thank all our community organizations for their contributions and our parents who offered their expertise to .... our Ed
Primary
June 2016 FINAL
LETTE RS
Principal’s Corner
Mrs. Emily Judd
[email protected]
With a blink of an eye this school year flew by! Washington Primary School has had a truly extra-ordinary year! Side by side students, staff, and parents teamed together to foster learning at every turn. Our classrooms encouraged growth mindsets and set into action the value of learning from mistakes, persevering through challenges, and using feedback as a tool for improvement. Students learned to collaborate, discuss literature, justify math thinking, engage in science lessons, and explore social studies topics. Students created beautiful art and music, and learned the importance of exercising regularly in fun ways. Our school wide assemblies, enriching field trips, and guest speakers enhanced the classroom experiences. We especially thank all our community organizations for their contributions and our parents who offered their expertise to our students throughout the year. Kindness is for everyone! Washington becoming a Kindness Campus. This kindness and learned that kindness is a shared, creates an amazing place to year students and staff became so into the community through the H2o for Life service learning children’s hospitals and raised system at Matugga High School in in our achievements, and celebrate our many
Primary School joined the Ben’s Bells Project year students shared over 600 acts of skill that must be grown, and when work, learn, and play. Throughout the inspired that our kindness overflowed Matthew’s Hug a Heart Pillow and projects. We stuffed 200 pillows for enough money to install a water filtration Uganda. We end this year with confidence friendships and special memories.
Washington Primary School’s achievements could not have been realized without our exceptional staff and engaging parent and school community. Our staff combined their special talents and skills and worked with intention to facilitate learning for all students both academically and socially. The staff’s commitment to academic excellence and to building a warm and inviting school that always puts children first makes our school very unique and special. I thank them for their professionalism and for always going above and beyond for our students, parents, and school at large. Our school continues to benefit from the generosity and volunteerism of our parent community. Their endless support has provided our students and staff with many enriching assemblies, field trips, and family events. I thank all the parents for their contributions throughout the year, our PTO officers: Ken Schultz, Sarah Belanger, Michelle Frankland, and our members at large: Abbey Taylor, Ashley ten-Hoeve, Heather TraulsenRohrman, Jess Barr, Anne Low, Pam Lee, Tammy Marquis, Kristan Giroux, Kristen Nettleton, and Alitz McDonald. For the 2016-17 school year, we welcome new and returning PTO leaders and know they will be a positive force in our school. If you are interested in volunteering next year please contact Ken Schultz. PTO 2016-17 President: Ken Schultz Vice President: Lauren Werkhoven Treasurer: Michelle Frankland Secretary: Sarah Belanger Members at Large: Kindergarten - Sarah Belanger; First Grade - Anne Low; Second Grade - Erin Brown; Third Grade -Tammy Marquis; Fourth Grade - Erin Collins; Fifth Grade - Kristen Nettleton. Washington Primary School http://www.region-12.org/subsite/wps
As this year comes to a close, we wish the very best to our fifth grade students. We will miss their leadership, their enthusiasm, and their thoughtfulness and know that their kind nature and love of learning will bring them much success as they embrace the new adventures that await them in middle school.
Summer is now upon us and reminds us that it is time to relax with friends and family and to enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Encourage your child to be curious and to find learning in everyday experiences. Set time aside for daily reading and to practice math facts. The Governor’s Reading Challenge and the monthly Math Calendars can serve as a catalyst for this practice. Creating a balance between practicing skills and having fun is a great way to keep learned skills sharp and young minds growing! Best wishes for a safe and healthy summer! Enjoy every special moment together! See you on the first day of school, August 29, 2016!
Volunteer Extraordinaire The staff at Washington Primary School enthusiastically recognized Marina O’Malley as our 2016 Volunteer Extraordinaire. Marina has been a supportive parent for many years to our school community. She has held leadership roles in the Parent Teacher Organization and has volunteered many hours to support the success of school-wide events. She is most notable for bringing the colorful Chinese New Year celebration to our students each year and decorating our school for Bingo and Family Fun nights. She supports field trips and donates generously to our school whether it be games for indoor recess, fun prizes for events, or interesting activities for our students. Marina is a kind individual who cares about our students, staff, and our school. We appreciate her unwavering commitment to our school and thank her for all her contributions that have made our school a better place!
Governor’s Reading Challenge
On Your Mark, Get Set…Read! The 2016 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge was launched by Governor Dannel P. Malloy stressing the importance of reading during the summer. This past spring, Washington Primary School was identified for the second year in a row as one of the top-performing schools in the state for the Summer Reading Challenge 2015. WPS was among several elementary schools honored. To continue with this recognition, we need every student to read over the summer. Our challenge is to achieve the 100% participation level! Let’s get reading and encourage your child to send me a postcard!
