HERE - Williams Elementary PTO

THE WOLF HOWL
Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School
3404 Fort Hamer Road
Parrish, FL 34219
941-776-4040
941-776-4080
Important Dates…
Tue, Feb 3rd ~ PTO/SAC Meeting 6:00 pm Media Center
Thurs, Feb 5th ~ Spring/Class Pictures 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Mon, Feb 9th ~ Spirit Night Chick-Fil-A 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Wed, Feb 11th ~ Early Release 1:15 pm Teacher In Service
Sat, Feb 14th ~ HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Mon, Feb 16th ~ No School Presidents Day
Current Fundraiser’s
Fri, Feb 20th ~ Valentine’s Day Dance 6:30 – 8:30 pm
~ Box Tops
~ Tyson Labels
~ Campbell Soup Labels
~ Shoparoo
~ Pasta for Pennies
~ Ferraro’s Night
~ Domino’s Night
~ Chick-Fil-A Night
~ Coke Rewards
Have any questions or
fundraising ideas, please come to
a PTO meeting and voice your
ideas or contact Alison Cooper in
the main office.
Thurs, Feb 26th ~ Parent Information Seminar - Do You Think Your
Child is Gifted? 6:15 - 7:30 pm
Part of Exceptional Student Education Parent Night and Agency Fair
MTI Main Campus – Wagner Auditorium
6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Click HERE for more information
DO YOU WANT TO HELP YOUR
SCHOOL IN A POSITIVE WAY?
WE ARE CURRENTLY TAKING
NOMINATIONS FOR 2015-2016
PTO BOARD.
Wed, Mar 11th ~ Early Release 12:30 pm Teacher In Service
Thurs, Feb 26th ~ For Families of Students with Disabilities.
You are invited to Agency Fair and Parent Workshops
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Manatee Technical Institute (MTI)
6305 State Road 70 East
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Click HERE for more info
Fri, Mar 27th ~ Record Day No School
Mon, Mar 30 – Fri, Apr 3rd ~ Spring Break No School
1
THE WOLF HOWL
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Williams’ Families,
“Mrs. Dixon, how are things going up in the office?” was the question I was recently asked by a
sweet 2nd grader traveling down the hallway. “Fabulous!”, was my response and he smiled and gave me
a thumbs up! Kids are awesome! This quick conversation pretty much sums up my transition in serving
the students and staff at Williams Elementary School—it is going very well and your support has been
truly appreciated! It is so exciting to see students eager to learn, teachers truly caring about their
instruction for the sake of students and parents who are incredibly committed and supportive as a
member of our Williams’ team. Williams has all of the ingredients for the recipe of success!
We are nearing official testing season and as many of you are aware, this year our 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grade students will be formally assessed by the FSA, Florida State Assessment, beginning in early
March. Our teachers and students have been working hard and this is a time for students to
simply “show what they know”, and they know and have learned a lot!! Although we are
discovering almost daily more about this test, should you want to know more about the FSA, please visit
the following site: Florida State Assessment, FAQs. If you are interested in how to support your student,
an excellent book is, Test Anxiety & What You Can Do About It. This book offers a practical approach
for parents, educators and students about how to ward off the anxious feelings often associated with
test taking. It was very helpful for me as a mom and a teacher. We will also be hosting an evening
for “Test Talk” where we will have Mrs. Jeannine Mills, our District Test Coordinator come to answer
questions and share facts about testing. This will be held on Tuesday, February 17th, from 6PM – 7PM in
the Media Center. We hope you can join us!
On another important note, according to our PTO by-laws, it is time to begin accepting nominations
for our PTO Board for the 2015-2016 school year. Nomination forms will be available at our February 3rd
PTO/SAC meeting, at the front office and on our PTO website. Please consider supporting our school
in this capacity. Many events at our school have become a standing tradition and by working together,
we can ensure that they continue to be enjoyed by the students, staff, and community. You are
welcome to stop by and talk with me should you have any questions. Thank you for considering this
service to our school and most importantly, to our students.
Finally, Report Cards for the second quarter were sent home on January 29th. If your child is struggling
and was marked “in danger of retention”, it is critical that you communicate and work closely with
his/her teacher. Parents/Guardians should be familiar with the requirements for promotion at each grade
level. Promotion requirements can be found at the following District site: Manatee County Student
Progression Plan 14-15.
As always, my door is open and I welcome your comments, concerns and suggestions as we strive for
excellence, and then some, at Williams Elementary School.
