"Knightly" News
Washington Street Elementary - April 12, 2024
Upcoming Events
April
- 19: Career Fair
- 19: Popcorn Friday
- 23: 4th Grade Field Trip
- 24: Kindergarten Screening
- 1: Fun Run
- 2: 5th Grade to Greenfield Village
- 2: Fun Run Money Due
- 3: Send Progress Reports Home
- 3: Parent Requests Due for 24-25
- 15: Last Delayed Start
- 17: 5th Grade Field Day
- 17: 1st Grade Program, OHS Auditorium - 10:30 am
- 23: Warriors 5k Ultimate Triathlon
- 30: 1st Grade Field Trip
Field Trip & School Event Parking
PLEASE park at the Middle School if you are attending a field trip or an event at WSE. This will ensure that WSE and OMS can have a normal dismissal. We have many upcoming events and we would like to avoid any added craziness at the end of each day. Thank you for your continued support!
WSE Fun Run
The WSE Fun Run Fundraiser packet was sent home this week. Please consider participating! This is our one and only fundraiser for the year. Students have a chance to earn great prizes: Classroom raffles, ice cream treats & extra recess, a pool party, an obstacle course inflatable party, a GLOW Party and more! The Fun Run will be held on Wednesday, May 1. All donations are due by May 2 to be eligible for prizes.
Also, we are in need of parent volunteers on May 1 from 11:15-2:30. Please email Mrs. Knight at jknight@otsegops.org if you are interested in helping!
2024-2025 Class Placements
Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for the 2024-2025 school year. Placement of children in classes is a part of that planning and a most difficult task. Responsible placement decisions take time and many consultations among staff members. Our goal is to make the best match between student, teacher, and learning environment. Many factors must be considered such as gender ratios, academic ranges, social behavior, personalities, special needs, and learning styles. If you feel you have special insights regarding your child that could assist with our selection, it is certainly welcome. We ask parents to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Provide information about your child’s needs.
• Do NOT request a specific teacher or friendship group. A detailed description of your child’s learning style and individual needs is more helpful.
• Information must be in writing-please complete this FORM -- or fill out a form in the office on or before May 3rd.
Remember that due to the many factors involved, we are unable to make any guarantees, other than the fact that we will put much thought, consideration, and individual attention into each and every placement. We hope you will rely on our expertise and know that the best possible placement will be made for your child.
Public Forum Notice
Two proposed changes to the 6th grade reproductive unit will be the topic of public forums on April 22, 2024.
The Otsego Public schools Reproductive Health and wellness team is proposing two changes to the 6th grade reproductive health unit. The State of Michigan requires Reproductive Health be taught but allows parents to opt out of that unit of Health class before it happens. Parents can review the unit in its entirety before deciding.
The proposed changes are:
1) to replace a video on puberty, that is over 20 years old, with a newer, more up-to-date video.
2) to add four new definitions to the unit.
Check out the district website for additional info: https://www.otsegops.org/news/~board/district-news/post/public-forum-notice
Big Dawg Summer Sports Camps
2023-24 Yearbooks
Bulldog PRIDE
Congratulations to the following students for being selected as their classroom PRIDE winner for the week!
P - Positive Attitude
R - Responsible Actions
I - Integrity Within
D - Determination to Succeed
E - Expect Excellence
Kindergarten: Nolan Burke, Hayden Wolthuis, Xander Fricke, Easton VanHorn
1st grade: Maelee Liskovec, Adalynn Cramer, Abe Rowe
2nd grade: Xander Maystead, Landon Andress, Aly Tolly
3rd grade: Adley Richie, Bradley Comer, Logan Shumaker
4th grade: Liam Spencer, Alex Coburn, Roemello Moore
5th grade: Jaxson Crawford, Tobias Kuehl
Counselor's Corner
Tips for Parents to Use in Motivating a Child
Success is the greatest motivator. Recognize, reinforce, and celebrate the child’s successes and progress – even the small victories.
Speak positively and supportively about the child’s school and teachers. If the child senses a parent’s hostility toward the school, it is unlikely that the child will be motivated to succeed there.
Compliment children for good decisions.
Reinforce the child for small gains in a difficult subject area. Reward direction, not perfection.
When reviewing a test or report card with a child, always comment first on the positive aspects. Then talk about the things that may need improvement.
Take an active (but not intrusive) interest in the child’s hobbies and activities.
Enjoy family activities in which all family members work cooperatively toward a common goal (e.g., gardening, family game nights, community service).
Help children set realistic goals for their academic, social, and athletic performances. Use these goals to monitor and assess their progress.
Do not tell a child that a task “will be easy” in order to enhance her motivation. (“Come on, Beverly, let’s get started on that map homework. It should be a cinch!”) This well-intentioned strategy often backfires. If the child does well on the task, she is not particularly delighted because the assignment was labeled “easy.” Conversely, if she has difficulty with the assignment, she has failed at a “simple task.” Either way, the child’s pride and self-esteem are not enhanced. A more effective approach is to say, “This task is a challenge, but I know you can do it.”
Celebrate risk-taking behavior on the part of children. The willingness to take risks is fundamental to school success and motivation.
Avoid comparing the child to her siblings. This practice merely builds resentment and anger, not motivation.
*This list has been excerpted from p. 283-285 of The Motivation Breakthrough by Richard LaVoie.
CKH - Capturing Kids Hearts
What is Perseverance?
Perseverance is the willingness and ability to keep going when things are tough. People who persevere show steadfastness and give the extra effort needed to do something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.
Why focus on Perseverance?
- Perseverance encourages positive self-talk and thinking. When faced with difficult tasks, perseverance helps students reframe with positive thoughts, such as: "I'm not good at this YET!"
- Perseverance develops empathy. Students gain a better understanding of who they are and develop more empathy and compassion for others who may struggle to reach a goal.
- Perseverance sparks personal growth. Pushing through complex tasks builds resilience and helps students discover how capable they are.
Watch D.O.G.S.
Our WatchD.O.G.S. program is in full swing! “Dads” (or dad-like figures) who are interested in signing up to volunteer for a full or half day should contact Angela Bender (abender@otsegops.org) or Jen Knight (jknight@otsegops.org) via email to schedule a date.
When you volunteer, you will receive a schedule for the day that allows you to help out in different classrooms doing a wide range of activities (reading a story, working with a child 1:1, playing a game with a small group). You will also have scheduled time on the playground and lunchroom to interact with students and be a positive role model for them. We need a current background check on file before you can volunteer.
Sign up for Mrs. Knight's Remind!
Washington Street Elementary
Attendance Line: (269)694-7880
WSE BASE: (269)694-7835
Email: jknight@otsegops.org
Website: http://wse.otsegops.org/
Location: 538 Washington Street, Otsego, MI, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wseparents/?rf=371830666323356
Twitter: @otsegoschools