Washington Primary School Says Farewell Washington Primary School with a heavy heart says “good-bye” to three staff members Nicole Dabros, fourth grade teacher; Casey Morrow, fifth grade teacher; and Kelly O’Connell, literacy tutor. Their skills and talents have enriched our school. We are enormously fortunate to have had them as part of our staff and we wish them the very best as they transition to new and exciting opportunities. We will miss their expertise, positive energy and kind spirits.
and Best Wishes… Washington Primary School extends best wishes to Mary Ann Zoeller as she transitions from a fourth grade teacher to the district elementary Gifted and STEM Teacher. Mary Ann has been an extraordinary classroom teacher at WPS touching the lives of many students, families, and staff. We know that her expertise, leadership skills, and enthusiasm for learning will bring her great success in her new role. We will miss having her as a full time member of our staff but are excited for all the new possibilities that she will bring to our students. Washington Primary School extends best wishes to Maureen Brown, our Educational Technology Specialist. Maureen will be transferring to Shepaug as a member of the technology department. She is the one behind the scenes advancing the technology in our building, maintaining our website, Refrigerator Door and sharing monthly highlights as the publisher of the Primary Newsletters. Maureen’s knowledge and creative skills will be greatly missed and we know that Shepaug will gain much from her. Washington Primary School extends best wishes to Amanda Farren who served as our English Language tutor. Her enthusiasm and support helped our students who are learning English as a second language improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills. Mary Rose Granka will assume this role as the EL teacher as well as teach Spanish. Lastly, we wish the best to Bill Murphy, our custodian. Bill began his work at WPS as a fill in custodian and grew to be a full time second shift custodian. Bill will be transferring to Shepaug. We will miss Bill's positive attitude and his attention to our school.
Classroom
Chihuly-Inspired Chandeliers by Jane Manley K-5 Art
Last spring, I took a trip to Seattle, WA and had the opportunity to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in the Seattle Center showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. I was inspired and determined to somehow incorporate his sculptural style in the WPS art room. Fortunately, we were inundated with empty water bottles once our
request went out (thank you, Anne Low). These bottles needed prepping - labels removed, bottoms cut off and sides sanded - before any painting could begin. Once painted, pipe cleaner “hangers” were added to the tops of the bottles. Then, students carefully cut the bottles into spirals with scissors. The bottles were then ready to be attached to the chicken wire armature cones (thank you, Mr. Crowley). Students chose to create one chandelier using all warm colors and another using all cool colors. Once the tiny white lights were placed inside each, they were ready for display. Thanks for all the donated bottles - these sculptures are truly amazing! They are currently on display in the WPS cafeteria.
FOCUS
Friday, May 20th, Washington Primary School fourth graders walked to Bryan Memorial Town Hall as a culminating activity to our social studies unit on government. Students learned about how the structure of the federal government compares to our state government’s structure when we read about the three branches of government and later went to Hartford. Our tour of town hall was led by Mrs. Anson, Washington’s Town Clerk. Both classes visited the tax collector’s office, the assessor, and the land use office. The students had time to chat with Mr. Lyon, First Selectman, and Mr. Werkhoven, one of the selectmen. Students realized that in a small town one individual can wear many hats. As an example, Mr. Lyon is also a volunteer firefighter. Fourth graders now have a more clear understanding of government on a local level and how it differs from our federal government.
First Graders have been researching animals in order to complete a report as their last writing project of the year. Students learned about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects at the White Memorial Conservation Center. Then they chose an animal to research online and in books. Students used an organizer to take notes on their animal’s physical traits, life cycle, habitat, eating habits, and fun facts. Now first graders are using the information to write their reports. Students look forward to sharing their animal reports at the end of the year!
Classroom
FOCUS Power Day is Friday, Ju
Trout Released! Mrs. Zoeller’s
four th
grade
class, with help from Mrs. Wescott’s REACH students, released 45 trout into the Shepaug River! It was a bittersweet moment for the students as they watched them scurry under water to the nearest rock for safety!
The fifth grade class took a field
Second grade
scientists recently were able to apply their skills in the real world! We visited the Pratt Nature Center in New Milford and saw how soil affects plant growth, and witnessed first hand many parts of the life cycle of a plant. We also observed marine animal life at the Maritime Center. The ability to see how what we have learned surrounds us in our environment has been one of our favorite activities this year.
Project aces 2016
trip to Ellis Island as part of our Social Studies unit on immigration. The class spent the day exploring Ellis Island, climbing the steps to the Statue of Liberty, and reading first hand accounts of immigrants who had passed through Ellis Island on their way to America. The class enjoyed the new "Treasures" exhibit that featured collections of items from immigrants who passed through Ellis Island. Many thanks to our chaperones who made the day a special experience for all of our students.
