MHS/WES Newsletter
Special Edition - May 1, 2020
News from Administration
As we begin yet another phase of our remote learning plan we want to assure you that your family's health and emotional well-being continue to be our top priorities. We encourage you to just do the best you can. If it is a tough day in your house, skip the learning. Yes, that's right, give yourself grace and skip the lesson. For your own sanity, somedays it is just not worth the battle. Family needs should always come first. All we ask is that you continue to keep the lines of communication open. We completely understand that somedays/weeks are simply better than others.
Online Programs
With only 6 more weeks of school left, we really want to focus in on our online learning programs, IXL and Lexia. If you are overwhelmed and struggling to choose where to start on assignments, we recommend starting with these two programs. These programs will allow us to keep track of your child's specific academic strengths and weaknesses. It will also help us plan for when we return to school in the fall.
IXL - All students K-5. We having been using this program since the beginning of the school year.
Lexia Reading Program - NEW! All students K-3, available to some 4th and 5th grade students. WE LOVE LEXIA! It is very interactive and actually teaches your child critical reading skills along the way. We are fortunate that the company has given us a free trial until June 30, 2020. It usually runs about $100 per child and in the past we've only used it as an intervention. We hope you will take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
We are here to help, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
MHS/WES Lexia Core 5 Information - For all students grades K-3
Overview & Purpose
Your child will be using Lexia® Core5® Reading, a fun computer-based program that has helped millions of students. The activities in Core5 support and build on our classroom curriculum and focus on developing reading skills in six areas: phonological awareness, phonics, structural analysis, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Why is it important?
Your child begins Core5 at a starting point that fits his or her needs and works in online activities throughout the week.
Online activities include direct instruction and feedback as your child learns new skills.
Progress and performance in the program is reported so teachers can provide help when needed.
Achievement certificates may be sent home to celebrate success and to show progress in the program.
How does it work?
To use on a computer, go to www.lexiacore5.com
To use on an iPad, download the free Lexia Core5 Reading app from the App Store. (iPad support is limited to these devices: iPad 4+, iPad Mini 3+, iPad Air+, and iPad Pro.)
The first time your child uses Core5, you may need to enter the teacher email shown below. Your child can then log in with the username and password used at school and listed below. Here is a video in case you need help!
Teacher Email (for setup) Username: first initial last name Password: abcd
It is important that your child works without any help while using Core5. All of the work your child does at home is recorded and reported to school. This way, teachers can see when help is needed.
If you have a question about your child’s username or password, please contact the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Ayles at dayles@awrsd.org.
Google Meets with Administration
Tuesday, May 5th at 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 7th at 4:00 p.m.
Please click on the survey link below so we can email you an invitation code.
Placement Letters for 2020-2021 Class Lists
Over the next few weeks we will start to build our class lists for next fall. If you have any concerns for placement next year, please send me an email (ktaylor@awrsd.org) by May 18th. Specific teacher requests will not be granted, however, please feel free to share your child's learning style or concerns for peer relationships.
News from the PTO
The PTO is thinking of you and your families. Please know we’re here to help (in between trying to pick up enough space for a google meet to look decent and calming a meltdown after the 46th time of hearing “that’s not the way my teacher usually does it.”) Yes, we’re in it together so reach out if you have questions or if there’s something we can do to help.
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Check out below to see what you can do! The PTO would like you to join us in showing our teachers at Westminster Elementary and Meetinghouse how much we appreciate them. Here’s what to do: 1. Cut out a heart (or hearts) 2. Take a picture holding the hearts and email it to marissachapman1279@gmail.com 3. Hang your hearts in your windows Your picture will be part of a video to show our teachers how much we care. Email acschleyer@gmail.com with any questions.
Westminster Community Food Pantry
Drive Thru, Congregational Church Parking Lot
Every Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Proof of Residency is the only requirement.