PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - August 17, 2018
Winfield Elementary School Improvement Goals
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in reading.
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in mathematics.
From the Principal, Mrs. Alonzo
Dear Winfield Friends and Family,
It's hard to believe that I am beginning my sixth year with our wonderful Winfield families. While we aim for the moon every year, I am confident this will be "Some Year".
Earlier this week we enjoyed well over 100 student visits during Summer Packet Day. Kids enjoyed a "farm feed" snack and visited with friends and teachers. It is delightful to see our students so excited to return to school!
Please be sure to check your email daily for important reminders about the start of the 2018-2019 school year! We are excited to welcome Miss Tiffany Millsap to our first grade team. She will be filling in for Mrs. Santefort while she is on maternity leave at the start of the year. Miss Millsap is a recent graduate of Ball State's Teacher Education program and has been collaborating with Mrs. Santefort to learn the ins and outs of Winfield. Mrs. Santefort also spent much of her summer planning the details of her leave, so I am certain her students are in excellent hands with Miss Millsap!
Last spring, Ms. Linsley and I met with PTO leaders and parent focus groups to get feedback on how a parent support organization should look in the modern era. The Winfield/Jerry Ross PTO bylaws had not been revised in over 10 years and the original template was created in the 1990’s. We felt it was time for an update. So, the former Parent Teacher Organization has undergone a transformation to better meet the needs of our families today. CAFE is our new parent volunteer group!
Out with PTO...In with CAFE...Community Advocates For Education
One of the biggest changes is that we removed the hierarchy of board positions and replaced it with committee chairs who focus on specific events or tasks. There is no longer a required year long commitment, which prevented many parents from getting involved. We are still in the process of drafting the new bylaws and molding this exciting new community group.
ALL parents or legal guardians of children attending Winfield and/or Jerry Ross schools and ALL persons of the staff and faculty are automatically members of the CAFE. Any community member with a vested interest in the schools is also granted membership. There are no membership fees involved.
The purpose of the CAFE is threefold:
- To increase parent involvement and participation in school and community activities.
- To strengthen home, school and community communication and ensure all segments of the community are kept fully informed of CAFE commitments.
- To organize and oversee fundraising and school events for the benefit of Winfield/Jerry Ross Elementary students and families.
We need everyone’s help to make CAFE a successful support group for our schools. Our first meeting will take place on Thursday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the Jerry Ross Elementary School cafeteria.
CAFE CORNER
This is where you will find updates on what the CAFE is doing each week!
- The Fall Fundraiser for Winfield and Jerry Ross will again be World’s Finest Chocolate. A note will go home on the 24th of August, the boxes will go home on the 29th, and the fundraiser will last for 2 weeks. Top prize (one per school) will be a $150 gift card to Amazon, top seller of each grade (6 total) will be a $75 gift card to Amazon, and 30 students per grade will visit the Ice Cream Truck!
- We will be having a spirit wear order during the first few weeks of school. Samples will be available to view at Open Houses.
- We are in need of committee chairpersons. Here is a list of our immediate needs.
- Dining for Dollars (McSchool Night and other dining opportunities)
- Midwest Gymnastics Saturday events
- Playground
- Publicity (Newsletter, social media)
- Student of the Month (One for each school)
- Critical Position: Treasurer- We are actively searching for one treasurer from each school. This is a year-round volunteer position unlike some of the committee chairs.
If you are interested, please contact me or Ms. Linsley for more information.
With many new families joining us this year, you may want to check out this comprehensive guide to our school to help answer some of the most asked questions. Check it out here: The A-Z Guide to Winfield Elementary
General school and corporation policy information can also be viewed in the CPCSC Elementary Handbook. Classroom teachers will disseminate specific information regarding their class procedures during orientation or open house.
My door is always open. Please call, email, or stop by if there is something I can do to better serve you and your family. I am looking forward to an incredible year!
Respectfully,
Mrs. Jillian Alonzo
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19001
Start of School Information
Building Walkthrough- The school building will be open on Monday, August 20th from 3:00-5:00 pm if students would like to walk through and locate their classroom. Please note: teachers may or may not be present, and classrooms may or may not be open.
