Dear Jewel Parents and Caregivers,
New Procedures for the Parking Lot: Read Carefully
I hope this email finds you well. As you know, student safety is our top priority. Due to the large number of parents and children arriving at school at the same time, our school parking lot may present a serious safety hazard for our Jewels. As congestion increases, it becomes more difficult for parents and our students to see one another on our sidewalk or in the parking lot. Caring parents often unknowingly create traffic hazards while rushing to drop off or pick up their children.
By making simple changes in your daily routine, you can reduce the dangers that our Jewels face as they arrive and depart from school each day.
Parking Lot Expectations (Drivers/Caregivers)-Safety is our primary concern.
Do not speed into the school parking lot. The speed limit is 5 miles per hour.
Explain to your child why it’s important to exit from the passenger side of the vehicle.
If your child walks alone, encourage them to cross at the corner using designated crosswalks.
Follow the instructions provided by the school crossing guard and those assisting in the parking lot. These individuals are working to keep your children safe.
To enhance safety for everyone, we kindly ask that you follow the new flow of traffic outlined below:
For those who wish to park and walk their students to the sidewalk under the overhang where students line up in the morning, Please use designated parking spaces in the 3rd lane closest to the street.
For dropping off students: Please utilize the 2nd lane and keep moving to help maintain traffic flow. Do not exit your vehicle.
Please refrain from moving safety cones in the parking lot. If you need assistance, please park and speak with security.
Please do not use the bus lane for student drop-off in the mornings or pick-up in the afternoons. The bus lane is to be used for school business only. Please park in a parking space.
Use our Jewel Behavior (please be kind and considerate).
Please do not address other people’s children. If you have a problem, please come to the Main Office.
This is to ensure the safety of all of our students at W.R. James Elementary School.
Warm regards,
Shawn Marshall, Principal
Subject: Reminder: W.R. James Sr. Elementary School Storybook Parade
Dear Jewel Parents and Caregivers,
This is a friendly reminder that our Storybook Parade will take place tomorrow at 2:00 PM!
Our Jewels are invited to come to school dressed as their favorite storybook characters. Please ensure that each student brings a copy of the book featuring the character they are dressed as.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us make this event a fun and memorable experience for our Jewels!
Warm regards,
Shawn Marshall, Principal
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
Where Every Jewel Shines! 💎
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
Zoo Field Trip Reminder – First Grade Jewels
Dear First Grade Jewel Parents and Caregivers,
This is a friendly reminder that our first-grade students will be attending their exciting zoo field trip on Friday, October 23, 2026! We are looking forward to a wonderful day of exploration, discovery, and learning outside the classroom.
Please review the following important reminders to help ensure that our Jewels are prepared for the trip.
Arrival Time: The bus will depart promptly at 9:30 AM. Please ensure that your child arrives at school on time so they are ready to participate in this special experience.
Dress for the Weather: The temperature is expected to be around 60°F. Please dress your child warmly by sending them to school in a sweatshirt or other comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Students will spend time outdoors, so dressing in layers is recommended.
W.R. James School T-Shirts: Each student will receive a W.R. James Sr. Elementary School T-shirt to wear over their sweatshirt during the field trip. Please have your child wear the school T-shirt over their warm clothing on the day of the trip. These shirts will also be used for our upcoming Field Day in May, so please keep them in a safe place after the trip.
We want every student to be comfortable, prepared, and ready to enjoy this exciting educational opportunity. Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth departure and a successful day for our first-grade Jewels.
We appreciate your continued partnership and support!
Warm regards,
Shawn Marshall
Principal
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
Where Every Jewel Shines!
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School is excited to welcome our incoming new students, Kindergarten students, and 1st Grade Jewels to a special Open House as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year!
Join us on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for an opportunity to become familiar with W.R. James and help our youngest Jewels get excited and comfortable as they prepare for the start of a new school year.
Open House Details
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
41 Pinetree Lane
Willingboro, NJ 08046
In addition to welcoming our new students and families, attendees can enjoy bounce houses and a special treat as part of the evening's festivities.
We encourage our incoming families to join us for this special opportunity to connect with the W.R. James community and start the school year with excitement and school pride.
We look forward to welcoming our new W.R. James Jewels!
Warm regards,
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
Willingboro Township Public Schools
Dear Chimera Community,
Advancing to the next round is something to be proud of—but we’re not done yet.
This competition is about more than just a mascot—it’s about representing Willingboro with pride on a national stage.
Take a Moment Today To:
- Cast your vote
- Encourage your students and colleagues to vote
- Share the voting link widely
Vote Here:
https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2026/04/vote-willingboro-chimeras-or-mars-fightin-planets-high-school-mascot-bracket-final-4.html
Let’s continue to stand together and show what makes our community strong.
Warm regards,
Willingboro Township Public Schools
Dear Chimera Community,
This is a friendly reminder about the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences and half days of school for students in ECDC, Elementary Schools, and James A. Cotten Intermediate School (Grades Pre-K–6).
