Hawks Happenings
January 4, 2018
Mark your calendars for our author visit by Barbara O'Connor on March 2nd!
Barbara O’Connor whose books have won awards and honors ranging from a “Parents’ Choice Gold Award” to a listing as one of School Library Journal’s “Best Books of the Year,” will visit Weaverville Elementary on March 2nd. O’Connor will share her writing secrets with the school’s second, third and fourth graders!
This event is being sponsored by the Weaverville Elementary Title 1 Department and is being coordinated with support from Elizabeth Davis, PTO parent. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our students and their families to interact with a successful author. The visit will coincide with our Read Across America Week celebrations and help to set the stage for our 2018 Leadership Day theme - 'Start with a Wish; Build a Dream'. Currently third and fourth grade teachers are reading the book, Wish, aloud to their classes in preparation of this event. Second grade will learn about Mrs. O'Connor and her work as an author prior to her visit.
“I love interacting with the children,” O’Connor says. “It’s rewarding for me to hear their ideas and to brainstorm stories with them.”
While at Weaverville Elementary, O’Connor will share creative tips to motivate students to write their own stories. O’Connor has also discovered that students are fascinated to hear about the behind-the-scenes things that inspired her novels. O’Connor notes, “The students love seeing some of the real items that I’ve used in my books, like a music box, a ruby, a boat made from a Yoo-Hoo box, and a sign for a lost dog. They see how they can also be inspired by things around them.”
O’Connor has visited schools throughout the country for over twenty years. Her books are loved by students and have been voted as winners in children’s choice awards in four states.
O’Connor lives in Asheville, NC. For more information about her books, visit barbaraoconnor.com.
A flash back to some Holiday fun!
Box Tops
WvES Title 1 Program and Free or Reduced Lunch Forms
I want to take a moment to explain a process that will greatly impact our children and make a plea for your participation. The Federal government sponsors a Free and Reduced Meal Program that enables many of our students to have breakfast and lunch free or at a reduced rate. We all know that our brains and bodies need fuel to function efficiently, and this terrific program helps many families to ensure that their children receive nutritious meals each day. What many people do not know is that this federal program is directly linked to funding for our Title 1 reading program and, therefore, benefits every child in our school.
The Title 1 reading program is a federally funded program established to teach reading and literacy skills to children, and schools receive funds based on the number of children who qualify for free and reduced meals. When 40% of a school’s student population qualifies for free and reduced lunch, the school is considered to be a “School-wide” Title 1 school. This means that every child in the building is eligible to benefit from the funds. At present, Weaverville Elementary has approximately 39% of the children on free and reduced meals. If we do not increase this percentage, then we are in danger of losing our Title 1 Reading Program.
How can you help? The answer is simple. Complete an application form to apply for free/reduced meals! This process is CONFIDENTIAL and no one at the school will see your application. Consider doing this even if you do not think that you will qualify; the income window may surprise you. The Child Nutrition Department will review the application and notify you by private letter as to whether or not you qualify. Here is the link to apply online - buncombeschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=92531&pageId=253029. Paper forms are also available.
Keep in mind, we are talking about funding based on the number of students who qualify for free/reduced meals. If you qualify and do not wish for your child to participate in the free/reduced meals program, our school will still receive this essential funding. You are under no obligation to accept financial assistance if you qualify. Even if we pick up a few more children in this process, it will be worth it. This is money that will support the instruction of all Weaverville Elementary students.
If you have applied in the past and been denied, please consider reapplying! If you need help completing the online form, please stop by the school and we will be happy to assist you!
Favorite Book Character Parade!
Upcoming Dates
January 9 - PTO Meeting at 8:15 at Weaverville Primary School
January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No School
January 24 - Teacher Work Day - No School
January 25 - School Improvement Team Meeting
February 6 - PTO Meeting at 8:15 at Weaverville Primary School
February 7 - Clubs Expedition AND Early Release Day
February 9 - Bright Star Theater presents Jackie Robinson at 9 AM in Gym (funded by PTO and school monies)
February 22 - Clubs Expedition AND Early Release Day
February 23 - Teacher Work Day - No School
February 26 - March 2 - Read Across America Week!
February 27 - School Improvement Team Meeting
March 2 - Favorite Book Character Parade and Author Visit by Barbara O'Connor
March 30 - Teacher Work Day - No School
April 2 - April 6 - Spring Break (April 5 and 6 may be used a makeup days if needed)
April 27 - 3rd Annual Leadership Day
May 21 - Field Day with May 23 as the rain date
Weaverville Elementary
Email: heidi.allison@bcsemail.org
Website: wves.buncombeschools.org
Location: 129 South Main Street, Weaverville, NC, United States
Phone: (828) 645-3127
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeavervilleES