Wolfsville Elementary News
November 1, 2020
Principal's Message
Greetings Wolfsville Families,
November, the month of Thanksgiving holiday, brings the perfect time for us to express gratitude and thankfulness. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the awesome community that is Wolfsville Elementary School. First of all, I extend this gratitude to our families and students. You have all been working so hard during the first quarter of virtual learning. It does not go unnoticed! It's not easy, but our families are rockin' it! Thank you all for giving our staff your grace and understanding over these past few months. We are ready for quarter two!
Next, I would like to extend my gratitude to our amazing staff. We have the most kind, hard-working, compassionate, flexible, and dedicated staff around. I know you all recognize it, too! They are putting in an extraordinary amount of hours each week to give our students the best education possible during distance learning. There are so many moving parts that are functioning behind the scenes to make this all work for our kids. Just like you, the WFES staff does it all with grace and understanding. They make me a very proud principal, and I am grateful that I have the privilege of serving beside them!
This month we are also celebrating getting books into children's hands in order to experience the joy of independent reading! Our media center will be starting monthly book exchange (see information below). The PTA will be sponsoring an online Scholastic Book Fair November 10-23 (more information to come via Find Out First). Let's encourage our children to read for pleasure by choosing books of interest. Both our media specialist (Ms. Valentovish) and our reading specialist (Mrs. Cassidy) serve as great resources for book selection for your children. Happy Reading!
We have been faced with many challenges over the past several months due to the global pandemic. The impact has been significant in terms of our social emotional well being. Although we can all agree that the school's primary function is the business of learning, school also provides a social environment that satisfies the human need for belonging. We are all missing that social connection - teachers and staff are missing the students; students are missing their teachers and friends; families are missing the school community events that typically connect us all. Yet - we still have much to be thankful for and much to celebrate. Let us all focus on the positive and all of the things that bring joy to our lives.
Please feel free to contact me by phone (240-236-2250) or e-mail (linda.stuart@fcps.org) with any questions you may have. We are here for you!
Yours in Education,
Linda Stuart
Although we strive to be kind to others each and every day, November is the month dedicated to giving thanks and showing our gratitude to others. Let's all set a goal for the month - reach out and express your thanks to at least one person per week in the month of November. We are encouraging our families and students to participate as well! We are sharing a template you can use to thank someone who is special to you or to show gratitude to someone who has done something to show kindness to you or others! Think about how terrific your recipients will feel when they receive your thank you message. I know that our teachers would love to hear from your children!
There are two ways you can use the template provided below:
1. Type in your message and then print - You will need to click on "file." Then click on "make a copy." Then click on "entire presentation." Then type in your message, print, and deliver!
2. Print a copy, hand write your message, and deliver!
Election Day - Schools are closed - no virtual learning today!
Friday, November 6
End of Term 1
Last day to submit art work for the Square 1 Art Fundraiser (*see details below)
Monday, November 9
Teacher Work Day - Schools are closed - no virtual learning today!
Tuesday, November 10
Start of Term 2
Friday, November 13
World Kindness Day!
Last day to submit art work to Mrs. Hench for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Art Contest (*see details below)
Wednesday, November 18
School Spirit Day - Camouflage Day!
Thursday, November 19
Report cards will be mailed
Wednesday, November 25
Thanksgiving Break - no virtual learning today!
Thursday, November 26
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 27
Thanksgiving Break - no virtual learning today!
PTA sponsored Scholastic Book Fair - November 10th through November 23rd. Please see information below under the PTA section of the newsletter; you may contact Mr. Weston Hemenway for more information: weston.hemenway@stryker.com
Exciting News: BOOK EXCHANGE IS BACK!
It may be a virtual learning world, but we cannot wait to have physical books back in the hands of students! Students are not required to participate in book circulation but we are excited to offer the opportunity.
How will it work?
Students use the Wolfsville Library Media Center catalog to place specific books on hold OR order a surprise selection curated just for you! Then, on scheduled days, families pick up their bagged/bundled books from the school’s front vestibule. Exchange will take place once a month; however, up to 10 books may be borrowed for reading!
