Myers-Wilkins Wolf Tracks
September 2017 - Issue 2
Just a reminder that we are going to be entering our fall season shortly. Weather can be tricky this time of year. Please ensure to send your child prepared for varying weather options. This is a good time to dress the kids in layers so they can adjust if they get too warm or a bit cold. If you need support with this please contact Laura, Seiquayia, or Stephan at ext. 2501 and they can connect you with Kids Closet.
As many have noticed our playground is undergoing some construction. The tentative date for finalization of the playground construction is the mid-October. In the meantime, the students are having recess near Grant Rec and using the playground as well as field up there. We will keep you posted if the date changes but rest assured your child will have physical movement daily outside if weather permits.
As we enter into the 2017-2018 school year I wanted to let you know that we will no longer be composting at Myers-Wilkins. The staff at MW got together to discuss whether or not this was something we would be continuing here. Although we all agree and recognize it is important the costs to continue to compost in our building is no longer feasible to maintain. Our hope is to one day bring it back to MW but until we are able to incur the costs and it not impact the academic and social emotional needs of our students it will be suspended.
Our teachers are excited and have been raving about their classes. We are looking forward to a great school year! As always if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
Go Wolves! Paw Pride!
Elisa Maldonado
Wellness Policy and Snack Time
If you would like more information on our wellness policy please visit...https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6Jc3S65Ott8ZThVV3VGVFp0bms/view
If you would like to know the snack encouraged by USDA please visit...https://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks
What are the Arrival, Breakfast, and Instructional Times?
What is the parent drop-off procedure in the building?
- Safety
- Foster student independence
- Ensuring that instructional time starts at 7:45
Any visitor who comes into the building is required to sign in at the main office and get a visitor pass. If you would like to visit the classroom teacher, prior arrangements should be made with the teacher with a time that works for both of you. This helps ensure the safety of all students and allows for instruction to begin promptly at 7:45 without a break in routine.
What do I do if my child is absent?
Parents are required to call the attendance line or main office when your child is sick or will not be in school. By not doing so, the absence will be “unexcused”. Every minute counts in your child's education! Attendance line is 218.336.8860 - Option 1
When are Parent Teacher Conferences?
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 12th and Tuesday, October 17th from 2:30-7:30. You will receive conference time confirmation from your child's teacher end of September beginning of October. We will be asking families to provide feedback on helping formulate our school mission/vision on their way out. As a token of our appreciation for coming to conferences and providing feedback we will give you a tasty treat. Finally we will be hosting our annual Scholastic book fair during conferences. It is critical you partake in your child's conference. We look forward to seeing your family!!!
What are ways the school communicates with home?
- Myers-Wilkins Community School
- Myers-Wilkins Community School Collaborative
What happens if my child has a bus issue?
A couple of our bus routes are having some behavior issues. Most of our busses do not have any other adult on the bus besides the driver and none of our busses have cameras. If a child gets a bus referral from the driver, the first will be a warning and a copy of the referral sent home. The second referral will result in a 3 to 5 day suspension off the bus, the third referral will be 5 or more day suspension off the bus and the 4th could mean suspension off the bus for the rest of the year depending on the severity of the referral. If your child rides the bus, please talk to them about bus behavior and the importance of reporting problems to the bus driver. If there are concerns about the bus, please call transportation (336-8970) or Voyageur Bus (724-1707).
How do I contact the school if I need to pick-up my child early?
We ask that your child(ren) stick to their regular schedule every day. If your child takes the bus home after school, we ask that they take the bus home every day. Only in an emergency situation should a change be made to your child’s after school routine. Students are only allowed to ride the bus they are assigned to. If alternative arrangements need to be made for after school pick-up a parent must contact the teacher in writing otherwise your child will go home their usual way. If a student will be picked up by someone other than the parent, a note must be sent to the teacher in advance. If you need to call the teacher to get a message to your child about a change, please call before 11:00.
Setting up a Time to See Classroom Teachers
A reminder that if you need to meet with a classroom teacher you need to set up a time to meet with them. If you are trying to meet with a teacher before 7:15 and after 3:15 it needs to be agreed upon by the teacher as well as by the parent. This would also be the same during the school day since teachers are teaching or prepping for teaching. All visitors must also ensure to check into the office and get a visitor badge during school hours.
Family Dinner Night with our Parent Student Advisory Council
Myers-Wilkins has a very active and inclusive parent group. We get together the second Tuesday of each month. This year we are changing things up a bit and will be meeting throughout the community and having family dinner nights. Mark your calendars for our first family dinner night!!! It will be on Tuesday October 10th. We would like as many parents as possible to be a part of this night. We will have a dinner and informal conversation about happenings in the school, community and important topics to our parents. There is child care and if you need a ride here you can contact Jen Eddy from our collaborative @ ext 2459. Family dinner night will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
Myers-Wilkins Collaborative September Update
Fall After School programming runs from Oct. 4th– Dec. 14th
COMPASS - Monday – Thursdays
Girl Power! – Monday – Wednesdays
Terrific Tuesdays – for K-2nd graders
Thursday Thrillz – for 3rd- 5th graders
Kako’s Choir – Wednesdays
Lego Robotics - Tuesday & Thursdays for 4th/5th graders
Volunteering Opportunities: We are looking for volunteers to help in after-school classes from 2:15-5p.m. (volunteer with tutoring, art, sports, cooking, outdoor adventures, girl scouts, science and more)
If you are interested, please call 218-336-8860 x8 or email volunteer@duluthcsc.org
Upcoming Events:
Harvest Fair, Thursday, September 21st from 4:30-6p.m.
- Bring your displays of your homegrown vegetables to the tables by the Myers-Wilkins School office beginning on Tuesday, September 19th or bring them to the Harvest Fest
- Harvest-themed activities for all! Games, Arts, healthy cooking, snacks, and more!
Families in Transition Program
Stacey Achterhoff is one of two intervention teachers for Duluth Public Schools' Families in Transition program. Stacey's office is located in room 120 at Myers Wilkins. She can be reached at 218.336.8860 ext. 2451
Ms. Achterhoff coordinates the Back Pack (Friday Food Bag) program through Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Friday Food Bags will begin mid-October this year. The purpose of the Friday Food Bag program is to provide easy-to-prepare food for kids who might not otherwise have enough on the weekends. If this program would benefit you and your family please stop by the office and fill out a consent form.
Myers-Wilkins Elementary School
Email: elisa.maldonado@isd709.org
Website: http://myers-wilkins-elementary.isd709.org/
Location: Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, North 8th Avenue East, Duluth, MN, United States
Phone: (218)336-8860
Facebook: facebook.com/Myers-Wilkins-671277219666034/