Wildcat News

December is sure flying by!!!! A few things so you can stay in the know:

~ Save the Date--Family Game Night: The PTO is hosting our 2nd Annual Family Game Night on Friday, January 31 from 6:30-8:00pm at Washington Elementary. In addition to families bringing in their favorite board games (sorry--no large motor games this year--just not enough space), we may have The Dork Den and/or other places demonstrating some games. We will again be offering Silent Auction baskets and NEW this year...BINGO!!!!!!

The PTO is on the hunt for donations for BINGO prizes (they can be small) as well as Silent Auction donations. You may either make a silent auction basket OR simply donate some items (new games, cards, food, etc.) that the PTO will make into baskets. Maybe you'll find some great after-holiday specials that could be great donations. Please just bring any donations to the Washington office sometime before the event.

~ Panda Express Fundraiser: Start your winter break off by NOT COOKING and go to Panda Express on Friday, December 20 to help raise funds for Washington Elementary PTO. You can even order online--see information below!

~ Washington Elementary will be applying for a School of Excellence Award through the Minnesota Elementary School Principal's Association (MESPA). We have been asked to apply for this based on the success we are experiencing within our data. This is a big process to apply, and the first step is gathering important feedback from stakeholders to identify our strengths and our areas that could be improved upon. We are asking for help in gathering data from our families regarding Community Engagement, one of the six standards included within the application. If you are willing, please consider completing this short survey. If you are unsure of any questions or how to respond, you do have an option to select "No basis for judgement" if you really don't know. Your help with this is very appreciated!

~ Weather related information: Just a friendly reminder: Blue Earth Area Schools is a smaller school district south of us. When you hear or see this, IT IS NOT Mankato Area Public Schools. This is something that often confuses parents because of the county in which we live.

~ Winter Break: As a reminder, we will be out of school from December 21-January 1, 2025 for Winter Break. School resumes on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Thanks for all you do to support your kiddo and our school--it matters!

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

As we have adjusted to our new secure entrance at Washington Elementary, we are going to make a few changes to our morning routines beginning January 2, 2025.

Unless you have a pre-arranged plan with school staff for drop-off that involves coming inside the building, please say your goodbyes to your kiddos outside of our school building. Your child can then come into the building independently and go about their day. As a parent, should you need something, please enter the building at Door #1, ring the bell and go directly into the office area. The Washington office staff will assist you with what you need.

This new procedure will also apply to Kindergarten students and their caregivers. As we enter the second half of the school year, we want to continue to build independence in our youngest learners, and respectfully request that Kindergarten parents/guardians say goodbye outside of Door #13 and refrain from coming into the Kindergarten hallway.

Students who arrive after the first bell rings at 7:50 will need to go through the office to access the school, as the interior doors at the main entrance remain locked at all times, and the greeters and staff who monitor that door begin their day promptly at 7:50. Please do your best to have your child arrive at school before 7:50. They will be marked tardy if they arrive after 8:00.

We value partnership with parents, as well as creating a safe space for students and developing independence in each child. Thank you for your attention to this change in our routines and procedures.

Winter weather is here. Students go outside for recess daily, weather permitting. Please ensure your child is dressed properly for the weather: snow boots, snow pants, winter jacket, winter hat, and snow gloves. If your student is in need of winter gear please let the office know or fill out this Google form.

When we receive measurable snow, students MUST have snowpants and boots in order to play in the snow. Without these items, children will be asked to stay on the blacktop during recess.

Also, we follow the Wind Chill Chart to determine if kids go outside at recess time or not (see below). We go outside when the temperature and the wind speed land us in the light blue area. If you notice, we do go outside when it's quite cold, so having your child dress appropriately is extremely important!

During the month of December, our entire school will focus on Habit #2: Begin with the end in mind. As parents/guardians, your understanding and support of our leadership work in this habit is very appreciated! I have found this language and learning to benefit ALL, not just students!

Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind is about having a plan. If we don't make a conscious effort to visualize who we are and what we want in life, then we empower other people and circumstances to shape us instead. This habit is about identifying where we want to go and who we want to be.

Begin with the End in Mind means to think about how you would like something to turn out before you get started. Reading a recipe before cooking or looking at a map before leaving on a trip is beginning with the end in mind. For young children, a good example is that of a jigsaw puzzle. Before doing a puzzle, they look at the cover of the box. They start with the end in mind.

Habit 2 means to have a plan. I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school's mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Begin With the End in Mind means to look out across the coming hours, days, weeks, months, and years with a clear vision of your desired destination—and then to proactively pursue that future.

Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every student, Every day.

Email: ahagge1@isd77.org
Website: https://we.isd77.org/
Location: 1100 Anderson Drive
Phone: 507-345-3059