Williams-Cone School Newsletter
March 22, 2024 Volume 14
Williams-Cone School is a safe and kind school community that inspires every student to succeed.
-Compassionate, Curious, Confident Learners-
Hello WCS Community!
Little Free Library Renewed & Restored!
Our Little Free Library has been beautifully and lovingly restored by Brian, Lily, & Juliet Alexander, and Mike & Sylvia Alberico. We are very appreciative of the time, resources, creativity and energy that they placed into this project. They did an outstanding job!! Thank-you!!!
Winter Break 2 Principal's Reading Challenge Reward-Galactic Bowling
Over 150 K-5 students participated in "Galactic Bowling" led by Mrs. Martin, WCS Phys. Ed. teacher on March 11th as a reward for completing the Winter Break 2 Principal's Reading Challenge. The gym was turned into a black light/neon extravaganza with lots of music and glow ware galore. Many thanks to the parent/grandparent volunteers who helped support the fun reward that supports and promotes the love of reading, FOWC for helping to organize the volunteers and Mrs. Martin for her extra time and contagious energy!!!
Gelato Fiasco Fundraiser-5th Grade
The Gelato Fiasco fundraiser tradition continued again this year. On March 19th several WCS staff members volunteered their time as "Celebrity Scoopers" at Gelato Fiasco, Brunswick. The fundraiser benefits 5th grade field trips and 5th grade end of year activities. Many thanks to the 5th grade fundraising team and to Brooke Beal for her leadership with this fabulous fundraiser. Many thanks also to the WCS staff who donated their time and/or resources to the fundraiser. And many thanks to the WCS community for generously supporting the event!
Kids Academy-Lego Club for 3rd Graders
On March 12th, WCS 3rd graders had an opportunity to attend a Kids Academy Lego Club after school. The group had lots of fun building different lego creations including a plane, monster, Prime bottles, a neighborhood with a museum and lots of others! They even saw who could build the tallest tower towards the end of the club!
WCS Happenings
In addition to the activities highlighted in this newsletter, we have many other great things taking place before, during and after the school day throughout the WCS community. This includes 4th and 5th grade chorus rehearsals, Tiger Choir rehearsals, instrumental lessons, band rehearsals, variety show try-outs as well as 5th grade phys.ed. helpers. We are also very proud of our 5th grade band students who gave an outstanding performance at an All District Band Concert on March 13th at the MTA gym under the direction of Mrs. Powers, Instrumental Band teacher!
A Few Remarks from Mrs. Rineer
YAY! It's spring!!! Well, it may not look or feel like it tomorrow based on our current forecast, but the anticipation is definitely in the air. Spring brings renewal and growth, particularly in the elementary school world. Looking around the WCS it is readily apparent that our students are growing in every way-academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We will continue to grow our students as we move into this third and final trimester of the year. This final trimester will bring lots of learning opportunities for students in a variety of capacities from classroom instruction, technology, field trips to grade level and school based events. Parents/caregivers will need to keep a sharp eye on the "Important Dates" in newsletters, the WCS website and/or the FOWC Facebook page so as to be aware of the many super happenings, events and opportunities throughout the spring.
Thank-you to all of the parents/caregivers who have participated in the Trimester 2 Parent/Teacher conferences. While these are the final "official" conferences for the school year, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teacher(s) if you would like to discuss growth, concerns, etc. prior to the end of the school year. Your partnership and support is essential for optimal learning and growth.
A few other items:
- Trimester 2 report cards will be published published in Infinite Campus on April 1st. It was previously reported that Trimester 2 report cards would be available on March 22nd. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- 2023-2024 Yearbooks-We are quickly approaching the deadline for ordering. Please see the FOWC section of this newsletter for further details.
- Field Trips-Students in K-5 will be taking field trips this year. As details are finalized for each grade level, information will be shared via classroom communications and in the "Important Dates" section of this newsletter.
As always, the staff and I are here to help you and your student(s) if any needs arise. Thank-you again WCS community for your ongoing support and love for our kids!
