Wolfsville Elementary News
February 1, 2021
Principal's Message
Greetings Wolfsville Families,
Congratulations! We have successfully completed the first half of our school year, and quarter three has officially begun. Last week, the district announced that students will be returning to school in a hybrid format on February 16th. Any change to this start date will be communicated via Find Out First. Our staff has been busy preparing for the hybrid model, and we are excited to welcome students back into the school building! We miss our young wildcats!
When FCPS transitions to the hybrid model, we will move to the hybrid schedule (sample linked here) with students assigned to a hybrid or virtual cohort based on the intention forms previously completed. The schedule provided is a sample schedule; each grade level schedule varies based on specials, lunch, and recess. You will receive a schedule specific to your child’s grade level and cohort prior to the change. We are in the process of finalizing cohort group assignments for our students who are returning to school (cohort A students will attend on Mondays and Tuesdays; Cohort B students will attend on Thursdays and Fridays; Wednesdays are virtual days for all students). We are prioritizing a smooth transition and a positive educational experience for both our students remaining fully virtual (approximately 40 students) and our students returning to school within the hybrid model (approximately 85 students). Classroom teacher assignments will remain the same. Some students may transition to a new teacher for small group reading and/or math instruction. All student schedules will change as a result of the transition to the hybrid model. Specific information will be shared by classroom teachers in the coming weeks. Cohort assignment letters will be sent to families via US Postal Service the week of February 1st.
This newsletter contains some specific and important information for families of students who are returning to school within the hybrid model. Please be sure to read these sections carefully. We will be holding a virtual orientation session for families of students returning to school on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:00 pm - mark your calendars (more details will be shared next week).
We continue to be grateful for our awesome Wolfsville community. Our teachers and families are working hard to ensure the best education possible for our children during the pandemic. We appreciate your continued grace and understanding as we transition to the next phase of learning. Our children are at the heart of it all!
Please feel free to contact me by phone (240-236-2250) or e-mail (linda.stuart@fcps.org) with any questions you may have. We are here for you!
Yours in Education,
Linda Stuart
Monday, February 1
Hybrid Cohort Letters mailed to families this week.
Tuesday, February 2
Groundhog Day!
Wednesday, February 3
Teacher Prep Day for Hybrid
Asynchronous Work Day for Students
Wednesday, February 10
Teacher Prep Day for Hybrid
Asynchronous Work Day for Students
6:00 - 7:30 pm - Orientation Meeting for Families of Students
Returning to School for Hybrid Model
Thursday, February 11
Mr. T will be holding optional sessions for families of students who will be returning to the school building for hybrid learning. The sessions will be designed to provide tips and answer questions about helping your child(ren) transition to attending school in the school building. Specific times will be announced via Find Out First soon!
Friday, February 12
Mr. T will be holding optional sessions for families of students who will be returning to the school building for hybrid learning. The sessions will be designed to provide tips and answer questions about helping your child9ren) transition to attending school in the school building. Specific times will be announced via Find Out First soon!
Sunday, February 14
Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 15
President's Day - Schools Closed
Tuesday, February 16
Students Return to School for the Hybrid Model;
New Instructional Schedule for All Students!
This year, we will be observing National School Counseling Week during the week of February 1-5. During this time, I hope to help raise awareness about the role of the school counselor with emphasis on the collaborative effort we have for our students . I feel blessed and honored to work with such a dedicated staff and community and am proud to share a week where our efforts are recognized. Each day on announcements, we will emphasize a different characteristic about school counseling and how I try to approach the job. All of these activities are completely optional!
Here is a schedule for the week:
Monday, February 1st: Helping Others Day
The School Counselor dedicates each day to helping students, staff, and parents. In the journey to reaching their potential as students and citizens, students need the support of others to reach that goal. Teachers and parents can encourage students to spend the day consciously helping others. Then, students can draw a picture or write about what the school counselor has taught them about helping others and how they did just that!
Tuesday, February 2nd: Building Positive Relationships Day
The School Counselor recognizes that building positive relationships is essential to effective counseling. Noted psychiatrist James Comer said, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” School Counselors help students realize their potential by starting with cultivating positive relationships. Staff and students are challenged to cultivate positive relationships by focusing on respectful, positive interactions with others. Teachers and parents can model respect and discuss the importance of respect in building friendships with others. Students can also create poems about friendship that may be read on morning announcements. Submissions can be turned in when they are finished.
