Weekly Update
September 15, 2022
Dear Winnona Park Community,
Now that the staff and students have our Community Circle routines in place, it is time to invite parents to join us! There is not a lot of room in the cafe to invite all parents at once, therefore we will invite one grade level at a time each week, starting with kindergarten parents on Friday, September 30th. I’ve placed all Community Circle dates on the Winnona Park calendar indicating which grade level attends each week. This calendar is available on our website.
If you are attending Community Circle, please enter the cafeteria through the doors by the pond only. We will admit you once the students are seated.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Greg Wiseman
Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School
The 12th Annual Winnona Park Read-a-Thon is starting soon!
This awesome PTA fundraiser encourages our kids to read and develop reading skills and habits while giving them a chance to raise funds for our school.
How Does Read-a-Thon Work?
From September 30 to October 6, we want our kids to sign up sponsors and read, read, read! We are counting minutes and collecting donations through the Read-a-Thon page on the WP PTA website. Remember to log your minutes EVERY DAY so they can be counted! Readers will be recognized by class and individually for minutes read, and prizes will be awarded to top readers each day. This year, our goal is to read 50,000 minutes!
Additional information about the Read-a-Thon, a printable reading log, and instructions on setting up your online campaign are available here and on the PTA website, and will be sent home in your child’s communication folder after Fall Break.
Need More Books? Come to the Charis Book Sale!
We have partnered with our neighborhood bookstore, Charis Books and More (184 S. Candler), again this year to support our Read-a-Thon. On Friday, September 30 from 3:30-5:30pm, Charis will hold a special book sale featuring books for our K-2 readers and adults, and will donate 10% of all sales back to the WP PTA. Stop by for some new reading material, bring a blanket for some reading on the lawn, and visit the King of Pops cart to buy a treat too.
Questions? Please reach out to the Read-a-Thon Committee at winnonaparkRAT@gmail.com
Flu Clinic - Save the Date - Wednesday, September 28th from 3:30 - 5 PM on the Pavillion
Details to follow as they become available.
The PTA Fundraising Committee Needs You!
We are looking for 3-4 volunteers available to support our fundraising efforts for our first annual Parent’s Night Out, benefiting WPES. The role would include obtaining raffle and auction items, securing donations, assisting in organizing volunteers and ticket sales ahead of the event on Saturday, November 5, 2022. If interested please email adriana@aalevents.com
SAVE THE DATE - FALL PARENT'S NIGHT OUT BENEFITING WP PTA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 6:30 pm
We are back! Save the date for the PTA’s Fall Parent's Night Out benefiting Winnona Park’s PTA, our biggest fundraiser of the year! Book your babysitter now and join us on November 5 from 6:30-11pm. This year’s event will feature games, some fun competition, great food, adult beverages and plenty of music to ensure a Winnona Park Rocks good time! Further details to come!
Media Center News
The Media Center will be open for family browsing and checkout after the break beginning Tuesday, September 27th. Adults can check out up to five books at a time. We will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 - 3:30 PM. We will not be open on Wednesday, September 28th due to the Flu Clinic.
Important Information about Gifted Review
Each fall semester the gifted review team looks at existing student data to discuss students’ needs and determine if further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, you may complete a Recommendation for Review Form (found at the website below) and turn it into the Gifted & Talented Specialist at your child’s school before October 5th. No additional information is needed. The Gifted & Talented Specialists for Winnona Park are Michele Stroud and Kristen Karably. For more detailed information about the review process and to obtain a copy of the Recommendation for Review Form, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school at mstroud@csdecatur.net or kkarably@csdecatur.net or visit the following website: https://www.csdecatur.net/Page/581.
Do you have a Change in your Dismissal Plans?
Plans change and emergencies happen. If something comes up that changes your child’s normal dismissal routine, please complete this form by 1:00. Do not email your teacher, just complete the form. You will find this form under each teacher’s email signature and on the WP website under “Families>Dismissal.”
Show your WPES Spirit!
At WPES we wear our support every Friday! Make sure your family gets your Spirit Wear before it's gone! Numerous adult and kids t-shirt options plus kids hoodies for the cold weather to come! Please include your child’s name and teacher in the notes section when checking out.
The online store is available at https://winnona-park-es-pta.square.site/
Join the Fabulous WP PTA
The WP PTA Rocks! As you can see from the events above, they are super-involved in all back to school activities and much, much more. The PTA works to enhance the educational experience of all Winnona Park students by supporting teachers and staff, organizing fundraisers for items not covered by the school budget, and planning and hosting community-building events. Through fundraising efforts, the PTA supports many offerings and initiatives including classroom libraries, teacher and parent grants, field trips and guest speakers for all students, facility enhancements, and various community-building events. Click here to view the PTA welcome letter to learn so much more about the WP PTA.
From City Schools of Decatur
ESOL Parent Meeting and Title I Annual Parent Meeting
Community Spotlight Meeting- Threshold Community Program
Mr. Dave Nelson, Executive Administrative Director of Threshold Community Program, will share an overview of supports provided by this program.
Services include but are not limited to:
Individual and group counseling
College and career support
Social skills building
Academic tutoring and support for middle, high school, and college students
Target Audience: Parents of students ages 14-18 with an IEP.
Date: September 29
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Virtual (Register Here)
For questions, email Cheryl Grant cgrant@csdecatur.net
Attention all ESOL & Federal Programs Parents and Families!!!
Please Save the Date for our ESOL Parent Meeting and Title I Annual Parent Meeting hosted on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Wilson Center Central Office,125 Electric Avenue Decatur, GA 30030.
Come learn about our ESOL & Title I Programs in CSD and the support your student will receive this year. We will have treats, music, games, and Vegan S'mores for the whole family to enjoy.