Your Principal,
Randa
Mrs. Randa C. Rineer, WCS Principal
(2070725-4391
*4/1 Trimester 2 Report Cards Published-Note Date Change
3/26 5th Grade Fundraising Meeting, 6:00 P.M., at MAMS
4/4. FOWC Meeting, 5:30 P.M., LC
4/8 Solar Eclipse, Details TBA
4/10 Day & Evening Variety Show, Details TBA
4/12 In-Service Day, No School for Students
4/15-4/19 Spring Break
4/26 Grade 5-Bretschneider-Field Trip to Growstown School
4/29 Grade 5-Carroll-Field Trip to Growstown School
4/29-5/17 NWEA, Through Year Assessment, Grades 3-5
5/2 2024-25 Incoming Kindergarten Parent Information Night, 6:00 P.M., LC
5/6 5th Grade Field Trip to Camp Kiev
5/8 Arts Night at WCS, 5:00-7:00 P.M., Details TBA
5/13-5/24 Science MEA, Grade 5
5/14 Race for Education-PreK-5, Rain Date 5/21, Details TBA
5/17 5th Grade Field Trip to the New England Livestock Expo
5/27 Memorial Day, No School for Students & Staff
5/30 5th Grade Bike Trip/Foreside Field Day
6/5 5th Grade Step Up Day to MAMS
M.S.A.D. No. 75 - Kindergarten Registration
MARCH 4-29, 2024 For school year 2024-2025
Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, Topsham
For children turning five years old on or before October 15, 2024
For online registration visit http://www.link75.org.
You will be required to upload your child's (1) *proof of residency; (2) birth certificate; (3) proof of immunizations; and (4) custody documentation if applicable.
Note: If your child is currently enrolled in MSAD 75 Pre-K at Williams-Cone or Bowdoin Central Schools, you do not need to complete online registration again. Please contact your child’s school to inquire about any additional Kindergarten registration materials.
To download registration forms or for more information, visit http://www.link75.org.
*If you are not able to add proof of residency, please call Amanda Hersey at 207-729-9961 ext. 1014
M.S.A.D. No. 75 Public PreK Application
March 4-29, 2024 For school year 2024-2025
Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, Topsham
For children turning four years old on or before October 15, 2024
Call Williams-Cone School at 725-4391 to make an appointment.
There is a multi-step process from application to enrollment.
For more information, visit http://www.link75.org.
*If you are not able to add proof of residency, please call Amanda Hersey at 207-729-9961 ext. 1014
Gratitude!
From WCS Staff
*Parent/Grandparent help and support with the Winter Break 2 Galactic Bowling Reading Challenge Reward. It was so much fun!!
*The creative Kids Academies provided so generously by FOWC volunteers with leadership from Heather Rogers & Jennifer Cass.
*Community support for the 5th grade Gelato Fiasco. Thank-you Gelato Fiasco for your generosity!
*5th Grade Fundraising Team-Outstanding work on behalf of our students!
*The Robertson Family-Conference snacks & treats for staff.
*Parent/Caregiver support for parent/teacher conferences.
*The Little Free Library Restoration-Thank-you Alexander & Juliet families!
*Teacher Wishlist items-Thank-you FOWC for your ongoing generosity and support!!
*Jenn Cass-Creating the gorgeous wreath pictured below.
From FOWC
*We again appreciate the quick answer to assist with the Winter Break 2 Reading Challenge Galactic Bowling Reward. Thank you, Mrs. Martin, Melissa, Brian A, Kate G, Shana D, Sarah C, Megan, Kristina, Mac, Gail, Anna, Ronald G, & Beth M.
*We are excited to unveil our newly renovated Little Free Library at WCS! Thank you, Brian, Lily, & Juliet Alexander, and Mike & Sylvia Alberico for supporting this project to allow our community access to books to inspire a generation of readers.
*Congratulations to our 5th Grade Band students and their teacher Mrs. Powers. They participated in an amazing All District Concert on March 13th. Your hard work was on display. It was also a great opportunity to see all our talented band students in MSAD #75.
*Our Financial Planning group has been working behind the scenes to research and gather information to support FOWC in its future endeavors. We are so grateful for this crew of people supporting the long-term vision so we can continue to support the staff and families of WCS. We look forward to their presentation in the months ahead.
*Another shoutout to Brooke B for a great job coordinating the 5th Grade Celebrity Scoops event and much love to Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick. Thank you to the teachers and staff willing to support this event and all our families and community members who came out in support.
*Thank you to the Siegel Family for their hard work overseeing and delivering items for our Teacher Wishlist program. We are so grateful to be able to offer this program annually through our fundraising efforts.
*Shoutout to all of our brave students in Grades 2-5 who auditioned for this year’s Variety Show. It is very hard to put yourself out in front of an audience and we are so proud of you! Thank you to our teacher team Mrs. Appel, Mr. Wilbur, Mrs. San Pedro, and special guest Mrs. Morneau for supporting this annual tradition.
*Thank you to our Race for Education team as they met this week to kick off our final fundraising event of the year - Anna, Jenn, Megan, Melissa, Kelsey, Heather, Haley, and Christie.
*Great work by our School Wear crew - Megan, Melissa, Anna, and Jenn and the support of Mrs. Rineer and Mr. Myrick for a special edition logo. We are truly grateful for our partnership with Adept for our annual sale.
*Thank you to Jenn Cass for the adorable update to the wreath that hangs at the front of our school. It speaks Spring!
