Wildcat Chat
Washington School: December Issue 2018
Letter from Mrs. Daly
Dear Washington Families,
I am hoping everyone had a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday and break. Are you always asking your child(ren) what they learned or did in school? Here are other questions you can ask instead of "How was your day?"
- What made you smile today?
- Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw or showed?
- What did you do that was creative?
- Was anyone in your class gone today?
- Tell me something you know today that you didn't know yesterday.
- What was the hardest rule to follow today?
- If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
- What made your teacher smile?
- What kind of person were you today?
- Who did you sit with at lunch today?
- What is something that challenged you today?
- How did someone fill your bucket today?
- Whose bucket did you fill today?
November is a time intended for giving thanks. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for taking the time to read with your children, check homework, communicating with your child’s teacher and countless other things you do as a parent to encourage and support the education of your son or daughter.
We will begin Winter MAP testing the week of December 10 in grades 2-5. Please make sure your students get a great breakfast and a well night's sleep.
Please pay close attention to the Holiday Sing schedule. This will help with occupancy in the gym and a more organized process. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Warmly,
Mrs. Daly
Washington Principal
Lost and Found & Dress For the Weather Reminder
There are multiple items in the lost and found. We have returned everything with names in them. Please have your child check the lost and found if they lost anything. We will be donating all items in the next couple of weeks.
Student Safety - Please Read
December Social Emotional Tip: Practice Mindfulness
The holiday season is upon us bringing changes in routine, celebrations, and colder weather. Breaks in the schedule can make transitions to and from school increasingly difficult for some students. Students can manage stress and anxiety by practicing mindfulness or being aware of their feelings and senses. At Washington this year, students can take time to reflect on their days, calm their bodies and minds, and practice self-control by using GoNoodle and MindYeti, both free for teachers and families.
Mindfulness tips for the holiday season from the Child Mind Institute:
Find a quiet time and space
Be thankful
Stay active
Focus on the senses (smells, sounds, feelings of the season)
Holiday Sing - Save the Date
In order to better accommodate the families of Washington School and to help alleviate overcrowding, the Holiday Sing schedule of performances will be the same as last year. This model is used by the other big schools within the district.
The Holiday Sing will take place on Friday, December 21st, 2018. If the student's last name begins with A - L, or they are an AM kindergartener, then the parent/guardian performance will be in the AM.
If the student's last name begins with M - Z or they are a PM kindergartener, then the parent/guardian performance will be in the PM.
Strength of the Washington Community – Making a Difference - Washington Cares
We are all so fortunate to live in such a wonderful, safe community. It is easy to forget that many families living in our wonderful community are struggling. The Washington PTO wants to make a difference in the holidays of our own families in need. Last year, with your generous donations, we were able to help 6 families, a total of 11 children.
December 3rd through December 15th, we will have a Washington Cares Tree set up in the front office. There will be paper blue angels on the tree.
Each angel will contain a holiday wish/need for a single child and/or gift card needs. Each item is valued between $25-$50.
If you are able to donate, you may do so in the following ways:
1 Go to the Washington School front office. Our holiday elves, Stefanie and Michele, will assist in assigning you as many angels as you'd like.
2 Donate via RevTrak on the Washington PTO website by clicking here!
3 Cash and/or gift cards will also be accepted. Please drop off at the Washington School front office. Please clearly label "Washington Cares." The gift cards need to go to Mrs. Daly
We ask that all wrapped gifts and donations be brought to Washington School and/or be made online by Friday, December 15th. Please clearly label your gifts with your assigned child number. It would be best if you could turn in the angel with the gifts.
Should you have any questions, please contact Eve Kuczura at ekuczura@gmail.com or 773.386.4368.
As a reminder, if you or your family are in crisis, Washington School Social Worker, Julie Cullotta, is available to assist you. You may contact Julie at jcullotta@d64.org.
Thank you all in advance for your ongoing support of our Washington Community.
Dress for the Weather
Science Olympiad 2019
Science Olympiad 2019! Parents and students! If your family includes a third, fourth or fifth grader, now is the time to make plans to participate in this year’s Science Olympiad. Information, along with the ONLINE registration form, are available on the District 64 Science Olympiad Webpage. The last day to register for this great event is Friday, November 9.
Follow Mrs. Daly on Twitter
District Mission Statement
NEW! Health & Wellness Resources webpage launched
In District 64, we regularly support our students through individual and group counseling as well as our social-emotional learning programs so that students are able to engage in all that school has to offer.
As a follow-up to the recent showing of the documentary film, Angst, about teen anxiety, District 64 would like to further support our students and families by providing information about community resources available in Park Ridge and Niles as well as links to where you can find additional perspectives from other reliable organizations. Visit our new webpage here.
Washington School
Email: sdaly@d64.org
Website: http://www.d64.org/wes/
Phone: 847-318-4360
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Washington-Elementary-School-Park-Ridge-Niles-1390702047844919/?fref=ts
Twitter: @dalytalk