Until next month,
Mrs. Dixon
2
THE WOLF HOWL
FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR’S DESK
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I want to make you aware of some testing policies that are enforced during standardized testing. At this
time, I have not received a manual for the 2015 FSA, however, this is the last newsletter article that will be
out before the March FSA writing test. The following was taken from the 2014 FCAT manual:
 Electronic Devices Policy—If students are found with ANY electronic devices, including, but not limited
to, cell phones and smartphones, during testing OR during breaks, their tests will be invalidated. The
best practice would be for students to leave devices at home on testing days.
 Leaving Campus—If students leave campus before completing the test (for lunch, an appointment, or
illness, etc.), they WILL NOT be allowed to complete the test. Students and parents/guardians should be
made aware of this policy. If a student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for the
student to wait and be tested on the make-up day. Please make sure parents/guardians are aware of the
test administration schedule and understand that appointments should not be scheduled on the testing
day.
 Testing Rules Acknowledgment—Prior to testing, students will sign below a Testing Rules
Acknowledgment on the back of the planning sheet that reads: “I understand the testing rules that were
just read to me. If I do not follow these rules, my test score may be invalidated.”
 Discussing Test Content after Testing—The last portion of the testing rules read to students before they
sign below the acknowledgment reads, “After the test, you may not discuss the Writing prompt with
anyone. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting online,
for example, on websites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If you are found sharing information
about the Writing prompt, even without the intent to cheat, your test will be invalidated.” Please make
sure that students understand this policy prior to testing and remind them that “discussing” the prompt
includes any kind of electronic communication, such as texting, emailing, or posting to blogs or social
media websites, etc.
The March FSA ELA English Language Arts (writing) test is scheduled for March 3, 2015. Students in 4th and
5th grade will take this test. If you have questions about make-up testing, please contact Jennifer Carriker,
Testing Coordinator at 776-4040 x2004.
Students should be on time and have a good breakfast every day, this is especially important on testing days.
We ask students to do their best, but we do not want any student to feel stress related to testing. I always
tell students that feel anxious to use relaxation strategies such as deep breathing and positive self-talk. (For
example: I can do it! OR I just need to relax and do my best.) I know that our families do a great job of
providing words of encouragement to our students. I have been so impressed with the confidence that many
of our students have so thank you for building that at home. Last year many of our primary students
provided great messages of encouragement to their older peers during the testing weeks. The intermediate
classrooms (grades 3-5) really appreciated the notes of encouragement that our primary (K-2) classrooms
provided on their doors.
Thank you!
Maureen Jennings
Counselor
776-4040 x2010
jenningsm@manateeschools.net
3
THE WOLF HOWL
HELP EARN A POSSIBLE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FOR ONE OF OUR 5TH GRADERS!!!
Join the "Wolf Pack" on Sunday, March 1st!
Williams Elementary is forming a team to participate in the 6th Annual Take Stock 5k/10k/Fun Run
on Sunday, March 1st. You can walk, run, skip, crab walk, or however else you can think to finish
3.1 miles. Anyone can sign up for the "Wolf Pack", so get the whole family involved! The race will
take place on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch starting at 7:30am and there will be a post-race party
with food, entertainment, raffles, awards, and kids’ activities.
The best part is we could help one of our own students with a college education! The two
elementary schools with the highest number of registered participants will earn a 4-year college
scholarship for one of their current fifth graders. Register for the Take Stock 10K/5K/Fun Run at
www.takestock10k.com and designate Williams Elementary at the end of the registration. You can
also register as a virtual runner.
District Employees - $20, General & Virtual Runners - $30, Students - $15
Please contact Laura Senkow (ext.2031) or Laura Human (ext.2023) if you have any questions.
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Josey's class received a "Chicken Nugget Party" for
having the most families attend Williams Chick-Fil-A “Spirit Night” Fundraiser. Our
next Spirit Night Fundraiser with Chick-Fil-A is Monday, February 9th from 5:00 –
8:00 pm. Click HERE for a copy of the flyer….make sure to put your child’s teacher
on the name on the flyer.
Thank you Chick-Fil-A and Williams’ families for supporting our school!
4
THE WOLF HOWL
FROM YOUR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER SHARON HANSEN MSW
Dealing with Test Anxiety
Almost everyone experiences some anxiety. But some students find that their anxiety interferes with their
learning and test taking to such an extent that their grades are affected.
