Waterville Primary Friday Flyer!
Sharing Great News with our AWesome Families!
Events for the Weeks of: February 23rd-March 8th
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, February 28th: Spring Picture Day (information below)
Saturday, March 2nd: WPA Winter's Ball
Saturday, March 9th: WPA Bowling Bonanza
Monday, March 25th- Monday, April 1st: Spring Break, No School
Tuesday, April 2nd: Return to School
Monday, April 8th: NO SCHOOL (Solar Eclipse)
Wednesday, April 10th: Grade 3 ELA OST Part 1 (approximately 9am-11am)
Thursday, April 11th: Grade 4 ELA OST Part 1 (approximately 9am-11am)
Friday, April 12th: Grade 3 ELA OST Part 2 (approximately 9am-11am)
Monday, April 15th: Grade 4 ELA OST Part 2 (approximately 9am-11am)
Tuesday, April 23rd: Grade 3 Math OST Part 1 (approximately 9am-11am)
Wednesday, April 24th: Grade 4 Math OST Part 1 (approximately 9am-11am)
Thursday, April 25th: Grade 3 Math OST Part 2 (approximately 9am-11am)
Friday, April 26th: Grade 4 Math OST Part 2 (approximately 9am-11am)
Ohio’s State Tests (OST) Begin the Week of April 8th
During the month of April, our Waterville students in grades 3 and 4 will be participating in statewide testing that helps Anthony Wayne Local Schools measure the effectiveness of our educational programming. Statewide Language Arts and Math tests are administered in grades 3 through 8, and Science in grades 5 and 8. All of our spring tests will be administered online.
Our teachers are working diligently to prepare students for these statewide assessments in a variety of ways. Daily classroom instruction and assessments are aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards and teachers are covering the material at each grade level as outlined in Ohio’s Standards. Students are, more than ever, utilizing technology in both daily assignments and assessments to prepare them for the online testing platform they will experience in the Spring.
The Ohio Department of Education has a phenomenal resources page for parents that contains information about the tests, practice questions you can complete with your child, and information on how the district uses formal assessment data to better drive best instructional practices.
Take Practice OST Assessments at Home:
ODE OST Student Practice Test:
https://oh-ost.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html
The link will take you directly to the Ohio Department of Education Practice Test Sign In
The sign in will be labeled “Guest Session”
Leave the Session ID as the pre-populated “Guest”
Click “Sign In”
Select the Grade level that you would like to see sample tests from
Click on the test you want to take
Begin and have fun exploring!
Below is the testing schedule our Waterville students will follow beginning April 10th. Please avoid making appointments that will require your child to miss school during the scheduled test days if possible. If you have questions regarding statewide testing for your child, please contact School Improvement Consultant, Jim Conner, at 419-877-5377, or Waterville Principal, Jamie Hollinger, at 419-878-2436.
Waterville Primary School will follow the following testing schedule:
- Part 1 - 3rd Grade ELA: Wednesday, April 10
Part 1 - 4th Grade ELA: Thursday, April 11
- Part 2 - 3rd Grade ELA: Friday, April 12
- Part 2 - 4th Grade ELA: Monday, April 15
- Part 1 - 3rd Grade Math: Tuesday, April 23
- Part 1 - 4th Grade Math: Wednesday, April 24
- Part 2 - 3rd Grade Math: Thursday, April 25
- Part 2 - 4th Grade Math: Friday, April 26
As a parent, you can positively impact your child’s performance on the state assessments. There are several things you can do to help your child to feel confident and demonstrate the knowledge learned this school year. Some considerations include:
Be help your child to get a good night’s sleep the evenings before the tests.
Encourage your child to do his/her best.
Encourage your child to eat breakfast at home or here at school.
Do your best to avoid stressful home situations that may be distracting or upsetting.
Encourage your child to take his/her time when taking the test.
Consider waking your child up a few minutes early in the morning to have a calm start to his/her day.
Thank you so very much for your partnership!
Kindergarten Enrollment Opens March 1
We are getting ready to welcome the Class of 2037! Children five years old by September 30 are eligible to begin kindergarten in the 2024-25 school year. Kindergarten Enrollment opens Friday, March 1. Watch for more details to come in future communications or visit www.AnthonyWayneSchools.org/Kindergarten.
Spring Picture Day Wednesday, February 28th!
Spring Picture Day is Wednesday, February 28th! Watch for a paper order form to come home soon, or visit: https://schools.lifetouch.com/for-your-families/ for more information or to preorder if you so desire!
Welcome to Winter Read!
Sign your student up HERE to participate in Winter Read through the Toledo Lucas County Library!
Just read two books between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29.
If you simply provide your name and email above, you will be signed up. Then, we will email you on Feb. 26 to ask how many books you have read, and we will enter you into the grand prize drawing.
You can stop by any location to get your sign-up prize (cozy hats for kids and grown-ups!) or to get help registering.
Happy cozy reading!
News from Food Service
Ways to pay for meals in the cafeteria
1) Check made out to AWFS: you can write one check for all your students, regardless of what building they are in. Simply designate how to split the money in the NOTE section.
2) Cash
3) Online via www.payschoolscentral.com
How to Keep Track of Your Student's Meal Account - PaySchools Central
Check account balances, add money, see detailed reports of what your student is buying, set up recurring payments so you don't forget to add money, set up reminder emails when your student's account goes low, and pay your school fees. It's all in one place.
All of this is done through: www.payschoolscentral.com
* You will need your most commonly used email address and your students 6-digit ID number to create an account.
If you need help setting up the account please call PSC - 1-877-393-6628.
Thank you!
Lunch Menu
District Employment Opportunities
We have several full and part-time positions available to qualified candidates interested in serving in our schools. Need even more flexibility? Substitute employment is a great way to work on your own terms. Learn more at www.AnthonyWayneSchools.org/HumanResources.
Contact Information Updates
It is important that we have accurate contact information for parents/guardians and emergency contacts. If email addresses or phone numbers change during the school year, please update your child’s FinalForms account. This will help ensure we can reach you.
Waterville Parents' Association Updates
WPA Executive Board Nominations and Committee Chairs
Our WPA is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Executive Board for the 2024-2025 School Year. Per WPA Bylaws, interested candidates are presented at the March meeting and then voting takes place at the April WPA meeting. Please indicate nominations here: https://forms.gle/U2DtLVTfnAod18157
In addition, WPA is in need of Chair People for the following committees:
○ Restaurant Night Out Chair
○ Fundraising Chair(s)
○ Governance Chair
○ Book Fair Co-Chair
If you are interested in filling one of the positions, you may also reach out to Marisa McLeod at marisasmcleod@gmail.com
BOOK FAIR UPDATE
Thank you to all of our families that attended our Solar Eclipse of the Heart Book Fair last week! Families, teachers, and staff purchased a total of $3,891.09 over the course of the Book Fair, which results in $1,945.55 Scholastic Dollars* earned. Additionally, from Share the Fair funds donated, we were able to purchase over $100 in books to add to the Media Center for enjoyment by all Waterville Primary students!
*Scholastic Dollars are used to stock the Media Center and provide teachers with classroom resources and books, as well as for reading rewards and stocking the book vending machine. The Book Fair Committee just completed fulfilling the annual teacher shopping with Scholastic Dollars. Check out these photos of all the great classroom resources are teachers and staff were able to obtain all thanks to our families supporting our Book Fairs!
WPA Meeting
Please join us for the Waterville Parents Association February Meeting!
It will be held on this coming Monday, March 11th at 7pm in the Media Center (Library).
Childcare will be available.
Virtual attendance will be available at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86864791288?pwd=Y00rN2NENmhTMHF5MkJ2Ti91OHN0QT09
Meeting ID: 868 6479 1288
Passcode: 393003
The remaining WPA meetings have been scheduled for the year as follows:
- 4/15/24
- 5/13/24
Great Wall of Grit!
