Wilder Elementary School
Family Newsletter - February 2023
Greetings from Wilder!
Brrr! The winter chill has defiantly arrived! Every child was gifted a blue recycle bag to store their winter gear in. More information regarding winter gear is included in the newsletter. Spring conferences will be held at the beginning of March. Please be on the lookout later in the month for information on how to sign up for conferences. We need 100% participation!
Thank you to all who are following our Pick-up and Drop-off guidelines! We see some noted improvements and appreciate all of you for keeping our Wilder students safe. There is still time to join our parent focus group meetings. Call the office if you would like to attend and offer your input on making Wilder an even better place to be! 701-746-2320.
We appreciate your partnership in your child's education!
Leslie Bjelde
Principal
Winter Walk to School Day
Upcoming Dates
FEBRUARY
Winter WALK to SCHOOL- February 1st!
Wednesday, February 8 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Thursday, February 16 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Friday, February 17 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 22 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Friday, February 24 - RED Event - 2:30-2:50 pm
Friday, February 24 -- End of Second Trimester
Tuesday, February 28 - PTO Meeting 6:00-7:00 pm in the Wilder Library
MARCH
Thursday, March 2 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 4:00-7:00 pm
Friday, March 3 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 11:20 - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 7 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 4:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, March 8 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Friday, March 10 - Second Trimester Report Cards Emailed Home
Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17 - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday, March 27 - Friday, April 7 -- ArtWise Student Art Show at Columbia Mall
Wednesday, March 29 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Friday, March 31 - RED Event - 2:30-2:50 pm
Valentines Day
When preparing for Valentine's Day, please remember to honor our "peanut free" and "tree nut free" policy when considering treats to attach to Valentines. Our policy is to have
- No items that contain peanuts or tree nuts
- No items that are processed in a plant that also produces items with peanuts or tree nuts.
This eliminates a lot of candy products. If you wish to attach a treat, non-candy treats (like pencils, bookmarks, erasers, etc.) are a safe option.
Class lists will be sent home by the classroom teachers.
Thanks for your cooperation and help in keeping all students safe!
Pet Therapy at Wilder
Wilder has been thrilled to have the Pet Therapy team of Louise (Handler) and Lacey, a beautiful German Shepherd, joining us again this year. They visit us almost every Monday morning during arrival time (7:30-8:30), and staff and students alike are always delighted to see them.
Grand Forks Public Schools started this program in the fall of 2019, and takes the precautions necessary to make sure that it is a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
- Each dog allowed in the schools is credentialed with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, meaning they have passed their necessary tests and supervised visits.
- Each dog is current with all vaccinations.
- Each volunteer handler has passed a background check.
- Each pet therapy team is recognized with a GFPS district-issued volunteer badge.
- Each dog remains in the direct care and supervision of its owner when in the school setting.
The addition of pet therapy teams in schools has been shown to have positive results, including relieving stress, boosting attendance, raising test scores, and even helping kids learn to read!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a service dog, a therapy dog, and a companion dog?
Service dogs are working dogs. They do not want to be touched because they have a job to do. Conversely, therapy dogs love to be stroked and snuggled. Companion dogs will assist and provide companionship to individuals.
Can I bring my dog in to visit in the schools?
Certified therapy dogs are not your average family pet. They go through extensive training to become gentle-natured in all circumstances. Beyond therapy or service dogs, we do not allow outside pets.
I’m scared of dogs. What if I don’t want to be around a therapy dog?
Therapy dogs will always be with their handler and they will not force anyone to interact with their dog. Generally speaking, therapy dogs can sense who does and doesn’t like them and will likely know who to approach and who not to approach. You can also tell your teacher, principal, or another trusted adult in the school to make sure you won’t come in contact with the dog.
I’m allergic to dogs. Will the therapy dog make me sick?
While the dander of therapy dogs is well controlled and the risk is generally minimal, you can tell your teacher, principal, or another trusted adult in the school to help make sure you won’t come in contact with the dog.
What about safety?
Therapy dogs are screened for appropriate behavior. They have been evaluated and trained to be therapy dogs. They are required to be clean and vaccinated.
Why have therapy dogs in schools – what are the benefits?
Therapy dogs have been called “miracle workers” because of their calming effect on students and teachers. Research shows that they can help with everything from trauma to reading interventions to a positive school climate.
Benefits of Animal Therapy
Empathy -It’s easier to teach children to be empathetic with an animal than with a human.
Outward Focus – Rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems, they watch and talk to and about the animals.
Nurturing – By being taught to take care of an animal, the children can develop these skills.
Rapport – Animals help present an air of emotional safety.
Acceptance – An animal’s acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving, and uncomplicated.
Entertainment – Even people who don’t like animals often enjoy watching their antics and reactions.
Socialization – When dogs visit a facility, there is more laughter and interaction and it becomes easier to talk during and after ani8mal visits.
Mental Stimulation – This occurs because of increased communication with other people, recalled memories, and the entertainment provided by the animals.
Physical Contact, Touch – The touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant.
Physiological Benefits – People are able to relax when animals are present.
Something More – Some people feel a sense of oneness with life and nature.
Wilder PTO
You are invited to attend the Wilder PTO meeting on Tuesday, February 28, at 6 p.m. (Note: This is a joint February - March PTO meeting due to holidays, spring conferences, and spring break.)
We will meet in the Wilder library to talk about upcoming events such as our Spring Family Fun Night. Come share your ideas and hear about other happenings at Wilder. Free pizza and childcare will be provided!
We are seeking donations of homemade or purchased nut-free treats for teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Sign up via this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054DA8AD2BA5F85-conference
Winter Gear Reminder
While we are on the downside of winter and can sense Spring's arrival soon, we do still need to dress for these end of winter days. Students need to come daily with their winter appropriate clothing including:
Mittens/gloves
Hats or coat hoods
Winter coats
Snow pants
Snow boots
If you do not have snow clothing, please contact your School Social Worker at (701) 746-2320 ext 1142 for assistance. Students who do not have clothing appropriate for the weather may not be allowed to participate in outdoor activities, including recess.
Thank you,
Brooke Naughton, LCSW
Wilder School Social Worker
ArtWise Student Art Show
PARENTS LEAD
Open Communication
Talking openly and honestly with your kids is one of the most effective ways to support their
behavioral health. Whether it’s everyday topics like friends and school, or more serious topics like substance use, anxiety, or depression, it’s never too early to start the conversation. As your kids grow, your conversations may change, but they will always be centered on keeping them happy, healthy, and safe. Keep your conversations relaxed, friendly, non-judgmental, and genuine. And most importantly, be a good listener. What should I say? Visit www.parentslead.org for more information.
Safe Kids
Wilder Elementary School
Email: afiala210@mygfschools.org
Website: https://www.gfschools.org/Domain/1087
Location: 1009 North 3rd Street
Phone: (701) 746-2320