West Middleton Update
~Building a Compassionate, Collaborative Community For All~
September 29, 2017
An update from Mrs. Krych
I hope the month of September has gone well for you. It felt a lot more like summer than summer did. We have been working very hard at learning and practicing "The Wolverine Way." "The Wolverine Way" is our behavioral expectations throughout the building. We explicitly model, teach, practice and reinforce these expectations very heavily the first two weeks of school. Throughout the year we will reteach specific areas or behaviors, based on need. In order to celebrate all of our learning, we had an all school assembly where we were visited (for the first time ever during school) by our new mascot, Willy the Wolverine. The kids were SUPER excited. Willy and I might even plan a dance off for a future celebration!
Those of you who have been in the building the past few weeks may have noticed that Sue Anderson, our Administrative Assistant, wasn't staffing the front desk. Ms. Anderson retired earlier this month. She leaves behind 21 years of service with the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District. We wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors. For those of you who have had multiple children go through West Middleton, we know how much of a constant figure Ms. Anderson was for West Middleton. She will definitely be missed. We are in the process of screening and interviewing for the position and hope to have it filled by mid-end October.
There are lots of fun festivities coming up in the next few weeks. We'd love for you to join West Middleton staff and represent our Wolverine Pride in the MHS Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, October 4th. If you'd like to join us, please wear your West Middleton tie-dye shirt in the Clark Street Community School's parking lot. The lineup starts at 5:00 and the parade begins at 6:00. Hopefully Willy will be able to lead our crew. Unfortunately, I won't be able to join you because I have open house for my 6th grader at his new middle school and this nervous parent really wants to meet his teachers.
On Friday, October 6th, we will have our PTO sponsored Fall Dance, complete with Pumpkin Sale. Please join us for some dancing and fun and purchase a pumpkin to help support our fantastic PTO. And speaking of PTO support, we are going to have our very first Wolverine Dash. This is THE fundraiser of the year. Packets of information are being shared by the PTO so keep your eyes peeled. Our Wolverine Dash date is Friday, October 20th. And finally, a HUGE thank you to the PTO and all of the volunteers for another successful Tie Dye day. Each Wolverine is gifted their very own tie-dye shirt that they were able to make themselves!!
I hope you all continue to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Spend time with each other, laugh together and love each other - that's what we're here for.
Take care,
Mrs. Krych
Additional Information included in this packet
We are sharing our Second Step newsletter for each grade level as well. Second Step is our school wide social emotional curriculum that is taught by Lindsey Hellenbrand, our School Counselor. For the first month of school, all teachers taught the first unit that focuses on Skills for Learning. Our goal is to use consistent, common language throughout our building and with all staff. You can support our efforts by talking to your child about what they learned and how it can apply to your life at home.
And finally, we are thrilled to introduce our monthly curriculum updates by grade. Each month you will receive a brief curriculum update on what is coming up over the next month in your child's grade. The purpose is to increase communication between home and school and to give parents a better understanding of what we are focusing on each of our subject areas. If you find this helpful, please mention it to your child's teacher.
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) - The Wolverine Way
The focus in these first few weeks of school has been on learning positive behavior expectations and building community among our school. Please see the attached chart that has all of our school expectations. This chart is called a matrix. Be sure to ask your child about "whole body listening" and you may even want them to try it out at home!
We did something new this year where we had our bus drivers come out to West Middleton to help teach students how to be safe, responsible, respectful, and a learner while riding on the bus. Students also had a chance to get to know more about their own bus driver. Students then practiced the rules on their own school bus which was quite a success. Be sure to ask your child about sitting bottom to bottom, back to back!
Community building has been another exciting part of what's been happening at West Middleton. We know that when children and families are included in our school community that students are most engaged and the best learning happens. An example of community building we did with students and staff was when we tie dyed West Middleton t-shirts together the second week of school. Grade levels all have the same color theme. We have noticed that when students wear their tie dye shirts to school that they have an extra special zip in their step and a genuine pride for being a member of the West Middleton family.
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures
If you are dropping off or picking up your child, you must remain in your vehicle at all times. You can drop off/pick up on the left side of the bus lane. Please pull up as far as possible (up to the light pole, way beyond the crosswalk) next to the island sidewalk that separates the bus lane from the car lane. See picture below (red circle). Students will use the island sidewalk and cross walk. Students should never leave or enter cars from any other place in the parking lot.
During drop off and pick up, we have a long line of cars waiting. If you need a few extra minutes to help your child with their backpack or supplies, or you need a few extra hugs, please use one of the parking stalls and walk your child to the cross walk. We need to be as efficient as possible in order to avoid a back up onto Mineral Point Road.
Thank you for everyone's efforts to keep our Wolverines safe!!
A message from your PTO: ATTENTION 4th GRADE PARENTS
Every year WM parents appreciate staff with luncheons, coordinate by the PTO. The luncheons occur five times per year, hosted once per grade level. The kick off lunch on October 10th is put on by 4th grade parents.
Please help show our gratitude by signing up to volunteer that day, bring food or paper goods. There are approximately 80 staff at WM. We really need your help to provide a fantastic lunch to the faces that teach and support our kids every day. Thanks for your consideration!
2018-2020 PTO Board Member Elections
The current board has entered their second, and last year as standing board members. Elections will take place in Spring 2018 for new members to serve a two-year term.
Why be on the PTO Board? Be a part of setting the goals and direction of PTO activities, events and fundraising. Four to six parents are needed to fill position such as: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator or Communications Coordinator. Positions are subject to change based on incoming board decisions.
Top 10 Reasons
Make your voice heard
Stay informed
Connect with parents
Guide the direction of the PTO
Keep the PTO growing strong!
Be a volunteer role model for your kids
Get to know West Middleton staff
8. Utilize existing skills, hobbies and learn new ones
Network within the District
Make our school a better place!