Weekly News Letter from The Principal’s Corner
January 10, 2014
Happy New Year, All!
We are hoping to hire a bus driver for up to 6 hours per day, with benefits. CDL endorsement is needed. We can help you get the CDL if you have an interest. Please contact Larry Moore, BJ or JeanMarie if you are interested or know of someone we should contact.
Math Magic
Math Magic will be cancelled on Monday, January 13, 2014
Winter Activities
There will be no Math Magic on Winter Activity days:
January 17, 24 and 31, 2014, (snow date is Feb. 14, 2014)
Thank You, Susan Hindinger, and WS Nature Program Volunteers
Thanks to Susan Hindinger, who came to WS a year ago with the idea of bringing the Four Winds’ Nature Program into our school, we are reaping the benefits today! Children attending grades K-4 in our school are participating in the Four Winds Nature Program. Adults and children learning together and exploring nearby natural places is what Four Winds’ Nature Program is all about! The Nature Program offers monthly two-hour natural science workshops for adults interested in sharing their love of nature with school children. Each training session includes informational presentations and indoor and outdoor activities. WS has 16 dedicated volunteers who meet each month for the training and then bring the program to about 125 WS students every month. The program offers 40 different lessons, which means that a child at a participating school can go through the program from Kindergarten through 4th grade, 8 lessons per year, without a repeated lesson. Four Winds staff provides an experienced scientist as a trainer as well as some materials and other curriculum support. The school-based Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Hindinger, is the liaison between the education staff at Four Winds and the volunteers, the teachers, Principal Oakman, and the community at large. Her expertise and organization has made this program flawless, rigorous, and student-friendly! Volunteers work in teams of two or more to bring children outside each month to look, discover, and learn. Our K-4 teachers and the principal have observed that their students are engaged and eager to participate in each and every Four Winds lesson and that they are able to address multiple curriculum goals, including not only science standards, but also writing, math, reading, and art. In 2013-14, the program is made available at WS in part by a grant the Four Winds Nature Institute received and by a contribution from the WS PTA. The principal is so excited about this incredible hands-on science program, that she built money in the FY 15 budget to sustain this important learning for K-4 WS children, for next year and beyond!!
Change in WS School Board Meetings
Because of Martin Luther King Day and February Break, the next two school board meetings will be:
January 14, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Feb. 6, 2014 - Executive Session from 6 to 7:00 pm; regular meeting to begin at 7:00 pm
Puppets in Education
Puppets in Education will be here on January 22nd for their bullying presentation for K-6. K-4 students will receive bullying education and an additional topic. Here is the schedule:
K-2: 8:20-9:20 Bullying and Cultural Diversity
3-4: 9:30-10:30 Bullying and Learning Differences
5-6: 12:15-1:30 Bullying Workshop
Proper Attire for Recess
The cold weather is surely upon us! Some middle level students still come to school in shorts, sweatshirts, with no hats or mittens. Please be advised that we do require students to go outside every day, weather permitting, for some fresh air and heart healthy exercise. We have extra hats and mittens in the office to share, if needed . If a student is in need of a coat, boots or other warm attire, please let us know and we will quietly and confidentially make sure they get what they need. We do NOT go outside if the temperature is below 10 degrees or the weather is inclement, though an inside recess is provided, (safety first!). Perhaps a quick check of warm attire at home in the morning would be a good reminder for students.
Talent Show
The WS Drama Club will be hosting a Talent Show on Thursday, Feb 27th at 7:00 pm, (Snow Date is the same time on Feb. 28th). All proceeds will go to support the WS Drama Club. When the auditions begin, students and adults are expected to come prepared and present as if it's the real deal. More details forthcoming in the weeks to come!
PTA Sponsored Car Show, Proceeds for the 8th Grade Boston Trip
The 3rd Annual Car Show, put on by the PTA, will be held on October 4, 2014 from 10am – 2pm at the school to raise money for the 8th grade field trip to Boston. This year we raised over $4,000.00 so mark your calendars now. A Penny Sale will be held at the school on April 5, 2014 to also help fund the 8th grade field trip, too.
PowerSchool Parent Portal for Grades 5-8
If you are having problems accessing PowerSchool GradeBook Information, please check out this link:
http://wsesu.net/storage/ParentPortal_QuickRefCard.pdf
Important Dates to Add to Your Calendar
Winter Concerts: K-3-Tues., Jan. 28, 2014, (snow date: 1-29-14; same time); 6:00 to 7:00 pm
4-8-Thurs., Jan. 30, 2014, (snow date: 1-31-14; same time); 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Spring Concerts: K-3-May 6, 2014; 6:00 to 7:00 pm in gym
4-8- May 8, 2014; 6:00 to 7:30 pm in gym
Memorial Day Program: K-8 – Friday, May 23, 2014; 8:15 to 9:15 am in gym
Art Program a HUGE Success
Many parents and students are singing the praises of our new art program and teacher, Mrs. Brenda Sheere. Here is a picture of Grade 6 student, Ben French, with a watercolor painting he added salt to so he could create a texture to his painting. Ben’s parents report that both of their boys love art this year and they see the carry over at home when they ask to create art while listening to classical music. We conducted an art survey last January and used this data from parents and students to improve our program. A very special thank you for taking the time to give us helpful and meaningful feedback…it has certainly paid off! Also, thank you to Mrs. Sheere for her skillfulness in inspiring our students! Please check out the art work on display throughout the school. Mrs. Sheere loves to share student work with us and it certainly makes our school colorful, warm and inviting!
Welcome Back and Happy January,
JeanMarie K. Oakman, WS Principal
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