Woodland Park School District News
January 15, 2021
Welcome to the Woodland Park School District e-Newsletter which is sent out weekly when school is in session. It serves as a glimpse of some of the wonderful things going on in our schools, as well as a point of reference for upcoming events.
Your Partner in Education,
Michele R. Pillari, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
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Resources are available to help during these difficult times
It is important for all adults to acknowledge that the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children has likely been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without appropriate supports in place, this can be extremely difficult to manage and could potentially have long term effects. Trauma faced during these developmental stages can affect the children as they grow into adulthood.
Some of the challenges children face during the COVID-19 pandemic may include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in routines (e.g., having to physically distance from family and friends)
- Breaks in the continuity of learning (e.g., virtual learning environments, technology access and connectivity issues)
- Breaks in the continuity of health care (e.g., missed visits, limited access to mental, speech, and occupational health services)
- Missed significant life events (e.g., grief of missing celebrations, vacations, and/or milestone life events)
- Lost security and safety (e.g., housing and food insecurity, increased exposure to violence and online harms, threat of illness, and uncertainty for the future)
Our Special Services Department wants to ensure that all of our parents are aware of the CDC's COVID-19 Parental Resource Kit. This kit provides information which can support parents, caregivers, and other adults serving young people in recognizing the social, emotional, and mental health challenges and helping to ensure their well-being.
It is divided by age groups - Early Childhood (0-5 years), Childhood (6-12 years), Adolescence (13-17 years), and Young Adulthood (18-24 years). The guides provide several topics that parents may find helpful during these times. Click here for more information.
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MLK service project launches Monday
To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Alfred Baumann Library, Mayor Kazmark, Junior Girl Scout Troop 96790, and the School 1 Early Childhood Advisory Council will hold a toiletry drive for babies and children in the community.
Starting Monday and running through February 19, new toiletry items for babies and children can be dropped off at the Library, 7 Brophy Lane, or School 1, 665 McBride Ave. Items being collected include formula, diapers, pull-ups, wipes, washcloths, soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, etc.
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Wishes for 2021
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Snowy friends
Students in Ms. Tonti's first grade class at Charles Olbon School have been creating a number of activities for January's theme: All About Winter. They read the book "Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert. Each student then designed their very own snow person or animal created using materials found in their homes.
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Seasonal games
Prior to winter break, the students in Beatrice Gilmore School participated in a seasonal games choice board assignment in their physical education classes with Mr. Pomante. Students had three choices: Happy Snowman, Snowflake Praise, or Spinner Wonderland. The assignment required students to earn snowman pieces by exercising, practicing underhand/overhand throw when "passing" compliments around to family/friends, or allowing the spinner wheel to determine their fitness fate. Remember: fit, don't sit!
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Spectacular signs
Mrs. Mete’s PreK-4 class at School 1completed their sign study. To celebrate their learning, the children created their own spectacular signs as shown above.
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Gingerbread creations
Students in Ms. Elman's class at Charles Olbon School learned about gingerbread men and then created their very own gingerbread man.
Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following children's programs. All programs are VIRTUAL unless noted. To view virtual programs, click here.
Friday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. - Virtual winter bingo - for all ages. Prizes are available. The bingo card and Zoom meeting link will be sent after registration. Register here.
Monday, Jan. 18 - Library is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. - "Chill out with STEAM" in this engaging family program. Pick up your "make and take" kit from the Library and tune in from home for a hands-on, interactive, Zoom session. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m. - Virtual storytime with Miss Phil and Miss Sarah. Register here.
Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Arts & Crafts - Join Miss Dana and Miss Sara for a wintery and fun craft. Supplies will be available for pick up at the Library. The Zoom meeting link will be provided after registration. Register here.
Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Old-Time Schoolhouses with WP historian Rick Lijoi. Learn about one-room schoolhouses to our present schools. Discover what school was like back in the 1800s -some interesting stories of things in the past. Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m. - Virtual storytime with Miss Phil and Miss Sarah. This week will be about snails. Register here.
Friday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Celebrate National Puzzle Day with a fun winter-themed Digital Breakout for those in grades 4 to 8. The Zoom meeting link will be provided before the program begins. Register here.
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