Greetings WPA Families,
No School Next week
There is no school next week. Please enjoy the extra time with your families.
Thank YOU: Restaurant Night and Someone Special Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend one or both of these events and support your student's education here at WPA!
Spelling Bee
We are excited to be hosting our annual spelling bee after the holiday breaks. We wanted to give kids a chance to start practicing now. You can access the Spelling Bee word list below.
PBS November Reading Challenge- Sign Up NOW
Every year PBS sponsors a reading challenge for students and rewards them for participating with a free adventure pass to get into different museums, parks, zoos, etc., throughout the year. It is one of our favorite programs because it supports literacy through reading and exposure to various experiences that help build background knowledge in kids. You can find more details here.
Reading Tip of the Month:
Parent Tip: The Power of Reading Together
Building Background Knowledge:
Did you know that knowledge on a wide range of topics significantly impacts students' reading? When you explore different topics through stories and experiences, your child gains valuable context that enhances their understanding of the world around them, a vital skill in reading comprehension as they get older.
Things to Try:
Read from different types of books on a wide variety of subjects. Non-Fiction books for children have come a long way. Try adding a page or two from a children’s encyclopedia (Usborne makes some beautiful ones for your kids and DK for older students) or “The Way Things Work” to your nightly reading.
Watch a documentary or Nat Geo series on their favorite Animal as a family.
As your librarian about their recommendations for non-fiction picture books.
Take time to read and discuss informational signs at national parks, museums, and hikes.
Before a family trip, check out a few books about the place you will be visiting, or a physical
features you will see. (The “Over and Under…” booky by Kate Messner are a favorite for making
everything from snow to a trip to the pond a bit magical. The Backpack Explorer books are
another favorite for local “adventures”.)
Listen to an informational podcast for kids while you are in the car. “But Why?, Brains On, and
WOW in the World all come highly recommended for kids.
For older kids: check out Young Readers editions of popular non-fiction books adapted for children and teens.
Make reading a regular part of your routine—whether it’s bedtime stories or weekend adventures in the library. Your engagement not only nurtures strong readers but also fosters a lifelong love of learning. Happy reading!
In case you missed it: Information Previously Shared but Worth Repeating
Electronic Devices in School
Whit Holidays around the corner, and the gift purchasing season upon us, we want to offer a quick reminder of our electronic device polices. You can access our policy in full on our website.
Our Policy Defines Electronic Devices as…
"Electronic device" means a device that is used for audio, video, or text communication or any other type of computer or computer-like instrument including: a smart phone, a smart or electronic watch, a tablet, or a virtual reality device.
It also states….
Electronic devices, if brought to school, must remain out of sight in a bag or backpack and be turned off during the School day.
Mid-Year Testing
In the coming weeks, we will begin Interim RISE assessments. These assessments help us individualize and improve our instruction to all students. If you have any questions regarding these assessments, please contact us.
Coats for Kids
The Bountiful City Rotary Coats for Kids program has several vouchers available to WPA families who need warm clothing for the year. These vouchers allow families to get warm weather clothing from Walmart for WPA students and their siblings at no cost to their parents. If your family would benefit from this program, please contact Mary Anne in the front office.
PBS November Reading Challenge
Every year PBS sponsors a reading challenge for students and rewards them for participating with a free adventure pass to get into different museums, parks, zoos, etc., throughout the year. It is one of our favorite programs because it supports literacy through reading and exposure to various experiences that help build background knowledge in kids. You can find more details here.
Thanksgiving Break - One full WEEK!
We will not have school Monday, November 25th - Friday, November 29th in a combination of teacher training and the Thanksgiving holidays. Enjoy the extra time with your families.
