Wildcat Weekly
September 12, 2019
Off to a PAWSitively Great Start!
Our new PBIS initiative is taking shape. Part of our work involves helping parents understand more about the research that supports PBIS and how we are implementing the program at WTE. The small handbook that went home is just a snapshot. We will host a parent form on October 3rd from 6-7:30 PM. We hope you can come and learn more as well as ask questions! There is also some information below to help you.
What is a Conflict Manager?
In the end-of-year parent survey, there was a question about the purpose and selection of Conflict Managers. Although there is some information about the program in the WTE Parent Handbook, the co-chairs of the Conflict Manager Program, Peggy Blaker and Katie O’Donnell, wanted to provide a bit more detail.
Westtown-Thornbury has a successful Conflict Manager program that has been in place for many years. Originally the program was part of the school wide Children’s Creative Response to Conflict (CCRC) program. Even though the CCRC program has been discontinued, the Conflict Manager component continues as promotes a positive school environment and teaches students problem solving skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Fourth and fifth grade students go out to recess with first and second grade students; they help to mediate any non-physical problems that arise. Teachers are always on duty to assist and to handle problems that involve physical contact.
Conflict Managers are selected and trained in the spring of third grade. Input is gathered from students, classroom teachers, special area teachers and other staff who work with all students. Once twelve students are identified, they are invited to be a Conflict Manager during their fourth and fifth grade years. They participate in a training at the end of the school year and review sessions at the start of the next school year.
Save the Date!
- Friday, September 13 [DAY 1]
- Monday, September 16 [DAY 2]
- Tuesday, September 17 [DAY 3] - 5th Gr. Chorus @ 8 AM; Constitution Day! [*Classes assigned to wear either Red, White, or Blue shirt for a school photograph]
- Wed., September 18 [DAY 4]
- Thursday, September 19 [DAY 1] - Band Rehearsal @ 8 AM
- Friday, September 20 [DAY 2] - Young Rembrandt's (3:50-4:50)
- Monday, September 23 [DAY 3] - 5th Gr. Girls A.S. Sports (3:50-4:50)
- Tuesday, September 24 [DAY 4] - 5th Gr. Chorus @ 8 AM
- Wednesday, September 25 [DAY 1]
- Thursday, September 26 [DAY 2] - Band Rehearsal @ 8 AM; 5th Gr. Boys A.S. Sports (3:50-4:50)
- Friday, September 27 [DAY 3] - Young Rembrandt's (3:50-4:50)
Who Works at WTE?
Student Opportunities
A Note From Mrs. Elder
Hello and welcome to a new school year! I am so excited to begin band lessons and welcome new students to the program. If your child is in 4th or 5th grade and is joining the band program for the first time, please follow this link to sign up if you have not yet done so. Mrs. Elder will then send you information about getting your child’s materials for lessons. Please do so as soon as possible so that your child can join a group.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Mrs. Elder at melder@wcasd.net.
Parent Information & Resources
WTE Library Volunteers Needed
Ms. Finegan is looking for a volunteer to help with circulation and shelving on Day 3 from 12:45-2:45. If anyone is interested please email her at tfinegan@wcasd.net.