Crafting, shopping with my daughter or hanging out with my 5 dogs

Mrs. Gloeckner

6th Grade Math/Science

What do you love about WHES? I love the small community and the way the staff works together like family.

When I am not teaching I am spending time with my family, running, camping, hiking
 

Absent Notification

If your child is expected to be absent please remember to call the Main Office or send a message in Parent Square to Ms. Morison and the classroom teacher.
 

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