Washington Weekly
November 18, 2021
Thanksgiving Break - November 22-26
Don't forget that Thanksgiving break is ALL next week. No school November 22-26. We hope you have a wonderful time spent with family and friends.
Please make sure your child checks the Lost & Found tomorrow before they leave for break. We've got a lot of lost items!
As always, we are here to help your family in any way we can. Please reach out to us at lconnery@norman.k12.ok.us, slowery@norman.k12.ok.us or through the school # at 366-5984 if we can assist in any way.
Stay safe and well!
Dr. Connery & Mrs. Lowery
November Virtue of the Month - Gratitude
"A thankful heart is a happy heart."
Arrival Safety
This is a safety issue since we have cars pulling in and out of the lot and parking spaces throughout the morning drop off. We want to keep all of our Eagles safe. Thank you for helping with this by keeping your child in the car until you've pulled around to the drop off area.
Please Click Below for a Letter About NPS After School Programs
Above & Beyond - NPS Employee Recognition
The ELF HOLIDAY STORE Opens Monday, November 29th!
November is Native American Heritage Month
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth Spotlight: Johnnie Keel
After 17 years working in the oil and gas business, Johnnie Keel was ready for a change. While Keel enjoyed her job, she wanted a role in which she was giving back. Her oldest daughter had recently started pursuing a teaching career, and the education field stood out to Keel as well.
Keel made a “midlife crisis change” and attended the University of Oklahoma through the American Indian Teacher Corps grant, without which she might never have been able to afford the career change. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Keel also completed a master’s degree.
As a teacher, Keel has discovered a true passion, one she shares with both of her daughters. The three of them are educators at different levels and enjoy sharing about their experiences and the rewards.
Keel started working at Truman Elementary School in 2002, where she now serves as a gifted resource teacher and sixth grade math teacher. In her role, Keel works with 100 students each week and collaborates with other staff members to provide enrichment opportunities. These have included activities like agriculture STEM days, guest speakers about topics like forensics, a visit from the Southwest Dairy Mobile Classroom and more. Keel also oversees a group called GLAMS, which stands for Girls Learning Agriculture, Math and Science.
“I just love my kids, and I really enjoy working with them,” Keel shared. “What’s so cool about Truman is that you have a lot of the same families coming through, so you get close to them. Working with the students for three years, I really get to see them grow.”
A lifelong learner, Keel enjoys attending workshops and recently began volunteering at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, partly so she can continue to educate both children and adults even after she retires. Keel also wants to learn more about her Seminole and Creek background and about other tribes too.
For anyone considering a career change to teaching, Keel encourages them to first answer a couple of key questions.
“The first thing I would ask is, ‘Do you go to work every day and love it? How do you feel when you go home?’ Because I can really say I do,” Keel said. “I get choked up because it does mean so much to me. I have a passion for it, and there’s just so many rewards.”
Order Your Washington Winter Apparel Now!
Winter Apparel is available for purchase now through Nov. 29th! All orders will be distributed to students when they arrive the week of December 13th.
Please include your child’s name, grade and teacher in the notes section when checking out
https://massivegraphicsstore.com/collections/washington-elementary-school
Holiday Helpers
Extended Absence Process
The parent/student will receive a copy of the complete form back from the school with any information that they need.
If you have questions, please call Emily in the school office.
Bedtime Stories with the Book Club!
Cleveland County Christmas Store
The Christmas Store is a shopping opportunity for low-income persons who wish to create a meaningful Christmas for their families. Eligible Cleveland County families partner with community volunteers to prepare the Store site for shopping as a means of paying it forward for the opportunity to select gifts and food for their Christmas.
Get the News from the Washington PTA!
Purchase Your PTA Membership, Remaining 2021 T-Shirts and Water Bottles!
Purchase everything PTA at https://washpta.square.site
As always, if you ever have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or email Washington PTA President, Ricci McManaman at (405) 990-1069 or by email at riccimcmanaman@gmail.com.
About Us
NPS Mission - To prepare and inspire all students to achieve their full potential.
Integrity| Inclusiveness| Collaboration| Optimism
Website: https://www.normanpublicschools.org/Domain/22
Location: 600 48th Avenue Southeast, Norman, OK, USA
Phone: 405-366-5894