Decorah Newsletter
January 2016
Arrival Procedures
The back parking lot is only available until 7:15 am for Kids Connection drop-off. All student drop-off at regular time must be done from the front of the building.
Severe Weather and Your Phone Numbers
As we prepare for the cold weather, please review with your child the plan if school gets called early – take the bus, go to Grandma’s etc. Always check the district website www.west-bend.k12.wi.us for the most up to date closing schedule. This site, along with the radio and television stations, will post closings as they are reported. The district also implements an emergency notification system that will contact your phone(s) directly. The number you provided in Skyward has been programmed in to this system and you will receive a call to that number when school is cancelled. It is essential that we have your correct and current phone number so you get the information as it comes out.
Attendance Policy
Once a child has reached 10 absences (including tardies and/or absences), medical excuses will be required in order to excuse the absence. If not provided, the absence will be marked as unexcused even if school has been notified of the absence.
Parents are notified via a mailed letter when the student reaches 5 days of absences (including tardies), has reached 2 unexcused absences in a semester, and as they get closer to the 10 days of absences (including tardies).
Please make it a habit to obtain a medical excuse for any appropriate absences (dentist, well-child visit, eye doctor, etc) as these do not count toward the 10 day allowed absences.
Please contact Mrs. Schneider or Mrs. Foss if you have concerns regarding your child's attendance or if you receive a letter and have questions.
Winter Concert
Students in grades K-4 will have the Winter Concert in the High School auditorium on Thursday, January 28th. Students need to arrive at the High School between 6:15 and 6:20 and will be dismissed to parents at the end of the performance (about 7:40). Auditorium doors will open at 6:10.
Please be mindful of the space issues we face with the new auditorium structure. We lost quite a bit of seating to gain comfy chairs and wider aisles. Some schools have had to go to a system where they issue “tickets” to each family. We are hoping that if people are really thoughtful about inviting only those folks most interested in seeing their child perform, we can continue to allow people the freedom to choose and not make it so directive. You will also have the opportunity to purchase a DVD of the performance.
In the same token, please follow and encourage your guests to follow proper rules of concert etiquette. In past years we have had some shouting of names or standing in front of others. This can be very disruptive as you can imagine. Likewise, if someone around you is not allowing you to enjoy the program, speak up, as others will support your actions.
Decorah is hosting a food drive at our winter program to benefit the Full Shelf Food Pantry. The Full Shelf Food Pantry has served Washington County residents since 1982. If you are able, please bring some non-perishable food items to the winter program to help fill the bright blue buckets that will be set up in the lobby. This is a great time of year to support local food pantries as the holiday season rush is over and shelves are depleted. Thank you!
Mid-Year Assessment
Grade 5 Information Meeting for 4th graders
Instrument Selection Nights at Silverbrook
Tuesday, February 2nd 4-8pm
Wednesday, February 3rd 4-8pm
Thursday, February 11th 4-8pm
Course Selection Sheets due on Friday, February 12th
Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten Enrollment for the West Bend School District will be held on Thursday, February 4 (8-8) and Friday, February 5 (8-5). If you have a child who will be 5 or older on or before September 1, 2016, please come in and enroll at the office. Knowing the number of incoming kindergarten students helps us as we plan for next school year. Please bring child’s birth certificate and immunization record. Other forms can be found online.
Early Entrance to Kindergarten
Applications for children who will be 5‑years‑old after September 1st but before December 1, 2016 must be submitted before March 15, 2016. Forms are available from Mrs. Becker, or for more information contact Joan Smart at 262-335-5425.
Upcoming Events
January 14 5:00 - 7:00: Literacy Night (Hot Dogs/Chips served to those who RSVP'd)
January 15: End of 1st Semester/2nd Quarter
Be Respectful Assemblies
January 18: No School for Students--Staff Development Day
January 19: 3rd Grade to Fields Nursing Home
January 21: 3rd grade to Schauer Arts Center
January 25: Report Cards available on Skyward
January 28: AM--All students to WBHS for concert practice
6:30: K-4 Winter Concert at West Bend High School Silver Lining Arts Center
February 1: 4th grade to WBHS for 5th grade Music/Foreign Language Demonstration
Decorah Elementary School
Website: www.west-bend.k12.wi.us
Location: 1225 Sylvan Way, West Bend, WI, United States
Phone: 262-335-5480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Decorah-Elementary-school-151430198381174/timeline
Twitter: @decorahschool