WSES NEWS
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Wishing our students, families, and staff a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's the time of year to count our blessings here are a few of mine; The Holiday Extravaganza and Christmas Concert, students when they are learning and when they are laughing, Staff who go the extra mile to help one another and students, Community support, my family's love, and good health. I wish you all of these things and more this holiday season. Be safe in your travels and enjoy your family this holiday break. We will see you in 2020!
Mrs. Azure
NO COST KINDERGARTEN READINESS PROGRAM FOR YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT
NO COST KINDERGARTEN READINESS PROGRAM FOR YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT
Families in your school district are eligible to participate in a no-cost Kindergarten Readiness program. This unique opportunity for South Dakota families allows for participation in the Waterford UPSTART program to support home-based kindergarten readiness delivered via technology. When parents are given the tools and knowledge to support their children, everyone wins. Every parent is empowered as their child’s first teacher right in the home.
FREE to both families and school districts, this program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education called Education, Research, and Innovation (EIR).
WHAT FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE
- Research-based, efficacious, award-winning reading and math/science instruction delivered to each child for 15-20 minutes daily
- Weekly family support through a family education liaison to encourage the family through literacy knowledge, preparation for supporting a school-age child, and usage tracking. This personalized support is available in over 20 languages.
- All necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure for each family (including a laptop computer for each family, software, and internet when needed).
- Software licenses for all children in the home, including those who are not participating in the program directly, but may require additional reading, math, and science support.
- Pre/Post Assessment and efficacy research.
HOW TO GET YOUR FAMILIES INVOLVED
- Families can register for Waterford UPSTART directly by completing the pre-registration form online at www.waterfordupstart.org or by calling 1-888-982-9898.
- You may download and share this document with families. Waterford will provide you with printed copies if you request them.
- To be eligible, children must have a birth date that falls between: 09/16/2015 - 09/15/2016.
- For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Walsh, our Waterford South Dakota Representative, at sarahwalsh@waterford.org.
This grant is focused on providing services to 250 children in the 2020-2021 school year.
Kind Regards, Dr. Julie Mathiesen
Feature Artist Willow Sentell
Mercedes Jones Disney
Are you like me, did you grow up watching Mickey Mouse, and Chip, and Dale? These are some of Disney’s most classic shows. I want to take you back in time to Walt Disney’s beginning. Walt Disney was born in Chicago, IL on December 5, 1901. At that point, his parents never knew that he was going to become famous for creating cute and funny animations for kids and adult entertainment. Raised on a farm near Marceline, Missouri, Walt became interested in drawing. He sold his first sketches to neighbors when he was only seven years old. At McKinley High School in Chicago, Disney divided his attention between drawing and photography, contributing both to the school paper. At night he attended the Academy of Fine Arts. At age 16 Walt enlisted in the army but was turned down because of his age. Walt joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas, where he spent a year driving an ambulance and chauffeuring Red Cross officials. His ambulance was covered from stem to stern, not with stock camouflage, but with drawings and cartoons. After the war, Walt returned to Kansas City, where he began his career as an advertising cartoonist. Here, in 1920, he created and marketed his first original animated cartoons. In August of 1923, Walt Disney left Kansas City for Hollywood with nothing but a few drawing materials, $40 in his pocket and a completed animated and live-action film. Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney was already in California, with an immense amount of sympathy and encouragement, and $250. Pooling their resources, they borrowed an additional $500 and constructed a camera stand in their uncle’s garage. Soon, they received an order from New York for the first “Alice Comedy” short, and the brothers began their production operation in the rear of a Hollywood real estate office two blocks away. On July 13, 1925, Walt married one of his first employees, Lillian Bounds, in Lewiston, Idaho. They were blessed with two daughters. Then Mickey made his screen debut in Steamboat Willie, the world’s first fully synchronized sound cartoon, which premiered at the Colony Theatre in New York on November 18, 1928. Walt sold Disney for 8.5 million dollars. Now you know a little bit more. https://d23.com/about-walt-disney/
Interview with Mrs.Larson by Max Klein
I interviewed 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Larson. I asked her multiple questions to learn about things she likes. Her favorite food is tacos or roast beef and mashed potatoes. She also enjoys making meatballs and potatoes and gravy for her family. She enjoys the movie 8 Seconds. Her favorite book is Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. If she could travel anywhere in the world, she would like to go to Alaska or Australia. Her favorite sport is basketball. She also is the coach for the 5th and 6th grade boys basketball team. I asked her what it was like to be a basketball coach. She said that it is fun to see the kids from their beginning to the peek of the their basketball career. Thank you for your time Mrs.Larson.
STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL January 6, 2020
The Christmas Mishap By Kaitlyn Aldrich & Morgan Mentele
One Christmas Eve night I was sleeping and I heard a thump on the roof. I woke up and came to the stairs and peered down. I was so scared and happy because it was Santa Clause. I went back to my room and got dressed. When I came back he was putting presents under the tree. I came downstairs and hugged Santa. He looked down and saw me. He jumped because I scared him he said, "you should be in bed” so I went to bed. The next day was Christmas day. I came down and saw presents everywhere. I noticed something in the chimney. I looked at what it was and it was Santa. I helped him get up the chimney. As soon as he got on the roof he and he got on his sleigh and flew off. That is the end of this story.
Christmas Eve A Poem by Zion Sentell
Christmas Eve
The snow is so bright
The moon is so light
Happiness is the sky.
Santa checking who's naughty or nice.
So hopefully you're good and nice.
Presents being delivered.
So have a happy night.
Art by Paxton Walz
Merry Christmas
Duet by Adelyn and Morgan
Reagan and Brook
6th Graders playing their ukulele
Grade 1 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Art
Kindergarten feet Reindeer
More Grade 1 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Art
5th grade art
Should you get a dog? by Kaitlyn Aldrich
If you have little kids and they bother you because they want to play outside with you then get a dog. Dogs can be fun for the kids they can go outside with them and not bother you. Dogs don’t eat a lot and they are easy to train. All you half to have are dog training treats. I taught my dog to sit, shake, high five, laydown, stay, and even roll over and all I used is treats. One thing you should get for your dog is a squeak toy and a ball it will keep them busy. Dogs only bark when they are lonely, hurt, or for no reason at all. Dogs love to play and have a ball thrown for them. Another thing you would need is a boundary collar so they don’t go in the rode.
Reindeer Facts by Kaitlyn Aldrich
Did you know Baby reindeer are weaned in six months and start growing horns? Reindeer can get slivers in their hooves and they will limp on their hoof. To get the sliver out you have to shave the hoof down. Grownup reindeer have velvety fur. Reindeer horns can grow to be 51 inches long. All Reindeer have horns even the female. In my opinion baby Reindeer are super cute. Reindeer are mainly found in cold places. Reindeer noses are specially made to warm the air before it gets to their lungs. Did you know Rudolph is actually a girl? Scientist say male reindeer shed their horns during winter and females don’t. In the movie Rudolph had antlers so that means he is a she. All of Santa's reindeer are girls because of their antlers because boys have no antlers during winter and girls do.
Photo from Imgur
Joke Corner by Brooklyn Caffee
Why was the little boy so cold on Christmas morning?
Because it was Decembrrrrr
What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Snowflakes. (or Frosted Flakes!)
What does an elf study in school?
The elfabet.
In what year does New Year’s Day come before Christmas?
EVERY year!
What kind of photos do elves take?
Elfies!
What do road crews use at the North Pole?
Snow cones!
How Good Spreads By Kid President
WSES NEWS Reporters
Email: carrie.azure@k12.sd.us
Website: https://wessingtonsprings.k12.sd.us/
Location: 904 2nd Street Northeast, Wessington Springs, SD, USA
Phone: 605-539-9500
Twitter: @AzureCarrie