The Avery Pulse
December 11th, 2022
Upcoming Dates
- Dec. 11th - Trivia Night Planning (Information Below)
- Dec. 12th - Late Start - Information Below
- Dec. 13th - Dress in your favorite sports team attire
- Dec. 13th - Avery Parents for Racial Equity Mtg. (Information Below)
- Dec. 14th - Pajama Day
- Dec. 20th - Flannel Day
- Dec. 21st - Winter Parties (Information Below)
- Dec. 22nd - Jan. 3 - Winter Break
- Jan. 4th - School Resumes
Late Start TOMORROW!
Please click the link for additional details related to late starts.
Beginning this school year, the Webster Groves School District has added late start days to the school calendar.
Late start days will allow for additional time for our teachers to use data and collaboratively plan to continue to address the needs of all of our students.
The schedule for late starts is below:
Late Start Supervision Program - 7:40am-8:50am
School Day Arrival Begins - 8:50am
School Begins - 9:05am
Families who need help with student supervision on late start days can participate in a program available at each building. If you already signed up for this supervision, you should have received a confirmation email from Avery on Sunday, August 14th at 9:45am.
If you are in need of supervision for your child(ren) and have not received a confirmation email that they are in our late start supervision program, please click here and complete the form.
Members of the Avery staff will manage the Late Start Supervision Program, including instructional aides and substitute teachers. Families who participate in the morning Adventure Club Program will automatically be enrolled in the Late Start Supervision Program.
For additional information on the late start program, please check out our district website: https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/domain/4244
Pulse Timing Update
- Sunday, Dec. 25th
- Sunday, Jan. 1st
The Pulse will resume on Sunday, Jan. 8th.
Spirit Days
Here are some upcoming spirit days for both staff and students to participate in:
- Dec. 13th - Dress in your favorite sports team attire
- Dec. 14th - Pajama Day
- Dec. 20th - Flannel Day
Winter Parties
Please read the below information regarding Winter Party protocol. Please note, with our shift in not allowing birthday treats, we are also not allowing food to be consumed by students during the party. Food is welcome at the party, but needs to be packaged in a way that can be sent home with students. Should you have any questions, let us know.
Winter Parties will take place on Wednesday, December 21st
Classroom parties will take place at 1:45 pm.
Classroom parties will END at 2:30pm.
If making a donation of items/activities for parties, please send in only non-food items. There will not be any food consumed during classroom parties-but snacks are welcome to go home with students.
If you are planning on attending the classroom party, please sign in at the front table located by the main entrance.
Feel free to contact your child's teacher or a room parent with any questions or concerns.
A Note from Mrs. Wallace… Avery’s School Counselor
Our three big ideas at Avery that Mrs. Wallace talks about during counselor lessons are The Avery Way, The 7 Habits, and The Zones of Regulation. In November we focused on habit #3 and in December we’ll focus on habit #4.
Habit #3: Put First Things First
Habit #3 helps us to remember to work first, then play. We stay focused on the things that need to be done before moving onto the things we’d like to do. Habit #3 helps us prioritize and plan efficiently.
Habit #4: Think Win-Win
Habit #4 helps to remember that we can all win. We try to find a way for everyone to be successful. When conflict arises we communicate with an “I message” and listen. Next, we can brainstorm possible solutions and compromises that everyone can agree upon.
Here are some resources that could be helpful with the holidays coming up: Tips for parents on managing holiday stress, 9 tips to fend off holiday stress, and Express your gratitude this holiday season (feel free to use this with your children!).
Check out these visuals below on de-stressing during the holiday season:


Avery Equity Group - December meeting and expanding scope
Six years ago, a group of Avery parents came together to advocate for children and families at our school who historically had been marginalized - children and families of color. After much discussion, Avery Parents for Racial Equity will be expanding its scope to also advocate for other groups who need allies, such as LGBTQ+ children and families, our lower income families, and others. Race will continue to be a focus of this group, but not the sole focus.
Interested in helping to set a new vision for this group? Please come to our next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7-8 p.m. via Zoom.
https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/j/96358432002?pwd=UHNyVzFBZkZjM3NYejlRMmg1OUNzQT09
Meeting ID: 963 5843 2002
Passcode: 882971
National Influenza Vaccination Week
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week so we're encouraging everyone - especially children and others at higher risk - to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this season by getting a flu vaccine. Currently, flu activity is elevated in our own community and across the county and there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine! See additional information below on where to obtain yours today!
