PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - March 3, 2019
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.
From the Principal
Did you enjoy a great book this weekend?
NEA’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids and books! We will be celebrating all things READING and Dr. Seuss this week!
Celebrating Reading--Dr. Seuss Week
Monday 3/4: "Oh, The Think That You Can Think"
Think pink! Wear something pink.
Tuesday 3/5: "The Cat in the Hat"
Wear stripes and/or your favorite hat.
Wednesday 3/6: "Wacky Wednesday"
Get Wacky! Wear your clothes backwards, inside out, or mismatched.
Thursday 3/7: "Green Eggs and Ham"
Wear something green.
Friday 3/8: "Sleep Book"
Let's celebrate an entire day of reading! Wear pajamas or comfy clothes that are school appropriate! *If wearing slippers, please change into them once in the classroom!
Last Friday was my first day back at school. Though I kept a low profile and moved a little more slowly, I was delighted to check in and see students and staff. Thank you for all the well-wishes over the past few weeks. I am especially grateful for Mrs. Ciochina's support in my absence. I look forward to better connecting with everyone this week!
Contact Information:
Jillian Alonzo, Principal
663-2287 ext. 19001
Wildcat News Network 3.1.19
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.
Best In Region Voting is Open!
Let’s make it ten years in a row!!! Voting for the Times Best in the Region 2019 has started. Time to vote for “Best Place to Live” Crown Point as the vote that represents Crown Point Community School Corporation. Let us make Crown Point the 2019 winner. We won 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Let’s show pride in our community and its schools for the 10th time in a row! A powerful marketing statement is a click away.
Go to http://nwitimes.secondstreetapp.com/l/Times-of-Northwest-Indianas-Best-Of-The-Region-2019 register/login, click on the “Living” category, and cast your vote. Votes are limited to one vote per award category per user, and you can vote for just this one category without completing the whole ballot.
Home-School Connections
March is upon us. Change is in the air and starting to be discussed. Students might be wondering what next year will be like? How can I possibly leave my favorite teacher's class? How will I make new friends when I move to another class or school? Here is an excerpt of an article from Edutopia by Elena Aguilar:
SUGGESTIONS FOR HELPING CHILDREN WORK THROUGH CHANGE
Whether you’re a teacher supporting your students or a parent supporting your child, here are 10 ways to make unwelcome change easier for kids:
1. Invite them to talk about their feelings. Listen to whatever they say—to their anger and sadness and confusion. Validate their feelings and let them know that whatever they’re experiencing is OK.
2. Help them see the elements of stability in their life and school. Name all the teachers and adults who aren’t leaving, the classmates who will stay.
3. Assure kids that the foundations of their community and learning experience will be strong. Even if a beloved staff member or principal is leaving, don’t fall into catastrophizing with your students or children. Help them see that their experience in school is more than one person, program, or other element.
4. Make sure they don’t take the change personally. Kids tend to blame themselves when things go wrong. Make sure to emphasize that they did nothing to make anyone leave, to drive someone away, as children tend to think whether a teacher or staff member leaves to work at another school, quits the profession, or is perhaps released from the position.
5. Direct children to see what they are in control of. Unwelcome change makes people feel like they don’t have control over their lives. Ask your students or children, “What are you free to choose right now?” and they’ll be reminded of their own power.
6. Guide children to focus on a positive future and what might be possible a year from now. Help them imagine making new friends, forming strong connections with other adults, and finding joy, community, and fulfillment at school. If there’s anything they can do to make these things happen (such as making new friends) guide them to do those things.
7. Allot a brief time for worry. Especially if you have a child who worries all the time, suggest a 15-minute time during the day when they allow themselves to worry. When they start worrying at other times, remind them that it isn’t their designated worry time.
8. Ask children: What really matters here? Help them see the big picture, gain perspective, and keep the change in proportion.
9. Help them connect with their own resilience, coping mechanisms, and energy. They have dealt with change and challenge before. Help them access those resources and remind them that they will get through this latest challenge.
10. Help them see their own resources for making changes that they desire. Help them think about how to be proactive about creating the kind of school and experience they want, even in the face of unwelcome change.
Working with children, I often had to support students with the above strategies as changes rippled through our school every year. My students, of course, responded differently. Some wore their emotions on their sleeve whereas others were harder to read. Take the time to explore how children are experiencing change when it strikes. In the end, change is all we can count on, so it’s always useful to help children refine their coping skills.
Contact Information:
Kelly Mucha, Home-School Facilitator
663-2287 ext. 19108
PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Self-Management
Self-management has many layers. One layer is having the ability to control our emotions in order to handle stress, resist impulses, and overcome obstacles. Another layer of self-management involves using skills to express emotions appropriately. A third layer of self-management is the establishment of personal and academic goals, then working toward achieving those goals.
