Wizard Words
Monthly PTA Newsletter, February '24 Edition
Volunteer Spotlight
Thank you, Karen Stanley !!
This month's volunteer on Spotlight is Karen Stanley. Karen has been our backbone "quite literally" since she audits financial transactions for PTA WES keeping us legally compliant. She is a professional CPA and has been volunteering as Auditor in chair all these years. This is in addition to volunteering at the Book Fairs, Field Day Events, Arts and Letters night and the list goes on and on!!
Here's Karen sharing her volunteering experience at WES.
"I volunteered to be on the Audit Committee the summer before my daughter, Emersyn (now in 5 th
grade!) started Kindergarten. I’m a CPA and work closely with nonprofits and knew this was an area I could (hopefully!) provide value. I also wanted to be involved with the PTA and participate as much as possible in school activities, etc. as a way to be better informed about what’s going on in my daughter’s life and to give back.
My Mom is a retired elementary school teacher, so I have immense respect and admiration for all teachers and administrative staff, and WES truly has some of the best! My wife, Sylvia Newman, also volunteers at the Book Fair. We are both incredibly grateful for Emersyn’s time here at WES and will miss this community immeasurably. Our experience here has been above and beyond anything we could’ve even hoped for – and just like Emersyn, we’ve also made lifelong friends!
There are so many different ways to plug in as a volunteer – it’s not as time-consuming or intimidating as you might think! WES needs YOU to continue to thrive and carry on our wonderful reputation as the most-applied-to magnet school in Wake County!"
Thank you for everything you did and continue to do for our school and students! It goes without saying, you will be terribly missed here!
PTA President's Message
Hi WES Families!
This month, as we celebrate our last 100 years, I am reminded of our important history. Washington has many milestones and I am excited that we get to be part of the next 100 years. It has grown and evolved and now we can say we were named the #1 magnet elementary school in the nation. With your support, we help make Washington be the best it can be!
Also this month is Valentine's Day and as we show kindness and respect to each other every day, I'd like to share kindness and thank the staff and students for sharing their unique gifts and talents with us. I am so proud to be part of our WashinGTon community!
Sincerely,
Kim
Washington GT PTA Events -Winter Edition
WES 100th Year Celebration
Save the date: Saturday, February 24th, 2023!!! A truly once in a lifetime event' that should not be missed. We will be celebrating 100th year of our school.
Math & Science Night
WES Gifted Talent Showcase
Health and Wellness Committee @WES
Did you know that researchers report that children who play outside are healthier, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors (Source: www.sticksandsprouts.com)
The Washington PTA’s Health and Wellness Committee is currently working alongside Miss Burnette to promote Washington students getting outside more often and to promote engaging in outdoor learning. Please share your thoughts and ideas about student outdoor engagement with the Health and Wellness Committee! (Please contact April Nelson at abnelson718@gmail.com)
Wanting a special Valentine’s treat for you loved one but want to ditch the artificial dyes? Here are some simple dye alternatives for this holiday:
- 1 large beet (instructions at: https://minimalistbaker.com/diy-natural-food-dye/)
- Don’t have time to use a real beet? Try Beet Root Powder! (https://www.amazon.com/SFL-Beet-Root-Powder-Superfood/dp/B01DUY71UE/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SBJIA8JFVF7K&keywords=beet+root+powder+spices+for+less&qid=1707664696&sprefix=beet+root+powder+spices+for+less%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-5)
- Still a little out of your comfort zone? There are so many options for natural food dyes! (https://www.amazon.com/Watkins-Food-Coloring/dp/B01E6OLE64/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2H8ZUELZBHKQK&keywords=watkins+food+dye&qid=1707664806&sprefix=watkins+food+dye%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-2)
Try Strawberry Yogurt Bites
These strawberry yogurt bites only need 6 simple ingredients: strawberries, greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, chocolate, and coconut oil.
INSTRUCTIONS
• In a bowl mix together strawberries, greek yogurt, vanilla, and maple syrup. Scoop out bite sized balls onto a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Place baking sheet in freezer.
• After about 3 hours, remove from freezer.
• In a bowl melt semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil. I did this in the microwave, but you can use a double boiler.
• Drop the frozen yogurt bites into the chocolate to coat. Sprinkle with salt while chocolate is still melted. Allow the chocolate to cool and then enjoy!
Detailed Recipe Instructions: https://theeastcoastkitchen.com/frozen-strawberry-yogurt-bites/
Thank you, April Nelson, for the Valentine's Day ideas! You rock 😀😀
Grade-Level Parent Initiative
The Grade-Level Parent initiative is up and running as of this week! Yayyy
Parent volunteers have been notified to contact teachers and to discuss teacher needs and how to help out! AIG teachers and special teachers will be included later this month.
Call for Volunteers
Whether you can volunteer a couple hours at one event, have some flex time at home, or want to join a committee, we appreciate all of it. Volunteering opportunities are updated periodically on the PTA website. The quickest way to connect is to fill up the Volunteer Interest Form on our website or the one indicated below.