- St. Louis County Department of Public Health
OR
*Walk-ins welcome at all 3 locations from 8am - 4:30pm. More info.
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens Pharmacy
Repeated Information Below
Winter Break Book Swap
We’re collecting gently used books for a free book swap the week before Winter Break!
Through Dec. 9, send in children’s books that your kiddos are finished with. All Avery students will have the opportunity to browse and take home books to read during Winter Break.
Books can be dropped off in the plastic bin outside the front door. Children can also deliver books to their teachers.
This is a great way to upcycle books and ensure kids have something to read during their break – at no expense!
Questions? Contact Elisa Tomich at averyequity@gmail.com

Trivia Night Planning Meeting
Science Fair
Webster Groves Basketball Development League
This program will be designed to help teach students the fundamentals of playing basketball. Practices will be held on Tuesday nights at WGSD Elementary School Gyms and games will be played on Sundays in the late morning and early afternoon in the gyms at Webster Groves High School.
Teams will be put together by elementary school attendance and grade level. If a particular school or grade level does not have enough players then we will combine them with another one. To be eligible to participate in this league, students must either attend a WGSD elementary school or live within the WGSD boundaries.
Sign Up to Help Wrap!

Thrive Jr. (Entrepreneurship Club) Registration
We are excited to announce that we are starting a Thrive Jr. Entrepreneurship Club, powered by VentureLab. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business. It is a skillset and a way of thinking. It involves identifying needs, brainstorming creative solutions, taking calculated risks, learning from failure, and persevering despite setbacks.
In the Idea to Pitch Program, students grow their entrepreneurial mindsets and skills as they apply their passions and strengths to identify opportunities to creatively solve problems, develop their solution into a business, and pitch the idea. The program culminates in a pitch event where students present their ideas to our community.
Who: 4th and 5th grade students (25 max. total students)
When: January 9, 2023-February 13, 2023
Wednesday afternoons 3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Questions? Please contact Rochelle Spencer at spencer.rochelle@wgmail.org
Dogs At Arrival and Dismissal
A Note from the Nurses
As the seasons change and we resume our usual activities, infectious disease experts believe that we are already seeing the reemergence of respiratory illnesses at increased rates, including flu.
Here are some tips and resources to help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs, including practicing good hand hygiene and staying home when you are sick.
Thank you for helping us keep our students, staff and community safe and healthy!
Current 5th Grade Families
Equity in Action Committee Community Recognition
Equity in Action Committee Community Recognition
The Webster Groves School District's Equity in Action Committee values and encourages peer-to-peer recognition for equity work. In 2021, the EIA launched a Community Recognition initiative, which provides an opportunity for members of the community to recognize individuals (i.e. students, teachers, parents, friends, community members, etc.), schools, businesses, and organizations who make significant contributions towards creating and cultivating a culture of dignity that values all human beings within the WGSD. To learn more about this opportunity and to make a recognition, please go to Community Recognition. The deadlines are November 29, 2022, January 30, 2023, and April 24, 2023.
Avery Staff Favorites Please click the link below to see the Avery Staff Favorites! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e6Z8KJTJ3zQ6gHg41L7Oef6teiXROKfX?usp=sharing | Arrival and Dismissal ProceduresArrival from 7:40-7:50 AM
Dismissal 2:50pm-3:00pm
| Expected BehaviorsParents and Guardians- As we head into the school year, there will be opportunities for the Avery community to come together for after school events on the Avery campus. This note is to serve as a reminder and conversation prompts to have with your children prior to events outside the normal school day:
Thank you for supporting Avery and the PTO by reinforcing these strategies with your child(ren). Hannah Peterson & Aaron Winkler |
Avery Staff Favorites
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1e6Z8KJTJ3zQ6gHg41L7Oef6teiXROKfX?usp=sharing
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival from 7:40-7:50 AM
Bompart Avenue
Carpool drop-off only in front of school – parents to remain in vehicles with staff members assisting students
Families walking students to school will say goodbye at the external doors
No parking during arrival
Staff members will supervise at the curb
Marshall Avenue
Atrium entrance will be open for arrival for students dropped off on Marshall
Staff members will supervise at the curb
- Atalanta Avenue
We strongly encourage families to travel only from Bompart towards Glen to alleviate congestion and increase safety
No parking on sidewalks
Staff members will supervise at the curb
Dismissal 2:50pm-3:00pm
Bompart Avenue
Kindergarten and Fifth grades will dismiss out front
Atalanta Avenue
First and Fourth grades will dismiss along the side
Blacktop
Second and Third grades will dismiss on the back blacktop
Back Parking Lot
Staff parking only
No entrance or exit from 2:20-2:50
Expected Behaviors
Parents and Guardians-
As we head into the school year, there will be opportunities for the Avery community to come together for after school events on the Avery campus. This note is to serve as a reminder and conversation prompts to have with your children prior to events outside the normal school day:
Please listen to the parent volunteers who are supporting the event.
