MWES Week 32 Update: 4/8-12/2024
Encouraging EXCELLENCE in our Diverse Panther Cub Community!
Need this Newsletter in Another Language?
Click on the link below to watch a short video with step-by-step directions.
- Encore Day 1
- Spanish Club - 4:15
Tuesday, April 9, 2024:
- Teacher Professional Development/Workday (no school for students)
-
April 10 Holiday (schools and offices closed in observance of Eid al-Fitr)
- Encore Day 2
- SOL Tutoring - a.m. and p.m.
- SOL Night (Grades 3-5) - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Chick-Fil-A Mobile Order Spirit Night: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Encore Day 3
- Math Club - 8:15
- Art Club - 8:10
MWES Nurtures Autism Awareness and Acceptance!
As we embrace National Autism Awareness Month this April, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our Panther Cubs dedicated staff, supportive families, and the entire community. Together, we continue to nurture understanding and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.
In a special message from our Superintendent, Dr. McDade on Friday, we’re thrilled to share her recent visit as part of our second annual World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day parade! Watch the inspiring video: Mary Williams Elementary School on World Autism Day and join us in spreading awareness, compassion, and celebration. Let’s light up the path toward inclusivity and kindness!
MWES World Autism Day - Autism parade
MWES Autism Storytellers Day~
MWES' School Improvement Goal:
Decrease Chronic Absenteeism Below 15%
by the End of the Academic Year!
We appreciate all your hard work in reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring our attainment of full accreditation this year. Our aim is to keep chronic absenteeism below 15% by the end of the academic year. Currently, 13% of our students have experienced chronic absenteeism. With your continued support, we can achieve this goal!
Ways You Can Help:
- Schedule family vacations during school breaks.
- Encourage your children to attend school unless they are sick.
- When your child has an appointment, try to have him/her attend at least part of the school day.
- If you require any assistance, please feel free to contact our parent liaison, Ms. Hernandez, or our school counselors, Ms. Young or Ms. Simmons.
Click here to view the PWCS 2023-2024 School Calendar.
Click here to read more about PWCS Attendance Guidelines.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable
MWES Sneaker Ball Extravaganza!
Exciting News, Panther Cubs Families!
We will have our first Sneaker Ball at Mary Williams Elementary School on April 20, 2024, from
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. This event is for MWES students only. Parents are required to attend. Formal attire for parents is optional. The attire is formalwear (dresses/suits) and sneakers.
You do not want to miss this PHENOMENAL event! There will be photos, a live DJ, and lots of dancing! The cost is $6.00 per student, and you must pay using Quick Pay before 4/18/24. Cash will not be accepted at the door.
If you have any questions, please contact our School Counselors, Ms. Simmons at knightst@pwcs.edu or Ms. Young at youngdk@pwcs.edu or via phone (703) 445-8376. We look forward to seeing you there!
Panther Cubs Families!
We have some news to share with you all. As we bid a fond farewell to Nurse, Mrs. Leigh Ann Garrison, on her last day with us on April 9, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for her exceptional care and dedication to our MWES community. Mrs. Garrison's contributions have been invaluable, and she will be truly missed.
On that note, we are thrilled to introduce our new Nurse, Ms. Arshe Tinsley. Rest assured, parents, that Ms. Tinsley is fully prepared to continue the excellent standard of healthcare that MWES is known for.
Please join us in thanking Mrs. Garrison for her outstanding service and welcoming Ms. Tinsley with open arms as she begins her journey with us at MWES. Our students' well-being remains our top priority, and we are confident that Ms. Tinsley will uphold the exceptional level of care that our Panther Cubs deserve.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our MWES community healthy and thriving.
Chick-Fil-A Mobile Order Spirit Night for MWES Families
Calling all MWES families! Join us for an exciting evening of community support and delicious Chick-Fil-A® Chicken during our Mobile Order Spirit Night! Please spread the word and let’s make this Spirit Night a success! Please see the flyer attached for more information.
OUR LEXIA SUPERSTARS!
The students listed below have soared to new heights in their reading levels on the LEXIA reading program, from March 17th to April 6th! Your hard work is paying off. Keep up the incredible effort!
MWES Testing Calendar
Importance of Attendanceon Testing Dates
Dear Panther Cub Families,
Your child's attendance on all testing dates and before testing for preparation days is crucial for his/her academic success. By being present, (s)he can demonstrate his/her knowledge and skills, ensuring accurate assessments. Your support in ensuring your child's attendance is greatly appreciated. Thank you for partnering with us on your child's educational journey! Please see the PDF file below to view the SOL and PALS/ End of year testing dates.