Wednesday, February 3rd: Caring Comments and Compliments Day
The School Counselor must model the pillar of Caring and maintain a positive attitude toward others. There is no more important resource in helping kids reach their potential than the teachers and staff. Staff members will have Caring Comment sheets in their mailboxes. This is a chance for you to write a caring comment to someone on the staff. Take a minute to reflect on how special each one of us is to the students and success of the school. The sheets will be delivered to the staff member mentioned. Encourage your kids to make compliments and send positive messages to each other. Thanks for caring so much for our students. Remember that the counselor is not just for the students, but for you too!
Thursday, February 4th: College Sportswear Day
The School Counselor shows school spirit. We see the results of our support of our students when they move on to college and eventually to successful careers. To symbolize our tremendous spirit, staff members and students are invited to wear college sweatshirts, T-shirts, pins, hats, etc. Take a few minutes to talk with your class about how you went to college to become the fine teacher you are today. Parents and staff can discuss how your schooling helped prepare you for the world of work, including setting goals, studying, staying in school, etc.
Friday, February 5th: Team Jersey Day
The School Counselor collaborates with others and helps model teamwork. Together we are instrumental in helping our kids be the best students they can be. I could never do this job without family and staff support. To celebrate the spirit of teamwork, we will have Jersey Day. Wear your favorite Jersey to show off your teamwork skills!
***Please remember that all of these activities are optional. I appreciate your kindness, flexibility, and cooperation. I truly believe we have the best community that is dedicated to giving the students the best. A great big thanks to each of you!!!
Important Hybrid Learning Model Information!
Instructional School Day Hours - A Change for ALL Students!
- Starting on February 16th, the instructional school day will from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (M, T, TH, F).
- Students attending school face to face should arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 am and will be dismissed between 2:00 and 2:30 pm.
- 2:00 to 2:30 pm will be dismissal time for face to face hybrid students and break time for virtual students (M, T, TH, F).
- 2:30 - 3:00 pm will be transit time home for face to face hybrid students. This will be synchronous time for all students who are learning virtually that day. They will join their classroom teacher on their Google Meet (M, T, TH, F).
- 3:00 to 4:00 pm will be a time for all students to work asynchronously on assignments (M, T, TH, F).
- Wednesdays are virtual learning days for all students. The instructional day will be from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. The remainder of the afternoon is for students to work asynchronously on assignments.
- Teachers will be sharing specific grade level schedules as soon as they are ready and prior to February 16th when all instructional schedules change.
Health and Safety Protocols
- Parents/guardians of students who are returning to school face to face during the hybrid model - Please view this hybrid information slide show with your child(ren). It shares the important health and safety protocols for hybrid learning in a "kid friendly" format: The ABCs of Hybrid Learning for WFES
Student Health - Students identified as potentially having exposure, displaying symptoms, or complaining of illness:
*PLEASE keep students home if they are not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with Covid symptoms. They can participate via distance learning as they are able physically.
If students at school present any Covid-like symptoms:
*Students will be isolated immediately.
*Parents will be called for immediate pick up.
*The FCPS Covid Response team will be notified and will contact the parent regarding next steps.
Face Coverings/Masks
- The wearing of a face covering or face mask is one of the best ways to keep oneself and others safe and healthy.
- MASKS ARE MANDATORY for all students and staff members at all times. The exception is if students are seated and eating or getting a drink of water. During outdoor activities students can remove masks, as long as they are more than 6 feet away from one another.
- Masks are to be provided by the family and a back-up is recommended. Additional masks will be available at every entrance point upon arrival of students. Masks must be worn before entering the school. Masks will be provided to rooms in the event that masks become unusable.
- Gaitors must be double layered. A single-layer gaitor is no longer permitted according to CDC Guidelines and FCPS Policy.
- Please be sure that your child is wearing a youth size face mask. The mask must fit securely over the nose and the mouth. If your child's mask continually slips off the nose or face, he/she will be provided with a youth size disposable mask to wear for the day. Please practice the proper way to wear a face mask with your child before they attend school for the hybrid model.
