I cannot believe we are already over half way through the school year! We started a new schedule when we came back in January which gives students more opportunities to move during the day. We are continuing to focus on academics to make sure our students are well prepared for the world. In order for them to get the most out of the school year, they need to be at school. Last year we had close to one-fourth of our students considered chronically absent. To be chronically absent, you have to miss 10% or 18 days in the school year whether it is unexcused or excused. Research shows how detrimental those absences are to students throughout their school careers. As a result, the division is having an attendance competition throughout the month of January. I am hoping that VACDES will be the winner - not only for our school, but for our students. Thank you for making sure your students are at school and ready to learn. We do have some upcoming events.

Upcoming Events:

• January 16 - School Closed

• January 20 - Glow Party after school until 4pm

• January 23 - Globalpalooza for students at school

• February 11 - Valentine Dance sponsored by the PTO

• February 17 - No school for students - Teacher Professional Development

• February 20 - School Closed

• Our Empowered Learning Focus is Compassionate and Cultural Citizenship for the month of January. For the month of February it will be Collaboration and Communication. Talk to your child about ways each of these dispositions can be used in life.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you as we work together to educate your children.

Thank you,

Lisa Pluska, principal

pluskal@wps.k12.va.us

540-665-6330