What can be done about it?
There are plenty of things you can do to keep anxiety from interfering with your performance. First, realize
you don’t want to eliminate it entirely. It helps you to prepare and take tests seriously. You just want to
reduce the anxiety to a manageable level.
Being prepared for a test is more than half the battle. Keep up with your work, have a regular
homework/study schedule, take good notes, make flashcards, ask yourself “what is the important
information”, join a study group, seek out extra assistance from the teacher or a tutor if needed. In general,
organized, self-confident students with efficient study habits may actually spend less time studying than
those who receive lower grades.
How do you get to be self-confident?
Research shows that the self-talk of anxious students tends to be negative and self-defeating. Become
aware of what you say to yourself. Try disrupting each negative thought with a positive statement.
Encourage yourself as you would a friend. Repeating positive statements to yourself will help reprogram
your mind for success instead of failure.
•
Other Techniques
•
Visualize yourself achieving your goal.
•
Try not to compare yourself to others.
•
Be aware of what is going well and what you can do to improve.
•
Reward yourself when you’re done studying instead of getting involved in avoidance behaviors.
Practice relaxing so that it becomes an automatic. Then aim for a state of relaxed concentration so that you
can focus on your work and not waste time on worrying.
•
Take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Test Taking Strategies
Before the test: if possible take a practice test, review your summary sheets, get enough sleep, encourage
yourself, give yourself time to feel composed, avoid anxious classmates.
During the test: read the directions, plan your approach, budget your time, focus your attention on the test,
don’t waste time and energy worrying, and if you need to, use your relaxation techniques.
After the test: reward yourself for doing your best.
-From the University of Florida Counseling Center
5
THE WOLF HOWL
2nd Quarter PBS Assembly
Williams Elementary held its 2nd Quarter PBS (Positive Behavior Support) Assembly on Friday,
January 16th. This quarter's theme was Sports Day. Students who "paid" 10 wolf howls had the
opportunity to participate in games such as soccer, pitching machine, tug of war, basketball, jump
ropes, hula hoops and music. Students can earn wolf howls by demonstrating our school behavior
expectations of honesty, responsibility, respectfulness, kindness and safety. Congratulations to
those students who attended! Special Thank You to Mrs. Fetzner for her hard work planning this for
our kids and to our wonderful Parent Volunteers for providing the activities and supervision for a
fun filled day enjoyed by everyone!
6
THE WOLF HOWL
Business Partner Information
Thank you to our new Business Partners.
Heatbusters (Bronze Partner)
Rustic Rose (Bronze Partner)
Ellenton Pediatrics (Gold Partner)
At Home Computer Repair (Bronze Partner)
Jay Elkins Construction (Silver Partner)
Sude Bounce (Silver Partner)
We appreciate our Business Partners and all they do for our school. The money we receive from our
Business Partners goes towards our PBS assemblies and end of the year giveaways for students. We are
always looking for new businesses to partner with and if you need any information, please call the office.
If you are interested in becoming a Williams Elementary Business Partner, please see your options below.
You may contact Alison Cooper in the main office at 941-776-4040 Ext 2003 for more information. Thank you
for your support of Williams Elementary!!
THE WOLF HOWL
GOLD PLUS Partnership- $700 or donation
•
Company name on the back of our walk-a-thon shirts
•
Company banner for our fence area in parking lot
•
Company logo and link on our Williams website
•
Company name on our Marquee for one week
•
Company name on our announcements screen
•
Company name listed in Media Release to Community as a school business partner
•
Company name listed in Williams’ newsletter
GOLD Partnership- $500-$699
•
Company name on the back of our walk-a-thon shirts
•
Company logo and link on our Williams website
•
Company name on our Marquee for one week
•
Company name on our announcements screen
•
Company name listed in Media Release to Community as a school business partner
•
Company name listed in Williams’ newsletter
SILVER Partnership- $300- $499
•
Company name on the back of our walk-a-thon shirts
•
Company logo and link on our Williams website
•
Company name on our announcements screen
•
Company name listed in Media Release to Community as a school business partner
•
Company name listed in Williams’ newsletter
BRONZE Partnership- $150-$299
•
Company name on the back of our walk-a-thon shirts
•
Company logo and link on our Williams website
•
Company name on our announcements screen
•
Company name listed in Williams’ newsletter
WOLF Partnership•
Company logo and link on our Williams website
•
Company name on our announcements screen
7
THE WOLF HOWL
PASTA FOR PENNIES
Pasta for Pennies: February 2nd - 6th
Pasta for Pennies is a campaign aimed at raising funds and awareness for leukemia. Williams
Elementary has had amazing success in the past. In 2013, we raised $2,394 and in 2014, we raised
$4,652 which placed our school in 3rd place for the Suncoast area. This year, we are hoping to do
even better! Students will bring home a collection box on January 30th and have until February 6th
to fill them up with change. The class that raises the most money will be treated to lunch catered
by The Olive Garden!
