Weirton Elementary School
May 2022-2023
MAY FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the beautiful month of May. May is a magical time. It is the final push of knowledge and skills for our students to ensure they are ready to move on to the next grade level. Our staff and students are working hard this month. We are all determined to dig a bit deeper to FINISH STRONG.
This month students will be taking end of the year assessments.
PreK: ELRS & PALS
Kindergarten: ELRS, STAR Early Literacy, K-2 Test Pilot
First Grade: STAR Reading & STAR Math, K-2 Test Pilot
Second Grade: STAR Reading & STAR Math, K-2 Test Pilot
Third Grade: STAR Reading & STAR Math, WVGSA
Fourth Grade: STAR Reading & STAR Math, WVGSA
Refer to information regarding the K-2 ROAR program & the K-2 Test Pilot below in the Newsletter.
WTRF News:
Our students participated in the daily pledge with WTRF News. Refer to schedule below to watch our students on WTRF. Starting May 23.
May Lunch Menus attached below.
Summer Reading Challenge: (More information coming soon.)
WES Summer Reading Challenge Theme
Boost your reading power… How high can you make your book tower?
Students at WES have a summer opportunity to increase their independent reading. The student’s goal is to build a tower by reading books over the summer. A suggested list of book categories will be sent home as a possible guide. Students can turn in their towers upon returning to school. More information to come! Get to stackin’! Sponsored by our Title Teachers.
2023-2024 Registration:
Any parent that missed Kindergarten or Preschool registration, please call the main office to make an appointment. Ask for Ms. Kristin 304-748-8370.
Families are encouraged to connect with their child’s teachers to follow-up on any questions they may have regarding their child's progress.
The administration team is always happy to meet with parents who wish to discuss their child’s academic, social, or emotional progress. Please call the office if you would like to set up a meeting (304-748-8370).
Read the entire newsletter. Lots of updates and information included as you scroll down the newsletter.
May Dates:
May 1-19: WVGSA testing and K-2 Test Pilot (refer below to letter regarding K-2 Test Pilot)
Thursday, May 4:
- PTA Meeting at 6:00pm WES cafeteria
Friday May 5:
- No Preschool Due to Parent/Teacher Conferences
- School Lunch Hero Day. Thank you, Angie, Susan, Gena, Cindy, & Beth for all your hard work providing our students with daily meals.
- Cinco de Mayo
- Roar Program grades K-2 (more information below)
Saturday, May 6:
- National School Nurse Day. Thank you, Nurse DeCaria and Ms. Ally for taking care of all of our students.
Monday, May 8-12:
- Teacher Appreciation Week
Monday, May 8:
- "Teacher Appreciation Week": Student Challenge - Dress-up like one of your teachers.
Tuesday, May 9:
- "Teacher Appreciation Week": Student Challenge - Write your teachers a Thank You note.
Wednesday, May 10:
- "Teacher Appreciation Week": Student Challenge - Draw a portrait of your teachers.
Thursday, May 11:
- "Teacher Appreciation Week": Student Challenge - Draw a flower for your teachers.
- Wear GREEN to support Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (refer to counselors'' corner below in the newsletter)
Friday, May 12:
- No Preschool Due to Parent/Teacher Conferences
- "Teacher Appreciation Week": Wear red and black to show how much you love your W.E.S. teachers.
- Mrs. Frey and Mrs. Cribb's 2nd grade Publishing Party 9:00 am (RSVP will be sent home.)
Sunday, May 14:
- Mother's Day
Monday, May 15:
- National Police Week. Thank you, Officer Krzys, for keeping our students, staff, and school safe each day.
Friday, May 19:
- Last day of PreK. End of the year celebration at Hanover Park.
Tuesday, May 23:
- Weir High Senior Recognition Walk at W.E.S
- 3rd & 4th grade WGSA Movie "Super Mario"
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Ms. Pietrangelo's class 6:00 am.
Wednesday, May 24:
- WHS graduation
- 4th grade Field Trip
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Mrs. Davis's class 5:00am and Ms. Bartley's class at 6:00am.
Thursday, May 25:
- Field Day
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Mrs. Hall's class 5:00am and Ms. Barrett's class at 6:00am.
Friday, May 26:
- Field Day
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Mrs. Schey's class 5:00am and Ms. Freshwater's class at 6:00am.
Monday, May 29:
- Memorial Day (No School)
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Mrs. Cribb's class 5:00am and Mrs. Ohalek's class at 6:00am.