How does our family get started?
Step 1: Order Books. Your child may begin placing books on hold OR can order a surprise selection by completing the form!
Order a surprise selection by completing one of the following forms:
Readers are diverse. Although both forms are guided by grade level, use that one that best fits you!
Click here to learn how to order a specific title using the Wolfsville Library Catalog (intermediate students will receive guided instruction on placing holds during library class)
Step 2: Pick up books on Thursday, November 19th anytime between 9 am and 6 pm
Step 3: Enjoy your new book selection for independent or family time reading!
Books (library books only) may be returned at the next pick-up date or may be returned on any school day between 9 am and 4 pm. They can be placed on the returned library materials cart in the front of the school. Returned books will be quarantined for at least 72 hours before being handled.
Please contact Library Media Specialist, Casee Valentovish, through Schoology or via email, casee.valentovish@fcps.org with any questions.
We challenge our students to read more!
Wolfsville Elementary School is raising the bar for reading with our use of Beanstack. Together, we are building readers, and we want our students to continue reading all year long! Your student’s job is simple: choose something of interest to read, read at least 20 minutes per day, and track that reading in our reading tracker tool: Beanstack. Some challenges, like the 40 book challenge, will be available all year long, while other challenges will be for a shorter period of time to keep students engaged with reading goals.
Current challenges include:
FCPS Staying Home, Still Reading
Wolfsville’s 40 Book Genre Challenge
Black-Eyed Susan Picture Book Challenge (gr K-5)
Black-Eyed Susan Chapter Book Challenge (only gr.4-5)
November #ReadGrateful Challenge
Mrs. Stuart would like to have the opportunity to get to know our students better. She will be hosting a weekly "eat your lunch with the principal" open Google Meet time at wfes-stuart. On Wednesdays of each week, one grade level will be designated to join Mrs. Stuart for a virtual lunch & chat time!
This is optional!
Here is the upcoming schedule:
Wednesday, November 4 at 12:00 - 12:30 pm - Kindergarten
Wednesday November 11 at 12:00 - 12:30 pm - Grade 1
Wednesday November 18 at 12:00- 12:30 pm - Grade 2
Wednesday December 2 at 12:00 - 12:30 pm - Grade 3
Wednesday December 9 at 12:00- 12:30 pm - Grade 4
Wednesday December 16 at 11:30- 12:00 pm - Grade 5
Hope you can make it!
Gentle Reminders for Distance Learning
Although we understand that students are trying to connect with their peers during Google Meet sessions, please remind your children that they may not try to arrange "play dates" during this time. Please refer the the PTA directory to help your children connect with their friends outside of the virtual school setting. Thank you!
Included in the baggie of student materials for quarter two was a letter to families regarding the use of FCPS technology devices and the expectations/protocol for Google Meet sessions. Please be sure to read it over. Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Contest Opportunity
This year, the 31st annual FCPS Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be going virtual! As a part of the event, the Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Office would like to feature one artwork from each elementary school that demonstrates this year's theme: "'Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars': Courage to Be The Light." This is an optional opportunity for student artists to submit work.
Your child may create an artwork with any selected 2D or 3D medium as long as the work exemplifies the theme "'Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars': Courage to Be The Light." Artwork must be photographed and submitted to the Mrs. Hench, art teacher, by Friday, November 13, 2020. Mrs. Hench will select the final artwork for submission to the Visual and Performing Arts Office.
Selected artworks will be incorporated into a slideshow that will be featured during this year's virtual celebration, and will not contain information that identifies students other than a first name, last initial, and school. If you have questions regarding this opportunity, you are welcome to email Susan Thomas at susan.thomas@fcps.org . Thank you for your continued support of the Visual and Performing Arts Program at Frederick County Public Schools!
Square 1 Art
In year's past, WFES has participated in the Square 1 Art fundraiser to help purchase much need art supplies for our school. This year, families have the option to participate virtually. Below are the Square 1 Art fundraiser instructions.
Please create and upload art by: 11/6/2020
Parent Order Deadline is: 11/20/2020
Step 1: CREATE ART
- Your child may create art on our art paper template that you print out, or on a white square of paper that is at least 8 in x 8 in.