- Cloth face masks should be laundered regularly.
- Students are required to wear a face covering on the bus. Drivers and assistants are required to wear face coverings at all times when students are on the bus.
- Visitors are required to wear a face covering at all times when in a school building and when entering and exiting the building.
- WFES staff are committed to supporting our students with their usage.
- FCPS Progressive Discipline for mask non-compliance may result in a return to full virtual learning.
Transportation
Bus Route Information
Student bus information is not yet available due to routes being finalized for Student Cohorts. Information will be updated on the FCPS website on Monday, February 1 and can be accessed using the link below. Please check this information prior to the start of Hybrid as routing information could change.
https://www.fcps.org/transportation/bus-stop-information-online
Car Rider Process - Parent Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Car Rider Drop off will continue curbside by the gym entrance between 8:30 - 9:00 am. Students will need to have their mask on before exiting the vehicle. Staff will support students entering the building while observing physical distancing. Students are expected to report directly to their classroom.
Bus Riders will continue to enter through the front entrance of the building. Students will need to have their mask on the bus and while exiting the bus and entering the building. Staff will support students entering the building while observing physical distancing. Students are expected to report directly to their classroom.
School Meals
- Breakfast and Lunch will be served and continues to be free for all students through the end of the school year. Students will be eating breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria with assigned seating that is distanced 6 feet from each other.
- Hand washing will be required before and after students have lunch.
- Water fountains will have restricted usage which will be limited to students being able to fill their water bottles (supplied from home). Students will not be permitted to drink directly from the water fountains. Bottle filling stations will be installed within the building as soon as they are delivered.
Restrooms
Student School Supplies
- personal technology (i.e. FCPS chromebook and charger or personal technology device)
- water bottle
- lunch (if not selecting a FCPS-provided meal)
- reading books (on some days)
Please be sure that your child does not bring additional materials or toys to school. Thank you!
Virtual Hybrid Orientation Meeting
FCPS Health Metrics Dashboard
Frederick County Public Schools is debuting a new health metrics dashboard, which will allow the public to track COVID-19 cases by school.
The new dashboard provides updates on the following metrics:
- COVID-19 cases by school, broken down by student and staff cases
- Frederick County COVID-19 metrics and test positivity rate
- Outbreaks in Maryland public and private schools
The dashboard can be viewed at https://www.fcps.org/update/dashboard.
CORONAVIRUS [COVID-19] INFORMATION
FCPS is accepting student entries for a Black African American History Month Student Showcase for Grades K-12. All students are encouraged to participate!
Please see details here: Please see details here.
FCPS Out of District Application Window
Out of District applications are currently being accepted for the 2021-2022 school year.
Please print out the attached form, complete it, sign it and either email, preferably in PDF format, to outofdistrict@fcps.org, fax it to 240-236-2480 or mail it to Department of Student Services, Orchard Grove Elementary School, 5898 Hannover Drive, Frederick, MD 21703
Applications without a signature will not be processed and the form will be returned to the parent for a signature. The deadline to apply for Out of District status is March 1, 2021.
Out of District Form - English (https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14071)
Out of District Form - Spanish (https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=14072)
Reflections Program
WFES had 9 students participate and 5 of them received awards. The PTA is very proud of everyone who participated. Our students provided beautiful works of art. Congratulations!
Here are the results:
Intermediate Film Production
Outstanding Interpretation- Addyson Harrigan for film titled Dreams
Award of Excellence- Kaitlyn Johnson for film titled I Matter to Me Because
Music Composition
Award of Excellence- Christan Garcia for his music titled Trap Beat
Dance Choreography
Outstanding Interpretation- Cheyenne Whitney for her dance piece titled Movement Matters
Award of Excellence- Paige Leatherman for her dance piece titled Who We Are
A Focus on Character Counts!
For the remainder of the year, the PTA will be highlighting a pillar of Character Counts in the monthly newsletter. We will explain each pillar and then share some conversation starters and activities you can do to highlight this pillar in your home. This month’s focus is Respect.
Being Respectful means that you:
- Are honest.
- Don’t lose your temper, scream, yell or strike out against others when things don't go your way.
- Are tenacious.
- Admit when you are wrong.