Tuesday, May 30:
- 4th grade Move-up Day to WMS
- 4th grade class picture when students return. Pizza and ice cream during lunch.
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Mrs. Haught's class 5:00am and Mrs. Lyon's class at 6:00am.
Wednesday, May 31:
- End of 4th 9 weeks grading period
- 4th nine-week report cards distributed (grades 1-4) ELRS distributed grades (PreK-K)
- Students' last day (2-hour early dismissal)
- Watch WTRF News Daily Pledge with Ms. Elliott's class 5:00am and Mrs. Frey's class at 6:00am.
"Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week" Check-out the Student Challenges
ROAR Program (Grades K-2)
ROAR Program (Grades K-2) on Friday, May 5. Parents or guardians that do not want their child to participate can contact the school guidance counselor, Stacy Cullinan for OPT Out of Instruction information. Stacy.cullinan@kl2.wv.us or 304-748-8370. If you have questions about the ROAR curriculum, please call or email Comfort House at 304-723-0083 or comforthouse@changeinc.org
Refer to letter below regarding ROAR for grades K-2.
WTRF- Weirton Elementary School Morning Pledge
K-2 Test Pilot
PreK May News
Important May Dates for Pre-K:
Friday, May 5th- No PK Due to Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, May 12th- No PK Due to Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, May 19th- Last Day of PK; Park Day
Please join us for our End of the Year Celebration at Hanover Park on Friday, May 19th from 9:00am-12:00pm. This will be our Family Engagement Activity for May. PK families will meet the PK staff at the park. We are excited to celebrate the end of the year and all of the accomplishments of our preschoolers together!
Kindergarten May News
Kindergarten is making the last few weeks of learning fun with special activities. We're getting ready for first grade! We've been exploring the outdoors, learning outside and writing about it. It's been exciting to point out the different 2D and 3D shapes all around us! When we write, we compose a topic sentence, detailed sentences that include evidence and a conclusion. Now using a capital letter and punctuation marks is a lot easier for us to remember.
In Wit and Wisdom, we are studying characteristics of the seven continents. We are learning more about the world, recognizing similarities and differences amongst the continents. As we explore each continent in Module 4, we will ask ourselves: What makes the world fascinating? There is so much to explore using maps, globes and rich informational books about our world.
Adding, subtracting and breaking down numbers are still regularly practiced in our rooms. We want to wow our teachers next year with what we know!
We've mastered logging into our iPads and accessing kindergarten apps. A favorite is IXL, it offers hundreds of kindergarten math skills, lessons and games to explore and learn! The kids love iPad time! They're also enjoying taking AR tests at their leisure. It has excited them to read more and gain badges online.
Look out first grade here we come!
First Grade May News
May will simply be MAGNIFICENT in First Grade. WES firsties have been extremely busy learning throughout the month of April. In English Language Arts, the first-grade students have wrapped up Module 3 in Wit and Wisdom. The first-grade crew learned all about the powerful force of the wind and their feelings. They dove deep into word connections, learning all about root words, expanding their knowledge of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and practicing verb tenses (past, present, future).
Module 4 has either begun or will begin shortly with first graders exploring various Cinderella stories. They will be learning about conjunctions, context clues, possessive pronouns, verb tenses, and continue extending their vocabulary content.
In Fundations, the students have wrapped up unit 11 and have moved onto unit 12. They have learned all about vowel-consonant-e but are now working on multi-syllabic words in unit 12. They are continuously reviewing the alphabet, digraphs, welded sounds, r-controlled, and the vowel teams in their daily phonics review.
We are thriving with AR! We still love to see Ms. Paull “pop” into our rooms weekly to distribute new pet pals to our growing collections. Firsties are doing stupendous with AR this year. All first-grade teachers hope they continue FLOURISHING throughout the summer with their reading.
In Math, the first-grade crew are continuing to work on topics such as measurement, time, data analysis, 2D/3D shapes, and fractions. They are really “SOARING” on Reflex Math. Many of the first graders at WES have earned fluency certificates this year. We have multiple students who have already achieved 100% fluency in their addition and math facts. WAY to GO! Keep Rocking it throughout the SUMMER!!!!! It only takes 15-20 minutes a day to fill your green light.
During May, First Graders will be learning all about insects, ocean animals, moon phases, and much, much more all throughout the month. Keep watching your child's classroom dojo and the Weirton Elementary Facebook page for weekly pictures about all the INCREDIBLE things the first-grade crew will be doing throughout the month of MAY.