*Congratulations to Mrs. Rineer on a lovely presentation at the School Board Meeting on March 14th regarding our participation in the WinterKids Winter Games. It starts at 13:28 and you can find the recording on our MSAD #75 School Board website: https://www.link75.org/school_board
*Thank you once again to our Kids Academy volunteers - Legos, legos, everywhere! This latest session was supported by Heather, Matt S, Kate G, & Jenn
*We send our gratitude to all of our teachers finishing out Parent-Teacher Conferences. Early mornings and late nights, we appreciate the dedication to make space for us during this time of year.
March has been a busy month of making plans. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Thursday, April 4th! The deadline for our Teacher Wishlist Program is Monday, March 23rd and we are excited to share that we have been able to support 13 WCS teachers and staff. It is amazing to see our fundraising efforts directly supporting the staff and students of our school. Reminder - this is also the final stretch to order your yearbook and save on shipping costs, make sure to order yours!
Upcoming FOWC Events:
School Wear Sale - Now thru 4/3/24
5th Grade Fundraising Meeting - 3/26/24 from 6:00-7:00 PM at MAMS
FOWC Meeting - 4/4/24 from 5:30-7:30 PM in the Learning Commons
Yearbook Cash/Check Orders Deadline - 4/8/2024
Playground Committee Meeting - TBD - in the process of rescheduling
*Can’t make meetings but want to stay in the loop about events and volunteer needs, fill out this form so we can add you to our email list: https://forms.gle/gPsyziAYkqqWtnp49
WCS Spirit Wear!!!!!
March is your opportunity to grab our WCS apparel! We've partnered with Adept Screen Printing & Graphics, Inc again to offer a variety of items. New this year: Sweatpants, Hats, Beanies, & Special Edition logo or personalization options!
Deadline to order: Wednesday, April, 3rd, Orders will be ready for pick up or to go home with students the week of 4/29/24.
Need a new form? Find it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ePCDi4OmiD_HywV6xU6DKaOxWhRv9MmK/view?usp=sharing
5th Grade Fundraising
Thank you SO much for making time for a visit to Gelato Fiasco this week. We had an exceptional turnout and we are so grateful for our event coordinator Brooke B., our local Gelato Fiasco, and our celebrity scoopers - Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Bretschneider, Mrs. San Pedro, Mr. Anagnostis, Mr. Myrick, & Ms. Carroll.
We would love to add more volunteers to our team to finish the year strong and support the planning of the end-of-year events. Please join us for the next fundraising Meeting on Tuesday, March 26th at 6 pm at MAMS (please note the location change). Please contact Jonathan Robertson (jrobertson06@gmail.com) or Kevin Thompson (redbrushdesign@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining our fundraising team.
Kid's Academy
Kids Academy is looking for volunteers! Have a skill, craft, sport, or physical activity you enjoy? We welcome all ideas! Please email Heather Rogers - heather.rogers3@gmail.com
Hannaford Helps
By shopping at any Hannaford Supermarket locations between March 17th and June 1st, 2024 you can help earn money for our school! When you purchase any 4 participating products during your trip the Hannaford Helps Schools program will donate 3 School Dollars. You can turn in your school dollars to the Main Office at WCS or scan the QR code on your slip to select the school of your choice.
This year the top 200 schools that earn the most will receive a $1,000 bonus! You can learn more at hannaford.com/helpsschools
YEARBOOK-Please Read-Important!!
Get your yearbooks NOW! Two weeks left for cash/check orders!! They must be submitted to the Main Office no later than April 8th. The deadline to order online is May 3rd.
Cost: $22.00 (with tax) All checks should be payable to FOWC or Friends of Williams-Cone
You can order online! Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015059372991326
!! 5th Grade Families !! FOWC purchases a softcover yearbook for every 5th grader as part of the Farewell Celebration. Please only order a yearbook if you wish to have a hardcover version.
Email us with any questions - WCSYearbook@yahoo.com
Playground Committee
We are hibernating for the winter! Due to a conflict with a school event, our Playground Committee is working on a rescheduled date for our Spring meeting. We will update you during the next newsletter.
Boxtops
A reminder - You can help us raise money by participating in the Box Tops Program. You use the Box Tops App and scan your receipts to see if you purchased any qualifying products and apply that to the school account.
Download the App here: https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/get-the-app
Clynk
Another way you can support FOWC is by filling a bag with empty bottles and cans. Thank you so much for filling those Clynk bags that recently went home. Those bottles and cans help our cause. You can pick up extra bags in the bin outside the WCS entrance.
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Grab a bag
2. Fill it up with returnables
3. Drop it off at any Clynk location (buildings next to Hannaford stores)
(207)725-4391