EC-5 Elementary Express
November 2016
November EC-5 Dates At-A-Glance
October 31 - Orange and Black Day at Elementary Campus
October 31 - November 4 - Book Fair (Specific times listed below)
October 31 - November 3 - WIS Parent/Student/Teacher Conference Week
October 31 - November 4 - 3rd Grade Swimming
November 2 - Early Childhood Fall Open House at CEELC 6:00pm-6:45pm
November 3 - WIS Related Arts Conference Night
November 4 - Taste of Wisconsin - 4th Grade
November 7-11 - 5th Grade Swimming
November 7-14 - Kindergarten Vision Screening
November 8 - 1st Grade Field Trip to Olbrich Gardens - Juszczyk & Froden
November 9 - 1st Grade Field Trip to Olbrich Gardens - Schimanski & Knapp/Davis
November 11 - WIS Veterans Day Celebration 2:15p-2:45p
November 13-19 - American Education Week
November 14-18 - 4th Grade Swimming
November 15 - Orchestra Field Trip
November 21 - Bowls for Hunger at HS, 5:00p-7:00p
November 22 - 1st Grade Field Trip to IMAX Movie, Star Cinema 8:45a-10:45a
November 23 - Jersey/Spirit Day - Elementary Campus
November 23 - WIS Jump Rope for Heart
November 24-25 - NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Holiday
November 28 - NO SCHOOL: Staff Development Day
Dates to look forward to in December...
December 2 - Family Fun Science Night @
WIS Gymnasium for all children in the district 5:30p-7:30p
December 23 - January 2 - NO SCHOOL - Winter break
A Note from the School Cafeteria...
Have your children come home and told you they ate roasted brussel sprouts for lunch? If not, ask them about it! We are trying new things in our cafeterias and you will continue to see different and exciting changes in our menus. Be sure to like our Facebook page at McFarland School Meals. We will keep you updated on our program there and on our Twitter page @MHSschoollunch. You can find breakfast and lunch menus at http://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/district/Dept-SchoolNutrition-Menus.cfm.
As the new School Nutrition Director, I am very interested in your feedback about school meals. Please feel free to contact me at waarab@mcfsd.org or 838-4549.
Health Services is Requesting...
As we approach the rainy/snowy season, we are requesting that each student keep a spare set of clothes in their backpack. Please label all items and store them in a Ziploc bag. Clothing should include socks, underwear, pants and a T-shirt. Bathroom accidents and/or soiled clothing can occur through-out the school year. Having spare clothes at school will result in less classroom time missed and your child will feel more comfortable wearing his or her own clothes.
Please note that if your child does not have a spare set of clothes at school; you may be called to bring in clothing as the need occurs. McFarland Primary School makes the effort to keep some donated clothing available but the supply is limited in sizes and quantity. Clothing donations are always welcome at CEELC, MPS and WIS. Please contact Health Services with questions. Thanks.
CEELC Health Office: 838-4500 ext. 5613
MPS Health Office: 838-4500 ext. 4902
WIS Health Office: 838-4500 ext. 5454
Please click on the "Snack Safely" button to view our latest nut free snack list
Our Fall Book Fair will be held at the Waubesa Intermediate School Library. All are welcome to shop! Please remember that if you do come during school hours you will need to show ID and sign in at the front office.
The dates and times are as follows:
October 31 - 1:00pm-4:00pm
November 1 - 3:00pm-7:00pm
November 2 - 7:30am-1:00pm
3:00pm-7:00pm
November 3 - 7:30am-1:00pm
3:00pm-8:00pm
November 4 - 9:00am-1:00pm
The Latest Buzz
Cold Weather Gear
As the weather turns colder over the next few weeks and months, please monitor your child’s outerwear before she/he leaves home in the morning to make sure he/she is dressed appropriately for outside recess. As a reminder, during cold weather months, children go outside for recess unless the combined temperature and wind-chill factor drops to below zero or colder.
Emergency Contact
Please be sure the school office has up-to-date contact phone numbers, including emergency contact numbers. In case of an emergency, time is of the essence and having accurate numbers is vital.
CEELC/Primary School News
Building Information
Email: schroea@mcfsd.org
Website: http://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/schools/elementary/
Phone: 608-838-3115
A Note from our Interim CEELC/Primary Principal, Ann Schroeder...
