Dr. William Mennies Elementary School

Here's a sneak peak of all the fun planned for next week, the NJDOE Week of Respect, October 5-9. We hope you will participate in the spirit days!

Mennies Families! To celebrate the Phillies making the playoffs, tomorrow is a POP-UP DRESS DOWN DAY! Wear your Phillies gear or RED! Let’s knock our attendance out of the park and reach 95% or higher! GO PHILLIES!

Please see our weekly update and the family calendar for October!

K & 1 Families: We hope to see you at Family Literacy Night, Wednesday, October 7, 5:30-7pm. Food will be served. RSVP required (see QR code).

Our students won't want to miss the fun next Friday, October 2nd, as we gather as a whole school for a special Hispanic Heritage Month assembly. Adrian Anthony, a singer/musical director/arranger/producer based right here in Vineland, is bringing his talented band together from the tri-state area to teach our students about the hypnotic sounds of Latin music as we celebrate Hispanic culture. Don't forget to wear something that celebrates Hispanic culture, such as traditional dress or the colors of your favorite flag.

Mennies Families,

Students are welcome to wear fall colors on Tuesday, September 22nd, to celebrate the First Day of Fall!

We can’t wait to see our Marvels in their fall colors!

Let's have a great week, Marvels!

Mennies Families.

Use the form below to nominate a teacher and/or Educational Services Professional for the Governor's Educator of the Year Award.

Nominations are due by Friday, October 30th, 2026.

The Vineland Public Schools recognize professional educators' role in our community and children's lives. Each year, our district takes the opportunity to recognize our appreciation for a teacher and educational services professional identified as “Governor’s Educators of the Year.” To begin this year’s program, we invite you to nominate a teacher and/or educational services professional you feel best represents our community and children. Nominations will be considered based on the criteria listed below.

Any educators nominated for this award must meet all of the following requirements:

Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade 12 in a public school) where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities or an educational services professional. Must have the latest summative rating of at least effective; if the teacher has not received a summative rating at the time of application, then their most current practice rating should be at least effective or the equivalent.

Be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.

Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success.

Demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district, and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting.

Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues

Have not earned the title of school, county, or state Teacher of the Year for the past five (5) year

Note: There is no requirement for a minimum number of years in the classroom. This is an award based on merit and leadership and not to be given out solely based on years of service.

The following educators can be nominated for the award:

Teacher
Anti-Bullying Specialist
Child Study Team
Guidance / School Counselor
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Library Media Specialist
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Paraprofessional (Instructional only)
Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Reading Specialist / Reading Coach
Social Worker
Speech Language Specialist


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoGSP-jhvsw2hbs9zKTOch-CFPfkq8le5ROxRF0GF29vrbrg/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Thanks to everyone who has sent in family photos for Hispanic Heritage Month! If you'd like to participate, please email your photo to Mr. DiDonato msdidonato@vineland.org

We are looking forward to our first dress-down day!

We are looking forward to partnering with families to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Please send in a photo for our bulletin board or consider being a special guest in your child's classroom. Full details in graphic.

Our Mennies Marvels t-shirts are on sale! Cost is $15.00 per t-shirt. Students may wear school t-shirts any day. Please return order form and payment to school no later than Wednesday, September 23rd.

Let's have a great week! Please make sure your child's name is on all personal belongings.

Mennis will have the first Spirit Day on Friday, September 11th. Wear Red, White, and Blue!

We hope everyone is having a great 3-day weekend, and we can't wait to see you back on Tuesday!

Families: please take a look at our weekly update and September calendar. We can't wait to welcome back our Marvels on Thursday, September 3rd.

We look forward to seeing all our Kindergarten families at Orientation next Wednesday! Tenemos muchas ganas de ver a nuestras familias de Kindergarten en la orientación el miércoles siguiente!

We hope everyone is enjoying their summer. The parent portal is now OPEN. Please view the supply list below! See you soon!

Mennies Supply List:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G7UPaibZO_fYBRj1_jtoX2nckqzyMIg0bPiwrX0S7TU/edit?usp=sharing

Great news! Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free for all Vineland Public Schools students.

No application is required for students to receive free school meals. Families are still encouraged to complete the annual meal application because the information is used to determine eligibility for Summer EBT benefits.

Learn more on our Food Services website: https://www.vineland.org/page/food-service