Washington Word
by Carol Feuerbacher
March 01, 2008
A Message From Mr. Hastings
Weather Reminders
After what has seemed like an eternity of cold and snowy weather, we are finally beginning to see some glimpses of spring. With the onset of some warmer days, I want to remind all students and parents that it is still very important to be prepared for cold, wintry weather.
Unless the temperature is above 50 degrees when students leave for school in the morning, it is very important that they remember to bring their hats, gloves, and boots to school with them. Spending extended times outside at recess can get quite cold without these necessities.
Also, as the weather warms even more, please send your child to school with a jacket/coat and long pants until the morning temperature is at least above 70 degrees.
Following these precautions will help our students stay healthy and allow them to better enjoy their time outside.
Mark Your Calendars!
With Easter falling early this year, March will be a month with many interruptions and days off from school. Please note that there is no school scheduled for Friday, February 29th, Thursday, March 6th in the afternoon, Friday, March 7th, and Wednesday, March 19th through Monday, March 24th. We will send home reminder notes, but it is helpful for you if you begin to make plans for these days right away.
Student Absences
If your child is sick or will be absent from school for any reason, please contact the office as soon as you know. Thanks!
Time Change
Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on March 9th.
2007-2008 Kindergarten Registration
Though it is hard to believe, we are already beginning to put together our plans for the upcoming school year. With that thought in mind, we are beginning to register students who will be entering kindergarten during the 2007-2008 school year (those who will be five-years-old by October 15).
In order to register a parent or guardian of the incoming kindergartner needs to come into the school during regular school office hours (8:00-4:15). At that time, we will have the adult complete a small packet of registration information. We will also give them information about physicals and shots that the incoming kindergartner will need.
When you come to register your child it is very helpful if you bring a copy of their birth certificate as well as their Social Security card. If you do not have a copy of their birth certificate, one can be obtained at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services office located at 304 North 5th St. in Norfolk.
If you have any questions, give Mrs. Feuerbacher or Mr. Hastings a call at the office at 644-2557.
By registering your child early, you guarantee a spot in the kindergarten at Washington School for next year. We are excited to begin registering your children. Please let your neighbors who also have school-aged children.
We look forward to serving your child at Washington School!
News and Notes from The Guidance Office
Protecting Children from Electronic Media
Greetings, Parents!
The following information is timely and important. With all the technology of today – our children are spending volumes of time in front of computer screens, tv’s, videos, etc. This may help you set guidelines for your children. (Excerpts taken from NAESP – “National Association of Elementary School Principals”)
Watch TV with them. When your children are watching television shows or movies at home, be sure to be tuned in yourself. Speak up when you see something offensive and talk to them about why you think this is inappropriate.
Turn it off. Limit the amount of time your kids spend in front of the TV, and turn off anything that you think promotes violence, sexuality, disrespect for the law, and alcohol or drug use.
Keep it out of their rooms. (I harp about this all the time in classrooms and am amazed that the majority of our students have their own TV!!!) Children who have TV’s or computer game systems in their rooms spend too many hours tuned out and too few working on activities that build their minds, bodies, and social skills.
Listen in. When your children talk to each other or to friends, occasionally listen in. Be aware if they seem to be identifying with characters in games or shows who are not good role models. TALK to them about the type of behaviors that are good to follow, and those that aren’t.
Understand that watching violence breeds violence. Many studies have shown that children who watch a lot of violent programming, play violent computer or video games, and play music that glorifies violence are more prone to acting out in violent ways than other children.
Don’t give in. If your children beg you for video games, music, or anything that you feel are inappropriate, ignore their pleas and don’t buy them.
Help them understand real from fantasy. Some children want to act out what they are watching and sometimes the results can be tragic. (i.e. children who shoot other children). Step in if they seem to be identifying with the characters and stress that shows are not real.
Set a good example. Limit the amount of TV, and video you watch. Instead, do a family activity together.
Questions/Comments call my office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday @ 644-2557
Anita Theophilus, School Counselor
News From 5th Grade
Greetings from the 5th Grade!
It’s hard to believe we’re already into March. The fifth graders have been working very hard this quarter. Thanks so much to all of you for attending Parent Teacher Conferences, our class had 100% attendance.
Currently, we are studying the beginning of our nation in Social Studies. We have two Criterion Reference Tests in Social Studies to look forward to later this Spring. The class has completed the CRT’s in Science for this year. We appreciate all of the hard work the students put in to prepare for these very important tests.
In Reading, students have been divided into two novels for most of the quarter. We have read Maniac Magee, Tuck Everlasting, and Sounder. We are constantly increasing our knowledge with new vocabulary words and the elements of literature. It is so important that all of the kids read aloud for a few minutes each day, this practice will increase their oral reading fluency. We’ll also have a CRT in Language Arts and Math before the end of the school year.
In Math, we’ve improved with our memorization of math facts and have spent most of the quarter on long division. We will be concentrating on fractions for the next month or so. Remind your child to continue practicing math facts, this makes the daily math assignments go much smoother. Students are setting goals for work completion and Accelerated Reader. Ask your child on a regular basis how they are doing to achieve these goals, it would be nice to have more students going with us to McDonalds for our monthly reward.
We are pleased with the progress this class has made, and we look forward to seeing the students improve even more before the end of the year. Thanks for your assistance in helping your child be successful in school.
Mrs. McCallum and Mrs. Boyle
Middle School Registration
Registration for 5th grade students is fast approaching. A registration night for Washington students will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, from 7:00 p.m.— 8:00 p.m. in the commons area of the Middle School. Staff will be available to help answer questions, help with class schedules and registration forms. A translator will also be available.
See you there!
News From Challenge
Challenge Corner
The Challenge department not only provides a weekly “pull-out” program for students but various other “special” activities are provided by the Challenge department. Einstein & Wonderwise are two such programs. Both programs are designed to stimulate an interest in science. Please read on to learn about the two programs.
Einstein Science Night
Einstein Night is designed for ALL boys in 5th grade in the Norfolk Public Schools! The boys will meet from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Northern Hills School on March 11, 2008 for an evening entitled Parasite Sleuths!
Those boys who have signed up for this activity will have the opportunity to explore the world of parasites. The boys will be dissecting worms, viewing parasites under a microscope and listening first hand from a local veterinarian about parasites! This should be a scientifically fun night!
Wonderwise
All girls in 5th at Norfolk Public Schools have their chance to participate in an evening of science! The “African Plant Explorer” will be the topic for this Wonderwise night to be held on March 27th at the Middle School.
The activities include the following:
- Learning about everyday poisons that we eat each day
- Examining the chemical properties of starch and an understanding of energy, food, and personal health
- Tracking the origin of everyday plant foods.
The girls participating in this evening of science will undoubtedly be that much wiser!
*Einstein and Wonderwise are based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each is limited to 32 participants. Did I mention that pizza and pop are included?
Sincerely,
Nancy Boche (Home phone -371-0284/School-644-2557)
New From The Resource Room
The Norfolk Public School’s elementary resource programs have begun implementing some of the best reading programs available. Reading Mastery, Corrective Reading, Sound Partners, REWARDs, and number of phoneme awareness programs have proven to be successful in the resource rooms.
One program I would like to tell you about is REWARDS. REWARDS is a short-term intervention program for older students. Its purpose is to teach students how to read multisyllabic words. If you open up any Science or Social Studies book in 5th grade, you see many multisyllabic words. REWARDS can provide students with a strategy to attack these longer words. It is a great program and one I truly enjoy teaching.
Betty Dudley, Resource Teacher
