PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - December 29, 2017
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.
From the Principal, Mrs. Alonzo
With 2017 quickly coming to a close, this is often the time that I take stock of my successes and challenged from the past year. Self-reflection allows me to develop some attainable resolutions and goals for the next year. My resolutions usually go something like: I will lose 15 pounds. I am stating that I need to change my habits so I can become a healthier version of myself. A goal may be: I will make meaningful contact with a friend once per week to strengthen my existing relationships. A goal is something that one wants to achieve, whereas a resolution is something that one wishes to change. Goals and resolutions can both help us move along our desired path with a little accountability.
Learning to sets goals is a regular part of our curriculum at Winfield Elementary. Teachers help students identify learning goals and set attainable targets. They meet and check-in on the progress and adjust accordingly. This got me thinking...how could I help my own children set goals and/or resolutions for themselves? I came across an article on Understood.org (a favorite of mine when looking for resources to help my attention-challenged child) that outlined successful goal setting. I am sharing it here, and I hope you find it helpful with your own family. Cheers to a happy, healthy 2018!
New Year's Resolutions for Kids
from Understood.org
Ideally, New Year’s resolutions teach kids how to set and work steadily toward goals. That can be especially valuable for those who have learning and attention issues. But your child may need some help creating meaningful goals she’ll be able to stick with.
Creating a New Year’s Goal
However appealing an end goal is, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Help your child craft a sustainable plan by following the SMART guidelines. Make sure it’s:
- Specific: The resolution should include your child’s goal, the skill she’s working on and how she’ll achieve it: “To become a better trumpet player by our May concert, I’ll practice 30 minutes a day.”
- Measurable: She should track her progress—on a chart or in regular check-ins with you.
- Attainable: The goal should be ambitious but realistic—something that will stretch your child’s skills but not overwhelm her.
- Results-oriented: The resolution should explain what she’ll be able to do once she reaches her goal. For example: “Studying with a tutor twice a week will help me consistently get As in math.”
- Time-bound: Your child’s resolution should specify a reasonable time frame and can include mini-goals along the way (mini-successes can be very motivating).
And another big must:
- Relevance: Your child has to want to set and reach this goal! She should feel eager and committed.
What a Good Resolution Looks Like
Your child’s specific goals will depend on her challenges, abilities and interests. Here are a few examples of how you might help her refine her ideas.
Social Skills Resolution
Beginning idea: “I’ll be the most popular kid in my class.”
Resolution: “This year, I’ll make more friends. Twice a month, I’ll invite someone over from school or Scouts.”
Academic Resolution
Beginning idea: “I’m going to get all As this year.”
Resolution: “In January, I’ll get a B or better on every science quiz by studying at least 45 minutes for each one and asking my teacher for advice on studying.”
Athletic Resolution
Beginning idea: “I’ll start running and make the varsity track team this spring.”
Resolution: “To learn to run, I’ll download a training app. Then I’ll practice for a Valentine’s Day 5K. If I like it, I’ll find a 10K over summer break.”
Working Toward a New Year’s Goal
As your child works on achieving his resolution, she’ll also be building important skills like:
- Self-reflection: “How do I want to improve this year?”
- Self-advocacy: “What do I need to do to help me reach my goal?”
- Self-awareness: “Am I making progress toward my goal?”
- Problem-solving and self-control: “What can I do to get back on track?”
- Self-esteem: “How does achieving my goal make me feel?”
Encourage her to step back and ask herself questions like these—or even discuss the answers with you—along the way. They’ll help her stay on track and get more out of the experience.
Helping Your Child Stick With It
However good her intentions—and her plan—your child may sometimes have trouble persevering. These tips can help you help her:
- If your child agrees, consider joining her. You’ll make each other more accountable. “I’m also looking to exercise more this year. How about we swim together at the Y every Saturday morning?”
- Don’t nag. In addition to the regular progress checks you’ve built in, ask questions and offer reminders—but in ways your child can accept. Some kids might respond well to: “I know you wanted to have someone over twice a month. Has that happened yet for February?” Others might do better with, “We don’t have any plans this weekend, if you want to have a teammate over.”
- Share your own experiences. Be honest about what did and didn’t help you with your New Year’s resolutions. “I’m so glad I joined the library book club last year. It really helped me reach my daily page goal.”
