November Tidbits

1. Review that report card 
   Pay careful attention to all report cards, but particularly the first one. You want to get help for any problem areas before your child falls too far behind. Ask your child's teacher how grades are determined and for suggestions on how your student can improve. Review grades and the teacher's comments with your child—always starting with something she's/he's doing well, then pointing out areas that need attention, and ending with something positive again.
2. Encourage creativity 
   Urge your children to enter the National PTA Reflections arts contest. They can submit works of art in six categories: visual arts (such as painting, drawing, or collage), literature, musical composition, photography, film production, and dance choreography. This year's theme is “Diversity Means…” Contact your local PTA for additional details or go to pta.org.
3. Make over your meals 
   November is National PTA's Healthy Lifestyles Month, so think carefully about what your kids are eating at home and in school. For more healthy eating and lunch-packing tips, go to pta.org/goodchoices and choosemyplate.gov/kids.
4. Be a good citizen 
   Your child will be learning about good citizenship and they'll be thrilled to go with you when you cast your ballot on November 8. Go to free.ed.gov to learn more about how government works.
5. Give thanks 
   This month's Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to talk with your children about all the freedoms the United States has to offer its citizens. Help your children explore what life was like here during the first Thanksgiving at the Library of Congress website: loc.gov/families. 
   
   Checkout the following website for more information!
   
   www.ed.gov/parents/countdown-success

Remember to have your child read independently, to/with someone, or have someone read to them at least 20 minutes a day!

1. Fuel up 
   Children who eat a healthy breakfast each day have more energy available for learning. Try simple, protein-loaded options like homemade scrambled-egg-and-cheese breakfast burritos, waffles smeared with nut butter, or yogurt-and-fruit smoothies.
2. Become a class volunteer
   You'll develop a closer relationship with the teacher and volunteer in the classroom, usually without having to commit a ton of time. Class parents organize other parent volunteers for parties and events, may help the teacher create a newsletter, or might document the school year in photos. Ask the teacher what his or her specific needs will likely be this year.
3. Connect with your kids' teachers  
   Attending school meetings should be a priority for all parents and guardians. This is your chance to see how things are going with your children and to partner with their teachers on improving performance. Ask: “What could we be doing at home to practice what they're learning?” National PTA has created grade by-grade Parent Guides that can be a resource for what to discuss at conferences. Find out more at pta.org/parentsguide.
4. Seek extra help 
   Does it seem your child is going to have trouble keeping up? Ask the teacher about school-provided tutoring programs and resources to help reinforce his or her learning outside of class.
   
   
   See US Dept Of Education Countdown to Success for more information

WSE October Calendar of Events

Oct 4	College and Career Day
Oct 4	Side-by-Side Concert 12:00
Oct 11	Beta Club Induction
Oct 11	End of the Nine Weeks 1/2 Day Theme: Farm/Western Day
Oct 14-18	Fall Break No School
Oct 21-25	Red Ribbon Week
Oct 24	Read for the Record
Oct 24	Parent Data Night 5:00 pm
Oct 24	Literacy Night 6:00 pm
Oct 25	Math Hall of Fame. Wordsmith and Science Bowl
Oct 25	Honors Programs KK-5 8:30 am
Oct 27	Trunk or Treat 5:30-7:30 pm
Oct 30	Report Cards Issued
Oct 30	Walk-a-thon Pep Ralley

Donuts with Dad

September Parent Tidbits

Here are some helpful hints from the Dept. of Ed: Countdown for Success. 

September

1. Reach out to your kids' teachers
   Attend meet-the teacher night, orientation, or other welcome events, but don't stop there. Make a point of introducing yourself and learning about class activities and expectations for the year. Find out how each teacher prefers to communicate.
   Many use e-mail as the main form of contact, but phone calls and conferences (make an appointment first) are usually welcome, too. For more advice on building a parent-teacher relationship that will last the entire year, as well as links to all the websites featured in this guide, go to parenting.com/success.
2. Get in the groove
   Establish healthy at-home routines for school days, such as consistent waking times and getting-ready patterns. Decide on a regular homework time, and create a comfortable, quiet work space. Set bedtimes that allow elementary-age kids to get 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
3. Time things right
   Stay on top of everyone's school, activity, and work schedules with a free online calendar or a smartphone app.
4. Pack smart
   Make sure your child's backpack never weighs more than 10 to 20 percent of his body weight; heavy packs can strain developing muscles and joints. Encourage your child to use both straps, and tighten them so the pack hangs close to the body, about two inches above your child's waist.
5. Commit to volunteering
   With help from parents like you, your school can offer many more programs and services for your kids. Join our PTO and ask about volunteer opportunities in the school community and your children's classrooms. National PTA's “Three for Me” campaign encourages parents to pledge to volunteer at least three hours during the school year. Go to three4me.com for more information.

WSE September Calendar

Sept 2	Labor Day (No School)
Sept 3	KK Independence Day
Sept 6	Donuts with Dad 7:30 Watch Dog Kickoff
Sept 6	Fall Pictures (uniforms required)
Sept 9-13	Penny Wars
Sept 13	Goodies with Grandparents
Sept 13	Watch Dog Movie Night 6-8 pm (Parents must stay)
Sept 13	Yankee Candle Fundraiser Ends
Sept 18	Dictionary Project 1:00 pm
Sept 18	Progress reports Issued
Sept 19	Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:00 pm
Sept 20	Student 1/2 Day Theme: TBA
Sept 27	Math Hall of Fame. Wordsmith and Science Bowl

Welcome Back, Spartans!

Parents,

The start of school is the most exciting time of the year for students!

They want to meet their teachers, catch up with their friends, and explore a whole new world of knowledge. As exciting as these first weeks of school are, your children can't do this on their own. They need your help to get ready—now and every day. You need to read aloud to young children to reinforce the importance of literacy. You should help them when they're stuck on homework. Make sure they have a nutritious lunch every day. Build relationships with their teachers, so you can work together to provide your children the best learning experience. Helping your children with school is one of your most important jobs as a parent. That's why the U.S. Department of Education, National PTA, and Parenting have teamed up to bring you Countdown to School Success. I will post monthly parental advice from the Department of Education, explaining how you can help your children at home, support them in the classroom, and assist their teachers as they address each of your children's unique abilities. 
Here is a link to 9 Back to School Tips to help you all kick start the year:  https://blog.ed.gov/2016/08/9-back-to-school-pro-tips/

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the 2019-2020 school year. Go Spartan Nation!

Source: Department of Education website