The Puma Pride
October 18, 2021
Principal's Message
Hello, Willow Dale Families!
October is off to a great start. I hope you enjoy the classroom highlights and pictures in the newsletter.
Tomorrow, October 18, is picture day. Students will rotate by grade level and classrooms to have their pictures taken. If for some reason you do not have the picture packet, you can access the information on the LifeTouch website. More information can be found below.
Families of students in grades K-2 should have received their parent reports for the recent DIBELS and IXL benchmark assessments. Students in grades 3-5 will bring their parent reports and student goal sheets home on Wednesday, October 20 in the Wednesday Express.
October is Bullying Prevention Month. The Schoolwide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (SWPBIS) program is one of the research-based programs that we have in place to reduce bullying behaviors. Willow Dale has entered year twelve to become a No Place for Hate school. See the newsletter for more information on our first project- The Willow Dale Walk Against Hate.
Eliminating Bullying is a resource for parents to assist the school in combating bullying behaviors. More information can be found on the NOVA website. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher or the counselor.
Thank you to all of our parents and guardians for partnering with the school, teachers, and staff to help us ensure that your child is successful in school.
Have a PAWSome week!
Sincerely,
Dr. Perkins & Mr. Julius
Website: https://wdes.centennialsd.org/
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES
Next Newsletter- November 1
Lifetouch Picture Day - TOMORROW
Halloween Letter to Parents
Hello Centennial Elementary Families,
On October 29, 2021 we are having Halloween parties in grades K-5 starting at 2:35 PM until the end of the day. This year, we will not be holding a parade as in years past. Instead, the students are asked to come to school dressed in their costumes.
When wearing costumes, we would ask the following:
All costumes should be school and age-appropriate.
They should not include any props or accessories like weapons.
Costumes may not be worn with masks that cover their entire face.
Face Coverings are still required. If students are wearing face paint/makeup, it may become uncomfortable throughout the day.
Please be cognizant that the costumes will be worn during the entire school day, so they should be comfortable, safe for recess, gym class, steps, and easy to remove for restroom use. These guidelines will help to ensure the safety of our students.
The Halloween parties will take place in each students’ homeroom. The homeroom captains will be reaching out to coordinate the party items. Due to mitigation efforts, we are unable to allow parents in the classroom.
In preparation for the Halloween celebrations on October 29th, if your child does not celebrate Halloween, but will be in school that day, please let us know so we can make other arrangements for them during the party.
Thank you for your support in making this event fun and memorable for our students.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Home & School Trunk or Treat event during the evening of October 29.
Sincerely,
Mrs. LaVonda Daniels
Davis Principal
Mr. Ernesto Ortiz, Jr.
McDonald Principal
Dr. Catherine Perkins
Willow Dale Principal
Math Challenge Winners - Week 1
Kindergarten
- Conor Weckesser (Monaghan)
- Jordan Healy (Capriotti)
- Leigha Conover (Capriotti)
First Grade
- Rylie Flynn (Rubin-Tiger)
- Emma Davis (Rubin-Tiger)
- Addison Semon (Locovare)
Second Grade
- Jace Abbott (Angelitis)
- Sophia Perez (Angelitis)
- Claire Lynette (Angelitis)
- Emmalynn Penge (Angelitis)
- Adriana Handal (Hopkin/Gorniowsky)
- Lilie Montico (Hopkin/Gorniowsky)
- CJ Uzonwume (Hopkin/Gorniowsky)
- Aishwarya Rajagopal (Hopkin/Gorniowsky)
- Gavriel Chacko (Hopkin/Gorniowsky)
- McKenzie Shirk (Freedman)
- Ella Maertzig (Freedman)
- Evan Cohick (McGarrey)
- Angelina Farries (McGarrey)
- Hunter McAnally (McGarrey)
Third Grade
- Mackenzie Wong (Bishop)
- Alexis Semon (Bishop)
- Tommy Maertzig (Davis)
- Adelina Flynn (DeLos Angeles)
- Shrey Patel (Rosowski)
- Carly Weckesser (Topley)
- Makayla Reed (Topley)
Fourth Grade
- Makala Wong (Kohler)
- Brian Gray (Martin)
- Rowan Lynette (Martin)
- Evalina Chacko (Ricci)
- Kayla Ngo (Ricci)
Fifth Grade
- Elijah Rodrigues (McKenna)
- Mason Stoica (McKenna)
- Kyleigh Stitch (McKenna)
- Francesca Hollup (McKenna)
- Aniyah Matunda (McKenna)
- Daniel Sheffield (McKenna)
- William Holton (McKenna)
- Todd Nobili (Andres)
- Haneen Mighri (Andres)
- Aura McGrath (Stecklein)
- Gloria Ischinger (Stecklein)
- Addison Mahon (Stecklein)
- Charlotte Schofield (Strenger)
- Chiamaka Uzonwune (Strenger)
Willow Dale Math Challenge #2
All students in grades K-5 are invited to participate in the Math Challenge at Willow Dale Elementary. The program is completely FREE and no sign-up is necessary. This is a great opportunity for families to be involved and enjoy math through fun and engaging math problems. We encourage parents and siblings to get involved in discussing and solving these challenges.