- See important Art Requirements
- See Video Making Art with Square 1 Art for instructions!
- Need art ideas? See fun Art Lesson Videos, our Pinterest, or on your child's schoology art course.
Step 2: PHOTOGRAPH ART
- Take a photo of your child's art with your phone or tablet. See video How to Take a Photo for Upload.
- Take photo directly overhead in bright light, even outdoors! Avoid shadows on the art.
- You can edit and crop off any background later in our upload app online.
Step 3: UPLOAD ART
- Click "Art Upload" on our website. (Need help? See art upload video instructions here.)
- Enter state and school name to find your school, click "Continue".
- Enter your child's name, grade and your email address
- Click "Choose File" and upload your child's art from your phone or tablet files.
- You will see then your child's art in the Edit App. You may crop the art, add text, or make other edits.
- Click "Done" and your art is saved to your school's fundraiser!
Step 4: SHOP
You may begin to shop for keepsakes right away at square1art.com/shop!
Uploaded your Child's Art but cannot find it?
Just click Art Search to find your child's art.
Need assistance?
Click Customer Care:
888.332.3294
If you have any questions please email Mrs. Hench, art teacher: heidi.hench@fcps.org.
Wolfsville Elementary PTA
WFES is so fortunate to have an amazing PTA
who are dedicated to supporting our students and staff!
Upcoming events:
- Virtual Scholastic Book Fair - November 10-23
- Holiday Craft/Gift Sale - Late November (dates TBD)
Be on the look out for Find Out First Messages
that will provide important details about each event!
The Scholastic Book Fair is back!
While the Fair will be exclusively held online this year, we still plan on making it a fun and joyous experience for our kids. This year’s theme will be favorite storybook characters, and some features include:
- Wolfsville’ s own online store, with a large selection of titles, at the right price points
- A Virtual Fair so you and your kids can experience the magic of the school shopping experience. Browse titles by grade, meet popular authors, and discover the comfort and joy of our Fair
- Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!)
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site:
Fair Dates: Nov 10 – Nov 23
Online Store: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/wolfsville
We want to hear about YOUR favorite book! Submit a Flipgrid video:
- Pick your book! You can perform a book talk on your favorite book.
- Open Flipgrid! Sign in to Flipgrid using the link below and your child’s FCPS account, ensuring all videos remain secure.
Flipgrid Book Talks web URL: https://flipgrid.com/418bf2ac
OR
Open the Flipgrid app on your device, enter Join Code 418bf2ac, when prompted enter your child’s FCPS log-in and password.
- Start recording! You can start and stop your videos, start fresh from the beginning, or edit your clips in the review process!
- Submit your book talk! Once your video is uploaded to Flipgrid, they will be selected and uploaded to morning announcements starting November 10.
- THANK YOU! Thank you for participating in the 2020 Wolfsville Virtual Book Fair! We love your creativity and generosity; you make us successful.
We can’t wait to “see” you at the Fair!
Wolfsville’s Book Fair Chair
Weston Hemenway
2020-2021 Yearbook
Hello Wildcats! Our yearbook this year will be like no other. Lifetouch is working on how to take yearbook photos for this year. In the meantime, they have set up a Shutterfly Shared Site. If there is a special moment you catch your child learning or a themed day during the school year, you can take a picture and at it to the shared site. Here's how to set it up:
1. Create an account with Shutterfly at https://www.shutterfly.com
2. After creating an account, go to wolfsville.Shutterfly.com/pictures and clink the link to request permission
3. Ask for permission
4. Put your name in the text box, your child's name and grade in the message box and I will accept you as a member
5. You will receive an email that you've been accepted to the ShareSite
6. Download the app "Shutterfly Share Sites" to your cell phone for free
7. Log in using the account info you created
8. Click photos and begin sharing photos straight from your cell phone
If you have any questions about the yearbook, please contact Kristen Johnson at kjohns10@gmail.com. First day of school photos are still being accepted.
Reflections Program - LAST CHANCE to Submit an Entry!
