The Puma Pride
February 15, 2021
Principal's Message
Hello, Willow Dale Families,
Happy Valentine's and President's Day!
All schools and offices are closed Monday, February 15, to celebrate President's day. School will resume on Tuesday for Cohort A students. It looks like another weather system is upon us. Please check your email and the website for any weather-related delays or closings.
This past week, Willow Dale classrooms celebrated a virtual Valentine's day and the 100th day of school. Check out the videos below to get a glimpse of how some of our students and teachers celebrated.
We are excited to kick off "Random Acts of Kindness" week beginning today. Over the last few years, spreading kindness has been enmeshed in all we do in the building. Every day, we recognize students’ and staff's kindness with kindness hearts, which are displayed on our hallway kindness trees. This week, we encourage the entire Willow Dale community to sport their kindness tee shirt and spread as much kindness as possible.
Teachers will be communicating MAP (3-5) and Dibels (K-2) assessment goals with parents in the coming weeks. We are proud of our students who continue to show growth. The results of these assessments allow teachers to identify student areas of strength and need, resulting in an individualized plan that will be put in place to assist students in meeting their benchmark goals. Suggestions for the home will also be shared with families to help support classroom learning. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher.
Stay safe, well, and warm. Have a Pawsome week!
~Dr. Perkins & Mr. Julius
Willow Dale Elementary Celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week! February 14th - February 20th
Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place for one week each year, always taking place in mid-February. It is a week dedicated to kindness and taking that extra, conscious step to brighten somebody’s day. The Willow Dale School community has made this a priority throughout the year. This week, we celebrate with others across the globe in highlighting the kind gestures that contribute to a positive school and community. Participation reinforces the power of kindness in making others, as well as the giver, feel valued. Kindness makes us happier, makes our hearts healthier, slows aging, and improves relationships. Kindness is CONTAGIOUS!
Help us spread kindness this week and every week!
Congratulations to Mrs. Hopkin and the Second-Grade Team!
Give Mrs. Ellen Hopkin a high five! Mrs. Hopkin's classroom project "Saving Plants, Saving People" was recently funded through DonorsChoose.
Thank you, Mrs. Hopkin for always bringing fun projects and sunshine to the classroom. This year, the entire second grade will embark on an adventure as a result of this generous funding.
Students will virtually travel to Hawaii. This region is rich in biodiversity and also at risk of extinction. Students will explore gardens focusing on the importance of native plants and learn about the potential destruction from introduced plants that are invasive to the ecosystem.
The virtual field trip will inspire students to explore ways that they can be responsible for their ecosystems now as children and for the future. This trip will be a direct connection to their science unit on plants.
From the Nurse's Office
February is heart health awareness month! We often hear that good nutrition and exercise are important for heart health but how about brushing your teeth? Having healthy teeth and gums can prevent heart disease. Getting kids to brush their teeth twice a day can be a struggle, so why not try these fun tips to make brushing teeth enjoyable.
- Set a good example! If your child regularly sees you brushing and flossing, they are more likely to brush and floss too. Next time, brush and floss together. Pretend to be your child’s mirror and see if they can copy your moves.
- Turn oral hygiene into a game!
- Play your child’s favorite song to help them brush for a full 2 minutes.
- Brush a quadrant of the child’s teeth during a 30-second commercial break (times 4 of course).
- Consider setting up a reward chart or simple reward such as picking the next family movie night.
- Tell a story to make brushing more fun! Such as sweeping away all the sugar bugs or fighting the animals darting all over their teeth and tongue. Choose a different animal to chase each night.
- Teaching children proper oral hygiene will help them have healthy hearts throughout their lives!
References:
Aetna. (2021). 5 fun was to get your kids to brush their teeth. https://www.aetna.com/health-guide/kids-brush-teeth.html?scrlybrkr=d13bff66
Photos From the Week
Virtual Valentine's Day Celebration
100th Day of School Celebration
Classroom Highlights
Fun Friday with Mrs. Crawford's 3rd Grade Class
Check out our pictures below.
Help Your Child Become A Proficient Reader
Read Between the Lines
Learning to infer, or “read between the lines,” is one key to good reading comprehension. Here are ways to help your youngster make inferences when she reads.
Describe the setting
Pick a book, and read a few sentences to your child (without her looking). Leave out words that give away the setting. Example: “Sand stretched in all directions…cacti dotted the landscape.” Can she infer where the story is set? If she isn’t sure, give her a hint (“Where do you see lots of sand and cacti?”).