- Please submit your solutions to each Math Challenge by the due date listed on the attached calendar.
- Access the current Math Challenge here.
- Solve as many problems as you can. Be sure to pay attention to the minimum number of problems required for your grade. Remember to ask for help if you need it! You can ask a family member, a friend, a teacher...anyone!
- Check the calendar to see when solutions are due and submit your answers using this Google Form *If you are unable to use the Google Form please email answers to schira@centennialsd.org
- Make sure to check your solutions when they are released.
Willow Dale Library Pumpkin Palooza
Fire Prevention Presentation with Hartsville Fire Company
A special thank you to the Hartsville fire department for taking the time to come and educate our students!
Willow Dale Students Speak Up Against Hate!
On Friday, October 15, all Willow Dale Elementary School classrooms participated in a Walk Against Hate. The walk took place around the school grounds. The Anti-Defamation League Walk Against Hate is an event for participants around the country to show their support and promote diversity and speak out against hate. Willow Dale Elementary School was designated as a No Place for Hate School by the ADL last year and has received this designation for the last eleven years. This event furthers the efforts to help Willow Dale Elementary School become a more welcoming community for all. Congratulations to all the participants!
No Place for Hate schools receive their designation by:
Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect is the goal and all students can thrive.
Empowering students, faculty, administration, and family members to take a stand against hate and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.
Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong.
To kick off this year’s walk and the first project towards receiving the designation again this year, classrooms reviewed and recited the No Place for Hate promise.
The walk coincides with Bullying Prevention Month in October. The teachers and the students participated in lessons about bullying prevention and how to be an upstander. Our school Librarian, Mrs. Palkovics shared a Digital Bookshelf for classrooms to continue their learning about bullying prevention throughout the month of October.
An additional activity involved the Willow Dale Elementary School fifth grade Puma Ambassadors. The Ambassadors created a video acting out the book One by Kathryn Otoshi, that was read and shown in all classrooms. This book demonstrates the roles of bullying and how it just takes one person to make a difference. At the conclusion of the lesson, the teachers facilitated discussion with the students. The following are some pictures from the Willow Dale Walk Against Hate.
From the 2nd Grade Classrooms
From the 2nd Grade Classrooms
How Reading Aloud Can Help You Bond With Your Kids and Make Them Better Readers
By: Diana Opong and Andee Tagle
Link to the Mindshift article:
We've all heard about the benefits of learning to read quietly and independently. A big part of learning at school is all about reading, but it's not always easy to find time for more reading at home.
Families have busy schedules filled with after-school activities and homework. Plus — let's be honest — with all the tech at kids' fingertips and school days already filled with required reading, it can be hard convincing kids that reading isn't a chore.
But Keisha Siriboe says there is a way, and it doesn't have to be independent or quiet! Her solution: reading aloud as a family.
Siriboe is a Baltimore-based early childhood literacy consultant with a Ph.D. in early childhood education. She has researched education strategies and student leadership development all over the world and says reading aloud can help people with stress management, hope, and resilience.
Reading aloud is the best bang for your buck, Siriboe says, adding that she hasn't seen anything yet that gives a higher return on investment.
