Windsor Newsletter
May 2021
- May 3rd- 8th Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 7th Hope Fundraiser Ends
- May 31st- No School Memorial Day
- June 3rd- Last Day Of school
Notes From Mr. Nichols
Hello parents!
It has been a while, but it’s time for everybody’s favorite email – FAQ’s from Mr. Nichols! <cue applause here> Hopefully I can answer some of those nagging questions about the end of this year, and moving into next year.
Q: Will there be a field day?
A: No, because of COVID protocols and such, there’s no real logistical way to do a normal field day. However, we don’t want them to miss out on all the fun, so the last few weeks of school, Ms. Dyer will be doing our typical field day games in her PE class.
Q: Will there be a 5th grade promotion ceremony?
A: No. COVID was going to make that difficult if not impossible anyway, but I wanted to make sure that we had some kind of something so that our fifth graders can celebrate this milestone. After talking with our teachers and a panel of students from fifth grade, it was decided we would do a ‘clap out’ ceremony. Here how it works:
The fifth graders will assemble in the auditorium as the other classrooms will have their students lining the hallways. When we are ready, I will make announcements of names on the intercom and the named student will get to run/jog/walk out of the auditorium as the other students all yell, clap, and cheer. The fifth graders will then exit the building out the front doors and then can meet up with their parents who can also be cheering and clapping if they wish. Once the fifth grader is out of the building, they are free to go with you, or however you would like them to go home (a slip will be sent to you in mid-May asking how you wish to do that).
It’s a bit unique, and a lot different, but I’ve seen it at a few schools over the years and the students seem to really love it. I know it’s not nearly as much fun for the parents, but it’s not as stressful either. 😊
This event will take place on the last day of school starting at 11:00. Students who are virtually learning may absolutely attend, just let Ms. Bolte know. Masking and social distancing will occur as much as possible.
Q: When is the last day of school and when will students be dismissed?
A: June 3rd at 11:40am. Sack lunches will be served before dismissal.
Q: Will 5th grade be having their annual trip to Colby Park?
A: Don’t know yet, we’re still trying to get some answers on that.
Q: Will there be yearbooks this year.
A: No
Q: Is there still going to be ISASP this year?
A: A small thing like a pandemic wouldn’t stop us from having state testing! That will be taking place the weeks of May 10 and 17 for students in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th. More information will be coming soon.
Q: Will we need to return our computers/hotspots at the end of the year?
A: Yes. For students who are in-person learning, collection will start Tuesday, May 25th. Many of these computers are housed at school, so collection will be less cumbersome, yet some in-person students may have Hot Spots, charging cords, and/or carrying cases that need turned in and cross-referenced with our inventory log.
For students who are virtual, collection will start the afternoon of June 3rd and will continue through June 4th. (Apologies for the short window). This collection will be located at the circle drive, where the device(s) and supplies will be placed on a cart and cross-referenced with our inventory log.
Most devices will be updated, cleaned, and will be returning to the same student, unless devices are outdated, up on lease, or display a physical or internal issue.
Please note that any device, hot spot, or charger not returned could result in financial reimbursement from the family.
Q: My student still has some materials at home from virtual learning, what should I do with those?
A: If your student is doing in-person learning, you can send the materials, counters, books, and so on back to your child’s teacher at anytime. Virtual learners can return the materials when they return their computers.
Q: Will Windsor have Metro Kids this summer?
A: No. We are having all of our bathrooms remodeled new touchless fixtures and stall dividers so that should make for a nice and peaceful summer for us here at school. LOL However, Windsor students can attend Metro Kids at other sites. Details can be found here: https://www.dmschools.org/academics/programs/before-after-school-care/metro-kids-care/
Q: Will there be any summer programs at Windsor at all?
A: Nope. Same reason as Metro Kids.
Q: When will online registration open?
A: Online registration will begin July 12. More information can be found here: https://www.dmschools.org/enrollment-registration/online-registration/
Q: Do you anticipate COVID protocols next year?
A: While I have no real clue yet, I would think there may be some holdover practices. One specific question I have been getting a lot lately is whether there will be masking requirements next year. The answer is I really don’t know yet. I think there is a lot of time between now and August so we’ll just have to see what reality is by the start of the new school year. Whatever we do, it will be in the interest of student safety and will follow DMPS and state guidelines.
Q: When does school start next year?
A: August 25th. Here is a link to the school calendar for 2021-22. https://cdn.dmschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-2022-Student-School-Calendar.pdf
ISASP Testing
Puppies!
Windsor’s Hope Fundraiser
Every year at Windsor we like to do a school wide service project to teach students about helping others. In years past this has been our Pennies for Patients fundraiser. This year we thought we would change it up and support a local organization. We will be raising funds/gathering supplies for Hope Animal Rescue, a no kill shelter located in the Des Moines metro. Monetary donations to pay for vet bills are always needed as well. Cash or Checks made out to Hope Animal Rescue will be accepted, or you can donate online through their website (http://hopeanimalrescueofiowa.org/). The class that brings in the most items will get to play with and snuggle puppies one afternoon for a little bit in late May (brought to us from Hope)!
Each item brought in will count towards the classroom count and each donation made will equal 1 item towards the class count. If you donate online or purchase through a wish list just let your child’s teacher know through an email or send a note and they will get it counted.
The fundraiser will run April 26th-May 7th.
If you have any questions please email myself (beth.doeden@dmschools.org) or Ms. Rodriguez (alissa.rodriguez@dmschools.org). Thanks for helping us help this wonderful organization!
Ms. Doeden, Windsor Elementary School Counselor
Ms. Rodriguez, Windsor Elementary 4th Grade Teacher
_________________________________________________________________________________
Hope Animal Rescue Amazon Wish List: Amazon.com
Hope Animal Rescue Chewy Wish List: Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa | Chewy
Wish List:
- Puppy teething/chewing toys
- Dog/Puppy treats*
- Cat/Kitten treats*
- Non-Rawhide Chews for Dogs*
- Dry Cat/Kitten Food*
- Dry or Wet Dog/Puppy Food*
- Dog toys
- Cat toys
- Small/Medium Pet Beds
- Leashes
- Pet Collars
*If you want to purchase food/treats we ask that you purchase directly from what is listed on the Amazon or Chewy wish list! Thank you!
Pay Your Student Fees Online
1. Visit our district website at www.dmschools.org and find the Parents Link at the top of the site.
2. Click the Online Payments link under Links for School Info to get to the Des Moines Public Schools Web Store.
3. Select School Fees.
4. Enter your Infinite Campus Parent Portal User Name and Currently enrolled child’s birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY) to access a list of your student’s fees.
5. Select the fees you would like to make a payment for and click Next Page.
6. Confirm your payment choices and click Go to Checkout.
7. If a new customer, select “I am a new customer”.
a. Enter your email address
b. Click “Sign in”
8. If a returning customer, select “I am a returning customer”.
a. Enter your email address and password
b. Click Sign in
9. Enter your billing information and create a password (if required).
10. Enter your payment information.
11. Verify information for accuracy and select Complete Order.Payment will be processed and Receipt can be viewed and printed.
Need Help?
Forgotten Web Store Password? Click Password Reminder under Services, enter your email address and click the arrow. Your password will be emailed to you shortly.
Forgotten your Infinite Campus Parent Portal Password or no Parent Portal Access? Contact your student’s school building secretary Casey Brown at
Windsor Elementray
Location: 5912 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8440