Wildcat Wonderings
December 22nd
MISSION:
Watkins Wildcats are safe respectful, and focused on learning every day.
VISION:
Work Ethic: Work hard
Achievement: Achieve great things
Teamwork: Do your part for the good of the group
Kindness: Treat others the way you want to be treated
Innovation: Think outside the box
Noteworthy: Others recognize our excellence
Success: Accomplish our goals
Mrs. Clark: jclark113@spsmail.org
Reminder: School begins at 7:20 and ends at 2:20. Doors open at 7:05.
Check out our Watkins website:
IN THE MORNING: ANY STUDENTS DROPPED OFF, WITHOUT AN ADULT, BEFORE 7:05 MUST WAIT INSIDE THE BUILDING FOR SAFETY PURPOSES.
WE WILL NOT BE DISMISSING STUDENTS FROM THE OFFICE AFTER 2:00. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 2:00, PLEASE GO THROUGH THE CARLINE OR WAIT UNTIL THE CARLINE IS FINISHED.
AT DISMISSAL: IF YOU ARE PICKING UP YOUR CHILD IN A CAR, YOU MUST PARK AT A NUMBERED SIGN.
YOU MAY NOT PARK IN ONE OF THE LOTS OR ON THE STREET AND WALK UP TO THE FRONT DOOR.
IF YOU ARE PICKING UP IN A CAR, PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. OUR STAFF WILL LOAD YOUR STUDENTS INTO CARS.
IF YOU ARE WALKING HOME WITH YOUR STUDENT, YOU MAY WAIT BY THE BLUE PICNIC BENCH OR THE GRASSY AREAS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE SAFE AS WELL AS KEEP THAT AREA CLEAR FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
Weekly Schedule
Winter Break 12/23-1/3
Monday, January 2nd
Tuesday, January 3rd
Wednesday, January 4th
Thursday, January 5th
Friday, January 6th
Parents/guardians:
The YMCA will be offering an opportunity for students to participate in a Winter Camp during the Winter Break (Dec. 27th-30th, there are also opportunities for students to attend two separate “Play Days” on Dec. 23rd and Jan. 3rd. If you need childcare during the break this may be a great opportunity to keep your child safe and engaged. Check out THIS flyer for more information
Additionally, THIS flyer has early registration information for 2023 YMCA Summer Camps.
Thank you to all who supported our Holiday Store last week. The students were so excited to shop and bring home fun things for their friends, families, and themselves. 😊 PTA would like to thank all those who helped and sent/gave money for students to shop. PTA uses this event as a fundraiser to support Watkins students and staff as well as events within the school. A majority of the profits from the store will go towards the spring carnival in May. Thank you again to all involved!
Each week, Springfield Public Schools sends an email newsletter to SPS parents, families and community members with The Latest from SPS
Our Watkins staff is amazing!
Want to "shout out" a staff member? We want to hear about it!
I know you value all those who work at Watkins.
Please show some love to a Watkins staff member this week!
Student Device Fees:
Starting this week, students will begin being charged student device fees. Below are the device fee items and the charges associated. Librarians should follow the Student Device Fee Process referenced in the Library Tech Support Handbook.
Case Replacement
Free/Reduced Lunch: $10
Full-Pay Lunch: $10
Charger Replacement
Free/Reduced Lunch: $10
Full-Pay Lunch: $25
Device Repair
Free/Reduced Lunch: $10
Full-Pay Lunch: $25
Device Full Replacement
Free/Reduced Lunch: $25
Full-Pay Lunch: $50
Mrs. Van Gorp, Watkins Librarian, is challenging our Wildcats to a new reading challenge. Everyone is so busy during this time of year, so this is just a fun reminder to encourage students to do a little reading over Winter Break. It is flexible, so students and families can read what they choose. Here is a sneak peek:
During the month of December we will focus on the part of our mission statement that talks about “respectful”.
When you’re with a group of kids, what things might other people do or say that make you feel good? What things make you feel bad?
Let’s fight the flu together!
Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.
The top five most virus-contaminated areas in the home are:
1. Telephones (have you cleaned your cell phone lately)
2. Appliances such as the refrigerator and microwave
3. Faucets
4. Light switch and door handles
5. TV remotes
We can protect and strengthen our own immunity by following good health guidelines:
- eating nutritious foods
- taking daily walks
- sleeping 8 –10 hours a night
- Wash hands frequently, do the elbow cough, and disinfect hot spots at school, work, and home.
- reducing stress
- and smiling daily
Treat the symptoms if you must, but avoid giving aspirin to children because it may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Please keep all sick children home from school especially if they are exhibiting respiratory and stomach symptoms! If you are unsure – stay home and call your health care provider or school nurse for advice.
Allergy & Asthma season is hitting us HARD this year as well. Monitor all symptoms closely and follow your health care provider’s advice. If your child has asthma, it is extremely important to keep an inhaler at school.
Enjoy a healthy holiday season!
How to Clean Water Bottles
Did you know it is recommended that water bottles are washed as often as you wash your drinking cups and glasses? If you don't, they can become smelly and mouldy so, keeping your family's water bottles clean and stored correctly is important.
Filling your water bottles with fresh water is best. And remember, over time the plastic will deteriorate. Replacing your water bottles regularly (at least once a year) is recommended.
Ways to keep drink bottles clean
§ Tip unused water out at the end of the day.
§ Wash water bottles with warm soapy water every day. Some water bottles are dishwasher safe, if so pop them in to get a thorough clean.
§ If your water bottles need a more intense clean, try baking soda or vinegar. Avoid using bleach as it is not safe to consume and leaves an odor.
§ If a bottle has visible black mold spots. Wash and scrub to remove mold, then go through one of the thorough cleaning process below.
How to use vinegar or baking soda to clean water bottles
Cleaning agent
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3*
Bi-carb soda (baking soda)
For most bottle sizes, add 2-4 tsp of baking soda and fill with warm water. Shake, then leave overnight.
Next day discard and rinse out with water.
Air dry with lid off.
Vinegar (full strength).
Suitable for smaller bottles and bottle lids.
In a container cover bottle with vinegar and leave for 10 mins.
After 10 min discard and rinse out with water.
Air dry with lid off.
Vinegar (dilute 1 part vinegar in 4 parts water).
Suitable for larger bottles.
Fill bottle with diluted vinegar, shake and leave overnight.
Next day discard and rinse out with water.
Air dry with lid off.
*Once clean and dry, store empty water bottles with the lid off.
Tap into water
Remember water is the main drink and is the best thirst quencher. Try to limit drinks like juice and soft drink as these are high in sugar (not great for teeth).
Take a look at your family's water bottles… maybe they’re ready for a bit of a clean!
