Weekly Notes from the Desk of Mrs. Espinoza -- September 13, 2026

Posted Date: 09/13/26 (09:00 AM)

WEEK

LY NOTES FROM THE DESK OF MRS. ESPINOZA
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

Dear Villano Families,

Thank you for attending and participating in Villano's Back to School Night and the PTA's Kickoff Back to School meeting. It was wonderful to visit with our families and share our programs.

This week marks our first FULL week of school. As we approach mid-September, you will notice increased expectations for the students and more frequent homework assignments. Consider making a habit of checking planners with your child nightly and confirming that all homework is completed and ready to turn in for the next school day. Setting these routines and expectations at home now will set your child up for continued success and greater independence in higher grades.

We also expect busy mornings at Villano, with all bands and fifth- and sixth-grade chorus beginning their morning rehearsal schedules.

It is wonderful to see our school full of students who are learning, thriving, and growing each day! Families often look for ways to challenge their children academically outside of the regular school day. Mrs. Catuogno created this list of contests and competitions for students who want to challenge themselves and showcase their hard work.

Have a wonderful full week.

Warmest regards,
Jessica Espinoza
Principal

CLASSROOM HAPPENINGS

Students in Mrs. Vitale’s class practiced the reading strategy of “stop and jot” when using Post-its. Groups worked together to read a story and created meaningful jots about major events, character change, confusing moments, predictions, or deep questions they had while reading.

The fourth grade students in class 4-Mancino are hard at work learning the rules and strategies of rounding. Look at these amazing mathematicians!

Ready, set, soar! Here's an action shot of our 6S homeroom building community with a game of "Secret Airplanes." Students listed three unique facts about themselves before launching their paper airplanes across the classroom. The room was full of energy as everyone worked together to guess the secret identities behind each flight.

LUNCH INFORMATION

Lunches will be available for purchase beginning the first day of school from our food service provider, Pomptonian. Click HERE for the back-to-school packet directly from Pomptonian.

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

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 Student Congress

Students interested in applying for Student Congress should check their homeroom Google Classroom for application instructions.

Student Congress

Villano Online Newspaper
The first Villano View Meeting is this week on Wednesday, September 16th from 3:15-4:15 PM

Villano Safety Patrol Information

Sixth grade students interested in learning more about Safety Patrol should attend the informational meeting on Tuesday, September 15th.

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE

Click HERE for the full calendar of events.

THIS WEEK
Monday 9/14/26
Symphonic Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Fifth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Emerson BOE Meeting -- EJSHS Media Center -- 7:30 PM

Tuesday 9/15/26
Safety Patrol Information Meeting for Grade Six Students -- 8:15 AM
Concert Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM

Wednesday 9/16/26
Symphonic Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Villano View Meeting -- 3:15-4:15 PM

Thursday 9/17/26
Beginner Band Rehearsal -- 7:50 AM
Sixth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM

Friday 9/18/26

LOOKING AHEAD
Monday 9/21/26
Schools Closed -- Religious Holiday

Tuesday 9/22/26
Concert Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM

Wednesday 9/23/26
Symphonic Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
One-Session Day -- Dismissal at 12:50 PM
September "O" Show

Thursday 9/24/26
Beginner Band Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM
Sixth Grade Chorus Rehearsal -- 7:45 AM

Friday 9/25/26
Bright Star Theaters Assembly -- Hispanic Folktales (Sponsored by the Emerson Elementary PTA)

SCHOOL NOTICES AND FLYERS

One-Session Days Memo
Villano Parent/Student Guidebook

PTA

PTA Golf Outing

PTA Membership

Membership Form

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COMMUNITY NOTICES AND LINKS