Weekly Happenings

Email: kparquet@msdwt.k12.in.us
Website: https://cc.msdwt.k12.in.us/
Location: 2150 Kessler Blvd. W. Drive
Phone: 317.259.5478
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCESMSDWT/
Twitter: @CrookedCreek_

July 30-Kindergarten Orientation-6:00-7:00

July 31-Ice Cream Social-5:00-5:45(Gr. K-2), 5:45-6:30(Gr. 3-5)

August 1-First Day of School-7:20-2:25

August 7-Magazine Fundraiser

August 22-Back To School Night-Gr. 1-2(5:00-5:45), Gr. 3-5(5:45-6:30)-Parents only

August 28-Fall Pictures

Dear Crooked Creek Families,

I can hardly believe summer is winding down already! It feels like just yesterday I was waving goodbye to students for their sunny vacations. We have been energized by the quiet hallways as we excitedly prepare for all your children's bright smiles and enthusiasm for learning to return.

The 2024-2025 school year is brimming with promise for achievement, discovery, and creating cherished memories together. I look forward to greeting each and every one of our returning Crooked Creek Wildcats, as well as those joining our warm community for the first time.

Three exceptional new staff members are joining our family this year. I'm elated to welcome Mr. Brandon Newson as our school counselor and Ms. Julia Beers, who will be teaching 2nd grade and Sarah Richardson, who will be teaching 1st grade. Their experience, passion for nurturing young minds, and innovative teaching approaches make them valuable additions to our Crooked Creek family. Please be sure to introduce yourselves when you see them around campus!

One of our key instructional focuses will be fostering productive struggle - allowing students to wrestle with material and develop tenacity in problem-solving. This builds vital critical thinking abilities that will serve them well in future academic and life endeavors. Expect to see your children really digging in, showing their thought processes, and learning to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Promoting this rigorous learning experience, we're implementing a new reading curriculum called CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts). Through deep exploration of rich texts across literature, history, science, and culture, CKLA nurtures advanced comprehension, academic vocabulary, and substantive writing skills. Students will be inspired by these knowledge-building lessons.

Of course, creating a nurturing yet challenging environment for all students remains a top priority. We will continue supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child through differentiated instruction, social-emotional learning activities, and varied opportunities to discover their unique strengths.

School Events

Be sure to mark your calendars for these fun upcoming school events that build our sense of community:

• Kindergarten Orientation (7/30)-6:00-7:00 PM

• Back to School Ice Cream Social (7/31)-K-2 from 5:00-5:45, Gr. 3-5 from 5:45-6:30

• Back to School Night (8/22)Gr.1-2 from 5:00-5:45, Gr. 3-5 from 5:45-6:30

• Fall Festival (9/27)-5:00-7:00-3rd Grade performance

• Family Game Night (10/24)-5:00-6:30

• PTO Parent Education Nights (11/14, 3/27)-6:00-7:00

• Winter Party (12/20)-1:30-2:15

• Valentine's Party (2/14)-1:30-2:15

• Grandparents/VIP Day/Veterans Program(Grades K-2) (11/11)-9:00-10:30

• Winter Program-4th and 5th grade choir (12/12)-6:00-7:00

• Black History Month Program (2/27)-6:30-7:30

• Annual Talent and Art Show (4/25)-6:00-7:30

• Spring Fling/Multicultural Celebration(5/2)-5:00-7:00

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to make this an exceptional year. I look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Sincerely,

Keana Parquet

Principal, Crooked Creek

Kindergarten:

Mrs. Richardson

Ms. Whitlock

Mrs. Williams

1st Grade:

Mrs. Hammons

Mrs. Hessler

Mrs. Kaikko

Ms. S. Richardson

2nd Grade:

Ms. Beers

Ms. Hock

Mrs. Lyons

Mrs. McMillan

3rd Grade:

Mrs. Fernkas

Ms. Hayden

Mrs. Richie-Zehr

4th Grade:

Ms. Branson

Ms. Callahan

Ms. Coston

5th Grade:

Ms. Koehler

Mr. Kuskye

Ms. Markus

Specials:

Mrs. Abell-Media

Ms. Callis-Art

Mr. Mills-Technology

Mr. Pattee-PE

Mrs. Snyder-Music

Hello. I have finished my 5th year in the district before transitioning to counseling at Crooked Creek. I am a product of Washington Township, having attended both Westlane and North Central, and am so passionate about giving back to such a wonderful school community. Outside of the building, I can be seen traveling the world, having spent time in Italy, Greece, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands in the past year. This year, my goal is to equip students with the SEL tools and skills they need to learn as much as they can and make the most of all the wonderful things happening at Crooked Creek! Let’s have a great year!

Hello! My name is Sarah Richardson, and I’m excited to be joining the Crooked Creek community as a first grade teacher. This is my first year as a classroom teacher. I recently student taught in first grade at IPS 96 and in fourth and fifth grade at Albany Primary School in New Zealand. I’m looking forward to the new school year and to getting to know all the amazing students and their families!

Hello families! My name is Ms. Beers and I am excited to join the Crooked Creek community as a new 2nd grade teacher. This will be my third year teaching. I previously taught my first 2 years in Chicago. I am a proud graduate of Concordia University Chicago, where I was able to continue my passion as a student-athlete playing volleyball. I am thrilled to be back to my Indiana roots and closer to family! I look forward to making this a fantastic year of learning and growth!

A strong school and family partnership is critical to your child’s success at school! As a parent or caregiver, you have a key role in your child’s education. You can help bridge your child’s transition from home to school and give him or her opportunities to succeed. In Washington Township Schools, we believe that parents and caregivers are important partners in supporting students to develop the skills they need to excel in school and in life. This document provides tips and strategies that you can use to support your students this year!

Attendance - Support your child in attending school regularly!

In Washington Township Schools, we know that when students attend school, they engage with their teachers, with their peers, and with the content being taught. This allows children to grow and achieve academically, socially, and emotionally. Many people do not realize that missing just 10 percent of the school year, or two to three days every month, adds up to an incredible loss of time that can make it difficult for children of all ages to keep up with learning. When children do not show up for school regularly they miss out on developing fundamental skills and the chance to build the habit of good attendance that will carry them into their future. Encourage your child to make a commitment to Attend. Engage. Achieve.

Academic Achievement

Help your child develop routines that support them as learners. Depending on your child’s age, this may include:

• Setting up a quiet space and time to complete homework
• Ensuring your child gets enough sleep
• Using an agenda book to record homework for each class
• Helping your child organize their binder/backpack
• Limiting screen time and/or social media
• Encouraging your child to get involved in extracurricular activities

Student Support

Washington Township Schools Office of Student Services staff work collaboratively within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework to support the academic success and physical, mental, and social-emotional health of all students. If you have questions about support that your student or family may need, contact your child’s school and ask to speak with the school counselor or school social worker.

Stay Connected - Stay Informed