Look for lessons
Fables are great for reading between the lines. Read one by Aesop, and help your youngster figure out the lesson. For instance, The Tortoise and the Hare teaches that even if you’re slow, you can win if you just keep going. Have her point out parts that she used to make her inference (“The tortoise never stopped, and he took one good step after another”).
Use prompts
Questions that start with “Why do you think…?” or “How do you know…?” can encourage your child to infer. You might ask why she thinks a character behaved the way he did or how she knows it’s going to snow. Together, look for clues in the book that might help her answer the questions.
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Winter reading rituals
Raise a child who loves to read with these family traditions:
- Fill a basket with wintry titles from the library or your own collection, such as Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Set it in the living room or family room for reading anytime.
- Create a ritual by reading a special book each time it snows. A fun choice is Frosty the Snowman by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins.
- Zoom with another family for a cozy “read-in.” One person can read aloud to the group, or each person can curl up with her own book.
- Read a book and follow up with a winter craft or activity. For instance, try Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett, and then make gingerbread cookies.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to the United States and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice. By spotlighting important people through history on the student-led announcements, as well as incorporating related history lessons into classroom instruction, Willow Dale Elementary is honoring Black History throughout the month of February.
Music Information for 5th-Grade Going to Middle School
Fifth Grade: Music Course information for Middle School
Last week our students saw a video from Mr. Regosch and Mr. Bauerle regarding 6th grade music classes. All 6th graders must select a music class to take next year. The video explained the details of the program and outlined each possible course selection, with the expectation the students would re-watch the video with parents and submit their course selection through the included Google Form link. Thank you to all who have submitted the form so far. If you have not registered your music course yet, Mr. Regosch has requested that you re-watch the video and submit the form as soon as possible. The form must be completed on a Student Chromebook as soon as possible. All links are below. Please email Mr. Regosch with any questions.
All links are below. Please email Mr. Regosch with any questions.
Calling All Families for our Willow Dale Family Project
As part of our second No Place for Hate project, we would love for families and staff to create a collaborative cookbook with lots of family favorites and traditional recipes from your culture. This is optional but we would love as much participation as possible!!!
In classes, teachers read Everybody Cooks Rice and learned about how food is connected to cultural identity. Families often have food traditions and favorite recipes they love to make for meals or holidays. Please look in your child’s google classroom or Seesaw to find the recipe template for your family to use. Only one per family is necessary. Families will "turn in" a recipe slide with a recipe their family loves to make or something they traditionally make for holidays or family meals. There will be an example from the family of Mrs. Zemitis and a template you will use for your recipe. The slide has a space for inserting the name of your dish, your family name, ingredients, directions, and a picture of your dish. You can also get fancy with inserting a video or tik tok tutorial of you making your dish. Check out Mrs. Zemitis' TikToc of her family making chocolate covered pretzels on her sample slide. Click here to view!
The directions for how to complete the slide are in the notes section at the bottom of the slide. When it is all complete, please click the turn in button. Please let your child’s teacher or Mrs. Zemitis know if you need help or have any questions. You have until February 12th to complete your recipe slide. We will put it all together in a Willow Dale Family Favorites cookbook slides presentation and possibly printed to be shared with our school community!
Masks are required at Drop-off and Pick-up
Hello Willow Dale families!
As a reminder, for the safety of our students and staff, masks are required at drop-off and pick-up. Students should have their masks on before exiting the car. Please remain in your car unless absolutely necessary. Masks required if you exit. If you require help, please contact the front office.
Attention ALL Car Riders!
Car tags with your child’s official PikMyKid dismissal ID numbers have been distributed to all current car riders. Please make sure that from now on the car tag is displayed on your dash on the passenger side while on school grounds and that you make note of this number. If you need a card or additional cars, please contact the main office.
Please select one of the following choices when you arrive to pick up your child(ren).
- Carline 1- Line closest to the school building
- Carline 2- Line closest to Norristown Road
Downloaded the PikMyKid app today! Anyone who will be picking up your child should also register themselves with the application. Their screen will be blank, and they will not have any authorization until you allow it within the app.
For more information and instructions, go to this link
If you do not think the school has your mobile number on file or if your child does not appear on your app’s home page, contact support@pikmykid.com mailto:support@pikmykid.com after registration, with your child’s name, school, grade, and updated contact information for you.
We appreciate your patience during the setup as we are working on making the process as safe and seamless as possible.
Hybrid Schedule
Inclement Weather Day Schedule
Reminders for Cold Weather Days
Guidelines for Recess
Below 60 degrees—Jacket or long sleeves
Below 50 degrees—Coat and long pants
Below 32 degrees—Gloves and hats to go outside
Below 20 degrees—Shortened recess (5-10 minutes)
Below 10 degrees—Indoor recess
All temperatures represent the “feels like” number. Sometimes the windchill or windspeed may necessitate an indoor recess.
