PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - October 19, 2018
Winfield Elementary School Improvement Goals
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in reading.
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in mathematics.
All students will demonstrate growth in their social-emotional learning.
This Week In Pictures
Pumpkin Quilts
Painting Pumpkins
Not So Spooky Pumpkins
Mrs. King's class has been learning about character traits in Reading, and how the character traits can change throughout a story. Students took what they learned about character and their traits and created a pumpkin to resemble a character in a book that they have read.
From the Principal
October is a month full of learning opportunities: Bullying Prevention, Fire Safety, and Drug Free Awareness. Next week we celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week was established to honor Enrique Camarana, a drug enforcement officer who gave his life in the fight against drugs. He was kidnapped and killed in the line of duty. The Red Ribbon became the symbol to reduce the use of illegal drugs and violence. At Winfield, we will celebrate the choice of living a healthy life free of drugs and violence with educational stories and videos. We will also host a Coloring Contest with the top prize of a bicycle, donated by The Clayton Family!
Monday- PUT A CAP ON DRUGS! Wear hats and blue or Bully Prevention shirt!
Tuesday- RED ZONE-NO DRUGS! Wear red or Red Ribbon shirt!
Wednesday- WE ARE TOO BRIGHT FOR DRUGS! Wear neon or bright colors!
Thursday- DRUGS AND I DON'T MIX! Wear mismatched socks or clothing!
Friday- WE DREAM TOO BIG FOR DRUGS! Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas!
*Please note: though we aim coordinate, due to previously scheduled events at each school, theme days may vary between Winfield and Jerry Ross.
Contact Information:
Jillian Alonzo, Principal
663-2287 ext. 19001
Halloween Celebrations
Please look for specific information from your child's teacher regarding their plans for a classroom Halloween celebration. Here are some important general guidelines for school:
COSTUMES
- Costumes are optional; however, most students elect to bring a costume.
- Students’ school costumes MUST NOT INCLUDE blood and guts, weapons, inappropriate messages, or skimpy/revealing attire.
- Weapons, even pretend weapons, are not allowed at school. Students will be required to change or modify their costume if they make inappropriate choices.
- All costumes should be age appropriate. All children in our school are between 5-8 years old.
- No scary movie characters (i.e. Chucky, Ghostface, Michael Meyers) are permitted.
PARTIES
- You must have a background check on file if volunteering.
- Only parents signed up for the party may attend due to space constraints.
- Volunteers will help children in/out of costumes if needed.
Help us celebrate our GREAT TEACHERS...
It takes moments to recognize a teacher!
Students, parents, and fellow colleagues can access The Times Teacher Appreciation Form at www.nwitimes.com/forms/teachers_appreciation/ and nominate a teacher who excels in the classroom. Nominators are kept confidential…their information is not printed in the paper.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher relationships are most effective when participants have frequent and open communication with each other and demonstrate mutual respect for each other’s role in a child’s life. When families are positively involved in their child’s education, the child will flourish. Winfield Teachers will conduct Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 31st and Thursday, November 1st and additional select times through November 10th.
In order to accomplish meeting with all parents, these two days of school will be half-days with a 12:14 dismissal time. Please mark your calendars! We aim to conference with 100% of our families.
GoGuardian Internet and Application Filter
To help protect students when using their school-owned Chromebooks at school and at home, Crown Point Schools will begin using software designed specifically to help ensure students' safety by providing comprehensive filtering and analytics of student Chromebook usage. The software is called GoGuardian.
Use of GoGuardian in elementary classrooms will develop throughout the school year as teachers receive training and as students and parents learn about the application and its uses. In order for this to occur, the software is deployed to elementary school-owned Chromebooks.
The GoGuardian frequently asked questions describes features of the software.
If you have questions or comments, please email GoGuardian@cps.k12.in.us.
Frequently Asked Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eABc3rir1k03AzGcl4D2IwJbNfkBreJh/view?usp=sharing
Home-School Connections
Today, I found this article and wanted to share. It is from ParentToolkit.com and Tamara Fyke does a great job describing and helping with the question of What if my Child is the Bully?Each parent, upon sending our children off to school, has worried about bullying. "What happens if my son or daughter is picked on? What if bullying becomes physical? What will I say and do to ensure my child feels supported?"
For every child who is bullied, of course, there is a child who is responsible for the bullying behavior. None of us wants to receive that phone call from the principal telling us that our child is in trouble at school, much less that our child was bullying another student. This is a situation that we perhaps don’t spend as much time worrying about, or preparing for, and yet it is equally important that we are ready to intervene and course correct. There are numerous reasons why kids may display inappropriate behavior toward peers, and the most important thing we can do pay attention and identify the source. Most children who are bullying others know their behavior is wrong, but something is still driving them to act out. What is affecting our kids and how can we educate them about the dangers of their behavior while providing better alternatives?
