News From the Nest
White River Elementary January 8th, 2021
19000 Cumberland Road Noblesville, Indiana 46060
Phone: 317-770-2080 Fax: 317-770-2081
https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/16
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Upcoming Events
1/18 No School/Flex Day - Martin Luther King Day
Note From the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break, relaxed, and spent some quality time with family. White River staff is grateful to have your children back to school, it has been a wonderful week!
Clothing Needed
The clinic is in need of boys 5, 6, and 7 clothing. We would greatly appreciate any gently used clothing in this size range. Feel free to send clothing in your child’s backpack labeled for Nurse Rector. Thank you!
Lost and Found
Our lost and found has grown and we would love to connect these items with their owners. If your child is coming home without their sweatshirts or jackets, etc… ask him/her to visit our ‘Lost and Found’ tables in the main hallway. It is also helpful to print your child’s name inside personal items so we can promptly return them.
NWEA
Next week, students are participating in NWEA MAP Growth assessments. We have been using MAP Growth for many years. Students do not prepare for the MAP tests, nor are the results used for grading purposes. MAP Growth assessments are unique in that they adapt to your child’s level of learning. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This results in a detailed picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn! Parents will receive a report showing your child’s growth. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Soaring with you,
Ms. VanDermark
Covid Reminders
1. If your child will be absent from school please remember to contact our office at 317-770-2080.
2. If a household member is referred for COVID testing, all students living under the same roof should remain home from school until the findings of the test.
3. Please remember to send your student with 2 masks everyday. Make sure to wash face masks.
5. Find resources and answers to your COVID questions at noblesvilleschools.org/return
Online Learners
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a relaxing winter break and that though I’m sure it was different than normal, that you were able to create some good memories during that time.
Giving Feedback to your Child(ren)
It is important to note the difference between giving praise and giving feedback. As educators we discuss the importance of moving beyond saying things like great job and awesome work. Yes, we all like to hear those words but when we say them without any connection to why it was great or awesome, it becomes less useful to the child (or the adult) to know what they are doing that they should keep doing. It also helps the child understand what their strengths are. Therefore, consider saying things like…
Wow, as a reader today I saw how you took time to think about what you had read before responding.
Look at you! As a writer, you added words that help me visualize what you are saying.
As a mathematician you just skip counted to help you figure that one out.
As a learner, you thought deeply about this issue in history. You read about what happened and shared your thinking.
You just showed me how stretch out a word so you can read it all the way through. Great job!
So praise can be included or not included with feedback, yet always naming what the child did is important. You can then give next steps…
Now, as a reader I want you to try…
Next, think about this…
You are ready to do…
This is a small glimpse into what teachers do when they are meeting one-on-one in conferences with your child(ren), and in small groups. As you work with your child at home, consider the feedback you are giving. If you ever want to talk through giving feedback more, just reach out to me. Our goal is to build confidence in the learner while also nudging them to learn more.
News From Cafe
Free School Meals for All Students Extended
The federal COVID school meal waiver has been extended and we will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to ALL students through the end of the school year. Meals must meet USDA guidelines in order to be free and students will still use lunch accounts for ala carte purchases and snacks. Families can make online lunch account payments at https://www.k12paymentcenter.com/. Questions? Visit Food Services on our website or contact Food Services Director Erin Brattain at erin_brattain@nobl.k12.in.us
Student Services Team
White River and all Noblesville Elementary Schools are partnering this year with Health Ed Pros to bring Here We Grow! to our 4th grade students and The Facts of Life to our 5th grade students. Below is more information on these programs. All instruction is developmentally appropriate and aligns with the National and State Academic Standards for Health and Wellness.
Here We Grow! 4th Grade Program: A human growth and development program which targets 4th grade students and their journey through puberty. Classes are separated by gender to allow students the opportunity to ask questions more comfortably. The primary focus of this program centers around heredity, hormones, and hygiene, along with a brief overview of the male and female reproductive systems.
The Facts of Life a 5th Grade Program: A human growth and development program which targets fifth grade students and their journey through puberty. Classes are separated by gender to allow students the opportunity to ask questions more comfortably. The program includes an overview of the male and female reproductive systems, review of all body systems, the process of human reproduction from fertilization to birth, and how their body grows and changes during puberty.
White River 4th and 5th grade programs will be scheduled second semester. Noblesville Schools Virtual Parent Night is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th at 7 p.m. This meeting is open to all parents of 4th and 5th grade students. Children should not attend this meeting. This will be an opportunity for parents to learn more about the presentation and ask questions about the program. Register for this virtual preview session by clicking here.
PTO News
2021-2022 PTO executive board- As we look ahead to next school year, it’s time to start planning the new PTO executive board. If you would like to join or know of someone who would like to join, please send an e-mail to whiteriverpto@gmail.com. We will be looking for fill the follow slots:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Member-at-large
2021-2022 Committee chairs- If you’re interested in helping please send an e-mail. We are looking to fill the following committees with at least 2 two people to run them:
Eagle Extravaganza - We will have a dinner, family friendly events, a DJ and an online auction. Volunteers are needed to help ensure the evening runs smoothly. May be pushed to spring 2022.
Family Date Night - A fun evening for the whole family during the 2nd semester
5th Grade Farewell - A fun day to spoil the 5th grade students at the end of the year. Volunteers are needed to help ensure everyone has a fun and safe day.
Giving Shop - The Giving Shop is a chance for WRE students to holiday shop for the special people in their lives during school hours. Volunteers are needed to assist students in picking out items and sticking to their budget. Must have level 3 background check.
Ice Cream Social- A fun evening right before school starts to meet your student’s teacher. Responsibilities include working with the cafe staff to order supplies and set up a volunteer list.
Parents Night Out - A fun night for students of White River to be with their friends at school with different activities. Volunteers are needed to help keep the evening running smoothly, fill snack tables and make sure everyone is having fun. Must have a level 3 background check. Duties: create themes or activities, purchase supplies, recruit and direct volunteers, send out sign up forms, track income & submit profits to treasury.
Staff Appreciation - Committee plans for things during all of the appreciation weeks including gifts and treats. Volunteers are needed to help with supplying food, monetary donations for gift cards, creative decorating and more!
Community News
Technology is a wonderful thing...until it's not. Introducing our new and improved Noblesville Schools technology help page with resources, quick links, FAQs and easy-to-find contacts for additional assistance. You'll want to bookmark this page! https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Page/7055
Noblesville Youth Baseball
Preschool - 6th Grade
Registration starts January 1, 2021
Click here for more information.
Girl Scouts Registration
(Grades K - 12)
Click here for more information
4-H Exploration Night - Explore the Gift of 4-H
Click here to register
December 2, 2020 - OR - January 12, 2021
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
(come anytime)
Miller Mall
https://springmillermall.itemorder.com/sale Order your Spirit Wear Now!!
When you purchase through Miller Mall, a portion of your proceeds are going to fund the educational needs of our schools.