Atwater Newsletter
May, 2018
Thank you Atwater Families
To all of you who have volunteered at an event, brought food for staff, stuffed Thursday bags, helped transport instruments for concerts and so much more.
We are so fortunate to work in such a supportive and loving community.
Welcome Jennifer Kafka- General Music Teacher
Atwater Grounds Beautification
Summer News
I will be attacking my therapy and hope to be back ,ready for the start of the school year, in the middle of July.
Mrs. Miller will be in the office until June 13th
Mrs. Kristopeit will be in the office until June 29th. If you wish to come to visit the office please call 963-6962 or email Mrs. Kristopeit at kkristopeit@shorewood.k12.wi.us to make sure she will be in at the time you wish to visit.
I wish you the best summer ever.
EL Update
We had our last Cross Age Crew last week with an all school clean up. Our last All School Crew on "Service and Compassion" will take place on May 30th.
Pick Up/Drop off and parking around the school
I am asking you to be cognizant of our neighbors as well. I have been contacted by a few neighbors who cannot pull in or out of their driveways at times because of cars parking in such a way that blocks part of their driveway.
5th grade Orchestra Recital
ELL Celebration of Learning
5th grade Celebration of Learning
News from SEL- Mrs. Larson
News from the Shorewood Library
Between now and the final conversation on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2019, Reading Race takes place on the second Thursday of every other month, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Shorewood Village Center meeting rooms, on the lower level of the Library. Reading Race is a collaboration between the Shorewood Public Library, the Shorewood School District and the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin.
Come to one, or come to all. Join the conversation anytime! All aged 16 and above are welcome.
Links to the articles and more details are below:
http://shorewoodlibrary.org/connect/adult_programs/reading_race.php
SHS Band members
Student Council
Mrs. Cryns' Cross Age Crew
Class Placements for 2018-19
Frequently Asked Questions About Class Placement
As you may have noticed by now, class placement requests have not been sent out this year. We have changed our process for placing students in our multi-age and single grade classrooms. Starting with this year's K5 students, those placed in multi-age classrooms will be there for grades 1 and 2 then go back in the mix for grades 3 and 4. Meaning that if a student is in multi-age for grades 1/2, there is no guarantee they will be in multi-age 3/4.
Please read the following questions and answers for more information.
What program models are offered at Atwater?
In grades JK-6, Atwater offers single grade classes. Multiage classes are grades ½ and ¾.
What curriculum is followed in each program?
Both program models follow common core standards and district-adopted curriculum.
Are there benefits of one program over the other?
Both programs are high quality instructional models supported by educational research. In the multi-age classes, the idea is that the students would have the same teacher for 2 years. However there are instances when changes are made within the school for various reasons. In the single grade classes, students would have the same teacher for 1 year.
How is EL (Expeditionary Learning) implemented?
Atwater School follows the EL learning framework. We are guided by EL’s Design Principles. All students participate in Case Study Work, Expeditions, Field Work, Crew, etc.
How are diverse student needs met?
Every teacher at Atwater differentiates instruction to meet student needs - academically, socially, and emotionally. Teacher teams work together to collect and analyze data to determine various ways to meet student needs.
What if my child has special needs?
Every teacher at Atwater works with our Special Education staff to follow IEP objectives and make accommodations for students with special needs.
What if English is my child’s second language?
Every teacher at Atwater works with our ELL staff to make accommodations and differentiate learning for our English Language Learners.
Are students in different programs separated from each other?
Teachers and staff work together to provide common experiences for their learners. Students have lunch and recess at the same times as their grade level peers.
How does the placement process work?
Teams of teachers and specialists work together to create placement groupings. Many educational factors are considered in the placement process to create equality within classrooms. Placement in a multiage ½ class does not imply or guarantee placement in a multiage ¾. Placement in a single grade class does not imply or guarantee placement in a single grade class in subsequent years. Various educational factors determine the placement process.
What if there is a special circumstance I want the school to know about?
Special circumstances should be directed to building administrator, Kayla Russick. Teacher preferences cannot be considered due to all of the educational placement factors.
When will I find out which class my child is in?
Placement information is distributed at District Registration in August.
Calendar
May 28- No School Memorial Day
May 30- 1:45 All School Crew "Service and Compassion"
June 1- No school for Students
June 2- Atwater Beautification 9-12
June 7 Last day of School 9:00 K5 Graduation, 2:00 6th grade Ceremony
June Fair starts at 5:00.
August 9 and 10 Forms and Fees days in the SHS arena.
2018-19 School Calendar
Listed are the pertinent changes :
Elementary:
- Wednesday Early release changed from 2:15 to 2:25pm
- Nov 9th and Nov 22nd are now half days that end at 12:00 pm
Intermediate:
- Implementation of Wednesday Early release at 2:20 every Wednesday
- Half days instead of full days at the end of Q1 and Q2
High:
- Graduation on June 9th
- Last Day is a Wednesday
See attachment below