Second Grade May News
2nd graders welcome May! We've heard that April showers bring May flowers! 2nd graders are learning the life cycle of a plant in Science. We are exploring the parts of a seed, pollination, and germination.
In Fundations we are in our last Unit and learning about the syllable type -le. Words such as pebble, snuggle, marble, cable, and stumble are being taught.
Once Unit 17 is complete, we will continue working on building knowledge of k/ck, contractions, and syllable division of a word.
2nd grade Wit and Wisdom Module 4 is titled “Good Eating”. Students will discuss how food nourishes our bodies as well as how the digestive system works.
In Math we are diving into Geometry and Fractions!
We are still traveling down our AR path and earning our badges for reading!
Miss Elliott, Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Frey, and Mrs. Cribbs homeroom will be having their publishing parties this month! Look for info to come soon.
The students are preparing for the transition to 3rd grade! They are excited to move upstairs for the next school year! We have had a wonderful time with them and have enjoyed watching these students grow and learn.
Third Grade May News
In 3rd grade Wit and Wisdom, students are continuing with Module 2: Outer Space. In Arc 1, we are building knowledge on our focusing question- How did Galileo learn about space? Students are creating timelines, examining, listening to recount events, analyzing art, establishing a relationship between ideas.
In Fundations, we are starting Unit 10. In this unit, students review the double vowel syllable. This syllable contains a vowel diagraph or diphthong. A vowel diagraph is two vowels together that represent one sound. Diphthong is a sound that begins with one vowel sound and glides into another.
In 3rd grade math, we are starting our chapter on Time and Measurement. Chapter 10 at a glance: Time to the minute, measure time intervals, measure length, estimate and measure liquid volume and mass. We will continue working on math facts, fractions, area perimeter, and multi-step problem solving.
The GSA’s is one month away! Students are working so hard on their practice tests. They will definity be ready to rock this test! Keep our learning strong 3rd grade and we will succeed!
Fourth Grade May News
We are almost to the finish line of another year!! This last month we will be finishing up Module 2 in Wit & Wisdom with our End of Module creative writing task, reviewing and polishing our math skills by learning all about geometry and measuring angles using protractors. The last of our practice IMAs are completed and we are feeling confident as we head into state testing weeks.
On a lighter note, we have lots of activities planned to conclude our last year of elementary school!! We will be taking a field trip, enjoying a field day, and shopping and tasting amazing fruits and veggies at another Farmer’s Market Day. We also get to tour Weir Middle School to help calm our nerves for next year and hopefully get more excited about our students’ new chapter! We also get to cheer our Weir High Seniors on as they complete their K-12 journey and remind us that anything is possible!!!
Dear Families,
We give you back your children, the same children that you entrusted in our care this fall. We give them back a little bit older, a little bit taller and a whole lot smarter!! It has been our pleasure and privilege to watch them grow and learn day by day! This year we have learned and laughed and became like a second family. We look forward to the day when we hear that familiar name linked with great accomplishments until then……. keep reaching for the stars!!
Thank you for sharing such special children with us this past school and especially with the WES Family! Good luck at Weir Middle!
May Lunch Menu
Energy Express Application
Energy Express Dates:
June 21st-July 28th
If you are interested in your child attending Energy Express, complete attached form and send back to school.
Any questions regarding Energy Express, contact Love Wood refer to contact information below:
Love Wood
4-H Youth Program Assistant
WVU Extension Service - Hancock County
104 N. Court Street, Room 203
P.O. Box 457
New Cumberland, WV 26047
Office: (304)-564-3805
WES SCHOOL COUNSELORS
May News from our Counselors
May 11, 2023 (Wear GREEN to support Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day)
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day –May 11, 2023. This year's National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is observed on May 11. It is an annual event that occurs on the Thursday of the first full week of May. It is a day to raise awareness of the importance of every child's mental health.
This year's theme is Celebrating the Importance of Community Kindness.
Let's Talk About Children's Mental Health. It is as important as our Physical Health.
What is a Mental Health?
Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, how you regulate your feelings and how you behave. When our Mental Health is affected, it changes our thinking, feelings and our behaviors and can cause distress or disrupt our ability to function.
Mental Health dysregulation can disrupt our ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations.
Changes in our Mental Health can be caused by stress, changes in family structure, adverse childhood events, catastrophic weather, traumatic events, anxiety, bullying and friendship conflict.
