Washington Elementary News
November 7, 2016
Online Conference Sign-up Information.
We are now offering online sign-up for Fall Conferences beginning on November 4, 2016. Click here to access the online schedule sign for your child's classroom teacher. Mr. Baier also sent a link via email to parents on the afternoon of November 4th. Follow the link, then choose your child's teacher and book a conference time. If your child lives in more than one household, please schedule only one conference per student.
We will have a computer set up in the office beginning November 7th for those of you who do not have access to internet. Office hours are M-F 7:30-4:00pm.
If it becomes necessary to change a conference you can call the office for assistance at 345-3059.
Thank you,
The Staff of Washington School.
Conference Dates and times: (The last conference time is 7:50 pm)
November 15- 3:30-8:10 pm
November 17 - 3:30-8:10 pm
November 21 - 3:30-8:10 pm
Out of the Blue Day; Celebrating Student Success
PBIS -- Positive Behavior Intervention Supports
PBIS is a proactive system to build a positive behavior culture in our school. Students are taught the PAWS expectations below.
Provide Respect, Act Safely, Work Hard, Show Responsibility
As students display their positive behavior, Washington staff is watching and they may be receive a PAWS ticket for demonstrating expected behavior. Students can turn their ticket into the Wildcat Den and be part of a bi-monthly drawing. If a student is chosen in the drawing, they participate in a fun activity, or have a healthy snack with the principal or another staff member. Each drawing also includes a whole classroom winner.
Then just "out of the blue", students come to school to find out it is an Out of the Blue Day. Washington staff will be wearing their blue shirts and there will be a wonderful special event planned for the students to participate in during the school day. We have had extra recess time, play board games, engaged in a Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) activity and plan on many different activities once per month throughout the year. Students just never know when it might be an Out of the Blue Day. Friday, November 4th was the most recent Out of the Blue Day. See pictures of the STEM activity below.
5th graders testing paper airplanes for distance
1st graders exploring force and motion with straws and cotton balls.
2nd graders racing cotton balls!
Bottle Flipping with Mr. Baier as part of the PBIS Classroom PAWS Ticket Reward.
Each month students learn about one of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Ask your child how they are being proactive at home and school.
Leadership jobs are showing up in many ways at Washington!
Important Dates!
November 8, 2016: Two Hour Late Start
November 11, 2016: No School
November 18, 2016: Jump Rope for Heart & Hat Day
November 22- 25, 2016: No School
Military Appreciation Night
Explore the Museum's exhibits and participate in hands-on play. They offers loads of fun for the whole family!
224 Lamm St, Mankato
Energize our School & Benefit our Community!
Students love the energy and action of
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Washington school has this fun event for the lessons they teach like: The benefits of physical activity, The satisfaction from community service and the importance of fighting heart disease and stroke!
Plan to help make our JRH event a success.
WHO: ALL WASHINGTON STUDENTS
WHAT: JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
WHEN: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
DURING SCHOOL BY GRADE LEVEL
WHERE: WASHINGTON SCHOOL GYM
8:20-9:10 5th Grade: Sonnenfeld, Miller
9:10-10:00 4th Grade: Smith, Lieske, Dittmer
10:00-10:50 Kindergartners: Brady, Davis, Fitzloff
10:50- 11:40 1st Grade: Jirak, Carlson, G. Vanselow
12:10-1:00 2nd Grade: Larkin, K. Vanselow, Wurdinger
1:00-1:50 ( No Classes)
1:50-2:40 3 Grade: Hebeisen, Pearson, Hashimoto, Peterson
Parents are welcome to come and watch & even Jump!!
Drop off and Pick up!
When dropping off or picking up your children, please be sure to avoid parking in the bus loading and unloading zone along McConnell Street.
What's going on in Media?
Weather Related Information
Office of Superintendent
10 Civic Center Plaza Suite Two
P.O. Box 8741
Mankato, Minnesota 56002-8741
Office : 507-387-1868
Fax: 507-387-4257
Thank you for being a part of our school district. We have had a great start to our school year and I look forward to working together to continue that partnership. It's hard to believe it is that time a year but with our rapidly changing conditions in Minnesota, it is necessary to plan for the possibility of closing school because of inclement weather. Mankato Area Public Schools utilize the derives of two transportation carriers, serving 3,440 public and nonpublic school students daily.
Many bus routes include transfer points and stops at several facilities, which makes our student bus transportation system very complex. When the District decides to have school, parents and guardians should make the final decision as to whether or not their child(ren) should attend school on inclement weather days. If you do not send your child(ren), please call the school(s) to report the absence. A student who is not in school will be excused but marked as absent. Students will be expected to make up any missed school work. Also, please remember during winter months your child(ren) should always be appropriately dressed for the weather, as emergencies may result in dangerous situation and safety is a top priority for all of us.
Early dismissal announcements will be made before buses are scheduled to depart from schools, because approximately 1-1/2 hours to position the buses for early departure. Please do not phone the schools for information regarding early dismissal, since communication among school must be maintained by district personnel. School closing and early dismissal notices will be broadcast on the following radio and television stations:
- KTOE
- KDOG
- KYSM-AM and FM
- KATO
- KXLP
- KXAC
- KEEZ
- KMSU
- KRBI
- KMKO
- KRRW
- KEYC-TV12
- KSTP-TV
- KARE 11- TV
- FOX 9/UPN 29 TV
- WCCO Radio and TV
You can also check the District's website at www.isd77.org, check the Mankato Free Press Online, call the Help Line at 507-386-4777 for recorded message about closings or early dismissals, or sign up to receive email or text messages through the following resources:
- Subscribe on Twitter @isd77news
- Subscribe on Facebook to: Mankato Area Public Schools
- Subscribe to receive email or text message at www.isd77.org, click on "Subscribe to News" under quick links.
The following guidelines may be helpful to parents/guardians:
- Given the severity of conditions, parents may wish to meet the bus at the bus stop.
- Parents should be an alternate plan in the events buses are unable to retire students to their homes early. Please do not park in bus loading zones or block bus entrances or exits, as the buses must move quickly.
- Parents and guardians should make the final decision as to whether their child(ren) should attempt to attend school or inclement weather days.
As we continue to work together, I appreciate your support as we navigate our winter. Thank you for your understanding and assistance regarding inclement weather and school closing safety.
Sincerely,
Sheri L Allen Ed. D.
Superintendent
OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES
1610 Commerce Drive North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
Protecting Yourself and Your Family Influenza (Flu) Information for Parents
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can be prevented by immunization. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.” Flu is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Influenza symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and put you in bed for several days.
What if you think your child has the flu?
• Keep your child home from school if they have a fever of 100 degrees F and a sore throat or cough.
• Have your child rest and drink lots of fluids.
• Antibiotics will not help a person recover from the flu, because flu is caused by a virus, not by bacteria. • Children may need fever reducing medications to keep their fever under control. Follow your child’s doctor’s instructions.
• If you are concerned that something does not seem right with your child, call your doctor or clinic.
What can you do to protect your child and family?
• Get vaccinated. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid being exposed to others who are sick with a flu-like illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve. • Clean your hands often – with soap and water or an alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer.
• Do not share drinking cups and straws.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets).
Call your child’s school if your child is home with an influenza-like illness. If you have any questions or concerns contact the nurse and/or health service at your child’s school.
For more information go to the Minnesota Department of Health website www.mdhflu.com.