The emotional benefits of reading aloud
Reading with your child is a practice that creates space for deeper independent learning and exploring. It doesn't matter if it's a traditional book, graphic novel, non-fiction, or historical fiction, it all counts. What matters most is taking the time to dive deeper.
Use reading aloud to start conversations that can help your child deal with the now of wherever we are in the world. It could lead to something you may not have expected. For example, when it comes to anxiety and worry, a caregiver could use a picture book that specifically deals with that topic and turn that into an opportunity for a child to share what worries they are carrying.
Reading aloud is one of the few spaces that checks all the boxes in terms of social, emotional, and mental health. For Siriboe, the simple act of sharing your love of reading with your child is bigger than just literacy. It's another expression of love and a tool for helping kids navigate the world.
Talk, read, play and sing
Siriboe likes to break down the global possibilities of reading into four key components:
Talk. She says take a moment to talk about the subject matter of the book, comic or recipe with your kids. If the book you're going to read is about wellness or meditation, you may want to share some of your favorite breathing exercises or ask your kiddo what coping skills they may have learned at school.
The next component is to read. Start looking at the words, finding the characters, settings, and storyline of the book. Explore how the characters in the story engage with each other and their environment.
Then play. Perhaps you and your child want to role-play some scenarios of what the character is experiencing in the real world or explore what it would be like to live inside the character's world.
The last thing is to sing. Come up with your own song or use some online resources to find some silly songs that can help you bring a story to life. Siriboe emphasizes that this whole experience should be filled with joy and laughter.
The goal is to go past the idea of phonetics alone and really think about bonding with your child. That may mean the child gets to lead instead of the adult. At the end of the day, both the caregiver and child should hopefully be having fun.
The benefits of reading aloud for neurodiverse learners
It's important to remember that every child learns differently. Siriboe says parents may need to think outside the pages of a book to connect and help a neurodiverse child thrive. Allowing kids who learn differently opportunities to experience success within literacy can help build confidence and spark that fire for reading and storytelling.
Every child needs to discover what they like and who they are in the world of a story. If you have a child who loves to paint, you can take them to the museum and have them write down the artists that mean the most to them. Siriboe says the next step is to go to a local library and find books about the art that inspires them and give them a chance to create their version of that art.
Helping kids who may not take to reading
Not everyone takes to reading right away, and many kids struggle. Siriboe says parents need to know that it is probably safe to assume that a kid who doesn't love reading has probably had a negative experience.
The first thing parents can do is help their kiddo shift their perspective. She says helping kids move from a fixed mindset about what they think their reading ability is into a growth mindset is a good starting place.
Help reassure your kid that they may not be the great reader they aspire to be yet, but they absolutely can do this. One way to do this is to incorporate aural storytelling into the fold. Invite your child to create a story that you, the adult, are willing to write down or help them use a computer or smartphone app that can do it for them while they speak. Siriboe says this helps kids to form a bridge from the inconceivable to the I can do this!
Take the step to start
It's not about how well you read or even what you read. What Siriboe wants families everywhere to know is the act of starting to read aloud and making it part of your routine for 15 minutes a day is what matters most.
Listen to the audio version of this story at the top of this page for more tips from Keisha Siriboe and get insights into what she has learned in her research.
The audio portion of this episode was produced by Andee Tagle, with engineering support from Patrick Murray.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
No School or Early Dismissal on the following Days
- November 2 - In-Service Day No School for Students
- November 23 - Early Dismissal - 11:45 AM/ PM K-5 Parent Conferences
- November 24- K-12 Parent Conferences- No School for Students
- November 25 & 26 - Holiday ALL Schools and Offices closed
Specials Rotation Calendar
Willow Dale Home and School Meeting (Virtual)
Meeting Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72442922250?pwd=NUxCZ2lmUFp0UVR2RFJtVStrTklDUT09
Meeting ID: 724 4292 2250
Passcode: 4WMdz1
Contact the WD H&S Association mailto:willowdalehsa@gmail.com
Monday, Oct 18, 2021, 06:15 PM
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Picture Day
Monday, Oct 18, 2021, 09:00 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School PA, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Food Pantry & Coat Distribution at McDonald Elementary School
For everyone’s safety, please follow these directions:
- Drive your car to the front entrance of McDonald El.
- Remain in your car and please wear your mask.
- Follow the directions of the volunteers handing out the bags of food.
