Wilder E-News November #44
November 1, 2023
From the Principal's Pen
KSA Results and School Improvement Planning
This week, we received our Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) scores from the 2023 school year. The results show a steady growth and improvement of our 3rd - 5th graders who were assessed. Wilder's overall index score increased from 59.2 to 65.6. Our work in reading and math has been strong with our total index score rising from 57 to 71.2. This was an amazing increase! We reduced novice readers and novice performers in math and increased Distinguished and Proficient scoring students in both. Our 4th grade students improved their science scores with an increase in the number of Proficient/Distinguished scorers. In writing, we reduced Novice scorers and had an increase of 7.7% in Proficient/Distinguished scorers over the past two years. In social studies, we reduced our number of Novice scores. Overall, Wilder's index scores were higher than the district average in all subjects assessed and outpaced the state average in reading and social studies. Lastly, we were very close to the state average for math.
While the results are encouraging, we always have ways to improve our instruction. Teachers are continuing to collaborate in their weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC) as they plan instruction, analyze data, and create common assessments for our students. This month, Wilder's Extended School Services (ESS) began. This program allows us to bring in retired teachers to work in small group instruction with students needing additional reinforcement in reading and math. As a staff, we will continue our work with the new reading and math programs implemented throughout the entire district.
Every fall, the district asks schools to reflect on their current Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) and begin updating it for the new calendar year. The foundation of our plan is the vision and mission of our school:
VISION
· Students will be prepared to reach their full potential and be lifelong contributors to society.
MISSION
· To lay a solid foundation for our 21st century learners, ensuring they are prepared to lead in an ever-changing society.
· To empower our students to reach their full potential by providing quality instruction that is inspiring, relevant, and comprehensive.
· To teach responsibility and challenge students to be their best.
The writing of our Comprehensive Improvement Plan is always a collaborative effort between our stakeholders. The staff have provided feedback, reviewed data, and analyzed surveys. Committees have offered input into our plan. Our parents have been given opportunities to share their thoughts on improvement through both the Comprehensive District Surveys we administered in the spring and through feedback during PTA meetings. If you have suggestions, or would like to provide input for our plan, please reach out to me by email at Bill.Perkins@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Respectfully,
Bill Perkins
Principal, Wilder Elementary
Morning Drop Off
As you know, safety is a #1 priority at Wilder, and we are are always looking for ways to improve in this area. In an effort to protect students during arrival and dismissal, we would like to remind you of our transportation policies. The front entrance to the building is reserved for bus riders only until after 8:00 am. Students arriving by car, should be dropped off in the carpool line only. If you arrive after carpool line closes (8:00 am), please pull into a parking space in the front parking lot and walk your child to the front door to sign in. We appreciate your attention and support for the safety of all of our students.
Parent Teacher Conference Day Feedback
Mark Your Calendar
- November 1-Cheerleading 3-5 pm
- November 2-Soccer Club 3-4 pm
- November 2-Chess Club 3-4 pm
- November 3-Fall Movie Night 7 pm
- November 7-Election Day No School
- November 8-Report cards go home
- November 14-Drama Club 3-4 pm
- November 15-SBDM 3 pm
- November 15-Picture Make up Day 8:15 am-9:30 am
- November 16-Thanksgiving lunch for students and families (more information to come)
- November 16-PTA Meeting 7 pm
- November 17-Basketball game vs. Dunn 8:45 at MidAmerica Gym
- November 22-27-Thanksgiving Break
- November 30-Prospective Parent Tours 8 am
- November 30-Family Fun Night at Champs 6-8:30 am
Join Us for a Thanksgiving Luncheon
Wilder is pleased to welcome back our Thanksgiving Lunch this year for students and families on Thursday, November 16!
Meals for visitors must be paid for in advance and the tickets will be sent home with your child. Be on the lookout for more information and meal ticket order forms to come home with your child on Friday, November 3!
Wilder Student In the Spotlight
One of our 4th grade students, Emma Herberger, has been selected to perform in the 2023 Brown-Forman Nutcracker Ballet. She will be dancing the role of a mouse. This is a huge accomplishment for Emma! She extends an invitation to any Wilder family who would like to attend a show. Performance dates are Friday, December 8th - Sunday, December 24th. Way to go Emma!!!
Wilder on Social Media
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA is excited to partner with the Fifth Grade Committee to present a FALL MOVIE NIGHT again this year! On Friday, November 3rd, we will be screening Elemental in the carpool circle, beginning around 7:00 p.m. Arrive early to find a good spot for your family - be sure to bring your own blanket and/or chairs. The Fifth Grade Committee will be selling assorted snacks, drinks, and glow sticks for $1 each to raise funds for their field trip in May.
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CAP Volunteers Needed! The Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) is a partnership between the 15th District PTA and the Diversity, Equity, and Poverty (DEP) Unit at JCPS. Since 1971, CAP has provided clothing, accessories, and other basic items to JCPS students and their families. Wilder will be sending a group of volunteers to CAP on November 15th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to help sort donations and prepare items for distribution. Please email WilderElementaryPTA@gmail.com if you’d like to help!