For more details, please contact 2nd grade teacher, Laura Human at (941) 776-4040 ext. 2023.
We need volunteers too!! Please contact us if you are interested in donating or volunteering! As
always thank you for your support of Williams Elementary!
8
THE WOLF HOWL
AT HOME TRAINING FOR THE NEW FCAT
FSA by AIR (new FCAT)
Students can practice at home by going to the following link:
http://www.fsassessments.org/students-and-parents
a) Students and Parent Resources – gives lots of information concerning the tests and
schedules for when the test is given
b) Training Tests – Combine sample items for different grade levels and subject areas…
Grades 4-5 Writing
Grades 3, 4, 5 – Reading, Language and Listening
Grades 3-4 and Grades 5-6 – Mathematics
c) Training Test Guide – explains many symbols and the layout of the test
d) Take the Training Test – sample tests
e) Training Test Answer Keys – look at after the test as it explains the answers to the questions
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA CENTER
Time is moving so fast! We have been busy in the Media Center! Kindergarten is now checking
out!!! They have learned how to use the check in and check out computers. They have also been
taught how to search for a book on the shelves and help keep them neat. It is up to the individual
teacher if the books go home, so please contact your child’s teacher if you have question about
that. Kindergarten, along with first and second grade started learning about Florida Reading
Association (F.R.A.) books. These are 8 different books we will be reading and doing activities with.
At the end of the unit, each child will vote on his/her favorite. Our school vote goes to Tallahassee
to help select the F.R.A. book of the year.
Our third graders are learning about non-fiction text features. They have created their own charts
and they are hanging in the hallway. Next they will be reviewing reference books. Fourth grade is
busy writing their own fractured fairy tales. We will be narrating them soon to the class. Fifth
grade has just finished a unit on Internet safety. This month they will be talking about biographies
and doing a research project on the presidents.
We also have independent check out every day from 9:20-11:30 and 12:30-2:30. This is when
students can come down to the Media Center on their own. They can check in or out, do research
for a project or spend some quiet time reading.
Mrs. Clayton
9
THE WOLF HOWL
NEWS FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT
THE MANATEE COUNTY FAIR, held this past month in Palmetto, showcased artwork by Manatee
County School’s students. Representing Williams Elementary School were Hailey Lingle, Emily
Greeff, Trang Nguyen, Samantha Tucker, Payton Kranz, Austin Reeder, Jadon Pacuraw, Natalie Cruz,
Yazmeen Anderson, and Adalyn Labor. Each student will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.
Thanks for representing Williams with a wonderful variety of artwork!
THE 15TH ANNUAL PLANTATION FESTIVAL, February 7th and 8th, at the Gamble Plantation Historic
State Park, will host a student art show of local schools. From Williams will be artwork by Victoria
Young, Ewa March, Brock Ramos, Julia Hume, Ethan Herron, Madison Malanowicz, Ava Mohler,
Kailey Holden, Angelina Toombs, Ava Doederlein, Thiego Vega, Tessa Riehs, Madison Koutsoudis,
Luke Kraus, Jadon Pacuraw, and Natalia Madrid. We look forward to seeing Williams art work, and
choosing the peoples favorite. Try to come out and
G explore the history of our local State Park!!
Admittance and parking is free, February 7th, 8th, 10-4 each day!
THE WOLF HOWL
WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR
Art Students!!
10
THE WOLF HOWL
News from the 4th Grade Hallway
4th Grade students in Mrs. Sinphay's class created First Responder Appreciations Cards for our local
firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs. Some of the students made cards for special people in
their own lives who are First Responders. Our students are grateful for these brave men and
women who help keep us safe and wanted them to know how much they are appreciated.
IT’S BINGO TIME….
Teacher Aide, Mrs. Brenda Dixon plays Letter Bingo which helps practice letters and sounds with
Kindergarten students
Cristal Hernandez, Joslynn Champlain, Kayda Richey, Ryland Lewis and Anthony Hernandez.
