Wingate Elementary News

Monday, September 2nd - No school - Labor Day

Tuesday, September 3rd - No school for students - Teacher Workday

Thursday, September 5th - Art classes begin!

Tuesday, September 10th - Wingate Night at Noodles and Co. 4-8pm

Wednesday, September 11th - Patriot Day - Wear red, white and blue

Friday, September 13th - Wingate Fall Carnival 4:30-6:30pm

Monday, September 23rd - 100% Donation Drive begins!

Tuesday, September 24th - PTO Meeting 4:00pm - All are welcome!

Friday, September 27th - Fun Friday and Wingate Spirit Wear Day

Monday, September 30th - No school for students - Educator Effectiveness Day

September Staff Birthdays

September 1st - Sheri Campbell (School Nurse)

September 7th - Sandy Brown (Kitchen Assistant)

September 15th - Eugene Pingleton (3rd grade teacher)

September 27h - Soren Keene (SSN paraprofessional)

Dear Wingate Community,

As we wrap up the first month of the school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for helping us get off to a strong start. The energy and enthusiasm I've seen from our students, staff, and families have set a positive tone for the months ahead.

Our teachers have done an incredible job of welcoming students into their classrooms and creating an engaging learning environment. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and passion they bring to their work, ensuring that every child feels supported and encouraged to do their best.

A special thank you goes out to our parents and guardians for your continued partnership. Your involvement, whether through attending back-to-school events, supporting homework routines, or participating in our PTO, is crucial to our collective success. Together, we create a community where students can thrive both academically and personally.

I also want to acknowledge our students for their hard work and positive attitudes. It’s been a joy to see you embracing new challenges and opportunities with determination and curiosity. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I am incredibly proud of how you’ve begun the year.

As we move forward, let’s continue to build on this strong foundation. I encourage everyone to stay engaged, support one another, and keep the lines of communication open. Together, we can make this school year one of growth, achievement, and memorable experiences.

Thank you once again for your commitment to our school community. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months to come.

Warm regards,

Ms. Schraeder

Our Wingate Explorer 100% Donation Drive runs from September 23rd-October 4th. The Explorer 100% Donation Drive is sponsored by PTO and provides pure profit funds to Wingate Elementary. The Explorer 100% Donation Drive is the largest and most essential fundraiser to fund needs at Wingate. The Explorer 100% Donation Drive helps needs that our school budget cannot adequately fund. Funds from the Explorer 100% Donation Drive will go directly towards teachers’ and students’ needs.

Why is fundraising needed? Wingate operates on a basic allocation budget of approximately $23,000. This primarily covers office and teacher supplies and day to day operations. Each teacher receives a small portion of the funds to spend on his/her classroom. Wingate also receives $11,834 in intervention funds. Intervention funds are used to pay our paraprofessionals who support students on a day to day basis. The funds are also used to purchase intervention programs for students.

Wingate’s funding is less than many schools in our district because we do not qualify for Title I funding. Title I funding is based on the percentage of students who receive Free and Reduced lunch. Several elementary schools in District 51 qualify for Title I funding. These schools receive anywhere from approximately $24,500-$398,000 to spend on various supports for students. This allows schools to add staff, add technology, and pay for professional development for teachers. As you can see, we need to bridge the gap in funding for our school.

Please show your support by donating what you can to our Explorer 100% Donation Drive. School wide participation will make the biggest impact on our success and any amount – small or large – will benefit student learning here at Wingate. Students will be able to see our schools’ progress and contributions on a visual representation in the school and outside of the school, and we will have an all school celebration in which kids get to "slime" Ms. Schraeder and Mr. Hoskin when we meet our goal. Keep an eye on email and paper communication throughout the month of September and October for funding priorities and for information about how to donate.

Updated Staff Favorites!

You can find a list of your Wingate staff members' favorites when giving a gift. See the front desk or wingate.ptboard.com.

Events:

Carnival: 9/13 4:30-6:30 - presale tickets on sale until 9/10 Presale Carnival tickets, tickets will be sent home in Wednesday folder 9/11.

Be sure to sign up to volunteer for a one-hour time slot! Carnival Volunteer

General PTO meeting: 9/24 4pm- childcare and a snack provided

100% Donation Drive: 9/23-10/4. This is Wingate's largest fundraiser every year. We ask for everyone to participate no matter the amount you can give. More information to come!

Volunteers Needed:

Silent Auction Committee (February 2025)

Yearbook (Spring 2025)

Please contact wingateelempto@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.

Are you passionate about making a difference in our schools and community? Join our District Accountability Committee (DAC) and become a collaborative partner in shaping the future of education in our district as we work towards our strategic plan goals. We’re seeking dedicated family members, district educators and community members to bring their unique perspectives to give feedback and insight into the work of the DAC.

Your involvement will enable you to work closely with other educators, administrators, and fellow parents/guardians to support the needs and aspirations of our diverse community. As a committee member, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on crucial areas such as district budgets, strategies for strengthening community engagement, and potential charter school applications. The District Accountability Committee (DAC) meets quarterly from 5:15pm - 6:15pm. Fill out the interest form HERE.

Come one, come all! Join us for a fun filled night of carnival games, giant slides, obstacle courses, cake walks, root beer floats and more!

There will be so much fun for kids AND parents to enjoy!

The Wingate Fall Carnival is one of the most fun events for kids and families at Wingate Elementary School. Your kids will have a blast and it is a great chance for you parents to get to engage with others in our Wingate community.

Plus, all ticket sales help support the Wingate PTO - which go back directly into the school to make it an even better place for your kid to grow and learn.

Tickets are on sale now! Follow this link to purchase your tickets and help support Wingate Elementary School! You can skip the line and pick up the tickets at the school office up to two days prior. Or pick them up the night of the event.

Want to help make this event great? It takes a small village of volunteers to pull this off and we would love your help. Here some ways you can help out:

• Volunteer at the event: You can sign up to volunteer by helping setup, run a booth, or clean up. It’s easy and fun! Click on this link to volunteer.

• Donate Prizes for Games: Do you have a bag of party favors you are trying to get rid of (think: fidget spinners, pop-its, glow sticks, etc.)? Donate them to the carnival for prizes! Click here to email Tyson with details on the prizes and he will contact you back.

Thank you for joining us for this fun community building event and for your support of Wingate!