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Mark your calendar: Wilder’s FREE Family Fun Night @ Champ’s Rollerdrome will be Thursday, November 30th, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Admission to Champ’s will be FREE for all Wilder students and their families and and Wilder students will receive free skate rentals. There will even be a prize for the class with the highest attendance!
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Support Wilder Every Time You Shop! Did you know that the Wilder PTA receives over $2,000 every year thanks to partnerships with local and national businesses? Your purchases can support our school— at NO additional cost to you!
KROGER: Login to your Kroger account > Select “My Account” > Select “Community Rewards” > Select “Wilder PTA” (Organization code NW806)
BOX TOPS: Download the Box Tops for Education app and designate Wilder Elementary School as your School in Need (be sure it’s the Wilder here in Louisville!). After you shop, just open the app and take a picture of your receipt (or submit it digitally). The app will scan your receipt for participating products and Box Tops for Education will send us a donation! Our current balance is $22.50, but Wilder can receive up to $1000 this school year. Thanks for YOUR help earning those dollars!
From Our Family Resource Center (FRC)
I am thrilled to join the Wilder community as your new Family Resource Coordinator! My name is Katie Wilkinson, and I bring four years of experience in this role from my previous school. A little bit about me - I am married to a kindergarten teacher, and we have a one year old son named Oliver. Our family, including our two labradoodles Lou Lou and Louie, love spending time together, traveling, and being active in our community.
In my role as FRC Coordinator, I look forward to partnering with all of you to support the success of every Wilder student. My passion is collaborating with families, teachers, and staff to provide resources and programming that address individual student needs. My goal is for every child at Wilder to have the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
I am so excited to get to know each of you in the coming weeks. Please feel free to stop by to introduce yourself - my door is always open! I am honored to join this community and am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our Wilder students and families.
Katie Wilkinson
Wilder & Norton Elementary School
Family Resource Coordinator
Athletics
Boy's Cross Country Team Finishes 2nd in State!
Our 2023 Cross-Country team finished with a great season! Fifteen of our runners traveled to Lexington to compete at the state meet. Our 4th and under boys took 2nd in the STATE! These runners were Ben Ruppert 3rd place, Kebron Abraham 5th place, Liam Custis 6th place, Josephy Satterly 41th place, Merron Abraham 44th place, Levon Meyer, and Zachary Martinez. Jackson Love 29th place and Beck Ruppert 35th place medaled in the open race. Fantastic job runners!
Congratulations to Coach Meyer and both our boys' and girls' teams who had an outstanding season!
Wilder Track Coach Needed
Wilder's 2024 track team is looking for a head coach. Coach Meyer will be working with Kammerer's track team this year, so we need a new coach for Wilder. If you would be interested, please reach out to Mr. Perkins at Bill.Perkins@jefferson.kyschools.us
Wilder Chess Club
Is it too late to join Chess Club? Of course not! You do not need to know how to play in order to become a member. We meet every Friday immediately after school and students are in the lobby, ready to go home at 4:00 p.m. Join us!
Message from Mrs. Mateja in the Library
The 3rd-5th grade students had a great visit with Massachusetts author, Shawn Peters who wrote The Unforgettable Logan Foster series. We enjoyed hosting seven other schools from JCPS in our virtual visit on Friday, October 20th. If you purchased a book, we will get those to your student as soon as the book plates come in from Mr. Peters. Don't forget to check out our Wilder LibGuide, which has online resources available 24/7.
As always thanks for supporting our library program.
Mrs. Mateja and Mrs. Goff
Have You Completed Important Paperwork?
Educational Benefits Forms(EBF): Important ALL FAMILIES NEED to Complete
Good news! Our school participates in a program called Community Eligibility. This means all Wilder students may eat breakfast and lunch at no cost. In order to keep the program, ALL families must complete an Educational Benefits Form (EBF). This form will support our Free/Reduced and Non-Free/Reduced families. Please complete the form as soon as possible by clicking here
Only one form is needed per household, with all JCPS students listed on the form. Information will be kept confidential. Regardless what is on the form, students may still eat a meal at no cost.
Please update and complete all student forms on the JCPS website by clicking here.
Survey for Showcase of Schools
We would like to invite families to take a survey to provide feedback about the Showcase of Schools. Click here for the short survey. Thank you so much!
SBDM Meeting Update
Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council Information
Our Council met on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 to discuss the following agenda items:
- Approved Phase II of the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
- Reviewed student achievement data from our District Vital Signs Report
- Reviewed budget needs
- Used the REAP (Racial Equity Analysis Protocol) to review our Parent Teacher Conference Day Procedures
- Had a second reading and adopted a new Family Engagement Policy, School Space Policy, and Curriculum Policy that aligns with new and recently passed state statutes
- Had a first reading of an updated Behavior and Discipline Policy
Our next meeting will be November 15, 2023 @ 3:00 pm in the Wilder Conference Room.
A link to all of our meeting minutes can be found here: