Principal Update
February 2022
Whitney Families,
We at Whitney are continuing to work to ensure student safety and engaging learning.
We want to remind our families that a strong partnership between school and home is the best way to ensure every student succeeds. Communication is an essential part of any successful team. If you have yet to set up ParentSquare HERE is the link to walk you through the set up process. ParentSquare enables back and forth communication that allows you to set up your notification preferences.
Please review the important dates below. Parent-teacher conferences are coming up. More information on conferences will be sent out soon.
We hope you have a wonderful President’s Day, Valentines, and Black History Month.
Thank you for being a part of the Whitney Dream Team!
If you have questions please reach out via telephone (573-1900) or via Let's Talk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
February 21: President's day (No School)
February 22 - 25: Mid-Winter Break (No School)
March 15: Hour of Code Event 5:00 - 6:00
March 21 - 25: Spirit Week
March 28 - April 1: Conference Week (Students released at 12 Noon)
March 31: Kindergarten Registration
December Students of the Month
Academic Winners!
Jordan Blair
Luna Negrete
Daleyza Diaz
Michael Ortiz
Kennedy Ward
Addisyn Ingle
Donovan Andrews
Carly Sandoval
Mohammad Shehada
Melanie Lozano
Olivia Blondin
Genesis Ortiz
Valeria Benitez
Jonathan Tweeten
Eleanor Sheffield
Jordan Orellana
Jonathan Aguilar-Serrano
Scarlett Skiles
ROAR Winners!
Jayden Sheets
Isabella Torres
Naveya Campos
Lexi Shay
Madilynn Mabrey
Mia Din
Javier Chavez
Allison Rivas
Maddeline Brookshire
Teresa Rodriguez
Efren Lopez
Zahir Gutierrez
Martin Razo
Karla Rodriguez Torres
Ricardo Prado
Adyn Crow
Piper Mejia
Ruben Rangel
Jon Jensen
January Students of the Month
Academic Winners!
Damian Andrews
Easton Nguyen
Xander Rebollero
Jorge Sanchez
Heidi Contreras
Landan Morrow
Naythin DeLaRosa
Jenna Lucas
Mateo Soto
Carlos Duarte
Anthony Larios
Justin Lucas
Sophia Ortiz
Bianca Quezada
Iylliana Magallon
Ella Munoz
Jaiden Evans
ROAR Winners!
Olivia Macias
Liam Nagle
Carlos Rodriguez Sanchez
Natalie Cerda
Marcuss Luttrell
Lillian Weller
Stormy Montes Smith
Samuel Hernandez
Kaily Jimenez
Emmett Pacheco
Genevieve Hein
Sarai Martinez
Marko Perez-Uribe
Esteban Alvarado
Natalie Dailey
Nelson Figueroa-Cisneros
Akira Wheeler
William LaPierre
Thomas Buck
Mask Mandate Update
First, please note that at this time, masks are required at the Yakima School District.
Today (Thursday, February 17), Governor Inslee announced that the statewide indoor mask mandate will be lifted no later than Monday, March 21, 2022. It was indicated that mask wearing will continue to be recommended in many situations. This announcement means that as long as statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations remain manageable, masks no longer will be required (they will be optional) in indoor settings, including in schools. The governor indicated that to reach that manageable level for our hospitals, state residents need to continue preventative measures like vaccines/boosters, testing, masking, hand washing, distancing when possible, and holding events outdoors. He also indicated that a local health district may still have local requirements to wear masks.
We understand that staff, students, and families may have concerns and questions about the announcement; however, school districts do not have any additional information about the governor’s announcement at this time. Nothing is changing in schools today.
Next steps...
The Washington State Department of Health is expected to release updated guidance for schools in the coming weeks, which may include revisions to other mitigation measures such as contact tracing requirements. Our school district leaders will review these guidelines when they are released and share information as soon as possible thereafter.
Many details still need to be understood and worked out before schools implement changes to masking policies. The state continues to require masks to be worn in schools across the state until March 21, 2022.
We appreciate your continued patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Dr. Trevor Greene
Superintendent
Our students are changing the future with an Hour of Code
Dear Parents,
We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly depend on understanding how technology works.
But only a fraction of us are learning how technology works. Only 51% of all high schools offer computer science.
Our Hour of Code is making a statement that Whitney Elementary is ready to teach these foundational 21st-century skills. To continue bringing programming activities to our students.
This is a chance to change the future of education in Yakima.
See http://hourofcode.com/us/en for details.
Fostering Social and Emotional Learning at Home
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a framework that gives students the skills to recognize and manage emotions and help solve problems effectively by establishing positive relationships. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), encouraging SEL yields positive results for students, adults, and school communities. Parents can use these tips to help foster SEL at home.
When your child brings home a test, talk first about what they did well. Then talk about what can be improved. Praise specific strengths; don’t just criticize things that were done wrong.
Ask Children How They Feel
When you ask your child about their feelings, the message is that feelings matter and you care. It shows the importance of being a good listener and helps children feel heard in a way that fosters a strong parent-child relationship.
Be Willing to Apologize
Parents need to be able to apologize to their children if what they said was not what they meant. Calmly explain what you really wanted to say. By doing this, you’re being a good role model. You’re showing how important it is to apologize after hurting someone. You’re teaching that it’s possible to work through problems with respect for the other person.
Give Children Choices—and Respect Their Wishes
When children have a chance to make choices, they learn how to solve problems. If you make all their decisions for them, they’ll never learn this key skill. Giving children ways to express preferences and make decisions shows that their ideas and feelings matter.
Ask Questions to Help Children Solve Problems on Their Own
When parents hear their child has a problem, it’s tempting to step in and take over. However, this can harm a child’s ability to find solutions on their own. A helpful approach is to ask good questions. Examples include, “What do you think you can do in this situation?” and “If you choose a particular solution, what will be the consequences of that choice?”
Help kids stay safe.
Talking About Grades
A discussion with your child about grades can be an effective conversation starter that leads to a broader discussion about school in general. Allowing your child the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings not just about academics but also about social issues and their teachers is just as important as a conversation about grades. Families can use these tips to talk to kids about grades in a positive and effective way.
Select a quiet time and place to have a conversation with your child and give ample time and your full attention, without interruptions. Choose a place to talk that is free from the distraction of electronics and other people in the house. It helps to make a “statement of intent” prior to the conversation so your child can prepare.
Start Positive
Reviewing grades is a chance to give credit where your child is excelling. Highlight their strengths with a positive opening statement like "I see you're doing really well in spelling. That's great!" to help build motivation. Assure your child that there is time for improvement and that you are here to help come up with a plan for success.
Focus on Effort
Combined with grades and teachers’ notes, effort marks help you understand your child’s attitude toward learning. Giving credit and encouragement for effort is especially important for kids who have trouble academically. If your child is trying their best and feels their efforts are seen, they'll be more enthusiastic and resilient learners.
Make a Plan
During the discussion, you and your child might have identified areas that need attention. Set learning goals and identify actionable steps to address concerns or progress toward achieving them. To keep on top of the plan, set aside time each week to check in on your child’s progress. Talk about what your child learned in class, what assignment they are working on, and any new things that require help.
Outline Solutions
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and worries. Kids who are struggling the most in school often have a lot to say. Address challenges that come up in the discussion and outline possible solutions as a team.
2022 Super Bowl MVP!
2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year