According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior…that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” When that phone call comes, telling us that our child has been bullying others, what do we do? On one hand, we may have a tendency to feel skeptical…surely my sweet child wouldn’t do that? On the other hand, we may overreact and risk coming across as unforgiving and harsh. Take a deep breath and be thoughtful. Consider the position of the teachers and other educators who are doing their best to meet all students’ needs and consider the other kids who are currently the targets of the bullying behavior. We have an important role to play, and it can have a positive impact on the school community.
Here are some strategies I recommend as initial steps when any of us parents hear that our child has engaged in bullying their peers:
- Acknowledge reality. The chief goal of school leadership is student safety and success. The principal would not take time to address the situation if something hadn’t occurred. Instead of immediately defending your child, listen to the story and ask clarifying questions. Your family and the school personnel are on the same team, working together for the sake of your child’s education and future.
- Try to understand. After talking with school leaders, have an open and honest conversation with your child. It’s okay to let your child know that you are disappointed in their behavior. However, it is not helpful to shame your child. Probe more deeply instead. Consider other factors that may be contributing to your child acting out, including recent family life changes such as a move, new job, divorce, or re-marriage. Also, inquire about potential struggles your child may be having at school academically or socially. Build a regular routine of heart-to-heart conversations during car rides and at the dinner table so that you have a pulse on what is happening in your child’s world. If necessary, recruit help from other caring adults, such as grandparents, tutors, or even counselors. Let your child know that they are not alone and that there are adults who are committed to helping them learn and grow.
- State expectations. Make no assumptions. Clearly articulate your family values, such as kindness. Kindness is treating others the way we want to be treated. We are kind when we use words that build people up, not tear them down. Also, communicate to your children that when they step out of the door of your home, they are ambassadors, representing your family to the world, and that you want your family to be known for being kind.
- Make amends. In addition to whatever consequences your child may receive from the school, follow up with additional consequences at home, such as taking away screen time. This lets your child know that you value what the school leaders have said and that home and school are working on the same team. Likewise, have your child write an apology letter or have a follow-up conversation with the student they hurt. The goal is for the relationship to be restored so that they can live and work together productively.
- Look in the mirror. This is a difficult yet necessary step. As educational psychologist John Dewey said, "we learn by reflecting on our experiences." Ask yourself: “Where did my child learn to exert control or power over another? How am I treating my spouse, my co-workers, my children? Am I being kind? Am I using my words to build others up or tear them down? What is my child seeing and hearing me model for them?”
True defined bullying, is not a common occurrence, but common age-appropriate friendship conflicts often arise when our children are growing up and are learning to navigate this world and how relationships work. Modeling these behaviors is key when showing our little ones how to treat others in this world.
Contact Information:
Kelly Mucha, Home-School Facilitator
663-2287 ext. 19108
Brandy Sims, PBIS Coach
663-2287 ext. 19602
From the Nurse
As the holidays approach we are offered several different assistance programs for families in need. Some of these programs are angel tree gift programs, food baskets and clothing or shoes assistance. If your family would benefit from an assistance program this holiday season please call me. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.
Contact Information:
Lori Taylor, Nurse
663-2287 ext. 19081
School Hours 9:05 am-3:44 pm
*ALL TRANSPORTATION CHANGES MUST BE CALLED INTO THE OFFICE BEFORE 3 PM.
All children are dismissed through the car rider line. Parents do not come inside the building during dismissal. Please review the Arrival/Dismissal Map here: Traffic Map. Traffic flow has gone very well the past few days! Please remember to remain in your vehicle to speed up the flow of traffic. If your child need your assistance fastening a seatbelt/car seat, kindly pull into a parking space before your exit your car.
Note: If you are a car rider, we will provide your with a nameplate for your dashboard. Please ensure this nameplate is present every day at pickup to expedite the line.
The school office is open daily from 7:30 am-4:30 pm. If you have Transportation questions after hours, please call 219-663-1465.
School Attendance
If your child will be absent from school, please notify the office before 9 am. You may also email: winfieldattendance@cps.k12.in.us. Please include your child's name, date of absence, and reason for absence. Please limit voluntary absences.
ATTENDANCE GOAL: 97% ATTENDANCE THIS WEEK: 97.2! WAY TO GO!!
Kindergarten: 97.9% First Grade: 96.1% Second Grade: 96.9%
From the Cafeteria
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Meal Prices
Student Breakfast: $1.50 Student Lunch: $2.25 Milk Only: $0.40
Funding Cafeteria Accounts
Send cash or check payable to Winfield Elementary Cafeteria in a sealed envelope with your child' name, teacher, $ amount, and "Cafeteria" clearly written on the front. Payments may also be made online by visiting www.mymealtime.com. The required passcode is the same as the child's Student ID in RDS.