The importance of helping a child learn to commit to something long term, persevering when faced with obstacles, and the willingness to keep trying- even when a task or goal is challenging, is our continued focus at Waterville Primary. Grit and growth mindset is not an “edu-fad” but dispositions we will encourage and intentionally teach all of our students, through different classroom activities, assignments, literature, role models, real world examples, and conversations about the topic.
We really need your help again this year with continuing to provide examples of our very own students and ways that they have shown commitment to an activity or goal. You all did a great job recognizing our gritty students and staff last school year and we need to continue to recognize some new students as the school year begins.
Our “Waterville’s Great Wall of Grit” bulletin board remains hanging in the hallway across from the kitchen. This display showcases our gritty students and staff that have been nominated by other individuals as examples of strivers-students who have an enduring passion and take action to achieve a goal. We will continue to spotlight our students and staff who have both determination and direction.
At the end of this Friday Flyer you will find a nomination form to complete if you would like to nominate a student or staff member here at Waterville Primary that you feel exemplifies Grit. Please turn them into the school office once completed and make sure to check out the “Great Wall of Grit” next time you are here in the school.
Reporting Absences, Notification of Appointments, Vacation Notification
Waterville Primary Attendance and Transportation Information
Waterville Families,
We are enjoying an AWesome start to the 2023-24 school year, and hope you are as well! Please read these brief updates regarding attendance and transportation, and reach out to Amy Shiffert for clarification or concerns.
REPORTING ABSENCES
All absences can be reported by emailing WAattendance@anthonywayneschools.org and copying your student's teacher.
You do not need to call AND email. In the event that you're unable to email, a phone call to 419-878-2436 can be made at any time and left with one of the secretaries, or as a voicemail for Amy Shiffert.
REPORTING TRANSPORTATION/DISMISSAL CHANGES
All end-of-day transportation changes should be reported at the start of the day by sending a note with your student or by emailing ashiffert@anthonywayneschools.org and copying your student's teacher.
We understand that last-minute changes may happen later in the day due to unforeseen circumstances, but ask that you communicate in advance whenever possible! If you have an unforeseen transportation change later in the day, please call the office at 419-878-2436 to ensure the message is received and delivered.
Waterville Primary - Where Generals STEAM ahead!
Did you know that Waterville Primary is one of very few STEAM-designated elementary schools in Ohio?! We are always looking to increase opportunities for lessons centered around STEAM. We are always interested in developing professional growth opportunities with community leaders, employers, and resources to enhance student learning.
Lego Club Registration Opens - March 4th
Mark your calendars! First grade Lego Club registration opens on the evening of March 4th, at 9pm. Additional information regarding sign-up will be emailed to our first grade families next week. These six-week sessions run from 3:45 - 4:30 pm, on selected Monday's.
Ohio's Total Solar Eclipse - What to Know!!
People within a 124-mile-wide band in the state of Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse. This will be an exciting celestial event and we want Ohioans and our visitors to enjoy the day safely.
Areas in Ohio that are outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse. A total solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular event. On average, one happens somewhere on the Earth only once every 1.5 years. Only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the entire existence of the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon casts its shadow on the Earth as it passes between the Earth and the Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the Sun.
Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing these safety guidelines.
To learn more about this experience, please visit the Ohio EMA for additional tips and resources.
https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse
Second Grade Lego Club Update:
Students in our Lego Club this past week participated in our Valentine's Day design challenge. As you can see, they generated some pretty thoughtful ideas. During the remaining programming experience, students will begin using our Lego Spike kits. If you haven't seen them, Lego Spike kits offer a tremendous learning platform. Students can design and build in the traditional platform but utilize coding and motion to make their designs come to life.
Over the past three years, Waterville Primary has been able to secure more than 25 Lego Spike kits through grant funding, adding to our rich STEAM experiences for kids.
Waterville Primary Receives 3d Printer Donation
Last week, Waterville residents, Earl and Reva Phipps generously donated a 3D Printer to our Makerspace Lab. Mr. Phipps, a retired engineer by trade, and Reva, a retired educator, feel strongly about supporting student success and exposure to new forms of technology. Thank you again Earl and Reva for supporting the Anthony Wayne School system!
