PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - February 28, 2020
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.
All students will demonstrate growth in their social-emotional learning.
From the Principal, Mrs. Alonzo
Are you enjoying a great book this weekend?
NEA’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids and books! We will be celebrating all things READING and Dr. Seuss this week! Here are 10 interesting facts about the famous author!
1. He Wasn't Really A Doctor
Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, he began using the title while still in college in order to be taken more seriously and lend his writing more credit. Can you just do that, tell everyone you’re actually a Doctor now?
2. He Wrote "Green Eggs And Ham" On A Dare
Challenged by his publisher to write a book using only 50 different words, Dr. Seuss decided to tell the story of a picky eater (like many of the children reading his books) who continues to refuse the colorful food offerings laid before him.
3. He Produced Cartoons For The Army During WWII
As the commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces, he produced propaganda and training films, including one about a bumbling soldier named Private Snafu.
4. "The Grinch" Movie Was A Flop At First
Now one of the most popular family holiday flicks, the movie was originally panned by critics at Variety despite Dr. Seuss teaming up with Looney Tunes legend Chuck Jones for the animation.
5. He Thought Children's Books Were Too Boring
The mischievous plot of The Cat in the Hat was inspired by what Dr. Seuss felt was a boring, overly simplistic Dick and Jane book series. Rather than attempting to enforce morality lessons, Dr. Seuss embraced the chaos with his titular cat.
6. He Was The First Person To Use The Word "Nerd"
He may have been first, although it meant something completely different in If I Ran the Zoo. Instead of referring to a brainiac, the “nerd” was described as a white-haired, red-and-yellow “sourpuss.”
7. He Started Out In Advertising
He was just as silly with his inventive drawings when his work originally appeared in clever ads for things like bug spray and motor oil, even depicting similar creatures to those that would later appear in his books.
8. He Had Imaginary Children
Dr. Seuss never had biological children. However, he would also boast about his own make-believe kiddos whenever he’d hear his friends bragging about theirs. Most notably, he referred to his fictional daughter “Chrysanthemum Pearl,” whom he claimed could make “the most delicious oyster stew with chocolate frosting and flaming Roman candles.”
9. He Had A Large Collection Of Hats
Like the cat in his most famous book, Dr. Seuss was a fan of chapeaus and kept a rather large collection in a hidden area of his home. Reports claim that he had over 300 hats at one point during his life.
10. He Had A Very Clever Response When Asked About Inspiration
Of course, the creative mind that brought to life so many wonderful characters would have an entertaining answer to one of the most asked questions he received:
“I get all my ideas in Switzerland near the Forka Pass. There is a little town called Gletch, and two thousand feet up above Gletch there is a smaller hamlet called Über Gletch. I go there on the fourth of August every summer to get my cuckoo clock fixed. While the cuckoo is in the hospital, I wander around and talk to the people in the streets. They are very strange people, and I get my ideas from them.”
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19001
Wildcat News Network
Counselor's Corner with Mrs. Williams
Last week, we began talking about the importance of self-regulation and ways we can help our kiddos develop these skills. From last week, we learned that self-regulation is the ability to effectively manage emotions and appropriately respond/react to events in our day.
Sometimes, the onset of these different emotions is too fast, too soon, and too much for our children to control. As a result, children may express themselves through meltdowns. During the midst of a meltdown, it becomes very difficult to talk or reason with our children. This is also not an ideal time to discuss consequences with them. We must first calm them and connect with them.
I want to provide a simple technique that may help with calming your child(ren) from a meltdown.
Grounding….but not the grounding you might be thinking of! Grounding is a technique that will allow your child to emotional detach from the situation that caused them to become upset. Grounding is great way to disrupt the hyper-focus on the negative event. Grounding also works extremely well with helping our children who have anxiety. There are several great ways to achieve this!
Ask your child to participate in these activities, and don’t forget to lead by example!
1. Senses Dial In: This is a great go-to because kids can do this anywhere! For this one, you will use all 5 of your sense. Find 5 things you can see around you, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste!
2. ABC Around the Room: This exercise will get students connected with the place they are at right now. Have your student look around the room and name something they see that begins with a letter of the alphabet. See how far they can get through the alphabet!
3. Be A Tree: There’s nothing more grounded than a tree! Start by having your child stand with their feet shoulder width apart. Have them reach up high, and envision their arms as the branches of a tree, wiggling their fingers like leaves. Gently swaying as they take some deep breaths. Simply noticing their bodies and feeling their connection with the room helps kids feel grounded!
4. Color Search: Choose a color and look around the room/environment. How many things can you find that color? What color had the most items?
Once we can get our child calm and reoriented with the present moment, then we can effectively discuss the situation, their feelings, appropriate options to handle the situation, and give consequences when necessary. Happy Grounding!
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19108
From Mrs. Adams, Positive Behavior Coach
Hello, Winfield families!
This week in PBIS land, we are focused on managing and working through strong feelings like anger and anxiety. All students are learning about belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing), and also, using positive self-talk in order to calm down.
Our Kindergartners and First graders are practicing the calming-down steps (use your stop signal, then name your feeling, then take belly breaths or use positive self-talk) to help students manage strong feelings. Belly breathing helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, which calms the body. If you are interested in learning the correct technique for belly breathing so that you can model it for your child, go online to www.secondstep.org to watch an instructional video. In class, students did report that they were much more relaxed after completing a round of five belly breaths. Students have also stopped me in the halls to tell me how they have tried belly breathing outside of school this week, and that it has worked in calming them down. Success!
