Weekly Update
July 21, 2022
Dear Winnona Park Families,
Welcome to Winnona Park Elementary, home of the Wildcats! We are excited that you are joining us for the 2022-2023 school year. As we prepare for your child’s arrival, we would like to share this important information in the hopes that it will give answers to many of the topics you may be pondering. We look forward to an amazing school year! As always, we are available by phone and email to address any school-related needs you may have.
With a focus on intentional teaching/learning practices, racial equity, shared school governance as well as personal and collective accountability, our CREW is sure to achieve success in our academic and social-emotional pursuits.
I promise, future eblasts won’t be this long!!
Greg Wiseman
Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School
Class Assignment
Class Assignment
Parents will be able to log into the Parent Portal on July 26 to see their child’s teacher. Class placement is a high priority for our staff and we are very intentional about this process each year. Class changes after this date will only be made under extreme circumstances.
Meet & Greet
All K-2 schools have their Meet & Greet scheduled for Friday, July 29 from 1:00-3:00. The main purpose of the Meet & Greet is just that: for parents, students and teachers to meet and greet one another. It’s also for students to familiarize themselves with the school and the classroom. There is no formal program for this event. The Meet & Greet is not the time for a prolonged conference-style conversation with teachers. In order to keep car traffic in the neighborhood and foot traffic in the school at a minimum, Kindergarten families may arrive between 1:00 and 2:00, while 1st and 2nd graders may arrive between 2:00 and 3:00. All families should arrive in the front door and WP staff will direct you to your classroom. The amazing WP PTA will be stationed in the library to answer questions, purchase spirit wear, and to help you join. - please pay them a visit! Staff will also be in the library to help parents set up the Parent Portal.
Kindergarten Popsicle Social
On Sunday, July 31, the WP PTA will host all kindergarten parents and students to meet and connect on the back playground (near the wooded area) from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Popsicles catered by King of Pops! Sponsored by Sara Mosser of The Mosser Group Real Estate.
First Day of School
We will welcome students for our first day of school on Tuesday, August 2. Our school hours are 8:20-2:50. Students may be dropped off in the mornings at 8:00 am. Breakfast will be offered between 8-8:20 each morning. Dismissal begins at 2:50.
The WP PTA will host parents for coffee and donuts out front immediately after drop off. (rain location is cafeteria, enter the cafeteria by the pond at the rear of the school)
School Supplies
If you ordered school supplies through 1st Day, they will be delivered directly to the school and the WP PTA will sort and deliver the goods to classrooms. You don’t need to do anything to ensure their delivery (except volunteer with the PTA) If you need to purchase school supplies, please find the requested list here. If purchasing the supplies on your own they can be brought to school during the Meet and Greet or any day the first week of school. We never want any of our families to feel burdened by school supplies, so if this places an undue burden on your family, please do not feel the need to purchase. We will always ensure that all of our students have adequate supplies.
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.
Arrival and Dismissal
Providing safe arrival and dismissal routines are a high priority for our staff. Please carefully read over the following arrival and dismissal procedures.
Please visit CSD Transportation to register for bus service and to sign up for the “Here Comes the Bus” app.
Be on the lookout for the WP dismissal form on Tuesday, July 26 when you learn your child’s class assignment.
School Nutrition
Families wishing to apply for Free & Reduced lunch may do so via the Parent Portal. Once logged on, follow these instructions.
Other breakfast, lunch, and menu information can be found on the CSD School Nutrition website.
Thursday is Eblast Day
A school wide weekly newsletter/eblast will be emailed to families each Thursday afternoon. This eblast is sent to the email addresses in the parent portal. Please ensure all data in your portal account is updated and correct. The WP website is also a great place to get information about our wonderful school.
School Leadership Team
The WP Elementary School Leadership Team (SLT) is an elected committee consisting of Winnona Park parents/guardians, staff members, a community member, and a district representative. The purpose of the SLT is to make decisions that support the continuous improvement of the school in accordance with the provisions of the District Charter. This year we will have 3 parent vacancies on the SLT and will have the SLT election in late August. If you are interested in filling one of the vacancies, please complete this form by Friday, August 5. If you have any questions regarding the SLT, feel free to contact Greg Wiseman.
Current representatives:
Greg Wiseman (WP Principal)
Kelly Stopp (staff)
Cindy Clark (staff)
Frances Holt (District Rep)
Jabeen Taj (Community member)
Covid Mitigation
City Schools of Decatur is gearing up for a fantastic year!. Please take a moment to review the updated mitigation rubric that will be practiced to optimize safety for our staff and families. More Covid related information will be shared tomorrow in Dr Fehrman's Friday Follow up Eblast.