Please limit access to the building to use of restrooms or areas where activities are present.
The Avery Way is something students learn and recite EVERY morning. These would be good reminders for your child as well. Below you can find our Avery Way:
A-Always Safe
V-Very Responsible
E-Engaged in Learning
R-Respectful to self others and property
Y-You Matter!
Thank you for supporting Avery and the PTO by reinforcing these strategies with your child(ren).
Hannah Peterson & Aaron Winkler
Student Symptom Decision Tree | Lunch and Breakfast InformationBreakfast and lunch menus are coming soon and can be found here. Breakfast Prices are $1.75 Lunch Prices are $2.80 Milk Only Purchase is $0.65 Federal funding that provided free meals to Webster Groves students the last few years is no longer available this upcoming year. If you think your family qualifies for free and reduced meals, it’s important to apply for assistance. Remember, meals are not free this year. You can apply for Free and Reduced meals here. You can deposit money in your child's meals account via credit/debit card here or by check or cash at your child's school. | Birthday TreatsBeginning this school year, we will begin celebrating student birthdays differently than in the past. We will no longer be accepting outside birthday treats for your child's birthday. This decision has been made for a number of reasons, but primarily due to the dietary restrictions and safety of our students. We will continue to celebrate your child on their birthday! Some ways we do this as a whole school are including names on our T.V. monitors around the building, announcing birthdays on the morning announcements, and beginning this year having students visit the office for their very own birthday pencil. Individual classrooms also celebrate birthdays! Teachers will be reaching out to families on the unique ways they plan to ensure your children feel special on their big day! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you, Hannah Peterson, Ed.D. |
Lunch and Breakfast Information
Breakfast and lunch menus are coming soon and can be found here.
Breakfast Prices are $1.75
Lunch Prices are $2.80
Milk Only Purchase is $0.65
Federal funding that provided free meals to Webster Groves students the last few years is no longer available this upcoming year. If you think your family qualifies for free and reduced meals, it’s important to apply for assistance. Remember, meals are not free this year. You can apply for Free and Reduced meals here.
You can deposit money in your child's meals account via credit/debit card here or by check or cash at your child's school.
Birthday Treats
Beginning this school year, we will begin celebrating student birthdays differently than in the past. We will no longer be accepting outside birthday treats for your child's birthday. This decision has been made for a number of reasons, but primarily due to the dietary restrictions and safety of our students.
We will continue to celebrate your child on their birthday! Some ways we do this as a whole school are including names on our T.V. monitors around the building, announcing birthdays on the morning announcements, and beginning this year having students visit the office for their very own birthday pencil.
Individual classrooms also celebrate birthdays! Teachers will be reaching out to families on the unique ways they plan to ensure your children feel special on their big day!
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you,
Hannah Peterson, Ed.D.
Want to make a submission to The Avery Pulse?
To qualify for direct distribution to students and families, the
information must be:
- district-sponsored information
- something from a group affiliated* with the district.
- curriculum-related, as determined by the principal, including programs, events, contests and other activities.
*Affiliated is defined as a group recognized by the Board of Education and working
group created soley to work with district staff, students and parents
to raise fund for district activities (PTOs, booster clubs, the
Foundation)
Regarding signs, only signs for school or district groups (sponsored
or affiliated) can be placed on school grounds.
You can read the board policy here
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=448&revid=6VcjbAkBf4Ls3Fs6CyIxFA==&ptid=amIgTZiB9plushNjl6WXhfiOQ==&secid=1QSfUuz8WRJ5slsh0xnyVwukQ==&PG=6&IRP=0
If you are a non-profit organization that doesn't qualify for direct distribution to students and families, you can contact Derek Duncan (duncan.derek@wgmail.org) who is our Director of Communication and he will ensure that your flyer is posted on the community electronic bulletin.
If your information fits the above criteria, you can make a submission to theaverypulse@gmail.com
Submissions are due on Thursdays at 5pm