Woodland Watch
A Woodland Wildcat Always R.O.A.R.S.
September 25, 2020
REMEMBER!! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST IS AN EARLY RELEASE DAY @ 1:35PM...PICTURE DAY & STUDENT MATERIALS PICKUP IS 12-6PM
Upcoming Events
- October 1: Early Dismissal @ 1:35pm; Woodland Picture Day & 2nd Student Materials PickUp @ 12-6pm
- November 2: Parent-Teacher Conferences @ 4:30-8pm via ZOOM
- November 3: NO SCHOOL - Election Day/Teacher Development
- November 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences @ 4:30-8pm
- November 13: Picture Retakes @ 12-4pm
- November 20: HALF DAY - Dismissal @ 11:45am; PM Teacher Records
- November 24: HALF DAY - Dismissal @ 11:45am; End of 1st Trimester
- November 25-27: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Recess
A Note from Mrs. Schneider
Woodland Families,
Thank you for all of your support this week with our remote NWEA assessments. I have heard from many of you regarding the challenges and questions as to why we are giving the test now. I'd like to share a little about NWEA and state requirements. The state requires that we test all K-3rd graders using a standardized test that they have approved and they have not made any adjustments to this. To meet this expectation in past years, we have used NWEA to test 1st -5th graders. We used a different test that was given 1:1 to kindergartners. Unfortunately, that test could not be given remotely so we chose to use NWEA because it is given to Kindergartners in many other districts across the country. We are required to give the test in the first 30 days to all K-3rd graders to meet this state expectation and we have 90 days to do it for the other grades. We choose to test everyone in the same window of time so that we can accurately measure growth.
We have worked hard to try to prepare students for this, to communicate information to teachers, and to proactively identify what tech issues might occur so that we could solve them quickly if they did. We will not be using these results solely to identify students that need help or enrichment since this was not the ideal testing environment and we have found some inconsistencies with previous years' scores. We always triangulate our data, which means we use multiple sources, to identify student needs. Again, thank you for your support in making the best of the challenging situation.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Arryn
Special Ed Face to Face Support Reminder
- Thursday, October 1, 2020 is an Early Dismissal Day.
- This time allows for our teachers to collaborate on Professional Development that will support the program your child(ren) participates in.
- Face to Face Programs will have the normal start time of 9:00am on Thursday, October1, 2020.
- The end or dismissal time will be 12:00pm on Thursday, October 1, 2020.
- Transportation busses will pick up students who ride the bus at 12:00pm from their assigned program.
- Parents who provide their own transportation, please be sure to plan ahead for a 12:00pm pick-up on Thursday, October 1, 2020.
- Thank you for supporting Avondale Schools!
Family Wellness Survey
Your answers will help us to connect families with resources to meet new or current needs as well as help Avondale Schools plan for our return to seated education options. In this time of rapidly changing public health and economic uncertainty, we are aiming to make sure that our method of remote learning accounts for health, family, food, and financial contexts.
Your responses to these questions will be kept confidential. Please know that only family school wellness team will review responses and reach out to connect you with any supports that may match your needs.
You are not obligated to answer any of the questions. This survey will be available until Friday, October 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Thank you for your time as we look to support Avondale Families.
School Pictures
Woodland Picture Sign Up Genius
We will be using the two doors off of the Media Center and we will have two picture stations. We ask that families practice social distancing and we will have spots designated for waiting. Students must wear a mask as they enter/exit the building and while they are waiting for their picture. LifeTouch is sanitizing the seating area after each picture. At this time, only students will be allowed in the Media Center during their designated time slot. Parents may use the time to pick up any new school work or materials the students may need.
A LifeTouch order form is attached. In order to limit personal contact, we highly encourage you to order your picture packages online. However, we will have a few forms available to fill out on Picture Day.
Please contact Woodland's Main Office at 248-537-6900 if you have any additional questions.
Helpful Hints if Your Child's Teacher is Using Google Classroom and Seesaw
Happy Birthday!!
September 25: Sydney S., Joseph Z.
September 26: Landon B.
September 27: Peter B.
September 28: Victoria C., Michael J.
September 29: Vinnisio P.
September 30: Chase R.
October 1: Santiago G., Chelsea P., Kaylee S.
New District Website
Avondale School District launched our new website last week! It is the same web address, but it has an updated look and it's much easier to navigate!
Check it out here: www.avondaleschools.org.
Positivity Project (P2) #Other People Mindset
To access P2 for Families (password: P2), click here.
Next week, we will focus on Teamwork.
What is Teamwork?
Teamwork is the ability and willingness to place overall group success as a higher priority than individual achievement. Those with strengths in teamwork often work to help all group members find success. These individuals are willing to commit time and resources to further group goals and help move toward the greater good.
Why is Teamwork Important?
Our ability to work effectively within groups is tied directly to the group's ability to succeed. In schools and workplaces, commitment to teamwork helps further learning and achievement for all group members.
PTO CORNER
Free or Reduced Lunch Program
Blessings In A Backpack Program
Blessings in a Backpack provides simple meals at NO COST each week during the school year for families who need assistance. While Avondale Schools is conducting remote learning, meals will be disbursed in conjunction with the Chartwells Food Service Breakfast and Lunch distributions. (Watch for details about distribution dates, times, and locations). Sign up today!
Staying Connected
Please see the the Woodland Elementary website and the Avondale School District website as resources for valuable information. We also post reminders and information on our Woodland Facebook Page. Please like us to stay connected with Woodland and the community.
Woodland Elementary School
Email: arryn.schneider@avondaleschools.org
Website: avondaleschools.org
Location: 6465 Livernois Road, Troy, MI, USA
Phone: 248-537-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodlandROARS/