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Weekly Update

Weekly Update

November 14, 2024

Dear Winnona Park Community,


It is my pleasure to announce that Winnona Park's Media Clerk, Lori Siver was nominated by the Winnona Park staff as the 2024 Professional Employee of the Year. I refer to Lori as Winnona Park's Swiss army knife because she helps the students and staff in so many ways beyond her normal duties in the library. Lori plays a major role making sure every student gets on the right bus and van at dismissal, and she plays a leadership role during STAR and CogAT testing, setting up Chromebooks and supporting teachers with technical issues. Lori also fills in for Nurse Jen and Office Manager Cathy Sikes when they are out of the building fixing boo-boos and answering phones. Lori is also a key member of the school’s Safety Team. Lori has a sixth sense for knowing if a teacher is struggling with something and will jump right in to support. She always takes the initiative to solve a problem and is not afraid to let me know when I need to rethink an idea! Congratulations, Lori. You are very much appreciated!!


Sincerely,

Greg Wiseman

Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School

Important Dates

  • Nov 15 - Community Circle - Kindergarten families

  • Nov. 18 - 21 - Fall Book Fair

  • Nov 19 - Spirit Night @ Corner Slice

  • Nov. 22 - Early Release Day. Community Circle - STUDENTS AND STAFF ONLY

  • Nov. 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

  • Dec 3 - Giving Tuesday

  • Dec. 5 - Picture Day makeups

  • Dec 9 - PTA Meeting

  • Dec 11 - Walk-N-Roll

Book Fair Update

Our Fall Book Fair will be held from Monday, November 18-Thursday, November 21. You can find more details here.

1. Thanks to those families who have already signed up for a volunteer spot. We still need volunteers and it's a really fun way to get involved. You can use this link to sign up for a volunteer slot. If you volunteer before or after school, I have a special spot in my office and a special activity for your student.

2. Here is a list of the books we will have for sale.

3. You can shop online here using the checkout code: WINNONA.

Save the Date - Family Education Sessions

Mark your calendars!

Dr. Lindsey Hicks, our school counselor, will be hosting Parent Book Chats on Friday, January 24 from 9-10 a.m. and Wednesday, January 30, 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.

Winnona Park PTA

Please visit our PTA website to stay connected with upcoming events

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


Find us on:

Facebook

Instagram


Current Volunteer Opportunities:


Mark Your Calendars: Spirit Night @ Corner Slice

Join us for Spirit Night at Corner Slice on November 19 from 4-9 p.m.! 🍕 When you dine in, take out, or order delivery through Corner Slice’s website, 15% of your purchase goes back to our school! Every bite counts, so let's make it a deliciously successful night for our community.

Note: Orders placed through UberEats, DoorDash, or GrubHub don’t qualify, so order directly from their site!


🔥 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!

Winnona Park Elementary School
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