Weekly Update

December 19, 2024

Overdue and Checked Out Books

Emails were sent earlier today to let first and second grade families know what is currently checked out from our Media Center. If the books are overdue - ie. checked out from September, October, or November, please check for them around your house. Otherwise, the notice was just sent as an FYI.

I reminded all students not to take books on out of town trips so many students might have left the books in their classrooms.

Winnona Park Reads Podcast

Second graders have started podcasting book recommendations. You can access the "Winnona Park Reads" podcast through your student's Launchpad, by downloading the Podbean app, or directly through the website - https://winnonapark.podbean.com/

• Dec 19 - Early Release Day for students; No Community Circle

• Dec 20 - Jan 6 - Winter Break

Dr. Lindsey Hicks, our school counselor, will be hosting Parent Book Chats on Friday, January 24 from 9-10 a.m. and Thursday, January 31st, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center. We’ll be discussing Jennifer Breheny-Wallace’s book Never Enough. The book ventures into what achievement culture looks like, how it impacts our kids, and suggestions for a different approach. I welcome you to read the book before joining us, but advance reading is not required. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Hicks at lindsey.hicks@csdecatur.net.

Digital Wellness - Join the Conversation

Join Ilene Zeff, our media specialist, and other families from our school community as we start a conversation about digital wellness. After sharing information about digital wellness and the impact of screen use on young children’s brains, we will reflect on screen use within our own families and discuss strategies to begin to better manage the technology in our lives. Sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Friday, February 28, 9-10 a.m. in the Media Center. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Zeff at ilene.zeff@csdecatur.net.

Stay connected with upcoming events: https://www.wpespta.org/

Find us on:

Facebook

Instagram

🔥 NEW SWEATSHIRTS ALERT! 🔥

Our latest Winnona Park PTA sweatshirts are here, just in time for the cooler weather! 🧥❄️ Available in various styles to suit everyone’s taste—perfect for showing off your school spirit! 💛💜

Order yours online today!

WPES Yearbook: Candid Photos

The WPES Yearbook Committee wants to see all you've been doing in school this year! Please email your photos of Winnona Park Wildcats in action to yearbook@wpespta.org. We love photos of school events, field trips, student groups, and school work! Important: Please include student names and teacher/grade in your email if known.

Join the PTA and Support the School with our New Membership Drive

Thank you to everyone that has already joined the PTA this year. As a reminder, joining the PTA is an annual event. We’ve also combined our membership drive with a fundraiser, asking families to make a donation. All contributions from this annual drive will directly benefit our students and teachers by supporting essential programs. The funds will cover:

• All field trip costs for the year

• Support educational initiatives like the community garden, STEAM materials, Books-in-a-Bag, and DEI programs

• Teachers will also receive a stipend for classroom materials at the beginning of the year

• Ongoing teacher and staff appreciation activities

• Yearbooks for every student

• School social events

• And so much more!

Your generous donation will ensure that these programs thrive and that our children continue to have enriching educational experiences. And your PTA membership is included in all levels. Visit our website for more information or select your membership level!

On Thursday, December 19, all students will bring home printed STAR reports. If your child completed both the STAR Early Literacy and STAR Reading assessments, you will receive two separate reports. These assessments measure different aspects of your child’s literacy development, which is why the reports will differ in content. To better understand the differences between these assessments and what the reports tell you about your child’s growth, please watch this STAR Assessment report explainer video.

The payments portion of Infinite Campus will be down from December 24 through January 4 for scheduled maintenance. Families are encouraged to clear any outstanding debt prior to this period.

Please take your school’s climate survey and make your opinion count! This survey expires March 31, 2025. Survey participation is critical because the data will be used to calculate School Climate Star Ratings for the 2025-26 school year. City Schools of Decatur appreciates the contributions of parents, students, and staff!

• Clairemont Family Climate Survey

• Glennwood Family Climate Survey

• Oakhurst Family Climate Survey

• Westchester Family Climate Survey

• Winnona Park Family Climate Survey

• F.AVE Family Climate Survey

• Talley Street Family Climate Survey

• Beacon Hill Family Climate Survey

• DHS Family Climate Survey

Run With the Dogs 5K Is Back!

Run With the Dogs 5K and Pup Trot, presented by Green Orthodontics, is a 21-year tradition supporting Decaturs Bulldog Boosters. In addition to being a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and a great community event, all proceeds support 19 sports programs at DHS and BHMS, which include 57 teams and over 1,100 student athletes.

Grab your friends and your pups and join this fun event on January 25 to support an amazing cause. All 5K and Pup Trot participants who register before Saturday, January 11 will receive our iconic long-sleeved t-shirt designed by artist (and Decatur lacrosse coach) Adam Pinsley. Register early for the best rates!

Email: csikes@csdecatur.net
Website: https://ga02000365.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13
Location: 510 Avery Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4490

Newsletter Archives: Read older issues of the Wildcat Weekly by visiting our school website. Click on the link in the top photo or on the "Newsletter" button in the middle of the page. Older issues of CSD Weekly may be found on CSD's district newsletter webpage.