Dear Families of CEELC and MPS:
Hello! I am serving as Interim Principal for Mrs. Boatman while she is out on leave through the end of January. It's a pleasure to work with McFarland staff members and families; everyone has been welcoming and helpful since I started in the District on Sept. 26th.
Just a bit about me--I retired after 34 years in education at the end of June from the Monona Grove School District where I was the 4K-5 Principal of Winnequah School, a school of 500+ students. My husband Steve and I took our first fall vacation to Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver BC in September. Our two children, Kelsey and Graham, MG grads, are finished with their college years, happily on their own, and working in the Madison area. With Monona and McFarland as neighboring communities, I am familiar with McFarland and have some connections with the school district, which made for a smooth transition.
At the Kindergarten Open House and the District Referendum Open House at MPS, parents attended, which was a nice opportunity for me to see how parents support their local school events. I have had a few "bread aisle" conversations at the McFarland Pick 'N' Save Store, which has been very nice--it's a good community feel when I see families out and about wanting to make connections with school staff. From the friendly crossing guard to grandparents picking up grandchildren after school, I have had conversations about our schools with various people in the community, so that's been great. Another way parents show support for their children and the school is by attending parent/teacher conferences; thanks for making your parent/teacher conference a priority. Our goal is to have 100% attendance at conferences--that dialogue between teacher and parent is important.
November brings some exciting events ahead--field trips to the Overture Center, Olbrich Gardens, and the IMAX Theatre, for example. Also, the Art Dept. is getting ready for the annual fundraiser, Bowls for Hunger, which is held at McFarland High School, a worthy cause that benefits the McFarland Food Pantry. On November 23, students and staff are encouraged to dress up for Jersey/Sport Day. And lastly, our Thanksgiving Break gives time for families to gather with friends and families. On upcoming teacher professional development days, we'll be spending time learning (working with the new reading program, for example) and sharing (District K-12 Related Arts teachers will be meeting to do collaborative work).
I'm happy to help out at both schools by filling a short term need; Mrs. Boatman and her staff members have really worked hard to provide families with a wonderful school community.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!
Ms. Ann Schroeder,
Interim Principal
BREAKFAST for K-2 STARTING DECEMBER 1!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Student Nutrition Department will begin offering a breakfast program starting Dec. 1. At this time, the location has not been determined. All K-2 students will be welcome to join us every school day beginning at 7:25 am. Students may choose a hot or cold breakfast each morning. The cost of breakfast is $1.75 or $0.30 for students who qualify for reduced lunch. Families who qualify for free lunch are also able to receive a free breakfast.
MORE NEWS TO COME . . .
Pick-up Confirmation
If your child requires a change in after-school arrangements, including transportation, the school can only comply with the change IF the school has received either written confirmation from a parent or guardian OR there has been telephone contact with the school requesting the change.
FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY….If your child typically rides the school bus after school and you change their after-school arrangement to have yourself or someone else pick up your child, remember to contact school ahead of time and notify the bus company. You may pick up your child from his/her teacher in the pick-up line outside.
How to help our Kindergarten students get dressed for COLD weather...
1st Putting on snow pants.
2nd Putting on boots.
Then Putting on their coat and zipping it up.
Next Putting on mittens or gloves
Last Putting on their hat.
Waubesa Intermediate School News
Building Information
Sue Murphy
Principal
Email: MurphyS@mcfsd.org
Website: http://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/schools/intermediate/
Phone: 608-838-7667
A Note from Principal Sue Murphy...
It’s hard to believe, but the first quarter will be ending October 27. On that day, your child will not have school as teachers will use the day to create lesson plans for their upcoming units, grade papers, projects and tests from the quarter, and plan for our parent, student, and teacher goal-setting conferences.
After your conference meeting, you can help us by keeping your son or daughter’s recently set goals in a prominent location at home. We will try to do the same here at school. Setting goals is an important skill, yet using those goals to guide our actions and decisions is even more critical.
The staff at Waubesa is pleased with the start of the school year and we look forward to continuing to work with you. Feel free to come in and visit the classroom or just stop by to talk.
