Washington Elementary
October 16, 2017
Reading; Foundational to All Learning
Washington Elementary's goals for reading are focused on meeting two important conditions to maximize student growth and learn. The two variables that impact reading growth more than any other factors are:
Expert Coaching: Teacher driven with best practice instruction/coaching
Reading Practice: A partnership between the student, parent(s) and teachers
In an effort to increase engagement and keep students moving forward with reading practice, we have been studying the research around what motivates learners. For example, when working with a student to determine goals for reading practice, how can we create the conditions for students to go beyond the basic exceptions? We b believe it begins with one fundamental question; Who owns the learning? We are working to increasingly develop the plan through the student’s eyes. Whether a student is behind reading steps are reaching for new heights, student ownership is essential. We think our Wildcat Reading plan is working. As of Monday, November 21st, 99% of our students were at or above target with reading steps. This only happens with a strong partnership between home and school.
As you are working with your child on reading steps or simply helping them reflect on the learning, consider the three conditions above; autonomy, mastery and purpose. With these three conditions present, optimal conditions for learning will occur.
Based off Daniel H. Pink’s book, Drive: The Surprising Truth What Motivates Us, we can know this about the “work” that humans do. Check out the table below to view the comparison between jobs you love and hate.
Family Literacy Fun Night!
When: Thursday, October 26th, 2017
Where: Washington Elementary School
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Free pizza will be served from 6:00pm-7:00pm.
Students will receive two steps for attending
Family Literacy Night in their Wildcat Logs.
Mingle through the Interactive Reading Stations in classrooms around the school.
Come and enjoy a performance by Washington Students as they share
their talents in a Reader’s Theatre Show in the Media Center!
Mr. Baier will be giving Leader in Me Presentations to Families.
PTO will be hosting a bookfair in the Gym.
Hope to see you there!!
The Leader in Me Lighthouse Team Added Three New Student Members
The Lighthouse Team is the leadership group for The Leader in Me Initiative. We meet on a monthly basis to provide vision and direction for our school related to leadership and culture. The Lighthouse team is made up of students, teachers, paraprofessionals, parents and a community representative. The new student members are Brady Valberg, Alexa Tofte and Liam Christopher.
Our goals/outcomes and the team makeup is found below:
Desired Outcomes for Culture of Leadership and Excellence
A safe and supportive environment focused on developing leadership capacity in all students.
A student centered culture with a laser like focus on our primary purpose of student learning
An environment where differences are embraced and celebrated
Healthy relationships where every student has at least one adult advocate and peer friendship.
Develop the skills and mindsets that allow students to lead their own lives, to be able to work effectively with others and make a meaning contribution wherever they go in life. (Stephen and Sean Covey, Leader in Me)
Lighthouse Team
Grade Level representation: Angie Davis-k/1, Kyle Vanselow-2, Becky Hebiesen, -3, Jeff Dittmer-4, Mandi Sonnenfeld-5,
School-wide Staff representation: Alissa Ricke, Counselor, Helen Wels, Paraprofessional Mary Wagner, EL Teacher, Stephanie Wolff, Art Teacher and Shane Baier, Principal
Student representation: 3rd grade: Brady Valberg and Alexa Tofte 4th grade: Wila Matejcek and Liam Christopher 5th grade: Abby Moule and Madison Harbarth
Parent Representation: Marni Moule, Pam Harbarth and Kari Blom4. '
Community Representation: Jayson Koopmans
Developing Students Leaders Through Authentic Practice
Leader in Me Student Job Descriptions
Grades 2-5
Washington Elementary School
See the Washington Elementary Leadership roles below. Students should review the list and circle the job(s) you are interested in. Please return this to your teacher by 9-18. You will be completing an online application based on this form.
Leadership Jobs
Lunchroom Leaders (K-5) – clean tables, and assist students with condiments, opening and throwing away items, and getting students through the lunch line. Report to Mr. Pat.
