Washington Word
September Newsletter
by Carol Feuerbacher
September 08, 2007
A Message from Mr. Hastings
Construction Update
As you know, construction has been ongoing at Washington Elementary since last spring. Though there are many things that are being finished up, much of the project has been completed.
Some changes that you have probably noticed include a new location for the offices, a change in the way students are dismissed at the end of school, a new location for Mrs. Theophilus, Mrs. Spanel, and Mrs. Ahlmann. Within the next few weeks, we hope to have the restrooms by the gym completed as well as the restroom in the newly remodeled kindergarten room.
Once the school is entirely finished, we will have an open house which will give everyone an opportunity to come in and see what has all changed.
Inclement Weather Student Dismissal
As of right now, when the weather is poor, we will be dismissing students out of the gym. Situations when this will occur are when it is raining, especially if there is thunder and lightening associated with the rain.
The procedure that we will follow on these days is that teachers will stand by the gym door and call out for students when we see that someone is there to pick them up.
Additionally, when it is thundering and lightening and also when it is extremely cold, safety patrollers will not be sent outside to their corners. Please plan accordingly.
If the weather is bad, and you cannot find your child, please come into the building as they most likely are waiting inside for you to pick them up.
Norfolk Panther Home Football Games
Home football games are exciting and Norfolk has traditionally had great fan support. If your student is attending games, here are a few guidelines to help us provide a safe environment and allow all of our fans to enjoy the game.
• The Norfolk Public Schools Code of Conduct is in effect at all extra-curricular activities.
• Students in grades K-5 should sit with their parents. Students in grades 6-9 sit on the South end of the west bleachers and are asked to go behind the bleachers to reach this area.
• We will not be allowing students to mill around by the concession stand, entrance area, north end of the field, or behind the bleachers. We expect students to be seated in the bleachers unless they are using the restroom or going to the concession stand.
• We ask that no footballs or Frisbees are brought to the game.
• Please cheer for the Panthers and not against the other team.
• Thank you for your cooperation and Go Panthers!
News from Mrs. Owald’s 2nd Grade
Second graders in Mrs. Oswald's room came to school ready to learn. We are excited about all the things we will be doing this year. When asked what they are looking forward to, some of the children responded in this way: Bristol - playing football; Kyle P., Matthew, Brianna, Diego, Lexi, Yovani, Destiney - going to the zoo; Maritza - going to my cousins' house; Brandon - drawing; Victor - reading; Cameron - playing soccer; Kyle L. - field trip; Lillian - Christmas; Ritchie - writing in cursive; Taylor - doing hard math; David - work. Hopefully we'll get to do all of those things.
We start the year in math working on graphing and skip counting. Then we will work hard on our math facts in both addition and subtraction. We'll use flash cards and a computer program to help us practice our facts. Practicing at home will really help the students know their facts well.
We are so lucky to welcome Ms. Xochitl Naranjo as our student teacher. She will be with us through October. She has already been a great addition to our room.
In reading we will get to work in centers, in addition to our Reading Mastery program. Centers will help us practice all the skills that good readers use. We also get to use the library almost every day to check out books.
In Social Studies we will work on reading maps. We also will be studying the continents and oceans.
Have a great September!
Mrs. Oswald
News from Mrs. Porter’s 2nd Grade
Howdy!
The Second Graders have learned about the West, coyotes, cowboys, cowgirls, ranches, wrangling, and roping. The Western theme has been introduced with books, videos, and other material. We have heard some humorous stories about the West.
Our Science Unit is Light And Color. We have tried some experiments with flashlights, shadows, the sun, and mixing food dye to make new colors. We now know the colors of the rainbow...ROY G BIV.
In Math we are graphing by using rows and columns. We know what more and less mean. We can count and write by twos, threes, fours, fives, and tens in sequence. We write tally marks when counting. Venn diagrams help us to sort and classify. We are doing addition and subtraction and story problems.
In Social Studies we started our first chapter. It is Learning about Communities. We have studied the city, farm, and suburb. We are traveling down "Happy Trails" in Second Grade.
Mrs. Porter
Notes from the Guidance Office
We’re back to school with lots of eager learners in our midst. This year I am serving three elementary schools: Washington, Northern Hills and Reiche. I’m slowly getting used to the new schedule and new faces. My office hours for Washington will be Tues – Thursday 8:00 – 4:00. If you would like to visit with me about your student, please call the office and Mrs. Feuerbacher will see that I get your message.
Starting back to school can be trying with your child. Aches, pains, fatigue all being part of it. It seems to work best to keep routine school hours as much as possible – especially on Sunday evenings. Early to bed makes for a rested student.
This fall, I’ll be working with students in learning more about getting along with others, getting organized, and study skills.
In October, I plan to offer another parenting class and will be sending a flier home with your student around conference time.
Have a great fall!
Anita Theophilus, School Counselor
644-2557
Washington School Dress Code
Norfolk Public Schools subscribe to the premise that teaching principles of good grooming and cleanliness is a desirable facet of the educational process. Our public schools are sensitive to rapid changes in dress and grooming. However, we cannot accept those changes that depart from cleanliness, neatness, good taste, modesty, and decency. In general, appearances that detract from the learning atmosphere cannot be permitted. Attending school is the prime responsibility of young people. It is hoped that students of Norfolk will take pride in their appearance and their school.
Student attire guidelines:
Advertising of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and illegal drugs is not permitted.
Tank tops are not permitted for boys or girls.
Two-piece outfits must touch at the waist. Bare midriffs are not permitted.
Skirts and dresses are to be of appropriate modest length.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Clothing usually worn as undergarments cannot be worn as outer garments, specifically boxer shorts will not be permitted.
The wearing of caps or hats will not be permitted in the building during school hours. Wearing or carrying bandanas or colored handkerchiefs ill also not e permitted. Violations will result in hats and bandanas being confiscated until the end of the school year.
The wearing of jeans with holes, slashes or cuts will not be permitted if it departs from cleanliness, neatness, good taste, and decency.
Shorts are permitted. Cut-off sweats or shorts that depart from good taste, modesty, and decency are not permitted.
Certain types of apparel may from time to time, due to it’s offensive nature, need to be designated as inappropriate.
Violating students will be required to change and will be held responsible for the time missed.
