Weekly Update
September 8, 2022
Dear Winnona Park Community,
Next week we have two early release days on Thursday, September 15th, and Friday, September 16th. Dismissal will begin at 12:50PM on these days. If your child’s dismissal routine will change for these days, please complete our Change of Dismissal Form. If your child attends an off-site after school caregiver, please confirm they have plans for these days.
Thank you.
Greg Wiseman
Principal, Winona Park Elementary School
TOMORROW—WP Food Trucks Friday from 5:30-7:30PM
The weather doesn’t look so great, but get take out anyway!!
The WP PTA has partnered with Gezzo’s West Coast Burritos and Sweet Auburn BBQ to have food trucks available tomorrow from 5:30-7:30. We were hoping to have a big community event and even though the weather doesn’t look ideal, we do have to make our minimum purchases so come support the PTA and get dinner for the family!
We will also host a used book exchange table (bring a book/take a book) on the pavilion! If you have books to donate, you may drop them in the book bin just outside the main door of the school this week or bring a book (or two) to swap on Friday!
Walk-n-Roll to School on Wednesday, September 14!
It’s once again time to celebrate walking and rolling to WPES! What is Walk-n-Roll you ask? “Walk-n-Roll” is a monthly event that encourages families to walk or roll (bike/scooter, etc.) to school for morning drop off. Kiddos that walk or roll to school on Wednesday should make sure to grab a marble to drop into our custom-crafted marble collection device(s). Bonus, there is music and free coffee at the front entrance to the school from a little before 8 am until 8:20 am. It’s a fun way for the kiddos to start their day. It’s also a great way to build community at WPES while highlighting the health and environmental benefits of walking and rolling! Please join us for our next event of the year, stretching your legs and decreasing traffic in the carpool line!
SAVE THE DATE - FALL PARENT'S NIGHT OUT BENEFITING WP PTA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 6:30 pm
We are back! Save the date for the PTA’s Fall Parent's Night Out benefiting Winnona Park’s PTA, our biggest fundraiser of the year! Book your babysitter now and join us on November 5 from 6:30-11pm. This year’s event will feature games, some fun competition, great food, adult beverages and plenty of music to ensure a Winnona Park Rocks good time! Further details to come!
Is Your Child Sick?
If you are keeping your child home because he or she is ill, please email your child’s teacher and cc our school manager Cathy Sikes (csikes@csdecatur.net). Ms. Sikes will then mark the absence “Excused.” If the absence is Covid-related, please add Nurse Jen (jeagle@csdecatur.net) on the email as well.
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form (found at the website below) and turn it into the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your child’s school before October 5th. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialists for Winnona Park are Michele Stroud and Kristen Karably. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at mstroud@csdecatur.net or kkarably@csdecatur.net or visit the following website: https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/581.
Media Center News
DHS Football Spirit Night - Friday, September 9th
The CSD Athletic Department invites the WP school community to a night of school spirit and community building as we enjoy a varsity DHS home football game. Every WP student will get in free with a paying adult. Please do your best to wear your spirit wear.
Please use this link to purchase tickets. This link will ensure that there is no confusion at the gate if the student does not have school specific spirit wear or their school id.
DHS Colorguard Youth Night - Friday, September 9th
The Decatur Colorguard is hosting a youth night for any Kindergarten through 8th grade students who would like to participate with the Marching Band Color Guard for a gameday experience.
This is in conjunction with the Beacon Hill Spirit Night on Friday September 9th where the 7th and 8th grade band members will be joining the band as well. Please see this link for more details.
Do you have a Change in your Dismissal Plans?
Plans change and emergencies happen. If something comes up that changes your child’s normal dismissal routine, please complete this form by 1:00. Do not email your teacher, just complete the form. You will find this form under each teacher’s email signature and on the WP website under “Families>Dismissal.”
Show your WPES Spirit!
At WPES we wear our support every Friday! Make sure your family gets your Spirit Wear before it's gone! Numerous adult and kids t-shirt options plus kids hoodies for the cold weather to come! Please include your child’s name and teacher in the notes section when checking out.
The online store is available at https://winnona-park-es-pta.square.site/
Join the Fabulous WP PTA
The WP PTA Rocks! As you can see from the events above, they are super-involved in all back to school activities and much, much more. The PTA works to enhance the educational experience of all Winnona Park students by supporting teachers and staff, organizing fundraisers for items not covered by the school budget, and planning and hosting community-building events. Through fundraising efforts, the PTA supports many offerings and initiatives including classroom libraries, teacher and parent grants, field trips and guest speakers for all students, facility enhancements, and various community-building events. Click here to view the PTA welcome letter to learn so much more about the WP PTA.
From City Schools of Decatur
CSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Monty
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The theme for 2022 is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation ."
View related records on the National Archives’ Hispanic/Latino Heritage resource page and in the Archives Catalog.
CSD English-Language Arts Department Zoom Webinar Opportunity
ARC Virtual Parent Education: Comprehensive Literacy for Turbulent Times - The Power Behind a Knowledge Building Curricula
September 15, 2022 @ 4:00 pm Registration Link
CSD Strategic Plan Input Survey
Thank you to everyone that attended the input session on Tuesday! If you were unable to attend, you still have time to participate in the survey, which will remain open until September 13. Click here to participate in the survey.
Superintendent Search Community Conversation
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education values input and feedback. The community is invited to engage in a facilitated conversation to share feedback for consideration as the Board prepares to develop the leadership profile for the Superintendent position. The Board is excited to offer two in-person opportunities for the community to engage and share their thoughts. You may attend either September 14, 2022, or September 28, 2022. A survey will be available for those unable to participate in one of the in-person events.
