Washington Post
Family Newsletter for Washington Elementary
A Word from Mrs. Wolf
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How can we help our children learn to serve others on a daily basis?
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN THE JOY OF SERVING OTHERS
Start by letting them work alongside you. Then, as you go along, teach them more than the mere skills of service, but the spirit of service. Talk about how pleasant it is to serve your family…as you’re folding clothes, baking muffins, or cleaning up the yard. It’s not only a job to be completed, it’s a blessing to be offered.
Teach your children to notice what needs to be done. To me it’s obvious that her little brother should have his face wiped up, but it’s not as evident to her young eyes. I have to point it out and then give her a chance to care for him.
Or prompt with, “Do you think your sister might want a glass of milk too?” rather than taking care of it myself. Although that would be easier and faster (and less chance of breakage).
Or, “Wouldn’t it be nice for daddy to come home to a clean house? Let’s surprise him by picking up the toys.” Rather than simply ordering the living room to be picked up.
Let them enjoy helping out. Show them the rewards of their service. “Isn’t it wonderful to be able to bless others by serving them like this?” Encourage them to see that helping others is not only the “right thing” to do, it’s a joy.
Instruct them in how they can be a help to you. Train them to ask, “What can I do for you?” Not waiting to be told what to do, but to actively look for ways they can help you. Then let them feel your pleasure when they’ve served you in some special way.
Cheer them on as they learn to serve. Take a moment to recognize their effort to help – no matter what the result. If they’ve spilled something or broken a glass in the process? It’s not nearly as important as them trying to help. What we care about is their heart to serve.
How are we doing? Attendance Update
K-96%
1-93%
2-96%
3-96%
4-96%
5-95%
This year, we have several incentives to encourage attendance. Our club days are random so children must show up each day to participate. We also have established mentors for students who are chronically absent. Our check in and check out student support system also encourages students to succeed in school through strong, important relationships with a caring adult. Lastly, we will be making announcements about the learning centers who are reaching high levels on our WSIC newscast.
Coming soon:
Monday, November 27 -Mountain Trail Parent Meeting 5:30 in auditorium
Wednesday, Move 29-Birthdays with the Principals
November 29-December 6-Scholastic Bookfair
Dec 4-7 Girls Family Life Classes for Fifth Grade
December 5th- LCF Field Trip to Rocky Mount
December 5th Tech Night 5:15-6:30 Tech Night and Family Book Fair event
December 13 Birthdays with the Principals
December 19th-LCF Celebration of Learning Performance 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
December 20th Washington Troupe community tour
GWES and PTA Thank all of our business partners
Parent Participation at School
- ensure your child attends school regularly
- look for school communication in folders and respond when needed
- offer to volunteer with PTA, library boosters, Washington Troupe support, or in your child's classroom (each teacher has different preferences with this, so please email and set up a time to plan this).
- join us for celebrations of learning and other parent engagement activities in the evenings and during school hours
- eat lunch or breakfast with your child periodically (they love a special visit)
- help supply our classrooms with needed items for class projects and parties