Personally, I was reminded of the importance of self-management on Wednesday morning as I hosted our month Student of the Month breakfast in Mrs. Alonzo's absence. She leaves big shoes to fill, and I was focused on trying to fill them. When I finally took a deep breathe and remembered the event wasn't about me or Mrs. Alonzo, it was about honoring our students, I was able to regulate my emotions and really enjoy each child's accomplishment. This event made for a great conversation piece as I shared my experience with our students when I visited their classrooms. Over the years, I have learned when we show our students that we all face similar challenges, regardless of age, we form a connection. They trust us and actually want to hear what we have to say...nearly as much as they want us to hear what they have to say.
Contact Information:
Brandy Sims, Positive Behavior Coach
663-2287 ext. 19602
Whistles From the Gym
Thank you to all families who helped raise money for the American Heart Association during our Kids Heart Challenge event. As of Thursday morning we have raised a little over $8,700!! Great job Wildcats. Thank you gifts for those who made donations should arrive in 3-4 weeks and will be distributed during PE class as soon as they arrive. Any questions please contact Mr. Hedl at jhedl@cps.k12.in.us or 663--2287.
From the Nurse
Fighting the winter blues? Colds or flu?
Here are a few tips to improve wellness in the winter months:
- Wash your hands! Frequent handwashing is a great start to fighting the transmission of germs. Coughing into your sleeve instead of your hands is helpful also.
- Get plenty of sleep! Lack of sleep keeps our immune system from working efficiently. Adequate sleep keeps our immune system strong.
- Get plenty of vitamin C! Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, kale and broccoli are a few fruits and veggies high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential is keeping your immune system strong. Try to add some of these foods into your family’s daily meals.
- Stay active! An active body leads to an active immune system! Spend time some indoor time jumping rope or doing some jumping jacks instead of being snuggled up on the couch. An active, healthy body leads to a healthy immune system.
Contact Information:
Lori Taylor, Nurse
663-2287 ext. 19081
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.
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.
HELP WANTED!
Crown Point Schools Transportation Department will start training for school bus drivers and special needs monitors in February. Full training is provided for sub bus drivers and sub special needs monitors who enjoy competitive pay, summer and holidays off and the potential for full time work. Please apply online at https://intranet.cps.k12.in.us/rdsonlineapp/default.asp
Important Dates
March
4-8- Celebrate Reading Week
19- Spring Picture Day
22- End of Third Grading Period
25-29- Spring Break; No School
April
12- First Grade Music Program
15-17- Winfield Kindergarten Screening
19- Good Friday; No School
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.
Do you enjoy working with kids and love great hours? We are looking for new food service team members. If you are interested in learning more, please call Pam Maloney 662-6480.
Contact Information:
Polly Smith, Cafeteria Manager
663-2287 ext. 19603
Nutrition Nuggets
Students with healthy eating and exercise habits have higher test scores, better attendance, improved concentration, fewer discipline referrals, and greater overall achievement. Nutrition Nuggets shares ideas to improve nutrition and physical fitness at home. Every issue is filled with practical ideas for:
- preparing nutritious meals on a tight schedule and tight budget
- smart snacking
- finding time for exercise—and ways to make it fun
- boosting vegetables and whole grains
- making nutritious foods appealing
- physical activities families can do together
- teaching kids about healthy choices
You can access the latest edition here: Nutrition Nuggets-February
Cafeteria Menu: Week of February 25
MONDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza OR Breakfast Bar/Cereal
Lunch: Pretzel & Cheesy Sauce OR Fruit & Granola Parfait, Silly Dilly Green Beans,
Crunchy Carrots, Crazy Applesauce
TUESDAY
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR French Toast Bites
Lunch: Soft Shell Taco OR Cheesy Nachos, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans,
Romaine Ribbon Salad, Golden Peaches
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich OR Confetti Pancakes
Lunch: Breaded Chicken Sandwich OR Pizza, Corn, Sliced Cucumbers, Mandarin Oranges
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito OR Whole Grain Donuts
Lunch: Cheeseburger Deluxe OR Hot Diggity Dog, Smiley Fries, Crispy Garden Salad, Pineapple Tidbits
FRIDAY
Breakfast: Whole Grain Muffins OR Cereal/Poptart
Lunch: Bosco Sticks & Sauce, Roasted Carrots, Fresh Broccoli Florets, Yummy Pears
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.
2019-2020 Kindergarten Registration
Registration is now ongoing. Please call the school office schedule an appointment. Kindergarten students must be five (5) years of age on or before August 1, 2019 in order to enroll for the 2019-20 school year. It is not mandatory for students to come with their parents to registration, but they are welcome.
The following documents are required at the time of registration:
1. Child’s certified birth certificate (not hospital certificate)
2. Immunization record
3. Child’s Social Security Card
4. Three documents from the following are required to prove residency: utility bills (NIPSCO, Water) deed or mortgage statement, or Lake County Tax Bill.
In addition, a driver’s license or state photo ID with the current address is required to prove residency.
CAFE Corner
Midwest Gymnastics
Join us on Saturday, April 6th 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. Please direct any questions to Kim Neff at kimneff31@yahoo.com.
Extracurricular & Community News
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