Additional Information about the meeting can be found on the flyer linked here.
This meeting will be recorded.
If you have questions about the ESOL Parent Meeting and Title I Annual Parent Meeting, please contact Paris Hardnett at phardnett@csdecatur.net or Willie Washington at wwashington@csdecatur.net.
Superintendent Search
Thank you to everyone that attended the input session facilitated by GSBA on the 14th. We will have another session on the 28th.
Although it is not required to attend, we are asking for anyone wishing to attend one of the in-person sessions to please register via this form. Registering ahead of time will help us better plan the events and breakout sessions.
Event details:
Session Two: Wednesday, September 28, from 6-7:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.
If you can not attend the next session, you can still provide input by participating in the survey linked here.
CSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The theme for 2022 is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation ."
View related records on the National Archives’ Hispanic/Latino Heritage resource page and in the Archives Catalog.
Superintendent Search Community Conversation
The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education values input and feedback. The community is invited to engage in a facilitated conversation to share feedback for consideration as the Board prepares to develop the leadership profile for the Superintendent position. The Board is excited to offer two in-person opportunities for the community to engage and share their thoughts. You may attend either September 14, 2022, or September 28, 2022. A survey will be available for those unable to participate in one of the in-person events.
Although it is not required to attend, we are asking for anyone wishing to attend one of the in-person sessions to please register via this form.
Registering ahead of time will help us better plan the events and breakout sessions.
Event details:
Session One: Wednesday, September 14, from 6-7:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.
Session Two: Wednesday, September 28, from 6-7:30 pm in the Decatur High School cafeteria.Connection Sessions
Connection Sessions are conversations between CSD's Equity Director, various invited guests, and the CSD POGM* community. During each session, community members are introduced to a person who is integral to supporting the school system while we discuss thoughts, interests, and concerns regarding City Schools of Decatur. Each session uses a racial equity lens - always asking the question - "What does race have to do with this?"
These sessions may not always have the answers, but they provide an opportunity for members of Decatur's POGM community (as well as all others) to explore perspectives, pose questions, and share thoughts.
Each meeting starts at 6 pm. Access it by using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2yuj2tbs.
September TBD, 2022 - Adena Walker, Chief of Human Resources, CSD
October 17th, 2022 - Billy Heaton, Principal, Talley Street
November 14th, 2022 - Courtney Burnett, Chief of Staff, CSD
December 19th, 2022 - Karen Newton-Scott, Principal, FAVE
* People of color, despite being minoritized in the US, are a global majority. Thus, previously entitled BIPOC Connection Sessions, the name of this event is now Connection Sessions for POGM (People of the Global Majority). There is conflict regarding the use of the term BIPOC and this article details many relevant concerns. In short, the term BIPOC, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color, elevates some cultures over others in a way that does not reflect the respect each culture deserves.
Special Education Parent Engagement
September Meeting:
disAbility Link - Empowering Youth
Mr. William Thomas, Youth & Diversity Supervisor for disAbility Link, will give an overview of the services and supports offered through the Empowering Youth program for youths ages 14-29. disAbility link provides but is not limited to employment support, self-advocacy, social activities, and peer support.
Target Audience: Parents of students with disabilities ages 14-22 years old
Date: September 15
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Virtual
To RSVP, click this Link or email Cheryl Grant at cgrant@csdecatur.net.
For more information, please see the August Welcome Back Flyer.
District-Wide Intervention Information
If you have questions about interventions, please contact Erica Godfrey, District Intervention Specialist & MTSS Coordinator, at egodfrey@csdecatur.net. You can register for Super Saturdays here.
Community Partner Announcements and Updates
City of Decatur
Attention!! All teachers and instructors who are Artists, Actors, Chefs, Scientists, Engineers, and Designers! If you are looking for a Summer opportunity that engages kids and aids in the exploration of kids' interests, look no further. E Camps Summer program will offer a variety of interest each week. Camps are presented in four categories: Cooking, Theatre, STEAM, and Explorations.
If you would like to share your expertise and talents with our participants by facilitating an enrichment camp please use the link below to apply.
Here is the link for the 2022-2023 E-Camp Summer Application: https://decaturga.seamlessdocs.com/f/ECamp2023.
Decatur Education Foundation
Would you like to help a high schooler meet their post-secondary goals? It’s not too late to volunteer as a FOCUS Coach, and we need just a few more volunteers. Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/DCP6xpRJeV6LcmMn9.
We currently have 28 2nd- 8th grade CSD students who have requested a tutor, but only 20 tutors – could you donate one hour per week to tutor a CSD student? Sometimes there is a specific need, and other times, the students need help with homework, organization, or motivation. If that sounds like a great way to give back to your community, click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/w5jbpvWnpkVFYnN48.
PS – Upper high schoolers make GREAT tutors, and many need volunteer hours!
Our friends at Gathered & Grounded are offering a group session just for teens called Unwind Sundays during the month of October. Sessions are from 8-9 pm on October 2, 9, 30 and November 6 and are designed to provide a safe place for teens to prepare for their week. To sign up go to www.GatheredAndGrounded.com. DEF is providing scholarships for families for which the attendance cost is prohibitive.
Madison Soapbox Derby
MADISON AVE DERBY - REGISTRATION OPEN
Don't miss your chance to be a part of one of Decatur's most iconic neighborhood events! Driver registration is now open for the 11th Annual Madison Avenue Derby, the non-motorized racing event where amateur racers of all ages design and build human-powered soapbox cars to compete against the clock in a downhill race!
Join the excitement as a racer or spectator on October 15, 2022, for a day of family-friendly fun - proceeds from the event this year go to support the Friends of Refugees! REGISTER TO RACE NOW