- If you need a jacket, please tell the volunteers the size and they will check to see if that size is available
Tuesday, Oct 19, 2021, 04:00 PM
666 Reeves Lane, Warminster, PA, USA
Red Ribbon Week at Willow Dale - 2021
Monday, October 25, 2021
“Wake Up Drug Free!”
Students and staff can wear their pajamas today!
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
“ We Mustache You to be Drug Free!”
It’s mustache day! Students and staff can wear a mustache anything -- Shirts, socks, accessories…
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
“It’s Crazy to Do Drugs!”
Students and staff can dress “crazy”. Have fun and be creative with your outfits (mismatched clothes, socks, sneakers, hats, hairstyles, backwards)
Thursday, October 28, 2021
“We are Too Smart to Do Drugs!”
It’s literature day! Students and staff can dress up as a character from their favorite book.
Friday, October 29, 2021
“Scare the Drugs Away!”
Wear your Halloween costume today!
Monday, Oct 25, 2021, 09:00 AM
Willow Dale Elementary School PA, North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct 29, 2021, 06:30 PM
720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Information About Multi-Tiered Systems of Support- MTSS
What is MTSS?
MTSS is a way to provide support and instruction for children who are struggling to learn due to academic and/or behavioral difficulties. Most students thrive in general education classrooms. For those who don’t, teachers provide a second-tier or level of support that focuses on the area(s) in which the child struggles. A child’s progress is studied and findings are used to make decisions about teaching and other learning supports. A third more intensive tier of support is provided if the student does not make progress in the second tier.
How We Determine Who Needs Additional Interventions?
At Willow Dale Elementary School, we are implementing the process to review elementary progress three times per year. This is referred to as “universal screening”. Teams use performance data to decide which students are achieving with the standard classroom instruction (tier 1), which students may need supplemental instruction (tier 2), and which students may need individualized instruction (tier 3). When students receive supplemental small group or individualized instruction, we check their progress frequently and use assessment data to monitor student progress. The key idea is to make changes when instruction is not working for a child. The first step is to provide small group or enrichment interventions. This is referred to as tier 2 interventions. If the student does not respond adequately, a more intensive, individualized intervention may be developed. This begins the tier 3 intervention period. Additional progress monitoring will be conducted during the tier 3 intervention process. If no change occurs and the school has tried several interventions, you may be asked to give your consent for a multidisciplinary evaluation. This multidisciplinary evaluation cannot be conducted without written parent consent.
Parent Participation
Parents are essential to their child’s success in school. When a child needs supplemental instruction, we will describe that instruction to you. We will also ask you to tell us about anything you think may affect your child’s learning. For example, it is important for us to know if a child has a particular learning style or strength, likes or dislikes school, moved frequently, misses a lot of school, experienced a trauma, or is having problems with friends at school. These types of characteristics or concerns may affect a student’s progress, and if we know about them, we can design an intervention more effectively. Parents frequently partner with the school to provide extra practice or enrichment to develop skills. If you do want to provide extra support at home, you can work with the school to make yourself part of your child’s program. The school will share the progress your child makes.
What Can Parents Do?
Things Parents Can Do
- Make reading an everyday habit.
- Talk with your child’s teacher(s) regularly.
- Check homework assignments and provide guidance when necessary.
- Review regularly provided reports.
- Celebrate your child’s strengths, talents, interests and success.
- Encourage appropriate school behavior.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other school functions with your child.
Questions Parents Can Ask the Teacher
- What is my child being taught in his/her classroom?
- How are lessons designed to meet my child’s varying needs?
- What are the teaching strategies that my child’s school is using if he/she is struggling in the classroom?
- How can I help my child with learning and/or behavior at home?
- How will I be told my child’s progress so I know more about his/her skills and not just average grades?
- What happens if my child continues to struggle and the intervention strategy is not working?
For more information, contact:
- Mrs. Kelley O’Leary, MTSS Coordinator oleake@centennialsd.org
- Mrs. Kara LaRose, School Counselor Grades K, 2, 4 laroca@centennialsd.org
- Mrs. Leanne Zemitis, School Counselor Grades 1, 3, 5 zemile@centennialsd.org
- Dr. Catherine Perkins, Principal perkca@centennialsd.org
Title I Information
Willow Dale is a Title I School
Safety & Security
Visitors to the school must enter the school’s front foyer (white doors) and ring the bell, located next to the door that leads to the main office. Once buzzed in, our fantastic staff will be happy to serve you!