Lactaid Now Available
Students with lactose intolerance are now considered eligible for disability accommodations. School Food Authorities must have either the medical statement signed by a health care provider with prescriptive authority or a written request from the parent/guardian to identify the student’s medical or other special dietary need that precludes the consumption of cow’s milk. Please notify me if you would like your child to get this milk with their lunch. It will also be available ala carte for $1.00. The product will be Lactaid and will come in a 8 oz. serving size.
Contact Information:
Polly Smith, Cafeteria Manager
663-2287 ext. 19603
Cafeteria Menu: Week of October 22
MONDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza OR Breakfast Bar/Cereal
Lunch: Cheese Pizza, Green Beans, Fresh Veggies, Pears
TUESDAY
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR French Toast Bites
Lunch: Cheeseburger Deluxe OR Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Baked Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Pineapple
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich OR Confetti Pancakes
Lunch: Pasta & Meat Sauce OR Fruit & Granola Yogurt Parfait, Peas, Garden Salad, Twisted Breadstick, Applesauce
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito OR Whole Grain Donuts
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Roasted Carrots, Sliced Cucumber, Mandarin Oranges, Corn Bread
FRIDAY
Breakfast: Whole Grain Muffins OR Cereal / Poptart
Lunch: Breakfast For Lunch, Juice, Hash Brown Triangles, Fresh Broccoli
Birthday Celebrations
As a school we believe it is important to recognize students on their birthdays. To protect instructional time in the classroom and manage student health needs, we do not allow edible birthday treats in the classroom (this includes CANDY in treat bags). Your child's birthday will be announced on the morning announcements and he/she is invited to the office for a small birthday treat.
If you choose, non-food items may be substituted your child may commemorate their special day by bringing a small treat for their classmates (pencil, bookmark, sticker, etc.) or dedicating a book to the classroom (and placing a special birthday bookplate inside).
OPTIONAL: Families wishing to celebrate their child's birthdays at lunch may purchase Ice Cream Tickets for each child in the class. Tickets are $0.75 each. Please complete an order form in the office 1 week prior to birthday.
Important Dates
October 2018
Bully Prevention Month
22- Blue Monday, Wear Blue
23- Fall Picture Retakes
23- McSchool Night
26- End of Grading Period 1
29- Kindergarten Fire Prevention Presentations
30- First Grade Fire Prevention Presentations
31- Half Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm (Parent Teacher Conferences)
November 2018
1- Half Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm (Parent Teacher Conferences)
3- Midwest Gymnastics Open Gym 7-9 pm ($10 per student)
22/23- Thanksgiving Break; No School
30- Midterm Progress Check
CAFE Corner
CAFE Meetings
Thank you to those who were able to join us last night for our October CAFE meeting. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15th at 6 pm in the Jerry Ross Cafeteria. Notes from last night's meeting will be shared on Monday via email. We are still looking to fill many volunteer chairperson opportunities. Job descriptions will be coming your way!
Dessert Days Pie Sale
The pie sale is officially underway! The sale runs through Friday, October 26th. All orders and money are due at that time. Delivery will occur on Tuesday, November 21st, just in time for Thanksgiving! Sellers earn prizes in the prize brochure. In addition, top sellers can earn a pizza party or gift card! Please see the flyer below for complete information!
Midwest Gymnastics
Join us on Saturday, November 3rd! Join us at Midwest Gymnastics on Summit Street for a fun drop-off event. Students may be dropped off from 7-9pm for $10 and enjoy trampolines, foam pit, tumbling tracks and more! Supervision is provided by volunteers from the CAFE, and Mrs. Alonzo always joins in! Please direct any questions to Kim Neff at kimneff31@yahoo.com.
McSchool Night
Mark your calendars now for the first McSchool night of the 2018/2019 school year, Tuesday, October 23rd from 5-8pm at the Winfield McDonald’s. We earn 15 percent of the sales during that time. Please present your flyer at the event for your purchase to count!
Extracurricular & Community News
Blood Drive at Jerry Ross Elementary
National Honor Society is hosting a Blood Drive at Jerry Ross Tuesday, October 30 from 12:30-6:00. Did you know... 1 out of 10 people admitted to the hospital will need blood? Adults please mark your calendar to donate on this day! It feels good, to do good. To sign up, visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: jrosselem
Winfield Elementary
Email: jalonzo@cps.k12.in.us
Website: www.cps.k12.in.us/Domain/843
Location: 13128 Montgomery Street, Crown Point, IN, United States
Phone: 219-663-2287
Twitter: @WinfieldElem