Winter Hill Wildcat Weekly
January 12, 2024
Principal's Message
It was another great week here at Edgerly and Capuano for our Winter Hill wildcats. In spite of the slushy school yard on Monday and the rain on Wednesday, spirits were high and students were able to be outside as much as possible.
Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day of service to commemorate his life and contributions to the civil rights movement. Please find these resources for families.
Resources:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday
- DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY (Observed)
- Here are six museums that have free entrance on Monday.
Wildcat Cafe
Our Wildcat Cafe is up and running! Ms. Karina, one of our school adjustment counselors, is working with 7th and 8th grade students to provide coffee, tea, and breakfast to staff every Monday. Students are learning how to take orders, fill orders, deliver orders and work together to make it all happen.
Reminder: Superintendent Entry Plan - Family Survey
In an effort to collect as much feedback as possible from all stakeholders, Superintendent Carmona would like our families to complete the survey linked below. Your feedback is important and relevant in the process of developing our district's strategic plan. We appreciate you taking a moment to complete the survey. Family Survey. You will have the option to complete the survey in other languages. Look for the drop down menu on the top right of the first page to change the language.
PTA Update
Jan 19th Coffee Hour: Here is an article that National PTA shared last week on the subject of cellphones in schools. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/01/02/should-schools-ban-cellphones/72012262007/ Come join the Coffee Hour to discuss our school’s cellphone policy and all other concerns related to internet safety.
Grants Updates:
· PTA received $7,000 from New England Biolabs for classroom support, field trips and academic enrichment.
· PTA’s application to the Somerville Arts Council to provide magic shows to all students (including a special show just for AIM friends) has been denied.
· The National PTA grant will be sub-granted to the school to support STEM activities for students and families in after-school settings.
8th Grade Moving Forward Fundraising:
· Jan 16th in Davis Square: From 4:00pm-10:00pm at American Flatbread (45 Day St), a portion of every pizza sold for eat-in, takeout, and delivery supports WHCIS PTA. How does it work? It's easy! On January 16, dine-in at American Flatbread OR place your takeout or delivery order online here: https://americanflatbread.com/locations/somerville-ma/
· Wildcat Gear: We have been asked by many people about ordering the latest Winter Hill Gear. Your orders will support 8th grade Moving Forward festivities. If you missed the chance to order before the winter break, here is the link to order now: https://forms.gle/MTiurDcjps5fJ86z7 Please try to place orders before Jan 16th.
Save the Date! Winter Hill Brewing Company (WHB) and Scott Brothers Kitchen are hosting a fundraiser for the PTA on Groundhog Day, Feb 2, 2024. Admission is free. There will be free appetizers for all school staff from 4-6pm, followed by Groundhog Day Trivia at 6:30pm. Proceeds from food and beverage sales will be donated to the PTA. PTA will offer prizes for winners, and incentives for individuals who make donations to the PTA that evening.
Fundraiser Updates:
· Neighborhood Produce: We will be hearing soon on how well the fundraiser did.
· Daddy Jones Restaurant and Bar: Daddy Jones donated $286 to the PTA.
Volunteer Recognition: We would like to recognize Shauna Powers for setting up partnerships with Winter Hill Brewing Company for Holiday Gifts and for the upcoming restaurant fundraiser in February.
Become a Member! We continue to take members throughout the school year. If you haven’t yet signed up to become a member, you can sign up as a member online, and pay your dues online too! Unless we have the vast majority of parents, caregivers and teachers signed up as members, our PTA will not have the legitimate ability to speak for the whole school community. At a time when our community is so fractured and dislocated from our beloved location on Sycamore Street, we cannot amplify your voices until you join us! Please contact winterhillpta@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Coffee Hours
Join us at our next coffee hour!
January 19, 2024 1:45 - 2:30 --> Online Safety:
Come learn about how to keep students safe on the Internet
All are welcome! Interpretation will be provided.
Each month, from October - May, we will host a coffee hour for parents and caregivers to discuss various topics.
We will alternate between mornings (8:15 - 9:00) and afternoons (1:45 - 2:30). These will be held at the Otis Street Play Area (weather permitting) or in the cafeteria.
- February 16, 2024 8:15 - 9:00 --> Math Curriculum: Come learn about our math curriculum and how families can support students at home
- March 15, 2024 1:45 - 2:30 --> Summer Programming & Preparing for the Next School Year: Come find out what programs are available for students over the summer and how to support students transitioning to the next grade
- April 26, 2024 8:15 - 9:00 --> Autism Awareness & Acceptance: Come learn about autism, our AIM (Adapt*Include*Motivate) Program for students with autism, and acceptance for neurodiversity
- May 17, 2024 1:45 - 2:30 --> Supporting Healthy Lifestyles & Good Nutrition: Come learn about activities and supports for students to choose healthy activities and foods
Information from Coffee Hours:
- 10/20/23 - ELA Curriculum - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ifnzM-9VXprhNpDcKQakDwIea_qUUpiGYcgT-BtQPVE/edit?usp=sharing
Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring these coffee hours and your generous donations of coffee and snacks!
Wildcat Blog
We feature a different class on our Winter Hill Wildcat Blog each week.
This Week: Ms. Riley (Grade 3 AIM)
Next Week: Ms. Sahlas (Grade 3) & Ms. Mitchell
Important January & February Dates
Somerville Public Schools Calendar can be found here.
Please see here for important dates on the Enrollment Calendar for SY25 school registration
Monday, January 15th - No School in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday, January 18th - Governing Board 6 - 7:30
Friday, January 19th - Principal Coffee Hour 1:45 - 2:30
Wednesday, January 24th - Early Release Day
*PK dismissed at 11:30
*Kindergarten dismissed at 12:15
*Grades 1 - 8 dismissed at 12:00
Tuesday, February 6th - Food for Free Market @ East Somerville 2:45 - 4:30 PM
Wednesday, February 7th - Early Release Day
*PK dismissed at 11:30
*Kindergarten dismissed at 12:15
*Grades 1 - 8 dismissed at 12:00
Thursday, February 15th - Governing Board 6 - 7:30 Edgerly Library
Monday, February 19th - Friday, February 23rd - Winter Break, No School
Wednesday, February 28th - Early Release Day
*PK dismissed at 11:30
*Kindergarten dismissed at 12:15
*Grades 1 - 8 dismissed at 12:00
Winter Hill Community Innovation School
115 Sycamore Street
Somerville, MA 02145
School: 617-629-5680
Cell: 781-227-7861