Wilder Elementary School
Parent Newsletter - May 2019
Greeting Wilder Families,
We are in the midst of a busy week during a busy month! Parents, thanks for taking time to add your notes of appreciation for teachers and/or staff as we celebrate teachers this week and wrap up the school year. You can submit as many messages as you would like.
As the school year’s end fast approaches, we continue to focus on learning and make the most of each day at school. This month, we look at the gains made by our students compared to the start of the year. It is rewarding to see that growth. We also plan for students who may benefit from some review and practice during the summer. Thank you for your response to summer school referrals that went home. It is not too late to return the Math summer school form.
Classrooms have special events and activities planned during the month of May. Please look for information about those events coming from classroom teachers.
We will be celebrating with our 5th graders and their parents on May 28 as this fine group of students leaves Wilder and makes that journey to middle school! It’s an exciting time! Mr. Boemann and Mrs. King will be sending invitations to parents with more information.
Thanks, parents, for all you do to support your child’s learning at Wilder Elementary. We appreciate the time and attention you give your students to help them be successful.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Wiegandt
Wilder Commander Club Meetings
Commander Club meetings are held Tuesday mornings in Mr. O'Connor's room. Door opens at 7:40AM. Club begins at 7:50AM. Open to all 3rd-5th grade. If a student goes to breakfast at Wilder, they will need to grab their bag and bring it with them to the meeting.
Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 PM
Red Event
Upcoming Dates
May
Tuesday, May 7 - PTO Meeting in the Wilder Library - 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 8 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Friday, May 10 - School is in session as a storm make-up day
Thursday, May 16 - Title I Parent Meeting at 2:00
RED Event at 2:30 pm
Monday, May 20 - 5th Grade Spring Music Program - 2:15 pm and 6:00 pm
Tuesday, May 21 - 5th Grade Track Meet at Cushman Field - 11:30-2:00 pm
Wednesday, May 22 - Early Dismissal - SCHOOL OUT at 1:30 pm
Thursday, May 23 - Kindergarten Music Program - 2:25 pm and 6:30 pm
Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 28- 5th Grade Celebration - 9:00 am
Thursday, May 30 - Last Day of School
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
End of School Year Information from Our School Nurse
SWEP (School Wide Enrichment Program) Information for May
Dear 2nd and 5th grade parents/guardians:
The School Wide Enrichment Program will soon administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) to students whose preliminary STAR test patterns show they may benefit from additional enrichment services. Our department looks at student achievement data (STAR at or above the 95th percentile), ability testing (CogAT), and classroom behavioral scales to determine SWEP placement. That said, we extend CogAT testing to students scoring at or above the 90th percentile consistently to ensure we do not accidentally overlook any possible SWEP candidates. Please note that taking the CogAT test does NOT guarantee automatic access to enrichment programming; it is simply designed to give us more data on how to best work with your student both in and outside of enrichment services at the elementary and middle levels.
Below are testing timeframes and test eligibility criteria for awareness purposes:
5th grade students scoring consistently at or above the 90th percentile on STAR reading or math (same test) will test during the month of May. A note will be sent home with students who complete the 5th grade CogAT.
2nd grade students scoring consistently at or above the 90th percentile on STAR reading or math (same test) will test during school hours during the month of May. Please note that pullout enrichment services may be affected by specialists conducting testing across the district, and your child may miss specials while testing; we apologize for this inconvenience. A note will be sent home with students who complete the 2nd grade CogAT.
Students who qualify for CogAT testing but are absent on their school’s testing date are welcome to attend a test make up session on May 23 from 4:00-6:30 PM at Schroeder Middle School. Please alert your building’s SWEP coordinator or secretary if you are interested in this option. Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their child at ESMS on that date. Students should bring a number two pencil and water / a snack (if desired).
From Parents Lead for May
Have a Conversation, Not a Confrontation
Finding out your teen uses drugs definitely stirs up a parent's emotions. It can be a very
confusing time. But the best way to help your teen – and to make sure he or she hears you – is to remain as calm as possible throughout the conversation. Also, it's as important, if not more, that you listen to him or her. One very important note: Do not start the conversation when you can tell your child is drunk or high. Hold off until he or she is sober.
Here are a few tips for having more productive conversations:
1. Show your concern. – Express to your child that you're worried about her (example, "You
haven't been yourself lately").
2. Keep a cool head. – Try your best not to overreact to what your child has done in the past.
Instead, focus on making it clear what you want him or her to do in the future.
3. Be direct. – Clearly state your concerns as well as any evidence you've found ("You're not
showering, your grades have dropped, and I found empty beer cans in your car").
4. Watch your tone of voice. Even though you want to scream and yell, it's important to speak
in a calm, relaxed voice so that you don't push your teen away.
5. Let your teen know you value his honesty and are willing to listen without making judgments (but this doesn't mean there will not be consequences).
6. Try not to be defensive. When he or she makes generalizations or critical remarks, don't take them personally. They are opportunities for discussion.
7. Talk about your own memories of being a teen and the mistakes you made. This can help
you and your child relate to each other better.
8. Show your love. Physical connection can play an important role, too. Put a hand on your
teen's shoulder or give him a hug when it feels right.
9. Set up and use family meetings to full advantage. Get input from each person on rules, etc.,
curfews, on the consequences of breaking rules.
10. Give lots of praise and positive feedback. Teens need to hear the "good stuff" just like the
rest of us. They need to know you can still see beyond the things they've done wrong. Don't be controlled by your teen. While it's important to listen and be sympathetic to your teen,
remember you're the parent and you know best.
Wilder Elementary School
Email: afiala210@mygfschools.org
Website: https://www.gfschools.org/Domain/1087
Location: 1009 North 3rd Street
Phone: (701) 746-2320