Hatchet Happenings
Washington Schools-September 2018
Washington Schools new Emblem
Washington has a new emblem to better represent the district. The logo features the W and Hatchets, along with IMAGINE, ACHIEVE, and MASTER from our new Mission Statement:
Washington Schools empower students to IMAGINE, ACHIEVE, and MASTER skills needed for success in a rapidly changing, diverse and technical society.
This is our focus every day to prepare students for the future. #IAMWashington
Washington Schools "Lead the Way" in Project-Based STEM Education
PLTW Computer Science at WHS
"We hope to expand the program next year, we had 58 students request this class, but we were limited to one class period." said teacher Matt Riney. Towards the end of the school year, students will be able to choose a project they would like to create, such as an app or computer program, and take it with them.
In this video, students have used code to program Sphero the robot's course through a maze.
PLTW Engineering at WHS
Some of the hands-on projects Mr. Furman's class will be doing this year include: creating a complete cost estimate on a building project, renovating a library, designing a home, and designing a commercial building that holds multiple businesses. The class is also laser printing promotional materials for a local business.
PLTW Bio-Medical Science at WHS
Biomedical Science is a PLTW course in which students can study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Over the course of the year, students will be studying cardiovascular health, DNA samples, testing food, determining calories found in their favorite foods, and studying infectious diseases and diabetes.
PLTW Gateway at WJHS
Seventh Grade students in Mrs. Dillon's PLTW class explore careers in engineering, engineering jobs available in Indiana, salary, degree needed and college programs available.
Students will learn about the design process, the importance of defining a problem and presenting a solution. Students were given the task of adding fun activities for children to a city park, which culminated in the creation of a model of their design.
During the second semester, eighth-grade students will begin the App Creators Program. This will allow them to learn the coding and computer skills necessary to create an app.
Mrs. Dillon believes the projects will help the students think about their future and the community as well as build confidence in their abilities as creative thinkers and problem solvers.
Professional Development Opportunities in STEM Education
Lena Dunn students start the school year by entering through the Tunnel of Hope
Washington Elementary Schools receive grant to create an Amygdala Regulation Room
Washington Schools' Social Worker Mrs. Kelly Miller and Academic/Behavior Coach Mrs. Melissa Brothers received a generous grant from the Daviess County Community Foundation and the Women’s Fund. Based on brain research by Dr. Lori Desautels and others, the Amygdala Regulation rooms in Griffith, North and Veale were created to help students calm themselves when they are upset and handle their emotions.
Research shows that when children get upset or angry, the amygdala, a part of their brain focused on emotions, becomes flooded with stress hormones. At that time, the child cannot learn. Just ten to fifteen minutes of focused attention practices such as breathing exercises, movement, and manipulating textural objects such as play dough and bubble wrap can help manage stress, so the child is once again ready to learn.
The rooms have stationary bikes, an exercise ball, a bouncy chair, books to read, and manipulatives that are research-based to help counteract stress hormones in the brain.
Once the child has calmed themselves, the child will write about what upset them, how to recognize when their body is feeling stressed and how to manage their emotions and make better choices. Teachers, students, and parents are working together to create a calm, productive learning environment.
Washington Schools Teachers are a part of The Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowship in Education Leadership
Washington Schools is proud to announce that Brenda Meredith, Tara Weisheit, Rhiannon Fry, and Kristen Murphy were selected to be a part of the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship MBA in Education Leadership at IU Kelley School of Business. This Fellowship recruits and prepares outstanding leaders for schools and districts in participating states, with an integrated business and education curriculum, a focus on intensive in-school experience, and ongoing mentoring. Through this approach, the Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowship also seeks to create a new gold standard for the preparation of education leaders.
Hatchet House Floor
You can now own a piece of the original Hatchet House. Sections of the old floor, in several sizes, as well as custom carved pens can be purchased. Proceeds to go the WHS Golden Pride Marching Band and the Washington Athletic Department. Click here for more information on how to order.
To read more about the history of the Hatchet House use the link below to visit our website.
Washington Schools has a new website
The district is excited to share with you the new website. It is easy to use and can help you find the information you need quickly. Check it out for calendars, events, pictures, and more to keep you informed of things happening in your child's school.
Upcoming Events
October 8th-12th Fall Break
October 19th Parent Teacher Conferences (Grades K-8)
November 21st-23rd Thanksgiving Break
Follow us on Social Media to stay connected to your child's school!
We have a new Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WCSHatchets
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washcommschools/
Twitter:
Washington Schools https://twitter.com/WashCommSchools
Washington HS https://twitter.com/washhs
Washington Jr. HS https://twitter.com/washjhs
Griffith Elementary https://twitter.com/GriffithElem
Lena Dunn Elementary https://twitter.com/LenaDunnElem
North Elementary https://twitter.com/NorthElem1
Veale Elementary https://twitter.com/VealeElem
About Washington Schools
Email: tpeterson@wcs.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.washingtoncommunityschools.org/
Location: 301 E South St, Washington, IN, USA
Phone: 812 254-5536
Facebook: facebook.com/WCSHatchets
Twitter: @WashCommSchools