Red Flags that your child may need some help regulating their Mental Health.
· Persistent sadness that lasts two weeks or more
· Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions and peers
· Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself
· Talking about death or suicide
· Outbursts or extreme irritability
· Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful
· Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality
· Changes in eating habits
· Loss of weight
· Difficulty sleeping
· Frequent headaches or stomachaches
· Difficulty concentrating
· Changes in academic performance
· Avoiding or missing school
If you have any questions, please reach out to your Pediatrician, School Counselor or our School Based Health System.
Remember ALL FEELINGS ARE OK!
WES School Counselors
Ms. Mary Ann Petrelle: Grades PreK & K
Mrs. Stacy Cullinan: Grades 1 & 2
Mrs. Sarah Aspenleiter: Grades 3 & 4
WES Health Center offers Social Emotional/Behavioral Therapy
http://www.changeinc.org/health/weirton-elementary-health-center/
(304) 797-5299
Mrs. Naughton, Mr. Cassiadoro, and Mr. Lenhart's PE Classes
WES PE
Jump Rope for Heart Results
We raised a total of 5,103.54 for Jump Rope for Heart. Thank you to everyone that donated.
We earned a $500 gift card for our physical education department.
We had 4 classroom winners for the most that signed up and the winners are.
K- Ms. Howells
1st- Ms. Freshwater
2nd- Mrs. Ohalek
3rd- Mrs. Simich
4th Mrs. Kendrick
Those teachers earned a $25 Amazon Gift card to spend on their class. Great Job!
We also had 18 students donate over $100 and they will get to slime a P.E. teacher or a principal.
Again, Thank you all for your donations.
Ms. Turani's Music Class
Mrs. Greco & Ms. Turani cheering on our 3rd & 4th graders taking the WVGSA test in May.
Mrs. Greco's ART CLASS
PTA NEWS for March
WES PTA News
Candles:
There are still candles in the office to be picked up from the candle fundraiser.
Yearbooks:
Information coming soon regarding 2022-2023 yearbooks.
Thursday, May 4: PTA Meeting 6:00pm cafeteria
W.E.S. Teacher of the Year
Congratulations Mrs. Donna Carnes
Mrs. Donna Carnes is a 26-year educator who earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Later she earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Design in Gifted Education from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and a Reading Endorsement from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She holds certifications in Wilson Reading System for the dyslexic learner and is trained in the Orton Gillingham reading system. Over the 26 years of teaching, she has taught PreK-5th grades and is currently a Reading Specialist at Weirton Elementary in Hancock County WV. Mrs. Carnes resides in Weirton, WV and is the proud mother of three.
W.E.S. Service Personnel of the Year
Congratulations Mrs. Kristin Bowman-Cross
A graduate of West Virginia University, with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and is one class away from receiving a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. After college, Kristin became a flight attendant for Continental Airlines, Jet Train, where she was an inflight supervisor and USAirways. After 9-11, she got involved in the political field representing and working for the State Auditor of WV in the Northern Panhandle. Through working in different communities and organizations, she was asked to be the Weirton United Way Campaign Chairman for the year of 2010. Kristin went on to become the Executive Director for the Weirton United Way, being known for the many fundraising events she put together. Kristin was announced as the Director of Advancement at Madonna High School in 2015. In 2018, Kristin became the representative for U.S.Senator Joe Manchin assisting with his campaigns. Kristin was hired for Hancock County Schools in 2021.
Kristin’s community engagements over the years on many boards of directors include Weirton Boys & Girls Club, Weirton Christian Center, WMC Foundation, Valley Hospice, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Brooke County Community on Aging and The Local School Improvement Council. Kristin has been and still is very involved with her son’s basketball program where she was the president of the Weir High Basketball Boosters and the vice-president of the parent group for the class of 2022.
Kristin has contributed her time to a variety of political campaigns and organizations, but most important to her has been in the involvement of assisting her father, former Mayor of Weirton, and WV State Senator Edwin J. Bowman. Kristin’s mother, Kathy (Mrvos) Bowman was a former teacher at Hancock County Schools.
Kristin has been married to Ronald Cross for 22 years and has 2 children, Anthony (19) and Colin G (17).