Cafeteria/Lunch- Parents may fund their children's lunch accounts by sending in cash/check in a clearly labeled/sealed envelope, or by using the MealTime application to add funds electronically with a credit card. You cannot add funds/create an account until you have your Student ID number after registration is complete.
Childcare at Winfield- Childcare is available before and after school at Winfield Elementary. Registration and information forms can be downloaded HERE and are available at the Administrative Service Center, 200 East North Street, Crown Point. Child care is offered on school days for students in grades K-2 for two sessions: AM-6:00-8:55 a.m. and PM-3:45-6:30 p.m., as well as 12:15-6:30 p.m. on half-days. The cost each day is $7.00 per session. Please note: Only Winfield students attend Winfield Childcare. Jerry Ross students will attend Jerry Ross Childcare. *The child care entrance is located at the south end of the building by the stairs/ramp. You will buzz in just like you do at the front door.
First Day of School- While we keep a very secure campus all year long, we understand the excitement and nervousness that a new school year brings! For that reason, parents are welcome to walk their son/daughter into the school on the first two days of school. Beginning on Monday, August 27th, no visitors are permitted beyond the school office without a scheduled appointment or other designated purpose.
Kindergarten Orientation- Kindergarten Orientation (for parents and students) will be held at 6pm on Monday, August 20th. At this time families will be able to meet the teacher and visit the classroom. Students are taken on a tour of the building with their peers while parents visit with the teacher and principal. You are welcome to bring student supplies in that evening.
Open Houses- Open Houses will be held for First and Second Grade classrooms on Thursday, August 23rd. First Grade classes will meet promptly at 6 pm, and Second Grade classes will meet promptly at 7 pm. Mrs. Smith's students/families will gather at 6 pm as well. Parents and students are welcome to attend.
School Supplies- School supplies are provided for students through the School Fees assessed. A detailed supply list can be found later in this newsletter.
Teacher Assignment- Teacher assignments will be available for viewing on RDS on Monday, August 20th.
Transportation- All students attending Winfield Elementary are eligible for bus transportation to/from school. Bus stop locations and times will be available HERE the on Monday. Students who register after Friday, August 10th will not receive transportation until Monday, August 27th. A practice Bus Run will be held for new students on Wednesday, August 22nd. The run typically begins about 10 am and follows the route that will be used for school days.
School Supplies 2018-2019
- Backpack (no wheels)
- Headphones (no earbuds, labeled in a baggie with name)
- School Supply Box
- Boys Only: Roll of Paper Towel, Pack of Disinfectant Wipes
- Girls Only: Box of Kleenex, Pack of Baby Wipes
- Optional but recommended: Protective Cover/Case (Fits Dell Chromebook 11)
FIRST GRADE
- Backpack (no wheels)
- Headphones (no earbuds, labeled in a baggie with name)
- School Supply Box
- Boys Only: Box of Kleenex, Sandwich size Ziploc bags
- Girls Only: Pack of Disinfectant Wipes, Snack size Ziploc bags
- Optional but recommended: Protective Cover/Case (Fits Dell Chromebook 11)
SECOND GRADE
- Backpack (no wheels)
- Headphones (labeled in baggie with name)
- School Supply Box
- 2 Boxes of Kleenex
- 1 Tub of Disinfectant Wipes
- Boys Only: Roll of Paper Towel
- Girls Only: Box of Ziploc-style Bags (gallon or quart)
- Optional but recommended: Protective Cover/Case (Fits HP Chromebook 11- G3)
BYOD Accessing CPCSC Networks
On Wednesday, August 22nd, Kindergarten to 8th grade students bringing their own computer can verify access to the Crown Point wireless network, download the Chrome browser, and validate their Crown Point Google account username and password.
If the student’s computer is the same one used last school year, the computer does not need to be brought in again.
You can bring your computer to the Crown Point High School Community Room (G-142) between 7:00 in the morning and 5:00 in the afternoon. A technical staff member will be available to provide assistance. Enter the door marked Wellness (W1) on the circle drive of Crown Point High School and the Community Room door marked G-142 will be on your left.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction by emailing Ruth Schramm at rschramm@cps.k12.in.us or calling 663-3371.
