Weekly Update
10/2/20
Look for the Helpers
Families,
This week at West Dodge Station was FULL. That is the only word I can think of to describe how busy the students and staff were throughout the week. Often times when life becomes busy, things also get a little stressful. I often feel stress when my post-it turns into more than one post-it and life gets FULL.
However, throughout the entire week, one thing that helped me stay positive and calm was "the helpers." I have the image attached in this note as a print in my office for two reasons: 1.) The quote is SO incredibly true and relevant right now.
2.) Fred Rogers (I am also a huge fan...just like Mrs. Herold mentioned in her Counselor Corner).
This week, we had "helpers" in the form of students, parents, and staff. I saw families bring up donated items to celebrate the staff. I saw PTO members decorate a cart just to make the teachers feel special. The Fun Run committee spent countless hours sorting items because of all of the new guidance and guidelines. There were teachers that volunteered to help others in such selfless ways it makes me proud to work with them AND just know them as people. I also got the chance to read a student essay today that pointed out the little ways to help that make a BIG difference. There were "helpers" stepping up all over the place.
There are helpers each and every day. Some are easy to spot, but some go unnoticed. One thing I know is that at West Dodge, there will always be helpers. I will NEVER have to look far to find someone going above and beyond for another person. I find comfort in the fact that even during difficult times, there will always be people to help, support, and work through any situation.
Together we can. Together we will.
Mrs. Brittany Sidders
West Dodge Station Principal
Screening Children
Call Ahead
Water bottles
Please remember to send your students with water bottles that can be refilled at school. The water fountains remain closed at WDS for student and staff safety. But, we do have bottle fillers a way students can get water throughout the day.
Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Traffic Tips
***Please DO NOT stop and get out of your car. WDS staff will help students get in cars.
*Please do not turn left off of 184th Ave.
**The video and directions below are helpful to share with anyone that is new to the pick-up and drop-off procedures.
Important Dates
October 6th - Caught With Character Signs due back at school
October 13th - Boosterthon Fun Run
October 14th - School Picture Day
October 16th - Remote Learner Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00)
October 19th - Remote Learner Picture Day
October 22nd - End of 1st Quarter
October 23rd - NO SCHOOL Teacher Inservice
October 30th - Report Cards come home
Remote Learner Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00)
Fall Festival Parties in classrooms
LifeTouch Picture Day
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020, 08:30 AM
West Dodge Station Elementary, California Street, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Counselor Corner
Empathy. I found a definition which said empathy is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” I disagree. There’s a lot of disagreeing going on right now in our world; I disagree with a good part of that disagreeing, too. What I’m currently teaching the third, fourth and fifth grade students is that empathy is caring about someone else’s feelings whether you share the same feelings or not. We’ve found out some of us feel differently than others about riding on a roller coaster and about taking a math test. Neither set of feelings or person is “wrong”, just different. The act of showing empathy is compassion. We are spending time thinking about people in our lives who show empathy and compassion to others, even if they disagree. I think focusing on positive role models is very powerful for our students. One of my personal role models has always been Fred Rogers. I grew up with his show and liked to “meet” the people in his neighborhood. Please take some time to point out the positive role models in your life - the people who have and continue to influence your growth. Remember that you might be a role model for empathy and compassion, too!
Mrs. Jean Herold
402.289.2773
District Information
District Technology Update
Having Issues Getting to EPS Online Resources? Follow the EPS Technology Department on Twitter.
The EPS Technology Department recently created a new Twitter account to help keep parents and students informed of any technology platform outages. Get updates by following @ElkhornPS_Tech on Twitter.
Note From the Nurse
With the beautiful onset of the fall season also comes the unwelcomeness of the cold and influenza viruses. Since this will overlap with the Coronavirus it is more important than ever that students continue practicing healthy habits like getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, good handwashing/sanitizing techniques, social distancing, and wearing a clean face mask.
We will continue to use the screening tool from the Douglas County Health Department for symptomatic students: https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/images/COVID-19/8-5-2020_DCHD_Screening_Exclusion_Re-admittance_for_Schools.pdf
Also, the health screens for height, weight, vision, hearing, and dental that are usually done during October and November are being postponed until the second semester. However, if you have a concern about your student’s vision or hearing prior to then, you can schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor or e-mail me at sbird@epsne.org.
Happy Fall Y’all!
Sara Bird, RN
PTO News
10/12/20: October PTO Zoom Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
Check Out the New WDS PTO Website!
Have you logged into our new WDS PTO Website to create an account and review your families on-line directory information and publish preferences for the 2020-2021 school year?
Logging in and updating your account are important to ensure your information is correct in the online directory and to grant you access to all website information and the ability to purchase items like the online directory and WDS Spirit Wear.
If you haven't created an account yet, take just a few minutes to do so here: https://westdodgestationpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home
Purchase Your WDS Yearbook:
Yearbook Prices:
$20- early bird pricing through November 1st, 2020
$25- Purchases made November 2nd, 2020 - February 26th, 2021
Place Your Order Here: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01122087.
Sam and Louie's Family Dinner Night, 10/22/20, 11am-8pm
Enjoy a delicious meal from Sam and Louie's in Elkhorn and support our school. Make sure to mention that you are with West Dodge Station when you place your order and they will donate 15% of sales to our school. Only at the Elkhorn location: 2949 N. 204th St.
PTO FUN RUN INFORMATION
Today is our Kickoff Day! Students participated in a Virtual Pep Rally today to learn about how to help our school and this year's brand new character theme. It’s going to be a TON of fun! Check out this intro video below to learn more.
https://vimeo.com/440692979/b48f7173bd
Every share and donation makes a difference! Get started today to support our school - here’s how:
REGISTER your student(s) on funrun.com today. The site is live and it takes 30 seconds! Search for West Dodge Station Elementary or use our school code 263-636.
SHARE with family/friends using the SHARE tools on funrun.com (Facebook, Text Messages or Emails). Students will earn sweepstakes entry rewards just for sharing, if you do it from funrun.com.
We have a special Log On Challenge for you! The class with the most students registered on FUNRUN.COM by Sunday night will earn extra recess!
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me any time if you have questions, concerns, feedback, or want to share your great news. ~Mrs. Sidders
Email: bsidders@epsne.org
Website: https://www.elkhornweb.org/westdodgestation/
Location: 18480 California Street, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Phone: 402-289-2773
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElkhornPSWD
Twitter: @ElkhornPS_WD