- Have your priorities straight.
Let’s talk about being respectful:
- Ask your children about how they like to be treated. Discuss the importance of treating others with respect. Use examples such as being polite, letting people be different, and giving others personal space.
- Ask your child: "How does it feel to be respected?" "What do people say or do that makes you feel respected"?
- Discuss and practice respectful communication. Have a debate about a topic. Before the debate, discuss the appropriate ways to listen and talk when not everyone is in agreement. Write the rules for "disagreeing appropriately".
- Discuss respect in sports. What types of actions and behaviors make someone a "good sport"? How do these actions and behaviors compare to the rules of family and community respect? What happens when players are NOT respectful of other players or coaches are not respectful of umpires and referees?
Respect family activities:
- Have students write poems about respect.
- Create cartoon strips showing respectful actions
- Read stories about respect. See some possible titles below:
I Show Respect by David Parker
Are You Asleep, Rabbit? Barton and Campbell
Jim's Dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen
Now One Foot by Tomie de Paola
I Like Me! By Nancy Carlson
2020-2021 Yearbook
Hello Wildcats! Our yearbook this year will be like no other. Lifetouch is working on how to take yearbook photos for this year. They are planning to schedule days to take photos in the spring since we are scheduled to be attending school in a hybrid format - more information to come!
In the meantime, they have set up a Shutterfly Shared Site. If there is a special moment you catch your child learning or a spirit day during the school year, you can take a picture and add it to the shared site. Here's how to set it up:
1. Create an account with Shutterfly at https://www.shutterfly.com
2. After creating an account, go to wolfsville.Shutterfly.com/pictures and clink the link to request permission
3. Ask for permission
4. Put your name in the text box, your child's name and grade in the message box and I will accept you as a member
5. You will receive an email that you've been accepted to the ShareSite
6. Download the app "Shutterfly Share Sites" to your cell phone for free
7. Log in using the account info you created
8. Click photos and begin sharing photos straight from your cell phone
You may also email your photos to Kristen Johnson at kjohns10@gmail.com.
If you have any questions about the yearbook, please contact Kristen Johnson at kjohns10@gmail.com.
Supporting Our WFES PTA
Support Wolfsville Elementary by shopping at Amazon Smile. Every time you shop at Amazon, use our link: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7030637
Amazon will donate a small portion of your purchase price to Wolfsville Elementary.
Week of January 4
Kindergarten: Shane Dalton - Shane is doing a great job this week listening to instruction. He is paying attention and participating during class time. He shows up every day for Mrs. Miller's group and is ready to learn. Way to go Shane!
Grade 1: Ryder Jordan - yder has done a wonderful job this week of listening and participating in our class discussions. He has shown kindness to his peers as he asked to give a compliment to another friend. He gets his home helper when needed and has learned to do a lot on his own. I am very proud of his learning.
Grade 2: Lyla Keel - Lyla comes to our google meets with a smile every day. She is always positive with everyone!
Grade 3: Byron Garcia - Byron has reaaly improved. On Wednesday he came to office hours, read a text, and took a quiz. The story was called Into the Dark Water. I loved how Byron used great expression during his reading!!
Grade 4: Carter White - Carter has been doing a very nice job for Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Fogle. He is participating in class and completing all of his assignments. What a great way to show leadership skills, especially during the first week back after a break! We are very proud of you Carter! Keep up the great work!
Grade 5: Brandon Sowers - Brandon is such a hard working 5th grader! I really appreciate how he always has a positive attitude. Keep it up, Brandon!
Week of January 11
Kindergarten: Bella Holda - Bella does a great job during our Google Meets. She is always raising her hand and participating. She does a great job sounding out words during reading group. Keep up the great work Bella!
Grade 1: Madeline Fassanella - Madeline works very hard during our meets. She participates and lets me know if technology is working. She always has a very kind way and a smile on her face.
Grade 2: Luke Lewis - Luke arrives to Google Meets on time and ready to work. He comes to groups with a nice attitude.
Grade 3: Jenna Snyder - Jenna worked so hard on her Dinocember playlist! She also stayed for an extra game in math on Friday, and did really well. Way to go Jenna!