*If you are in need of coats, hats, gloves- Contact the School Counselors:
Ms. Zemitis: zemile@centennialsd.org
Ms. LaRose: laroka@centennialsd.org
It's Time for Kindergarten Registration!
If you have a neighbor or family member who needs to enroll their child in kindergarten, please pass this information on to them.
Resources for Families
https://www.education.pa.gov/about/Resources/ResourcesFamilies/Pages/default.aspx
Tech Support for Families
- Featured Videos -CSD Online Learning Resources - CSD STUDENT & FAMILY VIDEO TUTORIALS site.
- CSD Online Learning Resources
- Site contains videos and tutorials for students and families
- 1:1 Initiative Resource Center
If you have a technology issue, please submit a help desk ticket (link below) for the fastest response.
CSD Community Technology Support Desk Options for Support
- CSD Community Technology Help Desk: http://helpdesk.centennialsd.org/support/login (this option allows you to create an account, create and submit new tickets, view the status of your ticket, and leave comments on the ticket).
Willow Dale Elementary School's Technology Support Desk Contact
Please call Ms. Kwasniuk (215) 441-6000 and enter the extension 17020.
Important COVID Reminders from the Nurse's Office
Parents, we need your help to keep our students safe and healthy.
Please remember to check your student for the COVID 5 every morning before they come to school.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, please keep your student home.
- Do they have a temperature of greater than 100.3?
- Do they have an altered taste or smell?
- Have they been exposed to someone with a lab-confirmed case of COVID 19?
- Are they awaiting test results of a recent COVID 19 test?
- Do they have an unexplained cough or shortness of breath?
Thank you in advance for your support! We are all in this together!
- Mrs. Salita and Mrs. Kleinschmidt-Willow Dale Nurses
Attendance in Virtual Learning
Children who attend school regularly make the best academic progress, graduate, and go on to successful post-secondary education and/or careers. It is important, even on virtual days for students to join the classroom teacher for learning via Google Meet.
If your child is going to be absent, late, or leave early, please notify the homeroom teacher and the school to let us know. More details below.
The Centennial School District Policy can be found here.
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 by 10:00 AM 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
Email: WDAttendance@centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-441-6093
Nutrition Services 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.
We Need your Help!
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Willow Dale depends on funding based on the number of free and reduced applications approved. Please help us maintain our funding that directly assists our students.
This year, our numbers are lower due to the free meals provided. If you already receive SNAP benefits and have not applied this year, please take a minute to apply.
If your financial situation has changed, please visit schoolcafe.com to apply today!
Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year. All information submitted to the school is kept confidential. Since meal transactions are computerized, there is no discrimination or identification of free or reduced paying students, so all families are urged to consider this program.
For questions or assistance, please reach out to:
Mrs. Shannon Stone - Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services
StonSh@centennialsd.org 215-441-6000 x11015
Random Acts of Kindness Week
Sunday, Feb 14, 2021, 09:00 AM
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All Schools and Offices Closed - Presidents Day Holiday
Monday, Feb 15, 2021, 08:30 AM
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Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser Event
Monday, Feb 15, 2021, 11:00 AM
1661 Easton Rd, Warrington, PA 18976, USA
Read Across America week
My Many Colored Days How many colors can you wear? Wear rainbow or bright colors.
Monday, Mar 1, 2021, 08:45 AM
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Hats off to Dr. Seuss! Wear a crazy hat, drop everything and read to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday!
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021, 08:45 AM
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Wacky Wednesday Wear your clothes backwards, inside out or mismatched.
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021, 01:30 PM
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Crazy Sox Day Show off your crazy, silly socks!
Thursday, Mar 4, 2021, 08:45 AM
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Cozy Up to a Good Book Wear pajamas or comfy clothes
Friday, Mar 5, 2021, 08:45 AM
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Help the Home & School Raise Extra Funds!
Child Care Arrangement Form
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.
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 3 days before the trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Perkins or Mr. Julius.
Buses and Bus Schedule Information
CENTENNIAL 2020-2021 BUS SCHEDULE INFORMATION
***You can access your child's busing information in SKYWARD
Information can also be accessed by clicking on the below link.
- Type in your address to access your child's busing information.
- Addresses with east, west, north, or south use the abbreviation E, W, N, or S with no punctuation. If that does not work, omit using it in your address.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 215-441-6000.
Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: perkca@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org/Domain/692
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