Tray Stacking- Make sure lunch trays are stacked like a puzzle in two piles
Table Washing- Wash non-peanut allergy tables (k/1 will start later)
Drink Cart- Wiped down and return unopened milk and juice cartons
Condiments- See that each person has a fork, napkin and appropriate condiments
LunchTime Mentor (4th Grade Only) – Help Kindergarten students show PAWS, clean tables, and assist students with condiments, opening and throwing away items, and getting students through the lunch line. Report to Mr. Pat.
Playground Leaders (K-5) - Three jobs are available for Playground Leaders. If you select more than one position you will hold each job for 1 week at a time and cycle to the next job.
Equipments Leaders- Help collect playground equipment and put it inside
Door Holders- Hold the door and greet students as they enter the building in the morning and at lunchtime
Grounds Crew- Help pick up outside to keep our school clean
Student Council Leaders- (Grades 2-5) Apply for your top two choices of Student Council sections.
Yellow Team - Help others and give back through service learning
Blue Team - Learn to be a confident leader & help others with Pennies 4 Patients
Green Team - Work as a team to plan events based on student voice
Red Team - Spread kindness and create community at Washington
Menu of Additional Leadership Jobs
See the Washington Elementary Leadership roles below. Students should review the list and circle the job(s) you are interested in. Please return this to your teacher by 9-18. You will be completing an online application based on this form.
Wildcat Rally Leaders (K-5) - Help lead Wildcat Rally with teachers and staff. Report To Wildcat Rally Team
Special Events Leaders (K-5) - Help greeting guest, hand out programs and photograph events. Report to the office.
Announcement Leaders (K-5) - Prepare, organize, and conduct announcements in the morning over the intercom. Report to Office (Mr. Baier, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Rathman)
Wildcat Ambassador (K-5) - These students will greet, give tours of the building, help with school events, and teach the 7 habits and the LIM to new students, staff, and parents. Report to Ms.Ricke, counselor or Mr.Baier.
Lost & Found (K-5) - Help keep Washington clean by sorting and organizing the lost and found items located near the the office. You will be contacted with your assignment. Report to Ms.Katrina Gronewold.
New Student Mentor (K-5) - Help welcome new students to Washington Elementary by showing them around and helping them to get to know Washington. You will be contacted with your assignment. Report to Ms. Ricke, Counselor
Kindergarten and first grade students will sign up for jobs later this fall. Teachers in grades K-1 have been focused on creating and offering classroom jobs to this point in the year.
Important Dates..
MEA Break; No School, October 19 & 20
First Day of Excel- October 23
Literacy Fun Night- October 26 at 6-7:30pm
Kindergarten Fall Festival- October 27 at 1-2:30pm
Vision and Hearing Testing- October 30
PTO Meeting- November 13 in the Media Center at 6:30-7:30pm
Two hour late start- November 14
Conferences- November 14, 16, and 20th.
Jump Rope for Heart- November 17
Kindergarten Field Trip to Blue Earth County Historical Society- November 17, 1-2pm
No School- November 21-24.
5th Grade Field Trip to the Guthrie- November 29
Drop Off and Pick Up...
Jump Rope for Heart!
Schedule:
9:10-10:00 4th grade Niedermayer, Dittmer, Smith
10:00-10:50 Kindergartners: Davis, Brady, Fitzloff
10:50-11:40 1st grade: Carlson, Mrs. Vanselow, Drenckhahn
12:10-1:00 5th grade: Lieske, Sonnenfeld, Miller
1:00-1:50 2nd grade: Wurdinger, Mr. Vanselow, Larkin
1:50-2:40 3rd grade: Hebeisen, Pearson, Hashimoto
Parents are welcome to attend!
Kick off to students: Done during their PE time beginning 10/23
We will be putting the parent letter, envelopes, and tattoo in your mail boxes for you to send home with the students in Tuesday folders.
Envelope Due Date: Friday, November 17th
(the American Heart Association will be picking up the envelopes on 11/22 so if some students hand in late there is a 3-day window)
THANK YOU!
Mr. Attig and Ms. Mosher
Attendance!
- Being on time
- Dependability
- Responsibility
- Honesty