Grade 4: Paige Leatherman - Paige is a natural leader. Her positivity and responsiblility serve as an excellent role model for all of our Wildcats! Mrs. Fogle and Mrs. Dawson can not be more proud of Paige and all of her hard work and effort!
Grade 5: Kaitlyn Johnson - Kaitlyn is doing a fantastic job each and every day. Recently, she shared an extra credit project all about cats. She even made a Kahoot for the class to play as a follow-up activity! Keep up the great work, Kaitlyn!
Week of January 18
Kindergarten: Cole Brusky - Cole has been doing a great job during class time. He is such a great listener. He works hard to complete his work. Keep working hard Cole!
Grade 1: Anna Schrader - Anna is very energetic and animated when she answers questions. She always loves to talk to friends before class starts and is interested in what they are doing. She comes everyday and has grown so much in this virtual setting. She is such a happy and positive student.
Grade 2: Jenna McCarthy - Jenna is such a hard worker. She is always willing to give extra time to activities, and she really wants to make her work the best it can be. Way to go!
Grade 3: Linus Reilly - Linus designed an amazing flood prevention project this week. He used some tubing from the attic and his sink as a model! In his plan he included water loving plants to help absorb extra water. Plants are so important on our stream banks! Great engineering Linus!
Grade 4: Joel Njiomouo - Joel is a hard worker who is a responsible and respectful young man. Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Fogle very much enjoy having Joel in our class! Keep up all your great work Joel, we're very proud of you!
Grade 5: Ian Rodriguez - Ian has been participating more in class lately. He is volunteering in all of his subjects and taking more risks. I am proud of your progress, Ian!
Week of January 25
Kindergarten: Logan Jordan - Logan does a great job logging on each day even when the internet doesn’t want to corporate. Logan works hard to complete his work. Keep up the hard work Logan!
Grade 1: Talia Imes - Talia became an author and illustrator last week as she shared a story with pictures created digitally to all of her classmates. Talia is very creative and energetic when it comes to sharing her ideas. She is caring and thoughtful on screen with her peers.
Grade 2: Nora Lumley - Nora always comes to Google Meets with a smile. She brightens our days! She also works hard and is always willing to put in the extra time needed to complete an assignment.
Grade 3: Camilla Hodges - Camilla is always striving for excellence. She comes to our meets on time and almost always is the first one!!! Also her work is completed on time and with out help! She is and independent worker and I am so proud of her!!
Grade 4: CW Cameron - CW is a leader! He consistently sets a great example for his classmates. He is always on time and prepared for class. He is helpful to his teachers and clasmates whenever someone needs help. He leaves every Meet thanking his teachers and saying goodbye. Sometimes it's the littlest things that make the biggest impression. His daily "thank you's" make us smile everyday!
Grade 5: Addyson Harrigan - Addyson is really showing some great leadership skills in our breakout rooms. I can count on her to always be on task and take the lead to make sure her classmates understand the task they are working on. Keep being a leader, Addyson!
Learning Lab Hours:
M through F - 3:30-4:00 p.m.
To access the Leaning Lab:
1. Log in to your child's account.
2. Go to meet.google.com
3. Click on "join or start a meeting"
Enter the session name: team-wfes
Schoology Support for Families
Mrs. Dill serves as our WFES Schoology Ambassador. She provides assistance to staff, students, and families with Schoology support and trouble shooting. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dill if you have any questions regarding Schoology: janet.dill@fcps.org
If you need assistance with your child's Chrome book, please contact Ms. Beveridge: ruth.beveridge@fcps.org
Resources for Virtual Learning
WFES Google Meet Session Names - Your child's Schoology homeroom includes a link at the bottom left hand corner that will quickly take them to each Google Meet session with the teacher. If there is a problem with the link, this document contains instructions on how to access Google Meet sessions with teachers by using session names. We are using consistent Google meet session names to provide consistency for families. Please use the teacher's name link to join all "live" instruction sessions each day.
Schoology Support for Parents & Families
Food Pantry
Remains Open
(Serving the Myersville, Smithsburg, Sabillasville Zip Codes)
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Salem Church
12479 Wolfsville Rd.
Wolfsville Elementary School
Email: linda.stuart@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/wfes/
Phone: 240-236-2250
Twitter: @WolfsvilleES