Wasco Weekly
THE STRENGTH OF THE WOLF IS ITS PACK
Wasco Families,
It has been my pleasure to visit classrooms reading texts focused on our school-wide SEL theme of the month, Belonging. During my visit, I introduce myself and share the most important part of my role at Wasco Elementary. I want students to feel a deep connection with the other students and the staff. All members of our community should be honored and valued for our ideas so we can support each other’s learning endeavors. At an elementary school, our progress towards this ideal requires explicit invitations. I have been asking kids to “help me” and ensure other students feel encouraged and welcomed in all areas of our school. Going forward, the staff uses our Second Step curriculum and daily experiences to model and discuss processes for instituting a culture of belonging.
On Tuesday we are looking forward to visiting with you during our Back to School Night (details below). The agenda allows plenty of time for conversation and interaction with staff, students, and parents. Your involvement and participation support our school goals and provide a powerful model of our common goals.
Kind Regards,
Principal Brennan
stephanie.brennan@d303.org
331-228-6294
Important Upcoming Dates
September 2 Institute Day-No School for Students
September 5 Labor Day-No School
September 6 Wasco Back to School Night 4:00-6:00 p.m. (See picture below)
September 7 Picture Day (Pre-order Form Linked Below)
September 23 Fire Practice Drill
September 28 Early release for students 2:10pm
October 14 Picture Retake Day
October 14 Fall Fest at Primrose Farm (See picture below)
Arrival and Dismissal
When using the drop off lane, please drive all the way forward so that we can load/unload as many cars as possible. Please stay in your car. If you wish to get out and load your child, you are welcome to park in the lot. By following this procedure, we can expedite everyone’s waiting times in the car lane.
How to Report Absences
Absences should be called in by 7:45 AM if your child will be absent for any portion of the day. The number is 331-228-2900 and has voicemail. You can call during the evening or overnight and leave a message. Please leave your child’s name and the reason why your child is out. If they are ill, please indicate their symptoms.
Even if you notify your child's teacher of an absence via email, we ask that you please still notify the office.
Also, if your child attends Baker Station, please remember to notify them if your child will not be attending.
Need to pick up your student early?
If possible, please make sure to notify the teacher and the office if your student is leaving early.
Join Superintendent Gordon for Listen Learn Return
You’re invited to meet with our new Superintendent, Dr. Paul Gordon, and share feedback during the District’s Listen Learn Return community engagement sessions. The final two opening round sessions will be next Tuesday and Thursday. You’ll have a chance to share your perspective on the District’s challenges, opportunities for growth, and successes.
Visit the Listen Learn Return website for more information. RSVPs are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Lunch, Snacks, and Birthday Treats
Students are able to bring their lunch each day to school or they can get lunch at school through our food service provider, Organic Life. We do not accept fast food for students at Wasco. Please do not drop off or have food sent to Wasco for your child. If you would like to have lunch with your child, you can come to the main office and sign them out during their lunch period. Thank you for your cooperation. We love to celebrate birthdays at Wasco. Your child’s birthday will be announced on our morning announcements and your child will be able to choose a book from our birthday book cart. We do not allow in food for celebrations so please do not send them to school or drop them off, they will not be accepted. If you would like to send in items or a treat bag (such as a pencil or non food item) we can send that home with classmates to enjoy at home.
Smart Watches and Phones
Technology can be a wonderful way to keep in touch with family members. However, smartwatches and phones can become quite disruptive to the learning environment when parents are contacting their children throughout the day (and vice versa). The Elementary School Handbook contains the following language:
Students are extended the privilege of possessing phones/smartwatches on school grounds;
however, their use is limited to after-school dismissal and non-school days. These devices must be in the off position, or not used once the student arrives on campus until the end of the school day.
Teachers will be requesting that students leave their watches and phones in backpacks or another class designated place each day when they enter the classroom so that learning can continue uninterrupted.
D303 Visitor Information
All parents, guardians, and other visitors to District 303 buildings are required to report to the main
office upon entering the building to sign in. Visitors must provide photo identification when signing
in and must wear a visitor identification tag at all times while in the building. Visitors may be escorted
by a building staff member while visiting the building. School-age visitors are generally prohibited
during the school day unless accompanied by a parent or guardian and approved by school staff. In
the event that permission is not obtained or is denied, visitors will be directed to leave the premises.
(Violators will be subject to legal action.)
Please refer to the following D303 School Board policies for more information:
Ways to receive Wasco News
The Principal sends a weekly newsletter on Fridays
Wasco Elementary has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WascoElementarySchool
Twitter account: @WascoD303
Join Membership Toolkit on the PTO site for ways to connect with parent community
