Weber Elementary School
May 2018 Newsletter
Principal's Corner
Dear Weber Families,
The month of May is here and we have had a great year at Weber Elementary! Our last school day is Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Please note students will follow the early dismissal time for the last day. Students will be dismissed at 1:55pm (similar to Thursday’s early release days). We have a busy month ahead of us as we complete the school year entering into summer break. A few things that are happening include the following; state climate surveys, technology and playground updates, last trimester assembly/ school picnic, and ending the year strong.
The Iowa Department of Education has created a survey called Conditions of Learning under the federal education law, Every Student Succeeds Act. This survey will be administered to all Iowa School Districts and the goal is to improve safety, student engagement and the overall learning environment in order to ensure that that learning is taking place for all students at the highest level. This survey is only given to grades 5th-12th and takes about 15-20 minutes. Parents have an opt out opportunity as we sent messages about it a few weeks ago. Please feel free to contact me, should you have additional questions about the survey.
I am excited to share that this summer a few new things will be taking place. Weber Elementary School is on schedule to upgrade our technology system school-wide. In the past technology was replaced on a six-year cycle. The process has now changed to a four-year full building replacement cycle. This means that Weber’s entire building technology will be upgraded at once. This summer, each classroom will receive a new interactive projector, whiteboard, audio system with voice amplification, wireless video, and document camera. In addition, the building will receive 276 devices (ranging from chromebooks, Ipads, or laptops). Aside from technology, the district will be replacing the compound structure on the west engineered wood fiber playground this summer. Weber PTA is assisting with funding for replacements of swings.
On March 25th, we will have an all school picnic from 11:00am-12:00pm. All Weber families are invited to attend the gathering on the school lawn. We will also have our last Dolphin Pride Assembly from 1:30pm-2:30pm to honor all students and Dolphin Pride Winners (going above and beyond to demonstrate Respectful, Responsible, and Safe Behaviors). If families are able to attend either of these events, feel free to join our celebration!
Last, but not least, we ask that all families encourage students to finish out the year in a strong way. As we experience nice weather it is easy to begin thinking about summer break. Our goal at Weber is to continue engaging students to meet academic goals, while also finding opportunities to celebrate with end of the year activities. Let’s work together to help students remain focused and have a great last month of school.
Thank you for all you do as a caring /committed community and entrusting our team with your children.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Yaa Appiah-McNulty
Student Family Advocate Corner
A Message from Ms. Krystal Jossell, SFA
Weber Student and Family Advocate (SFA)
319-688-1173
Community Events & Resources
Summership-Summership scholarships are available for a summer camp or activity for any student (K-12) in Johnson or Washington County that is eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch. The scholarships are up to $250 and there are 84 slots available. Summerships provide access to summer-time, high quality camps and activities for children who otherwise might not have the opportunity.
Please direct questions to United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, info@unitedwayjwc.org or 319-338-7823.
School Supplies
If your child needs school supplies for next school year, please contact Ms. Jossell.
E-registration
Please remember to complete your e-registration in August before the start of the school year. This includes FRL applications, which must be re-submitted each year. If you have any questions please let me know.
Counselors Corner: Samantha Dean
Hello Families!
It is that busy exciting time of year where we can reflect on what we have learned, celebrate our accomplishments, and set goals going forward. Currently in classroom guidance, all grade levels have begun, or will begin, lessons on career exploration and development.
What is coming up in classroom guidance: All grade levels will continue exploring interests and learning how this relates to careers. Students will explore these in different ways at each grade level. There are some new growth mindset lessons that first graders will be learning as well. Sixth graders will have the opportunity to practice opening combination locks in preparation for junior high!
More About Growth Mindset: Growth mindset is something that many, many educators learn about and focus on. We believe every child can grow and succeed at Weber! Having a growth mindset helps children understand that talents and abilities can be developed through effort, teaching, and persistence. They believe everyone can get better and smarter if they work at it. This is different from a fixed mindset where the individual believes their abilities, intelligence, and talents are just fixed traits that cannot grow and improve. Here are some tips from Julia Cook’s picture book Bubble Gum Brain: Ready, Get Mindset…Grow! There are many possibilities for me to use this resource with whole classes and groups and it compliments our counseling curriculum nicely.
Here are some “tips” for parents and educators from the book.
Great minds make a lot of mistakes: help children understand that not only are mistakes okay, but they help us learn and grow!
Avoid blaming: teach kids to own and talk about their mistakes. It is more important to strive for growth than perfection.
There’s more than one way to “milk a duck”: every challenge has different paths leading to the end result
“Lead the child to water…but don’t drink it for them”: rather than providing kids with the answer get in the habit of asking questions to help stretch their brains and come up with solutions on their own. Such as, “what’s another way that might work to solve this problem?”
Teach kids the power of YET: Replace “I can’t do_______”, with “I can’t do _________yet.”
Encourage and model the practice of not giving up: help develop and encourage persistence
Applaud the effort, but make “IT” ultimately about the learning: developing a growth-mindset will help kids see positives n challenges on the path to gaining knowledge.
*Remember that actions often speak louder than words. The best way to teach children to develop a growth mindset is to authentically modeling one yourself!
Other News:
For those who may not know, my family and I are expecting an addition to our family in
late August! This means that I may or may not be on maternity leave right when the next
school year starts. If not, it will be days after. ;-) I will have a long term sub for that six
weeks, and the plan right now is to have a retired counselor from the district be here for
that, so I am very grateful for that. I wish everyone a great rest of the year and a fantastic
summer!
Kindergarten Spring Concert
Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 02:00 PM
Weber Elementary School, Rohret Road Southwest, Iowa City, IA, USA
Weber McTeacher Night
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 05:00 PM
McDonald's, Mormon Trek Boulevard, Iowa City, IA, USA
Weber PTA Meeting
Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 06:30 PM
Weber Elementary School, Rohret Road Southwest, Iowa City, IA, USA
Weber Dolphin Pride Assembly
Friday, May 25, 2018, 01:30 PM
Weber Elementary School, Rohret Road Southwest, Iowa City, IA, USA
Last Day of School
7:55am-1:55pm
Early Release Day
Wednesday, May 30, 2018, 08:00 AM
Weber Elementary School, Rohret Road Southwest, Iowa City, IA, USA
Non-Discrimination Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Kingsley Botchway II, Director of Equity, 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000, Botchway.kingsley@iowacityschools.org.