Are you looking for something fun to do? It's time for Reflections again! Reflections is a national PTA contest to celebrate the arts. This year's theme is I MATTER BECAUSE.
The categories include Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Get those creative juices flowing. Below is the Student Entry Form (types signatures are accepted) and the Summary Rules for Reflections/Official Rules. If you have difficulty accessing the application and rules, they can be mailed to you. Please contact Kristen Johnson at kjohns10@gmail.com with any questions.
Supporting Our WFES PTA
Support Wolfsville Elementary by shopping at Amazon Smile. Every time you shop at Amazon, use our link: smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7030637
Amazon will donate a small portion of your purchase price to Wolfsville Elementary.
Please consider joining our PTA and support them as they support us and our students. Cost of membership for the year is just $10.00. Thank you for your support!
Week of September 30th
Kindergarten: Bella Holda - Bella attends all of the Goolge Meet sessions and completes her work. She is always smiling and raising her hand to participate. She is doing a great job in Kindergarten.
Grade 1: Colton Rudman - Colton is always ready on time and on screen to learn and participate. His mom is a teacher and shares a room with him so I give him a lot of credit for staying on task with me while his mom is teaching directly behind him. He is great at focusing and rising to the task.
Grade 2: Alliana Hemenway - Alliana is doing a good job arriving to class on time. She is paying attention and following directions beautifully.
Grade 3: Linus Reily - Linus always looks ready for action. He is at his desk, listening and looking. He is ready for the business of learning.
Grade 4: Venice Imes - Venice has been doing a beautiful job with distance learning. She participates in class and always completes all of her work! She has a positive attitude, even when technology may not be working well, she is flexible and goes with the flow. I'm so proud of all of her hard work!
Grade 5: Kaitlyn Johnson - Kaitlyn is doing a fantastic job with her virtual learning. I am very proud of her for being very organized and reporting to her classes on time! Keep it up, Kaitlyn!
Week of October 5th
Kindergarten: Lawson Rouzee - Lawson does a great job during the day logging on to our Google Meets and participating in our meets. He completes all of his work and does an awesome job! Keep it up Lawson!
Grade 1: Addie Boswell - Addie comes to each Google meeting with boundless energy and enthusiasm for learning. She is always happy and smiling and participates with great enthusiasm and creativity.
Grade 2: Addison Keary - Addison works very hard in class. She arrives at Google Meets on time. She always raises her hand to participate. She is always prepared.
Grade 3: Wyatt Flook - Wyatt does an excellent job o participating. He also works hard and turns his work in on time! I am proud of him.
Grade 4: Paige Leatherman - Paige has a positive attitude and is a role model for her classmates. She is always prepared for class, participates in discussions, and completes her work on time with her very best effort! Paige is a joy to have in class!
Grade 5: Chloe Lader - Chloe is a role model for her classmates. She is also so kind and is willing to participate in any class discussion. It makes me smile when I can hear Chloe tell stories about her chickens! Keep up the AMAZING work, Chloe!
*A special congratulations to Chloe - she has been selected to represent WFES at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration as a model of good character!
Week of October 12th
Kindergarten: Cassie Whipp - Cassie does a great job listening during our Google Meets. She is always raising her hand to participate. She always take the time to complete all of her work in Schoology.
Grade 1: Brody Mann - Brody shows a lot of enthusiasm when participating in the virtual class. He is always ready to answer questions and be part of class. Brody has worked very hard with his home helpers to complete all his assignments. Brody and his home helpers rock 1st grade.
Grade 2: Jaxen Petkovic - Jaxen works so hard on his activities, and he always pays close attention during Google Meets. We are proud of him!
Grade 3: Adalee Henry - Adalee does an excellent job participating and turning work in on time! I am proud of her.
Grade 4: CW Cameron - CW is so responsible! He participates in class, always completes all of his work on time, and is respectful of his teachers and classmates. CW, your teachers are so proud of you - keep up the great work!
Grade 5: Ethan Cartagena - Ethan has been doing an awesome job in all subjects. He is taking his time and submitting some amazing work. Keep it up, Ethan!