WPS participated in Project ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously) on May 4. Mrs. Deb Andrews lead the school in various exercises in the pavilion and then everyone walked the Riverwalk Trail. It was another great way to highlight the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle.
Mrs. Brooke Faison Has Been Busy Supporting So Many Clubs! This has been a great year for book clubs in the Library! There were four ongoing book clubs ranging from second to fifth grade. The Environmental Club also met in the library when they were not outside!
Second Grade
Book Club What started out as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory book club turned into a multi-story, full class book group for the entire second grade, replete with weekly skits from the text!
Harry Potter Book Group
Girls Book Group The Girls book group read Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry followed by the first of the Winterling Series by Sarah Prineas.
Environmental Club
The 3-5th grade boys chose Harry Potter for their book group, and celebrated it's completion with an after school viewing of the movie.
Tea Talks
In its second year, the Environmental Club's mission was to decrease lunchroom trash. They did this through classroom education and by making re-usable food wraps for the school. Their mentors in the Washington Environmental Council provided guidance and funding for their projects.
Tea Talks was another 3-5th grade girls book group that read Walls Within Walls by Maureen Sherry. They solved the book's mystery and discussed it's poetry and architecture while sipping tea together.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Fifth Grade Play The Detective’s Gal
S P R I N G CO N C E RT Our “Around The World In A Day” concert was held at Washington Primary School on Tuesday, May 10th. This concert featured music from all over the world in many different languages. The show began with our REACH students performing “Hello, My Friends,” “Fruit Salad,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “See Ya Later, Alligator.” The 4th and 5th grade bands then performed under the direction of Mr.Nanavaty. Miss Kirk then led
the chorus in singing three songs from Ghana, Ireland and a Jackson 5 classic, “ABC.” Because it was a night celebrating the arts we also recited a Maya Angelou poem with Mrs. Faison entitled, “I Love the Look of Words.” Kindergarten and 1st grade sang a song together in French. 2nd and 3rd grade sang a Japanese lullaby with a few select 2nd graders playing the xylophones. 4th and 5th grade sang a Dutch folk song with body percussion movements. We ended our concert with a fun American classic, “Celebration.” It was a fantastic evening celebrating music from all over the world!
Our Art World Each year, it's exciting to share your child's artwork in the art show as it gives me such pleasure to finally exhibit the creativeness demonstrated in the art room! All year long, your child is working hard in art - skills are practiced and built upon, tools and materials are introduced and used, use of content vocabulary is encouraged, and master works are carefully examined, discussed, and emulated. Art is to be created, respected, and encouraged. It is my belief that everyone has a creative side to them - it's
just a matter of patience, perseverance, and trust! ~ Mrs. Manley
National Nurse’s Day
A Note of Thanks
s c e le wa rd wa io n a l o H t a P , N at Nu rs e as n M ay 6 b rate d o . M rs H o wa rd w ay any Nu rs e’s D e d f o r a ll t h e m t o iz e n k a s re c o g n s sh e m nd c a r io t u ib r con t in d a o l. H e r k mo o u r s ch o e s u pp o rt s t h e e ing r e ing n at u ph ys ic a l we ll-b . d ff n a a t l s d t io n a de n t s a n it me n t u t s r u o of c omm lue s h e r WPS v a o u r s ch o o l. to
I hope you all enjoy my last issue of Primary Letters as I embark on a new adventure at Shepaug Valley School! It’s been a wonderful, fun-filled 15 years here at WPS, and I will miss it. Enjoy the summer break! ~ Mrs. Brown
Thank you everyone for our lovely staff appreciation luncheon!
The food was delicious and it was a Treat to
sit and eat with colleagues!
Primary
LE TTE R S
Published by Maureen Brown
Nurse Pat News DID YOU KNOW? Summer, known as trauma season among public health and medical professionals, is a Ame when serious injuries, some life-threatening, increase dramaAcally among children. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be prevented with a few simple precauAons. Shriners Hospitals for Children wants all kids to enjoy a safe, injury-free summer. See their Aps for a Fun save Safe Summer and visit their website.
CALENDAR June
2 3 6 7 8 9
10 13
Gr 4 to Science Center
Student Council Super Power Day
Gr 5 Art Museum
Field Day
BOE 6:30pm SVS
Field Day Rain date
End of Year Celebrations (DAR, Bus Driver Appreciation) 10am
ALOHA Day 5th Grade
Gr 4 to Livingston Ripley
REACH picnic 5-7pm
Half Day for Students; Early Dismissal 12:45pm
Last Day of School; Early Dismissal
Flag Day Celebration 9am
BOE 7pm SVS
What’s your Super Power Day is June 3rd!
