Welcome to November! We have so many things to be grateful for here at Wesley Chapel Elementary. Above all, we all have each other: wonderful students, teachers and staff, parents and community. There is great learning going on here at school due to everyone’s efforts!

During this time of year, nothing is better than curling up with a great book under a warm blanket! For the Race to Read Challenge, Wesley Chapel students have logged 215, 477 minutes so far this school year. Only 29% of the students have logged reading minutes on the Beanstack App. November begins a new reading challenge and we encourage all Wildcats to participate and put Wesley Chapel back on the district leaderboard! More information regarding the reading challenge is posted below.

Where's the Bus App is up and running. All bus riders have been provided a bus ID badge, clear plastic protector, and lanyard. Help us get your students home faster by ensuring your child has his/her bus ID and lanyard every day. Many students are coming to school and forgetting to bring the ID. It slows down the loading and unloading process if students do not have the ID badge. Students can also download the ID badge on their cell phones and scan on and off the bus using their phones. Information on how to access the app and how to download the ID badge is located towards the end of the newsletter.

November begins with a Holiday Food Drive to support local families in need of help. The grade level that brings in the most items will celebrate with Mr. Mykita and a popcorn party.

Kindergarten students will honor Veterans with a concert on November 10th at 2:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. To all our Veterans: Thank you for your service to our country. Your bravery, sacrifice, and strength do not go unnoticed, and we will always be indebted to you and your family for all that you have given to the country.

November 15th is the Great American Teach-In. We welcome presenters to share about their hobbies or careers with our students. If you would like to present to students, please see the flyer below for more information.

Right before Thanksgiving break, the PTO will host a Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser & Turkey Trot. Help the PTO in raising money for a new playground for our students to enjoy.

As we close out the month of November, state testing begins again. All students will take assessments in reading and math to progress monitor their growth. Third through fifth graders will also take a Science assessment. It is very important that your child attend school on testing days and that you discuss the importance of trying their best on the test. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the growth that students have made so far this school year. The testing calendars are included below for your reference.

We wish you a happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for all you do to support Wesley Chapel!

Mr. Mykita -Principal

Mrs. Wallen - Assistant Principal

Ms. Ray - Achieve Principal

School Phone Number: (813) 794-0100

School website: https://wces.pasco.k12.fl.us/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wesleychapelelementary/?ref=embed_page

Gates open at 9:20 a.m. each morning. Please do not drop off students before 9:20 as there is no adult supervision. In the morning, parents may enter in both entrances to drop students off in the car line.

For dismissal, parents that pick up at the Parent Walk-Up Gate (church side), please make sure you have your car rider tag. Also, please do not park on the grass or block the entrance. The church has graciously allowed us to use the parking lot but can revoke the privilege at any time.

Challenging all Wildcats to read and log minutes each day on Beanstack. Join the monthly reading challenge "Native American Heritage Month" and win prizes. Each week, the top two students in each grade level will win prizes and be recognized for their accomplishments.

Here's how to log minutes:

1. Select the Beanstack App on MyPasco Connect.

2. Select Native American Heritage Month Challenge.

3. Click "Log Reading" to add minutes or start timer.

4. Enter the name of the book and minutes read. Submit reading log.

5. Happy Reading!

November 1st - Early Release Day

November 1st - Fall Picture Retake Day

November 2nd - PTO Meeting @ 6:00 - Media Center

November 3rd - Pajama Day

November 7th - SAC Meeting @ 8:45 - Media Center

November 8th - Twistee Treat Spirit Night - 3:00-8:00 p.m.

November 10th - All Pro Dads @ 8:45 - Cafeteria

November 10th - Progress Reports available in Parent Portal

November 10th - Pajama Day

November 10th - Veteran's Day Program @ 2:30 - Cafeteria

November 14th - Fall Concert @ 6:30 - Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center

November 15th - Great American Teach-In

November 16th - PTO Spirit Night at Beef O Brady's

November 17th - PTO Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser - Turkey Trot

November 20th - 24th - Thanksgiving Break

November 27th - NWEA Science State Testing - 3rd grade

November 28th - NWEA Science State Testing - 4th grade

November 29th - NWEA Science State Testing - 5th grade

All students who ride a bus in the morning or afternoon have been provided a school ID badge and lanyard. This ID badge will be required for students to sign on and off the school bus daily. Parents will be able to see when students arrive on and off the school bus in the "Where's the Bus" App. Students will need to be responsible for keeping track of the ID badge each day. WCES will provide 1 protective sleeve and 1 lanyard to each bus rider.

Birthdays are special and we love celebrating with students. Please review the district policy stated below. If you would like to provide a birthday treat for your child's classroom, you must order the treat through the school cafeteria. The order form link is provided below. You are welcome to provide a non-food treat to your child's class if you prefer to do so. Please make arrangements with your child's teacher if you plan on purchasing treats.

Foods for school celebrations often include unhealthy choices such as cupcakes, candy, cookies and soda. While there is nothing wrong with an occasional treat, unhealthy foods are often the norm rather than the exception. Parties, food rewards, food fundraisers, and school stores often include foods that are low in nutrients and high in fat, added sugars and sodium. Birthday parties and/or classroom celebration food items must meet USDA Smart Snack Standards and be prepared in a commercial kitchen. Our School Board’s Wellness Policy and Procedure 8510 was recently updated to comply with USDA Local School Wellness Policy requirements. Celebration foods are available to parents to purchase for their child’s class through their school cafeteria.