From the School Nurse, Mrs. Taylor
Attention all Kindergarten parents: All shot records and physical/dental forms are required by the 1st day of school on August 23rd. Forms and immunization records can be dropped off in the Winfield main office prior to the start of school.
Permission for Medication Forms
All parents: If your child will require any medications during the school day a written doctor's order and parent consent is required to administer medications at school. Required forms can be printed from the school corporation website. No medications will be accepted unless the completed forms are submitted with the medications. This applies to any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may be needed during the school day.
I will be returning to school on August 20th. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or new medical updates. Looking forward to seeing all of our smiling Wildcat students soon!
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19081
School Hours 9:05 am-3:44 pm
*ALL TRANSPORTATION CHANGES MUST BE CALLED INTO THE OFFICE BEFORE 3 PM.
All children are dismissed through the car rider line. Parents do not come inside the building during dismissal. Please review the Arrival/Dismissal Map here: Traffic Map
Note: If you are a car rider, we will provide your with a nameplate for your dashboard. Please ensure this nameplate is present every day at pickup to expedite the line.
The school office is open daily from 7:30 am-4:30 pm. If you have Transportation questions after hours, please call 219-663-1465.
School Attendance
Regular school attendance is critical to a child's success. We recognize that being at school on time, all day, every day is the responsibility of the entire family. We are excited to announce that we will be honoring one FAMILY each week that demonstrates perfect attendance. Each Friday afternoon, we will draw a family name to win a Family Fun Night! Included in this fun pack will be a voucher for dinner from Pizza Hut and a movie from Redbox!
ATTENDANCE GOAL: 97%
From the Cafeteria
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Meal Prices
Student Breakfast: $1.50 Student Lunch: $2.25 Milk Only: $0.40
Funding Cafeteria Accounts
Send cash or check payable to Winfield Elementary Cafeteria in a sealed envelope with your child' name, teacher, $ amount, and "Cafeteria" clearly written on the front. Payments may also be made online by visiting www.mymealtime.com. The required passcode is the same as the child's Student ID in RDS.
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19603
Cafeteria Menu: Week of August 23
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito OR Whole Grain Donuts
Lunch: Clucking Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Roasted Carrots, Sliced Cucumber, Mandarin Oranges, Corn Bread
FRIDAY
Breakfast: Whole Grain Muffins OR Cereal / Poptart
Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch, Hash Brown Triangles, Fresh Broccoli Florets, Fruit Juice
Birthday Celebrations
As a school we believe it is important to recognize students on their birthdays. To protect instructional time in the classroom and manage student health needs, we do not allow edible birthday treats in the classroom (this includes CANDY in treat bags). Your child's birthday will be announced on the morning announcements and he/she is invited to the office for a small birthday treat.
If you choose, non-food items may be substituted your child may commemorate their special day by bringing a small treat for their classmates (pencil, bookmark, sticker, etc.) or dedicating a book to the classroom (and placing a special birthday bookplate inside).
OPTIONAL: Families wishing to celebrate their child's birthdays at lunch may purchase Ice Cream Tickets for each child in the class. Tickets are $0.75 each. Please complete an order form in the office 1 week prior to birthday.
Important Dates
August 2018
20- Building Walkthrough 3-5 pm
20- Teacher Assignments on RDS
20- Bus Stops/Routes Available HERE
20- Kindergarten Orientation 6:00-7:00 pm
22- Practice Bus Run @ 10 am (follows regular route)
23- First Day of School
23- Grade 1 and Mrs. Smith's Open House @ 6 pm
23- Grade 2 Open House @ 7 pm
September 2018
3- No School
4- One School, One Book Kickoff
10- Fall Picture Day
Safety & Security
CAFE Corner
Extracurricular & Community News
Winfield Elementary
Email: jalonzo@cps.k12.in.us
Website: www.cps.k12.in.us/Domain/843
Location: 13128 Montgomery Street, Crown Point, IN, United States
Phone: 219-663-2287
Twitter: @WinfieldElem