Congratulations Ms. Curtis
Congratulations Ms. Fodor
Congratulations Mrs. Yacoviello
Congratulations Ms. Fodor
Congratulations Mrs. Schey, Sophia and Eva
Congratulations Mrs. Davidson
Kindergarten Registration Packet 2023-2024 call for an appointment 304-748-8370
Next Year's Kindergarten and Second Grade Students:
Dear Parents of Next Year's Kindergarten and Second Grade Students:
Any Hancock County student entering Preschool, Kindergarten, and Second grade (2023-2024 school year) are required to provide proof of a health examination or physical and proof of a dental examination by a licensed dentist.
All students must complete the West Virginia State Requirements for school entry. Please make an appointment with your child's doctor and dentist as soon as possible. Once the exams are complete, provide copies of the exam records to Mrs. DeCaria or fax it to Weirton Elementary School at 304-748-8383. Oral Health Exams and Physical Exams completed between March 2023 and the first day of school will be accepted.
Attached are blank copies of the WV Oral Health Assessment Form and West Virginia DHHR Health Exam or Physical Form which you make take to the appointments. (Choose the Physical Form for your child's age - all ages are attached.) Please call Nurse DeCaria if you would like a hard copy of the Physical or Dental form sent home with your child.
Please contact the Weirton Elementary School Nurse, Mrs. DeCaria, with any questions.
Sincerely,
Denise Miller
Principal
PreK Registration Link 2023-2024
GOING BANANAS for ATTENDANCE
Ms. Stephanie, Attendance Secretary (304-748-8370)
Attendance Reminders:
Going Bananas for Attendance:
Going Bananas for Attendance video:
Go Bananas for Attendance: https://youtu.be/bYiR6YPKCao
Please remember to call the office or email Ms. Stephanie for any missed days.
304-748-8370
or
There has been a change in the attendance policy regarding Parent Note Days.
The number of days a parent can call or send a note to report their child sick has gone to ten (10) per school year to five (5).
Any absence after the five (5) parent notes/calls will have to be excused with a doctor's note.
Mr. Arneault (PreK & K) Mrs. Martich (3rd & 4th) Mrs. Carinci-Bell (1st & 2nd) Ms. Miller (Head Principal)
WES Title Services
Meet our WES Title Teachers:
Mrs. Orwasky
Ms. Paull
Mrs. Donna Carnes
Mrs. Davidson
WES Related Arts
WES HEALTH CENTER
WEIRTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEALTH CENTER
Our licensed healthcare staff is on site in a safe, child-friendly environment. We closely work with the school nurse and faculty to provide convenient care to your child. We closely work with the school nurse and faculty to provide convenient care to your child.
We provide the following services:
Well check exams, sick visits, injury treatment, immunizations, allergy shots, ADHD evaluation and treatment, sports physicals, behavioral health, dental care, chronic health care maintenance - like being on site to assist with Diabetes, Seizures, and Asthma. Just think of us as a doctor's office inside the school.
Please contact the WES Health Center at 304-797-5299 if you have any questions or medical needs.
WES SPEECH THERAPISTS
WES Speech Therapists
If you questions regarding speech screenings or speech services, please contact one of our speech therapists.
Mrs. Lockerbie (Kindergarten)
Mrs. Gianvito (First Grade)
Mrs. Hinzman (PreK & 4th)
Mrs. Burdette (2nd & 3rd)
Mrs. Edie (Special Education Classes)
Special Education Staff
Bank at School
Our Partners in Education, First Choice America, will be setting up a program called "Bank at School". Families were able to sign-up at Open House. Students will be able to do banking at school during breakfast once a week on Tuesdays. More details to come.
Bus Safety
Please remind your child about good behaviors on the bus.
- Students are to stay seated the whole time.
- Students are not to walk in the aisles or jump seat to seat.
- Students are to refrain from touching each other.
- Students are not to yell or argue.
- Bottom to bottom, Back-to-Back, Bookbag on lap.
Students are to refrain from creating any type of safety issues for anybody on the bus.
Contact Mrs. Carinci-Bell if you have any bus concerns or questions.
November Lunch and Breakfast Menus 2022
STUDENT PUBLICATION RELEASE
During participation in activities related to the education programs at WES/Hancock County, students and student products may be photographed for the purpose of showcasing student work and participation. They may be published in order to positively recognize students and share learning experiences. These materials may be posted online, television, and print media outlets including names and photographs. Please contact the school IN WRITING within 10 calendar days of receiving this statement if you DO NOT want your child’s picture or name to ever appear online, in the newspaper, or TV.