Wednesday Note

Greetings WPA Families,

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.

Parent Tip: The Power of Reading Together

Building Background Knowledge:

Did you know that having knowledge on a wide range of topics has a significant impact on students reading? When you explore different topics through stories and experinces, your child gains valuable context that enhances their understanding of the world around them and is 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

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.