Sue Murphy
Principal
7:52am - First Bell
8:00am - Tardy Bell
2:55pm - Dismissal
Our school day begins at 7:52 am with a bell tone. A second tardy bell rings at
8:00 am. Students arriving after this bell will be marked tardy that day. Please have your student(s) to school by 7:52am so they are able to be on time to their classroom.
Adult supervision is available on our playground starting at 7:30 am. If it is raining when they arrive, students may enter the building and either play in the gym or watch a video in the commons until the 7:52am bell rings.
Will your child be absent?
Please contact Arlene Bast at 838-7667 prior to 8:00am if your child will not be in attendance on any given day.
After School
Students should leave school grounds immediately after school, unless they are attending an after-school club, are working as a safety patrol member or are meeting with a teacher. Supervision outside ends at 3:10pm.
Waubesa Swim Units - Information and Schedule
Waubesa POWER
Schools are most successful when they help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For this to happen it is imperative that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive to growth and learning. We know when good behavior and good teaching come together our students will excel in their learning. Our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Program (PBIS) has the overall goal to maximize academic achievement by improving the school climate. Each school in the district has a slightly different theme to promote this behavior program, but all of the schools are working to create this positive learning environment.
At the Primary School, your child probably talked to you about what it takes to be a Spartan Star. At Waubesa, we build on the great things done at the primary building with our Waubesa POWER theme. Your son and/or daughter may already have come home with a POWER button. This button acknowledges that your son or daughter exhibited behaviors that were exceptional and really did something to make our school a positive place.
At Waubesa we have created developmentally appropriate school-wide behavioral expectations that were taught, modeled, practiced, and will be reinforced throughout the school year. These expectations were made clear to students throughout our classroom and non-classroom settings such as the cafeteria, outside, hallways, busses, and bathrooms. By detailing every expected behavior and teaching to students in a positive way, we will provide a common language for everyone in our building, including students, teachers, administration, and educational assistants. We will recognize the positive behaviors of students who do what is expected of them as well as supporting students who need extra assistance to reach our school-wide expectations.
We continue to be pleased with how so many of our children behave and treat each other with respect. It is vital in making our school a great learning community.
At Waubesa School we will be hosting conferences in November. Our actual conference week is October 31 - November 4. On the evening of November 3, all staff members will be present for conferences, including the Related Arts teachers, from 3:30 – 7:30. Many classroom teachers will also schedule individual conferences the week before and/or the week after this time.
Conferences at Waubesa are goal setting conferences, so we like to have the parent(s) and students attend in order to plan the goals for the rest of the year.
If you are unable to keep your conference appointment, please contact the school as soon as possible to inform your child’s teacher for a change in conference time/date.
Thank you to the WIS Parents who
volunteer for field trips and in the classroom.
We appreciate your support!
To CE/MPS Parents who volunteer for field trips and in the classroom. We appreciate your support!
Upcoming Events at the E.D. Locke Public Library
Family Board Game Day - Saturday, November 12 @ 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Family Board Game Day is back this fall. Stop by and play some of your favorite board games or learn a new board game. Open for all ages to attend- children 7 and under must be supervised. Bring a donation for the McFarland Food Pantry and enter for fabulous door prizes.
Third Thursday PJ Storytime: Stuffed Animal Sleepover – Thursday, November 17 @ 6:30 p.m. For November we will be hosting our annual Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Participants can bring their stuffed animal friends to the library, register them for our sleepover, share stories and songs, as well as many other activities. Participants will leave their stuffed animals over night and pick them up the next day with reports of what shenanigans happened over night.
STEAM Saturday: Marshmallow Engineering - Saturday, November 19 @ 1:30 p.m. STEAM Saturdays designed for children in grades 1-5. For this program participants will be testing our engineering skills as we try to build the tallest structure out of spaghetti that can support a marshmallow. Then attempt to build a bridge that can support different weights using only noodles and marshmallows. Registration appreciated but not required. You can register by stopping at the circulation desk or by calling 608-838-9030.
Afternoon Movie: Finding Dory - Monday, November 28 @ 2:00 p.m. Come join us for a movie the whole family can enjoy. We will be showing the fun Disney movie Finding Dory and serving up popcorn.