Although it is not required to attend, we are asking for anyone wishing to attend one of the in-person sessions to please register via this form.
Registering ahead of time will help us better plan the events and breakout sessions.
Event details:
Session One: Wednesday, September 14, from 6-7:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.
Session Two: Wednesday, September 28, from 6-7:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.DHS Cheerleading Minicamp Fundraiser
The DHS Cheerleaders are hosting a minicamp to help promote Bulldog Spirit while raising funds to support the DHS cheer program.
If your child is between the ages of 4-12 and wants to experience cheering in the Homecoming parade and before the Homecoming Football game, sign up today for the minicamp!
Camp dates: September 12 - 14 Minicamp 4:30 - 6:00 pm
September 29 Practice and Mini Camp Swag Pick-Up 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Parade and Game date: September 30
Cost: $50
Click here to sign up. If you have any questions, please contact Ashaki Stinson (astinson@csdecatur.net) or Saadia Foy (sfoy@csdecatur.net).
School Nutrition Updates
Free and Reduced Price Meal Benefits
To continue free or reduced-price meal benefits for students, each household must complete a new application every year. Free and Reduced Meal Benefits will end on September 13, 2022, if the household has not reapplied for SY 2022-2023. If there is an interruption in benefits or the household does not reapply, the household is responsible for payment of meals until the Free and Reduced Application is processed. To help assure the continuation of benefits, the household must have an online or paper application turned in to the school cafeteria manager before September 13, 2022, or complete an online application by September 13, 2022, on the City Schools of Decatur’s webpage. Parents should be sure to list all the students in the household on the application. Only one application is necessary per family. Keep in mind that the application may take up to 10-days to process. If your child receives SNAP or TANF, you do not need to complete an application.
If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Lawrence, City Schools of Decatur Nutrition Program, at tlawrence@csdecatur.net or (470) 237-0368 ext 7607.
Connection Sessions
Connection Sessions are conversations between CSD's Equity Director, various invited guests, and the CSD POGM* community. During each session, community members are introduced to a person who is integral to supporting the school system while we discuss thoughts, interests, and concerns regarding City Schools of Decatur. Each session uses a racial equity lens - always asking the question - "What does race have to do with this?"
These sessions may not always have the answers, but they provide an opportunity for members of Decatur's POGM community (as well as all others) to explore perspectives, pose questions, and share thoughts.
Each meeting starts at 6 pm. Access it by using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2yuj2tbs.
September TBD, 2022 - Adena Walker, Chief of Human Resources, CSD
October 17th, 2022 - Billy Heaton, Principal, Talley Street
November 14th, 2022 - Courtney Burnett, Chief of Staff, CSD
December 19th, 2022 - Karen Newton-Scott, Principal, FAVE
* People of color, despite being minoritized in the US, are a global majority. Thus, previously entitled BIPOC Connection Sessions, the name of this event is now Connection Sessions for POGM (People of the Global Majority). There is conflict regarding the use of the term BIPOC and this article details many relevant concerns. In short, the term BIPOC, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color, elevates some cultures over others in a way that does not reflect the respect each culture deserves.
Special Education Parent Engagement
September Meeting:
disAbility Link - Empowering Youth
Mr. William Thomas, Youth & Diversity Supervisor for disAbility Link, will give an overview of the services and supports offered through the Empowering Youth program for youths ages 14-29. disAbility link provides but is not limited to employment support, self-advocacy, social activities, and peer support.
Target Audience: Parents of students with disabilities ages 14-22 years old
Date: September 15
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Virtual
To RSVP, click this Link or email Cheryl Grant at cgrant@csdecatur.net.
For more information, please see the August Welcome Back Flyer.
District-Wide Intervention Information
If you have questions about interventions, please contact Erica Godfrey, District Intervention Specialist & MTSS Coordinator, at egodfrey@csdecatur.net. You can register for Super Saturdays here.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
Decatur Education Foundation
B.Y.O.P (Bring your own picnic) THIS SATURDAY to Legacy Park from 4-8pm for some incredible live music from JohnBoy & SurroundSound and The Sundogs. Opening artists are talented DHS students songwriters and musicians Payton Kashdan and Nate Helfrich. There will be kids’ activities led by Decatur Prevention Initiative and student groups selling drinks and treats. Bring the family and come celebrate DEF’s 20th anniversary of supporting Decatur’s kids with the community! It’s going to be a great afternoon. This event could not happen without our presenting sponsor, Bark Technologies and partner Amplify. Thank you, Bark and Amplify!
Would you make a great tutor, mentor or coach for a Decatur student? We’ve got spots available for all those types of positions! Make a big impact in as little as 1-4 hours per month, depending on the role you choose. Go to www.decatureducationfoundation.org/mentoring to learn more about each opportunity and sign up. Together, we make a difference for #ourkids.
MADISON AVE DERBY - REGISTRATION OPEN
Don't miss your chance to be a part of one of Decatur's most iconic neighborhood events! Driver registration is now open for the 11th Annual Madison Avenue Derby, the non-motorized racing event where amateur racers of all ages design and build human-powered soapbox cars to compete against the clock in a downhill race!
Join the excitement as a racer or spectator on October 15, 2022, for a day of family-friendly fun - proceeds from the event this year go to support the Friends of Refugees! REGISTER TO RACE NOW