Generals Print Shop Materials Arrive!
This past December, fourth-grade students helped raise over $1,400 through our Generals Gift Shop experience. This money was used to fund additional purchases of Flashforge printers and filament for our students here at Waterville Primary. Thank you to all the families that supported this student-led project and the Waterville Parents Association for making this project possible.
STEAM & Math Instruction - A Vital Relationship
One of the best ways you can help support your child in their exploration of STEAM-related projects and career fields is to help them understand basic math fluency. The Waterville staff works incredibly hard to implement a multi-sensory approach to teaching math that is coupled with real-world applications or problem-based activities. Practicing basic math fluency at home is every bit as important as a child's nightly reading practice.
Tangible math manipulatives are a great way to engage learners in a variety of forms. Base ten blocks, arrays, abacus', and even fluency cards, all help present information to students using a variety of approaches. Our goal is to make math fun, engaging, and most importantly, real-world-centered. If you have any questions about ways to make math more engaging on the home front, please reach out to Mr. Beakas for additional tips and strategies.
Career and Professional STEAM Partnerships
Our team is always looking to extend learning standards into the professional workforce. Ensuring our students are college and career-ready is fueled by our connections and collaborations with local businesses and professionals in STEAM-related fields. If you work in a field where STEAM principles are a critical part of your team's success, we would love to hear from you and how our students can learn more!
Our Commitment...
As a STEAM-designated school, our staff is committed to putting the newest technology trends in the hands of our students. Coding and programming are also a part of modern literacy and it's important to help students understand how it can be positively used to shape their world. All STEAM lessons foster critical thinking skills and characteristics featured by our Portrait of General competencies. In addition, all students use a universal design process to help align our project-based learning with our district's core values and the steps necessary for successful problem-based navigation. Our mission is to allow students to explore STEAM-related areas while building healthy peer relationships through collaboration and teamwork.
Follow Waterville Primary on Twitter!
Waterville Primary will be continuing our presence on Twitter with the handle @AWLSWA. This medium is used for both sharing daily activities and any potential alerts for our building. If you do not have a Twitter account you can still get updates via a Fast Follow feature that sends tweets to phones via SMS text messages. Here is all it takes to sign up to receive SMS text messages from the Waterville Twitter account when a tweet is posted:
On the phone to receive the messages, simply create a new text message to phone number 40404. Next, the message to be sent should read: follow @awlswa
That’s all there is to it! Any student or parent that follows this procedure will receive any Waterville school Twitter messages to their phone as an SMS text message.
To turn off text messages, you would send a message to 40404 that reads: off @awlswa
Flyer Central:
Flyer Central is the space on our website where you will find events, activities and camps held by various organizations in our area.
https://www.anthonywayneschools.org/flyercentral
AWLS Programs & Activities
· AWHS Majorette Tryouts (Rising 8th-12th)
Community Programs
· Sun Federal Credit Union’s Teacher of the Year Awards Program
Community Events
· Waterville Library February Events Calendar
· Whitehouse Library February Calendar
· Inclusion Resource Fair
· Waterville Safety City (PreK – Kindergarten)
· Lucas County Board of DD Calendar of Events
· YMCA Wellness Programs for Youth & Adults
Lessons
· ProMedica Safe Sitter Program (Grades 6-8)
· BGSU Saturday Art Program
· Youth Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes (Ages 5+)
· Riding Lessons, Summer Camps and Service Opportunities
· RIverFront Studios: Art & Music Lessons
Athletic Clubs and Activities
· Boys Spring Lacrosse Season – Anthony Wayne Youth Lacrosse
· Girls Spring Lacrosse Season – Anthony Wayne Youth Lacrosse
· Spring Developmental Soccer (Ages 3-14)
· Aventus Climbing Clubs (14+)
· Karate Lessons
Summer Camps
· UT Soccer Camps (Grades K-8)
Community Support
· AWLS Community Resource Guide
· AWLS Surrogate Parents Needed