11
THE WOLF HOWL
NEWS FROM THE 3RD GRADE HALLWAY
Mr. Rowley’s third grade class received a better understanding of the American Court System by conducting
a trial in their classroom. In the children's classic, The Three Little Pigs, the wolf in the story does some
pretty awful things. However, in another version of the story, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the
wolf claims it was all a big misunderstanding. Students spent time reading several different fiction and
nonfiction texts about pigs and wolves. Their research was converted into evidence which was used to bring
the case to trial in order to find out the truth. Mrs. Panico, a lawyer and parent of third grade student
Reagan Panico visited the classroom to discuss the purpose of the court system and the proper sequence of
events as they occur in an actual trial. As a culminating activity, the students conducted a trial with our
Principal, Mrs. Dixon residing as the judge. The final verdict-the Wolf was innocent!
NEWS FROM THE CAFETERIA STAFF
1st grader, Izzabelle Wilson and 4th grader Carson Wagner won the free movie ticket raffle
sponsored by Cafeteria Manager Billie Brinn.
12
THE WOLF HOWL
NEWS FROM THE CLINIC
THE FACTS OF LICE - Quit Nits answers some questions that might be bugging you.
What are head lice?
Lice are teeny, tiny bugs that live in people’s hair. They are no fun, but they cannot hurt you. Okay, lice are
bugs. What are nits? Oh, now you’re nit picking!!!!! The eggs that lice lay are called nits.
I wash my hair every day. There is no way I could get head lice.
Not true! Head lice crawl from one person’s head to another. Sometimes people can pass them by sharing
brushes, combs, hats, or scarves.
People get lice from dogs, right?
Doggone wrong! Only people can get lice.
How can I stay lice-free?
Just remember, keep your head to yourself. If you are having a bad hair day, use your own brush or comb.
I have head lice. Now what?
No big deal. It happens to lots of kids. An adult will give you a treatment that will kill the lice and nits. You
and your wild child friends will be playing again by tomorrow.
THE WOLF HOWL
School board policy allows children to stay in school with nits!!! No live lice. Also, if your child has been
treated for head lice, please bring them to the clinic prior to returning to class.
NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The Fourth Grade morning music groups will be performing for parents and friends on Friday,
March 20, 2015 at 8:00 am in the music room. The students have been working extremely hard and
will have an exciting performance for visitors.
NEWS FROM THE 1ST GRADE HALLWAY
13
THE WOLF HOWL
GOLD CARD CREW
Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade Quarter 2 Gold Card students!
Gold Cards held by 4th and 5th grade students are used to keep track of behavior and homework
assignments. Those students who had a "clean" Gold Card celebrated by participating in a tailgate
party.
Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Carriker grilled hot dogs and served chips and drinks to these well
deserving students. The weather was beautiful, the food was great and the music was enjoyed by
everyone staff and students alike! Way to go 4th and 5th Graders!
G
THE WOLF
HOWL
GOLD CARD CREW!
WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR
14
Manatee County Public Schools
2015-16 VPK School Choice Fair
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2015
9:00-3:00 pm
ROGERS GARDEN ELEMENTARY
515 13th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
www.manateeschools.net/pages/SDMC/Departments/Teaching___Learning/Early_Learning
VPK is a FREE prekindergarten readiness program that prepares children physically,
emotionally, socially and academically for a successful transition into kindergarten. Children,
who are 4 years old by 9/01/15, are eligible for FREE VPK.
At the Fair families will be able to:
 Participate in the VPK
Choice application process
 Participate in child
developmental screenings
 Tour VPK classrooms and
speak with Early Learning
Specialists.
 Learn about family
community services
VPK Choice Application Period will
continue March 2-6, 2015, 8-3:30PM
Office of Student Assignment
1400 1st Avenue East, Palmetto, FL (behind Lincoln MS)
Contact the Dept. of Early Learning for more information
or directions 941-209-7540, ext. 2111.
What to bring to the Fair:
 Your Child
 VPK Certificate of Eligibilityissued by the Early Learning
Coalition of Manatee County.
www.elc-manatee.org or
941-757-2900
 Child’s Birth Certificate
 Two forms of verifying
residency
 VPK Choice Applicationavailable online at
www.manateeschools.net or by
contacting MCPS Dept. of Early
Learning at 209-7540 ext.2111
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
MCPS DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING
AT 941-209-7540, EXT. 2111
15