April 9, 2024: Teacher Professional Development/Workday (no school for students)
April 10, 2024: Holiday (schools and offices closed in observance of Eid al-Fitr)
April 18, 2024: Parent Advisory Council @ 7:00 PM & PTO Meeting at 7:30 PM
April 19, 2024: Book Fair Preview
April 22- May 3, 2024: PALS 2nd Grade
April 22-26, 2024: Book Fair
May 6-5, 2024: 4th and 5th Reading SOL Makeups
May 6-17, 2024: Kindergarten and First grade
May 27, 2024: Memorial Day Holiday (schools and offices closed)
June 7, 2024: Last Day of school - Early dismissal for students
Clothing For Panther Cubs
Do you have clothing that no longer fits, or maybe you've outgrown it? Don't let it go to waste! Your pre-loved clothes could be a perfect fit for someone right here at Williams Elementary School! From the tiniest tots to our bigger students, we're on the lookout for all sizes.
Before you consider donating elsewhere, please consider sending your gently used clothing to Williams Elementary. Your donation could make a huge difference for our students in need. Let's come together to ensure that every cub at Williams Elementary has the clothing they need in case of an unexpected mishap.
Your generosity can truly make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for supporting our school community
Get ready for an action-packed week as we honor
our resilient military kids during Spirit Week,
happening from April 15 th to 19th!
Yearbooks are on sale!
Exciting News for Panther Cub Families!
Check out all the details on the flyer provided. Don't miss out on preserving your memories – order your yearbook today!
To place your order, simply click on the link below:
For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Ms. Bruce at Mary Williams Elementary School: 703-445-8376 or brucety@pwcs.edu
Capture the moments, cherish the memories!
Oral health Educational Workshop
Parents are invited to participate in an oral health/health educational event. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc./Prince William County Chapter is sponsoring this program on Saturday, April 13, 10:00 AM at Potomac Middle School, 3130 Panther Drive, Dumfries, VA. After attending the oral health educational workshop, adults can sign up their family members for a free/reduced dental check-up. (A lottery system may be used based on attendance.) In addition, participants can visit the health informational tables, and also receive free giveaways (clothes, household items, C.H.O.W. Wagon snack bag). Please plan to attend. Click on the flyers below for more information!
Solar Eclipse Viewing and Recess Procedure
Solar Eclipse Viewing and Recess Procedure
In preparation for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, we want to ensure the safety of our students and families during this spectacular celestial event. We will not have outside recess after 2:00 pm.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in between the sun and the Earth, temporarily blocking sunlight. The upcoming solar eclipse is unique because parts of the North American continent will see the “totality,” where 100% of the sun is covered by the moon for a short period of time. The next U.S. eclipse that spans from coast to coast will not happen until 2045!
What can you expect in Prince William County?
The eclipse will begin at 2:03 p.m. and end by 4:32 p.m. Although Prince William County is not located in the path of totality, the maximum coverage will be substantial, and we will see approximately 87% of the sun covered by the moon at 3:19 p.m. A simulation of the eclipse for Manassas, Virginia, is an excellent way to build understanding and excitement for this event.
How can you safely view the eclipse?
Safety is our top priority. Let’s enjoy this awe-inspiring experience while protecting our eyes. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:
- Never look directly at the sun.
- Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage, including blindness.
- Use approved solar eclipse glasses.
- Always use special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses,” that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
- Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.
- Inspect your solar filter.
- Inspect your eclipse glasses before each use. Discard them if scratched, punctured, torn, or damaged.
- Supervise children.
- Always supervise children using solar filters.
- If your child wears eyeglasses, keep them on and put the eclipse glasses over them.
- Use indirect viewing methods.
- If you don’t have eclipse glasses, use indirect methods:
- Create a pinhole camera or a viewer using simple household materials and observe the partially eclipsed sun indirectly.
- If you don’t have eclipse glasses, use indirect methods:
These links are for the NASA live feed of solar eclipse coverage. The first link will be just telescope coverage live from areas in the path of totality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5j95RUSLd8
This link also contains great information about the eclipse from NASA.
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/how-to-watch-upcoming-total-solar-eclipse-with-nasa-from-anywhere/
How can I help my child read and spell words?
Amplify (click on phonics) offers ideas for at-home activities for younger students to develop foundational skills.
The Institute of Education Sciences has great resource videos with materials to improve spelling and reading skills.
The National Center on Improving Literacy has a toolkit for parents that includes videos, infographics, and activities for parents.
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Weekly message from Dr. McDade, PWCS Superintendent
Email: johnsdb@pwcs.edu
Website: williamses.pwcs.edu
Location: 3100 Panther Pride Drive, Dumfries, VA 22026
Phone: 703-445-8376
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marywilliamses/
Twitter: @MaryWilliamsES