Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
February 10, 2021 Newsletter
See translation information below / Consulte la información de traducción a continuación.
Del Escritorio del Sr. Franke
Greetings Woodcrest Families,
I must say, with a drop in the temperature outdoors, I have noticed an increase in creativity in our classrooms. Srta. Ali Midura and her third grade students completed a science project with the end goal of creating a enrichment for the Minnesota Zoo’s red panda. Students spent weeks on research and design, which included learning how to use Google Slides and Padlet. The final projects were great. Clearly, the students saw the connection between what they were studying and a real world challenge. Keep in mind, they did all of this without having the chance to go and visit the red panda enclosure for themselves. We are very proud of the work these students have done with the guidance of Srta. Midura.
We look forward to the seeing you during Parent Teacher Conferences. You all have been contacted by your student’s teachers to schedule a meeting. If you feel you need more time with your student’s teacher after the meeting, do not hesitate to request another time to meet. It is our goal to make sure you have the chance to have an open dialogue personalized to your child’s learning experience.
We are very cognizant of our Valentine’s Day practices this year as related to COVID-19 and are commitment to maintaining consistent health and safety protocols. Instead of traditional Valentine’s Day cards, I have asked Woodcrest staff to be as creative as possible. You should expect your children to have the chance to create a valentine to share electronically with their entire class, and maybe those in other same grade classrooms at school and doing distance learning. Our teachers have many apps that they can use to make this happen in a celebratory way for all involved. Our goal is to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment and ensure that each child will experience Valentine’s Day energy as they would in the past.
We’re creating new ways of celebrating traditions and new ways to prepare for and support transitions, specifically the transition from 4th to 5th grade. Our 4th graders will make the transition to 5th grade at Westwood Intermediate School next year. The Westwood team is looking forward to meeting you and will be hosting virtual information sessions – specific to Spanish Immersion - on Thursday, February 25. Find details in the newsletter. All of us are committed to making this transition a smooth one for our fourth graders and their families.
We’re in the final days of spirit wear as we join with Panthers for a Purpose in raising awareness and support for the Weekend Food Pack program. This week, we’re gearing up for the last challenge before the February 27 virtual giving event. Time to get your groove on, and we love getting our groove on here at Woodcrest….check out details in the newsletter.
With thanks,
John Franke
Introduction to Westwood for 4th grade families
It's time for the transition to Westwood! In the fall of 2021, your fourth grader will transition to Westwood. When students finish fourth grade at Spring Lake Park elementary schools, they transition to 5th grade at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School.
Westwood is home to students in grades 5-8. While all under one roof, Westwood has separate programs and spaces for 5-6 intermediate students and 7-8 middle school students.
Families of fourth graders are invited to attend a virtual Introduction to Westwood session on Thursday, February 25 to learn more about the school, the transition to 5th grade and to meet members of the Westwood team. We are committed to making this a seamless transition for students and their families.
Plan to attend a virtual session during one of these three times on Thursday, February 25:
- Coffee and Conversations - 9 a.m.
- Lunch and Learn - Noon
- Dessert and Discuss - 6:30 p.m.
Please note, there will two sessions offered at each of the times - one session for Centerview, Northpoint and Park Terrace families and one session for Woodcrest Spanish Immersion families. The content of each presentation will be the same so families only need to attend one session. WebEx links to these sessions will be available and shared with families next week.
There will also be a recorded presentation available to families after these sessions with the same great information.
Questions? Contact the Westwood office at 763-600-5300. The Westwood team is looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2029 next fall.
Winter Conferences
Woodcrest Spanish Immersion will be hosting virtual Winter Conferences this month. Make sure you sign up for a time on PTC Fast. If you have any questions or if you need help signing up for a time please call the Woodcrest Spanish Immersion main office at 763-600-5800.
Lost and Found
Now that school is back in session, the Lost and Found Area is beginning to collect student treasures. Last week, Yesica posted pictures on schoology of different items that are in the Lost and Found area. Thank you to the people that reached out and claimed their items! If you recognize any of the items on the pictures, please connect with Yesica via email or by calling 763-600-5802 so that said item can be picked up and/or given to the student who misplaced it.
Challenge #3 - It's almost party time, February 15-24
It's time to get dancing, Panthers! With just over two weeks to go until the Panthers for a Purpose virtual giving event, we are challenging families to get their move on between February 15-24. Put on some music and show us your favorite dance moves!
Send us your videos of your family dance party to be entered in the prize drawing and to see your dance moves on the program.
As a reminder, we are in the final days of Challenge #2. There is still time to show us your Panther Pride by wearing school colors or SLP gear and submit your photos by Friday, February 12.
Please send your photos and videos to the Panther Foundation.
Learn more about the Panthers for a Purpose virtual event, which helps keep the pantry stocked, children fed and ready to learn!
Happy Inventors and Inventions Week!
Scholastic Book Club
Woodcrest PTO is offering Scholastic Book Club. Please visit Scholastic and enter class code NJ89V. All purchases will help earn FREE books which will be used to support children's literacy at Woodcrest. Questions about Scholastic Book Club can be emailed to PTO.
FREE Digital Games Available
Free Digital Family Game Night for all via Breakout EDU! New puzzles have been released for the month of February. Complete one to be entered into the monthly prize drawing. Sign up online with code OQXAW6
PTO Contact Information
If you have ideas or questions at any time, contact us via email
- February 12- No School for students at Woodrest Spanish Immersion
- February 15- No School for students at Woodrest Spanish Immersion
- February 16- Access testing begins
- February- Winter Conferences. Sign up for a time.
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
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