Wildcat Wonderings

December 9th

MISSION:

Watkins Wildcats are safe respectful, and focused on learning every day.

VISION:


Work Ethic: Work hard

Achievement: Achieve great things

Teamwork: Do your part for the good of the group

Kindness: Treat others the way you want to be treated

Innovation: Think outside the box

Noteworthy: Others recognize our excellence

Success: Accomplish our goals

Big picture

OFFICE: 523-5000

Facebook/Twitter

Mrs. Clark: jclark113@spsmail.org

Reminder: School begins at 7:20 and ends at 2:20. Doors open at 7:05.

Check out our Watkins website:

IN THE MORNING: ANY STUDENTS DROPPED OFF, WITHOUT AN ADULT, BEFORE 7:05 MUST WAIT INSIDE THE BUILDING FOR SAFETY PURPOSES.

WE WILL NOT BE DISMISSING STUDENTS FROM THE OFFICE AFTER 2:00. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 2:00, PLEASE GO THROUGH THE CARLINE OR WAIT UNTIL THE CARLINE IS FINISHED.

AT DISMISSAL: IF YOU ARE PICKING UP YOUR CHILD IN A CAR, YOU MUST PARK AT A NUMBERED SIGN.

YOU MAY NOT PARK IN ONE OF THE LOTS OR ON THE STREET AND WALK UP TO THE FRONT DOOR.

IF YOU ARE PICKING UP IN A CAR, PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. OUR STAFF WILL LOAD YOUR STUDENTS INTO CARS.

IF YOU ARE WALKING HOME WITH YOUR STUDENT, YOU MAY WAIT BY THE BLUE PICNIC BENCH OR THE GRASSY AREAS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE SAFE AS WELL AS KEEP THAT AREA CLEAR FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.

Weekly Schedule

HOLIDAY STORE WEEK!

Store is open during lunch times Monday-Thursday

Store is open during lunch AND recess times on Friday

Monday, December 12th


Tuesday, December 13th


Wednesday, December 14th

  • 2nd grade goes to The Nutcracker
  • Madrigal Choir from Hilcrest performs
  • Math Club 2:45-3:45
Thursday, December 15th
  • STEAM Club 2:30-3:30
  • K-prep (library) 3:00

Friday, December 16th



Monday, December 19th

  • Holiday Hat/Socks Day

Tuesday, December 20th

  • PJ Day

Wednesday, December 21st

  • Holiday Sweater Day
  • Math Club 2:45-3:45
Thursday, December 22nd

  • Dress as a Holiday Character
  • December Student of the Month celebration @ lunch
  • Winter Parties 1:00
Friday, December 23rd

  • NO SCHOOL!


Winter Break 12/23-1/3

Big picture
Big picture

Each week, Springfield Public Schools sends an email newsletter to SPS parents, families and community members with The Latest from SPS

Big picture

Our Watkins staff is amazing!

Want to "shout out" a staff member? We want to hear about it!

I know you value all those who work at Watkins.

Please show some love to a Watkins staff member this week!

Big picture

Student Device Fees:

Starting this week, students will begin being charged student device fees. Below are the device fee items and the charges associated. Librarians should follow the Student Device Fee Process referenced in the Library Tech Support Handbook.


Case Replacement

Free/Reduced Lunch: $10

Full-Pay Lunch: $10


Charger Replacement

Free/Reduced Lunch: $10

Full-Pay Lunch: $25


Device Repair

Free/Reduced Lunch: $10

Full-Pay Lunch: $25


Device Full Replacement

Free/Reduced Lunch: $25

Full-Pay Lunch: $50

Big picture
Big picture

During the month of December we will focus on the part of our mission statement that talks about “respectful”.

Do you have to like a person in order to be respectful, or can you be respectful to someone even if you don’t particularly care for him or her?

Discuss why or why not?

Big picture

Let’s fight the flu together!

Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

The top five most virus-contaminated areas in the home are:

1. Telephones (have you cleaned your cell phone lately)

2. Appliances such as the refrigerator and microwave

3. Faucets

4. Light switch and door handles

5. TV remotes

We can protect and strengthen our own immunity by following good health guidelines:

  • eating nutritious foods
  • taking daily walks
  • sleeping 8 –10 hours a night
  • Wash hands frequently, do the elbow cough, and disinfect hot spots at school, work, and home.
  • reducing stress
  • and smiling daily

Treat the symptoms if you must, but avoid giving aspirin to children because it may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Please keep all sick children home from school especially if they are exhibiting respiratory and stomach symptoms! If you are unsure – stay home and call your health care provider or school nurse for advice.

Allergy & Asthma season is hitting us HARD this year as well. Monitor all symptoms closely and follow your health care provider’s advice. If your child has asthma, it is extremely important to keep an inhaler at school.

Enjoy a healthy holiday season!

Big picture

How to Clean Water Bottles

Did you know it is recommended that water bottles are washed as often as you wash your drinking cups and glasses? If you don't, they can become smelly and mouldy so, keeping your family's water bottles clean and stored correctly is important.

Filling your water bottles with fresh water is best. And remember, over time the plastic will deteriorate. Replacing your water bottles regularly (at least once a year) is recommended.

Ways to keep drink bottles clean

§ Tip unused water out at the end of the day.

§ Wash water bottles with warm soapy water every day. Some water bottles are dishwasher safe, if so pop them in to get a thorough clean.

§ If your water bottles need a more intense clean, try baking soda or vinegar. Avoid using bleach as it is not safe to consume and leaves an odor.

§ If a bottle has visible black mold spots. Wash and scrub to remove mold, then go through one of the thorough cleaning process below.

How to use vinegar or baking soda to clean water bottles

Cleaning agent

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3*

Bi-carb soda (baking soda)

For most bottle sizes, add 2-4 tsp of baking soda and fill with warm water. Shake, then leave overnight.

Next day discard and rinse out with water.

Air dry with lid off.

Vinegar (full strength).
Suitable for smaller bottles and bottle lids
.

In a container cover bottle with vinegar and leave for 10 mins.

After 10 min discard and rinse out with water.

Air dry with lid off.

Vinegar (dilute 1 part vinegar in 4 parts water).
Suitable for larger bottles.

Fill bottle with diluted vinegar, shake and leave overnight.

Next day discard and rinse out with water.

Air dry with lid off.

*Once clean and dry, store empty water bottles with the lid off.

Tap into water

Remember water is the main drink and is the best thirst quencher. Try to limit drinks like juice and soft drink as these are high in sugar (not great for teeth).

Take a look at your family's water bottles… maybe they’re ready for a bit of a clean!