Weekly Update

December 12, 2024

• Dec 13 - Community Circle - Second Grade Families

• Dec 17 - Kindergarten Celebration of Learning

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

• Dec 20 - Jan 6 - Winter Break

Hello, WP Families! I have absolutely loved my first semester as WP's counselor! I wanted to share a review of what's been going on with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) this semester. I go into each classroom one to two times per month and have enjoyed getting to know students in this way!

Class Lessons

My classroom lessons this semester have been focused on ways students can practice the 4Bs. We’ve particularly learned and practiced skills that will help them Be Empathetic and Be Respectful. This has looked different across grade levels as we have practiced elements of identifying feelings and using words in a friendly way. We have focused a bit on Being Safe, practicing personal space and boundary setting, and will continue to discuss personal safety in the new year as I teach “Think First, Stay Safe” lessons. This is a curriculum used across the district in elementary schools. I will be sending home more detailed information about this program, including information on how to opt-out, out early in the new year.

Small Groups

I was thrilled to have so many students participate in small groups this fall. This semester, I ran 17 groups, which met between 6-8 sessions each, serving a total of 65 students. The groups' central topics were coping skills, friendship skills, and school readiness skills. I also led a book club for second-grade girls where we discussed friendly behaviors, problem-solving, and ways to be a leader.

Looking Ahead

I will conduct more small groups in the spring semester. If your child has a specific counseling need, please let me know by completing this district referral form. I will also ask teachers to refer students who could benefit from small counseling groups. Forming and scheduling groups is like putting together a puzzle, and I will get to work on that puzzle as the pieces start coming together. For any student, I’m able to serve in small groups next spring, expect to see a permission slip go home in the weekly folder to be signed and returned.

If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendars for my parent book talk on Friday, January 24 from 9–10 a.m. following Community Circle. We’ll be discussing the book Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. You’re invited to read the book beforehand, which is not required! The week after that, we’ll have Part 2 of this discussion on Thursday, January 31 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. I’m thrilled that Dr. Ken Jackson, Department Chair of the Counseling Team at Decatur High School, will be joining us to discuss how achievement culture has impacted the students he serves. He’ll also take questions and offer recommendations about things he would love for his students' parents to know when their students were in their elementary years.

The district will soon be adopting a SEL curriculum for grades 6-12, and this curriculum will be rolling out as early as next school year. There are options I’m really excited about among the choices that have made the district's shortlist, and I'm hopeful for the resources and continuity these programs will make available to students as they grow and develop into adolescents.

Tell Me What you Need

Lastly, I would love to hear about other services I could offer that would help your student or family. I meet with students, teachers, and parents regularly and am happy to encourage students and help brainstorm ways to help them be their best.

I hope the Winter Break offers your family all you need, whether that is rest, togetherness, or adventure.

Best,

Lindsey Hicks, Ed.D.

School Counselor

lindsey.hicks@csdecatur.net

Dr. Hicks’ Counseling Referral Form

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/

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🔥 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!

City Schools of Decatur has a long history of honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King by celebrating many of our students who embody the values of freedom, justice, democracy and service. Through an annual program, we highlight their dedication to using these values to impact our community positively. This year, the award will be presented to two students from each upper elementary school, four from middle school, and four from high school.

Click here to learn more about the application guidelines. Application deadline: December 18.

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

STAR Early Literacy, Reading and Math Assessments: December 2-6 and 9-13

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.