Our Second graders, in addition to practicing belly breathing, are learning that self-talk affects how people feel and can reduce or increase negative feelings. Students are identifying negative self-talk and practicing using positive self-talk to stay calm and manage anxiety. When students become overwhelmed by anxiety, their ability to handle academic stress deteriorates, and they become even less effective at handling further challenges. Managing anxiety effectively can help students be more successful in school. In class, students role-played various scenarios, demonstrating the calming-down steps. Each student, when given a stressful practice scenario, came up with a different positive self-talk phrase they might use. Students were very willing and capable of calming themselves down and learning the significance of a healthy mindset. Success, again!
These Second Step lessons have been a great opportunity for students to wrestle with real-life concepts, and I have gained a positive perspective of what our students value both personally and academically. Thank you for allowing me the chance to form these relationships with your child!
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19602
Help Us Celebrate Our Great Teachers!
It takes moments to recognize a teacher!
Students, parents, and fellow colleagues can access The Times Teacher Appreciation Form at www.nwitimes.com/forms/teachers_appreciation/ and nominate a teacher who excels in the classroom. Nominators are kept confidential…their information is not printed in the paper.
Whistles From The Gym
Thank you to all students and families for participating in this year’s Kids Heart Challenge. As of Thursday morning we have raised over $7300 for the American Heart Association. Great job wildcats! Please allows 3-4 weeks for the thank you gifts to arrive. Once they arrive, prizes will be passed out during class with Mr. Hedl. Any questions or last minute donations please contact Mr. Hedl. Thanks again for another successful event!!!
Reading Connection
This month features decoding strategies, writing, silent reading and more!
From the School Nurse, Mrs. Taylor
Please follow the following recommendations when deciding to keep your child home due to illness:
-Must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of any fever-reducing medications (Advil/Motrin).
-Must be free from episodes of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
-Must be free from constant, uncontrolled cough.
We adhere to these recommendations very strictly in the best interest of the health of all of our students in the hope of limiting the amount of illness passed throughout our student population. If you have any questions about whether or not it is appropriate for your child to be at school please call us.
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 window. 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 implement some new incentives this year.
ATTENDANCE GOAL: 96%
ATTENDANCE ACTUAL: 96%
From the Cafeteria
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Meal Prices
Student Breakfast: $1.50 Student Lunch: $2.35 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
Nutrition Nuggets
Students with healthy eating and exercise habits have higher test scores, better attendance, improved concentration, fewer discipline referrals, and greater overall achievement. Nutrition Nuggets shares ideas to improve nutrition and physical fitness at home. Every issue is filled with practical ideas for:
- preparing nutritious meals on a tight schedule and tight budget
- smart snacking
- finding time for exercise—and ways to make it fun
- boosting vegetables and whole grains
- making nutritious foods appealing
- physical activities families can do together
- teaching kids about healthy choices
You can access the latest edition here: NUTRITION NUGGETS 2.2020
Cafeteria Menu: Week of March 2
MONDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza OR Breakfast Bar/Cereal
Lunch: Pizza, Corn, Crunchy Carrots, Mandarin Oranges
TUESDAY
Breakfast: Whole Grain Muffins OR Cereal, Poptart
Lunch: Chicken Tenders /Roll, Mac & Cheese, Lean Green Beans, Rocket Red Peppers, Yummy Pears
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich OR Confetti Pancakes
Lunch: Corn Dog OR Grilled Cheese, Baked Beans, Crispy Garden Salad, Golden Peaches
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito OR Whole Grain Donuts
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets / Rice, Oriental Sauce Optional, Tiny Tree Top Broccoli, Pea Pods, Pineapple Tidbits
FRIDAY
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR Cereal / Poptart
Lunch: Breakfast For Lunch, Hashbrowns, Yummy Pears, Rice Krispy Treat
Guest Lunch
Student Last Names A-K: April 3
Student Last Names L-Z: March 6, May 1
The following guidelines apply:
- ONE guest per student
- No younger siblings permitted
- No Fast Food (i.e. McDonald's)
- Pre-register by calling the office at least ONE DAY in advance
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
March 2020
Disability Awareness Month
2-6 Read Across America Week
20- End of 3rd Grading Period
23-27- Spring Break
April 2020
8-9 Kindergarten Screening for Incoming 2020-2021 students
23- Creative Arts Fair
24- Grandparent's Day
CAFE News
Midwest Gymnastics
Our next Open Gym night of the year will be held on Saturday, March 7th! Join us at Midwest Gymnastics on Summit Street for a fun drop-off event. Students may be dropped off from 7-9pm for $10 and enjoy trampolines, foam pit, tumbling tracks and more! Supervision is provided by volunteers from the CAFE, and Mrs. Alonzo always joins in! Please direct any questions to Kim Neff at kimneff31@yahoo.com. We had our BIGGEST night ever in February- 113 kids!
Apples for the Students
Do you shop at Strack and Van Til? If so, please send your receipts in to the Winfield School office. We are collecting receipts dated September 1, 2019 through March 2nd, 2020. Ask your friends and relatives to save their receipts and send in to school! We will count the value of the register tapes and redeem them for great items that benefit our students and classrooms! Please contact Amy Schaafsma at aschaafs@gmail.com with any questions.
Amazon Smile
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.
Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages. Visit smile.amazon.com and select your charitable group: Winfield Jerry Ross Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization
Extracurricular & Community News
It’s Tri Kappa Egg time! Beginning on March 9, 2020, Crown Point Tri Kappa will be selling their handmade delectable, 4 oz. chocolate Easter eggs for $5.00 each, in over 25 local retailers. This year’s flavors are caramel, coconut cream, krunch, peanut butter krunch and peanut butter. To order, for retailer names and locations or for further information about Tri Kappa Eggs please call the Tri Kappa Egg hotline (219) 440-4865, email trikappaeggs@gmail.com or find Tri Kappa Eggs on Facebook.
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