Greetings Washington Families,

We have a lot to celebrate and share as we dive into November. First and foremost, we want to extend a warm invitation to Arts and Letters Night on November 16th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. It's a wonderful opportunity to admire the creativity and talent of our students while enjoying a fun evening together. We'll also be celebrating School Psychologist Appreciation Week this week, and we want to take this moment to express our deep gratitude to our remarkable school psychologist, Ms. Phillips, for her dedicated and caring support.

Additionally, we're excited to announce that we're nearly halfway to our goal of $20,000 in our Shining Star Fundraiser. Your contributions make a SIGNIFICANT difference in enhancing our school's resources and opportunities! Thank you to everyone who has already contributed, and for those who haven't had a chance yet, your support is greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events in the coming weeks. We're proud to have you as part of our Washington community!

Let's make it a great week at 1000 Fayetteville Street!

Magically,

Catie Burnette

Principal

• Keeping Our Wiz Kids Healthy! We've seen an increase in illnesses and want to share a few tips to help us keep all students healthy and at school.

  • Handwashing! Often, young students are in a hurry and wash the soap down the drain before they have a chance to wash their hands. Remind students to wash away from running water, or turn the water off while they wash, before rinsing.

  • Cover a cough/sneeze. Masks are optional but we've worn them for a long time and it's easy for students to forget to cough/sneeze in their elbow or into a tissue.

  • Stay home when sick. Use the health guidelines linked below to know when students are required to stay home and when a doctor note or Covid test might be required. Seasonal allergies impact lots of people but often an illness can be mistaken for allergies. Review more information here: https://www.wcpss.net/Page/168

If you’d like to sign up to participate in Holiday Magic, please COMPLETE THIS FORM by Monday, November 13th, 2023. A paper version of this form is also in your child’s Monday folder - you only need to complete one. Participation is free and confidential.

To receive holiday gifts for your student(s) through this program, your family must be experiencing financial hardship. If you’re requesting items for more than one child, please fill out a separate form for each child. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Byrd, School Social Worker, at jabyrd@wcpss.net or (919) 856-7960 ext. 26613.

Join us for Arts & Letters Night on Thursday, November 16th, from 5:30-7:00 pm! Please enter through the courtyard! We've got a lot of fun stuff in store:

• The Book Fair will be open from 5:30-7:00pm!
• We will have games, art, drama and music activities on the first grade/specialists hall for students to enjoy!
• Check out the amazing Reflections and Yearbook Cover contest submissions!
• If you're hungry, we've got snacks for you to buy from the PTA and delicious food from Jessica's Food Truck. You can also buy special 100-year tote bags! BRING CASH!
• Don't miss the Scavenger Hunt and photo booth too!

It's going to be a great evening of art, books, food, and fun. See you there!

We are inching closer to meeting our goal....Any amount helps us reach our goal of $20,000! Our next mini-goal is $14, 000 and when we reach that goal, Ms. Ratley and I will get PIED IN THE FACE!!

Donating is easy! Students can bring their donation to school in an envelope or baggie with their name on it and grown ups can contribute online or send cash/check (made out to Washington GT PTA) to school.

ANY AMOUNT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Don’t forget to check if your company will match. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at wesgtpta@gmail.com. 100% of your donation goes directly back into school programs and needs.

THANK YOU! Together, we can make this fundraiser shine brighter than ever!

• Do you or someone you know, own a business? Would you, or they, be willing to be a Sponsor for Washington? We can use anything from food for teachers, to school supplies, to helping sponsor clubs such as a Chess club or Spanish club. We will advertise the business name on our website with details. Please contact Kim Gupton at wesgtpta@gmail.com for more information.

• Did you know that you can earn money for Washington just by shopping at Harris Teeter? Join here! Our school code is 2308. You have to renew your Harris Teeter VIC card every August.

• Amazon Smile is no longer in business. We are now using Givebacks which gives money back when you shop at places like Walmart, Costco, Ticketmaster, Overstock and 1,000s more. Click here for Washington’s Giveback page.
• Have you been wondering about what your WES staff and teachers might like? Go to our website to see a list of their favorite things or CLICK HERE.

Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.

Here’s what you need to know about the big event, which will take place: NOVEMBER 13-17 during the school day and during ARTS & LETTERS NIGHT on NOVEMBER 16 from 5:30-7:00pm.

Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy. If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://tinyurl.com/WESBookFairF23

The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Catch you at the Fair!

K: Ayanna

1st: Elizabeth

2nd: Millie

3rd: Laila (not pictured)

4th: Bennet

5th: Ian

Staff: Ms. Parker, 3rd Grade Teacher (not pictured)

Monday, November 6- First Day of 2nd Quarter Electives

Tuesday, November 7- Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (BGC Open 8am-5pm)

Thursday, November 9- Report Cards Go Home

Friday, November 10- HOLIDAY, SCHOOL CLOSED (BGC Open 8am-5pm)

Thursday, November 16- Arts & Letters Night, 5:30-7:00pm

Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24- Thanksgiving Break

Wednesday, December 6- Picture Makeup Day

• The evening book fair is being held on Arts & Letters Night which is on November 16. We could use some volunteers for this wonderful event as well as during the week. Your kids get 5% off when you donate your time… but the best part is seeing their face light up when they see their family helping. Please go to this book fair signup for opportunities.

• We also need volunteers for Arts & Letters Night! Click the button below to volunteer!

• 2023-24 WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook (English)
• 2023-24 WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook (Spanish)
• 2023-24 Washington Student/Parent Handbook