Half Days of School
Students will have half days on the following dates to allow time for conferences:
- Thursday, March 19
- Friday, March 20
- Monday, March 23
- Tuesday, March 24
Afternoon Conference Dates
Parent-Teacher conferences will take place March 19 through March 24.
Evening Conference Schedule
Evening conferences will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, March 19 – ECDC & James A. Cotten Intermediate School
- Monday, March 23 – Hawthorne Park Elementary & Twin Hills Elementary
- Tuesday, March 24 – W.R. James Elementary School
Parent-Teacher Conferences provide an important opportunity for families and teachers to discuss student progress, share insights, and strengthen the partnership that supports student success.
If you have not already done so, please connect with your child’s teacher or school to confirm your conference time.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Warm regards,
Willingboro Township Public Schools
Dear Chimera Community,
This is a friendly reminder about the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences and half days of school for students in ECDC, Elementary Schools, and James A. Cotten Intermediate School (Grades Pre-K–6).
Half Days of School
Students will have half days on the following dates to allow time for conferences:
- Thursday, March 19
- Friday, March 20
- Monday, March 23
- Tuesday, March 24
Afternoon Conference Dates
Parent-Teacher conferences will take place March 19 through March 24.
Evening Conference Schedule
Evening conferences will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, March 19 – ECDC & James A. Cotten Intermediate School
- Monday, March 23 – Hawthorne Park Elementary & Twin Hills Elementary
- Tuesday, March 24 – W.R. James Elementary School
Parent-Teacher Conferences provide an important opportunity for families and teachers to discuss student progress, share insights, and strengthen the partnership that supports student success.
If you have not already done so, please connect with your child’s teacher or school to confirm your conference time.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Warm regards,
Willingboro Township Public Schools
Dear W.R. James Elementary School Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to share an update regarding heating conditions at W.R. James Elementary School following concerns during the recent extreme cold weather.
Early yesterday morning, routine temperature checks indicated that the building was cooler than expected. Facilities staff were immediately dispatched, and it was determined that only one boiler was operating. Given the low temperatures, a second boiler was needed and was fully restored by approximately 7:30 a.m.
With both boilers running, temperatures steadily increased and reached appropriate levels by 10:00 a.m. Due to yesterday's two-hour delay, this also allowed additional time for stabilization.
As a precaution, an outside boiler specialist completed preventative maintenance, and this morning, Acting Superintendent Mrs. Hill-Parker requested a building-wide walkthrough by the Director of Facilities and Director of Operations. Following that inspection, it was confirmed that all heating systems are fully functional throughout the building.
While some classrooms may have felt cooler yesterday, due to extreme outdoor temperatures, there were no classrooms without heat.
The safety and comfort of our students and staff remain a top priority, and conditions will continue to be closely monitored as cold weather persists.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership.
Warm regards,
Willingboro Public Schools
Please read carefully the following important parent reminders:
Arrival: Students arriving after 9:00 AM must be signed in by a parent or guardian.
Dismissal: Student dismissal is at 3:20 PM. Please be prompt, as staff have after-school meetings and duties.
Cold Weather: As temperatures drop, please ensure students come to school with a hat, scarf, coat, and gloves. Students may go outside for emergency drills or recess when temperatures are above 45°F.
Parking Lot Safety: Drive slowly, follow staff directions, and use designated areas for drop-off and pick-up to keep everyone safe.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping our school run safely and smoothly.
It’s that time of year again for the Scripps National Spelling Bee! Please visit the W.R. James Sr. Elementary School website to access the study guide. Round 1 will begin the week of January 5th.
Thank you for your support, and best of luck to all of our scholars!
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Willingboro Public School District will operate on a half-day schedule on November 26, 2025, and all schools will be closed November 27-28, 2025, for Thanksgiving Break. Students will return to regular scheduling on Monday, December 1, 2025.
All Willingboro Public Schools will be closed from November 3-7, 2025, for Fall Break, and on November 10, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day. Students will return to regular scheduling on November 11, 2025.
Dear Willingboro Community Members,
We want to inform you that all Willingboro Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, October 13, 2025, to provide professional development for our instructional and support staff. This one-day closure will enable our teachers and staff to engage in focused training to enhance teaching and learning for our students.
Student schedules:
Students will not attend school on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Normal school operations will resume on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
📣 Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser
W.R. James Sr. Elementary School will be hosting a Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser to support our school programs and activities.
🗓️ Dates: Tuesday, September 17, 2025 @ 4:00 PM – Sunday, September 21, 2025
📍 Online Code: CYMVJC
All popcorn sales will be made through the Double Good app using our event code CYMVJC. 50% of every purchase will go directly to support our school!
We encourage every student, parent, and caregiver to share the link with family, friends, and coworkers. Together, we can make this fundraiser a huge success!
Thank you in advance for your support in helping our Jewels shine brighter!