- Make it meaningful. Let your child work hard at her resolution. If she doesn’t achieve it, you can help make sure that her struggle is motivating, not paralyzing. Talk through how things went off-track and what she might do differently next time.
From the School Nurse, Mrs. Taylor
Please review attached information regarding common issues that are more prevalent in the fall and winter seasons.
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/parents.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm
Outdoor Recess Guidelines
Because we have limited protection from the weather in our open playground, we use the guideline of 20 degrees when deciding if we should go outside. This temp includes the windchill, so the air temperature may be closer to 30, but if the "real feel" is nearer 19-20, we will remain indoors. Please know that when we do go outside, students must be dressed appropriately, which included snow pants/boots when there is accumulated snow.
2018-2019 Kindergarten Registration
Registration for Fall Kindergarten classes will be held Thursday, February 15, 2018, and Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The schedule for each elementary building is shown below. Kindergarten students must be five (5) years of age on or before August 1, 2018 in order to enroll for the 2018-19 school year. It is not mandatory for students to come with their parents to registration, but they are welcome.
The following documents are required at the time of registration:
1. Child’s certified birth certificate (not hospital certificate)
2. Immunization record
3. Child’s Social Security Card
4. Three documents from the following are required to prove residency: utility bills (Nipsco, Water), deed or mortgage statement, or Lake County Tax Bill.
5. Driver’s license or state photo ID with the current address.
School, Date, and Registration Time
Lake Street: Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
MacArthur: Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
Timothy Ball: Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
Eisenhower: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
Solon Robinson: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
Winfield: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 9:30-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
Please note that kindergarten classes will be held on the day of registration at the individual buildings.
School Hours 9:05 a.m. - 3:44 p.m.
*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, please prominently display your child's full name in your dashboard each time you pick them up.
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.
Attendance
Important Dates
December 2017
20th-31st- Winter Break
January 2017
1st-2nd- Winter Break
3rd- RETURN TO SCHOOL
5th- mClass Testing Begins
6th- Parents Night Out @ Midwest Gymnastics 7:00-9:00 pm
11th- Half Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm
12th- NO SCHOOL; Teacher Work Day
15th- MLK Day; SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
Student Birthdays
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.), dedicating a book to the classroom (and placing a special birthday bookplate inside), or you may purchase birthday ice cream tickets for the class to be served in the cafeteria.
We do invite all students to visit the office on their special day for a treat from the staff!
From The Cafeteria
Meal Prices
Student Breakfast: $1.50 Student Lunch: $2.25
Adult Lunch: $3.25 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.
Next guest lunch day: Friday, January 5th.
Only one guest per student is permitted. No siblings. No fast food. Thank you!
All visitors must have ID and be checked in through SafeVisitor.
Birthday Ice Cream
Orders must be sent in to the cafeteria one week prior to the date it will be served. Tickets are $0.75 per child. Please call the cafeteria to place your order.
Positions Available in Food Service
The CPCSC Food Service Department is looking for team members in several buildings. Please visit the corporation website to apply, or contact the department at 662-6480.
Cafeteria Menu- Week of January 3-5
Wednesday
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza OR Breakfast Bar/Cereal
Lunch: Pasta & Meat Sauce, Popping Peas, Twisted Breadstick, Crispy Garden Salad, Crazy Applesauce, Fresh Fruit
Thursday
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR Chocolate Chip French Toast
Lunch:Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Cornbread, Roasted Carrots, Sliced Cucumbers, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Fruit
Friday
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR Chocolate Chip French Toast
Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch, Hash Brown Triangles, Fresh Broccoli Florets, Fruit Juice, Fresh Fruit
Daily Lunch Option: Sliced Turkey on Fresh Baked Sub Bun OR Chicken Chef Salad
Winfield/Jerry Ross PTO News
PARENTS NIGHT OUT!
Join us on Saturday, January 6th from 7-9 pm for the next night out at Midwest Gymnastics. The cost is $10 per child, with half of that going right to the Winfield/Jerry Ross playground fund.
BOX TOP CONTEST
The second Box Top contest ends Friday January 26th, 2018. We are collecting Best Choice UPC labels. Each UPC earns the schools 3 cents. Aunt Millie's School Spirit UPC earns the school 5 cents each.
Extracurricular & Community News
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