- Visitors must obtain a visitor’s pass from the main office.
- All visitors to the building must have his/her photo identification card scanned through the Raptor system to ensure everyone’s safety. Please make sure you have your driver's license or state photo ID card available upon entrance. The system will also ask questions related to health and wellness (COVID symptom check).
- Visitors or parents may be escorted to their room where their business or volunteer work is being conducted.
- Students are requested not to bring guests to school unless permission is granted in advance by the principal.
- Forgotten books, lunch money, lunches, etc. should be left in the office. We will see that they are delivered to the student.
- If a parent or designated adult is picking a student up from school early, a driver's license is required and the above process (step 2) must be completed to release the student.
Thank you very much for helping us maintain a safe school for our students and staff!
Breakfast and Lunch Information
ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE BREAKFAST & LUNCH DAILY
The USDA has extended the waiver to continue feeding under the Summer Programs which entitles all children 18 and under to eat for free. These programs have been extended throughout the entire school year.
Parents, please continue to apply for free and reduced programs, as this helps fund other programs in the district which could benefit families. Now more than ever, we need families to complete the Free and Reduced meal application even though all meals are currently free. Please complete the application today.
2021-2022 Bus Schedules
Attendance
Children who attend school regularly make the best academic progress, graduate, and go on to successful post-secondary education and/or careers.
Students, who arrive late (after 8:45 am), must report to the office for a late slip. Parents should accompany tardy students to the office to sign in the student.
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school to let us know.
Reporting Absences
SUBMITTING ABSENCE NOTES
Attendance Notes can be Submitted Electronically via email at WDAttendance@centennialsd.org. Please know you will still receive automated phone calls (to the primary phone listed in Skyward) if you have not submitted an absence note via email on the days your child is absent from school.
**Absence notes must be submitted within 3 days of the student's absence, otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
E-Mailing Attendance Notes
- Parents with children in Willow Dale may e-mail attendance notifications/notes to the following address: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
- E-mail notifications are encouraged on the morning of the absence day. However, e-mailed absence notes may be sent on the day following the absence.
- When sending an absence notification please include the following information:
- Child's Name
- Child's Grade
- Child's Homeroom Teacher
- Date(s) of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Contact Phone # for Parent/Guardian
- Other Pertinent Information
- While you may still continue to call the school on the day of absence, a follow-up e-mail or a written note is still required for the absence to be excused.
Email: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-441-6093
Childcare Arrangement Request
Transportation for childcare arrangements must be on a fixed schedule that is consistent from week to week. Transportation arrangements may take a week to arrange; please find alternative transportation for your child(ren) until you are notified of arrangements. Please confirm all arrangements with your child and your child(ren)’s teacher(s).
Please email completed forms to wdattendance@centennialsd.org.
Below is a link to the form.
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
Dear Centennial Families;
The Centennial School District Board of School Directors approved Policy 204.1, Family Trips Scheduled During School Year.
Although the scheduling of family trips during the instructional year is not encouraged, the Centennial School Board recognizes that students may benefit educationally by accompanying their parent(s)/guardian(s) on trips. The revision to the policy will allow the schools to approve up to five (5) days instead of three (3). Any trip beyond five (5) days will need the approval of the Superintendent.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who are requesting approval for a family trip need to complete and submit the attached form to their building principal at least two (2) weeks before the trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
School Safety Drills
We will practice fire, lock-in, lock-out, and weather emergency drills. These drills may or may not be announced. Unannounced drills more accurately indicate the preparedness of the school and the effectiveness of safety procedures. Your child's teacher will review the exercises and procedures with their classes. Please make the teacher aware of any concerns regarding your child's participation in the safety drills.
The Warminster Director of Emergency Management Services and the Warminster Police Department will be invited to observe our drills and provided feedback for improvement.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: https://wdes.centennialsd.org/
Location: 720 North Norristown Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6093
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/Willow-Dale-Elementary-School-331460017756772/
Twitter: @Willow_Dale_ES