Week of October 19th
Kindergarten: Cole Brusky - Cole does a great job logging on for our Google Meets each day. He is always so respectful when he has a question. Cole gets all of his class work done. Keep up the good work Cole!
Grade 1: Marie Njiomouo - Marie works above and beyond to complete her assignments. She works independently and always sets her timer to get to her next Meet. She participates and always has a smile on her face. She is rocking distance learning
Grade 2: Brylee Cameron - Brylee brings so much energy to Google Meets. She participates beautifully!
Grade 3: Elizabeth Summers - Elizabeth always is ready to work and does an excellent job of listening and completing work correctly! I am proud of her!
Grade 4: Joel Njiomouo - Joel is very attentive during Google Meets. He participates in class and has a positive attitude! Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Fogle are very proud of Joel's effort and hard work!
Grade 5: Brynne Keel - Brynne comes ready to participate and learn every day. She is enthusiastic and adds so many thoughtful observations and insights to our discussions. Keep up the great work, Brynne!
Week of October 26th
Kindergarten: River Robinson - River has done a great job participating this week. She is doing better with raising her hand and waiting to be called on. Great Job River!
Grade 1: Theo Reilly - Theo has been submitting all of his work on time and accessing Splash Learn and Lexia. Also when he volunteers an answer in class it is very detailed. He is the all around student in first grade.
Grade 2: Owen Smith - Owen is working so hard to complete his work on time. His work is outstanding!
Grade 3: Alexa Grossnickle - Alexa did a great job in math and reading . She participates and her attendance is excellent!
Grade 4: Ronan Hoyt - Ronan comes to Google Meet everyday with a smile on his face! He is an active learner and always has a positive attitude. Mrs. Dawon and Mrs. Fogle are very proud of all of Ronan's hard work!
Grade 5: Addyson Harrigan - Addyson has been doing an amazing job with virtual learning! She is an active participant in our daily discussions and is producing top-notch work! Keep it up, Addyson!
Schoology Support for Families
Mrs. Dill serves as our WFES Schoology Ambassador. She provides assistance to staff, students, and families with Schoology support and trouble shooting. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dill if you have any questions regarding Schoology: janet.dill@fcps.org
If you need assistance with your child's Chrome book, please contact Ms. Beveridge: ruth.beveridge@fcps.org
Learning Lab Hours:
M, W, TH - 8:30-9:00 a.m.
M through F - 1:30-4:00 p.m.
To access the Leaning Lab:
1. Log in to your child's account.
2. Go to meet.google.com
3. Click on "join or start a meeting"
Enter the session name: team-wfes
Resources for Virtual Learning
WFES Google Meet Session Names - Your child's Schoology homeroom includes a link at the bottom left hand corner that will quickly take them to each Google Meet session with the teacher. If there is a problem with the link, this document contains instructions on how to access Google Meet sessions with teachers by using session names. We are using consistent Google meet session names to provide consistency for families. Please use the teacher's name link to join all "live" instruction sessions each day.
Schoology Support for Parents & Families
The following schools are added for to-go breakfasts and lunches distributed from the school cafeteria:
Deer Crossing Elementary
Governor Thomas Johnson Middle
Green Valley Elementary
Lewistown Elementary
Liberty Elementary
Myersville Elementary
Tuscarora Elementary
Valley Elementary
The following sites will distribute to-go breakfasts and lunches from a school bus:
7th Street Frederick Shopping Center Parking Lot, 1305 West 7th Street, Frederick
Brunswick Heights Shopping Center Parking Lot, 92 Souder Road, Brunswick
Concord Mobile Homes Park Community, 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson
Lucas Village Community Center Parking Lot, 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Frederick
School meals service will continue to change as needs are determined in areas around Frederick County.
Dates and times for all sites are posted at www.fcps.org/meals.
Food Pantry
Remains Open
(Serving the Myersville, Smithsburg, Sabillasville Zip Codes)
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Salem Church
12479 Wolfsville Rd.
Wolfsville Elementary School
Email: linda.stuart@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/wfes/
Phone: 240-236-2250
Twitter: @WolfsvilleES