Greetings Washington Families,

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Washington Weekly! Happy Valentine’s Week! 💕 This is the perfect time to share how much I love and appreciate our incredible school community. Washington GT Magnet Elementary is more than just a school—it’s a place where everyone belongs. Amidst everything happening in the world, I want to remind you that our school is a safe, welcoming space for every child and family.

This week, we’re excited to host a brand-new event for our community: Raise a Reader! Join us for an evening dedicated to supporting your child’s reading journey. Families will enjoy a (free) meal together, and then children will be supervised by our staff while parents attend 1, 2, or all 3 sessions designed specifically for adults. These sessions will provide practical tips and strategies to help your child thrive as a reader. We hope you’ll take advantage of this special opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together! Click here to let us know if you are able to join!

Thank you for being part of this amazing community and for trusting us with your children each day.

Magically,

Catie Burnette

Principal

We will celebrate our wonderful drivers this week! On Wednesday, we would love for all bus riders to give their driver a card. We are partnering with Fuller, so drivers will receive something special each day! Thank you!

When: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Where: Washington GT Magnet Elementary

Childcare: Available for children ages 3 and up (must be potty trained). The sessions are meant for parents, so if you are bringing your child, please allow our staff to supervise them while you attend the sessions!

Dinner: Free Meal Provided 🍝

Time:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - DINNER PROVIDED (Vegetarian options available)

6:00 PM - 6:25 PM: Workshop Session 1

6:30 PM - 6:55 PM: Workshop Session 2

7:00 PM - 7:25 PM: Workshop Session 3

What to Expect:

Parents and caregivers, you're invited to an evening of engaging literacy workshops to help you support your child’s reading journey. A representative from Wake County Public Library will be on-site to assist with library card sign-ups!

Explore sessions on:

- phonics skills like blending

- digital literacy

- comprehension

- social-emotional learning and MORE!

Bio: I was born and raised on the east coast of Canada. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bishop's University (1997) and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine (1998). To quench my thirst for adventure, I moved to NC in 2000 with a plan to stay for 2 years before heading overseas. It seems fate had other plans and one husband, 3 kids and 15 years later, I proudly call Raleigh my home. Over the last 15 years, I have taught kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade in both Rocky Mount and Raleigh and earned my National Board Certification in 2006. I am grateful to be a member of the Washington Family since 2015.

Alumni: Bishop's University and University of Maine

Favorite Quote: "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne

Favorite Children's Book: Mortimer, Be Quiet! by Robert Munsch

Gifts & Talents: Banana Bread

• Some classes may be exchanging Valentines— check with your child’s teacher for details.
• Ensure all students are included in any Valentine exchanges.
• Contact your child’s teacher regarding any allergies in the classroom.
• Students should refrain from eating candy outside of the classroom or cafeteria.
• Any deliveries for students (flowers, balloons, stuffed animals) will remain in the office until the end of the school day.

Thank you for helping us make Valentine’s Day fun and safe for everyone! ❤️

A huge thank you to all the parents and family members who joined us as guest readers for World Read Aloud Day! 📚✨ Your enthusiasm and love for storytelling made the day so special for our students. Thank you for helping us inspire a love of reading in our school community—you are appreciated!

We have noticed an increase in students bringing toys to school, and it’s becoming a distraction during the school day. Please help us by ensuring that all toys stay at home. If a student repeatedly has a toy out at school, we will collect it and ask that a parent or guardian come to pick it up. Thank you for your support in keeping our focus on learning!

At Washington GT Magnet Elementary, we are committed to ensuring that every student and family feels safe, supported, and valued. In light of recent federal immigration orders, WCPSS has shared information to help families who may be impacted. Our priority is to create a welcoming environment where all children can thrive and learn.

We are looking for a geologist or paleontologist to speak to some of our students for an upcoming unit. If you or someone you know would be willing to share their expertise with our students, please contact Carolyn Schmidt at cschmidt2@wcpss.net. We look forward to learning from your knowledge!

The Wizard Wear Store has reopened! Stock up on school spirit gear from 2/3 to 2/17. Don’t miss out—shop now at https://wes-winter25.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Go Wizards!

Rising bus costs have increased the overall expense of this incredible learning experience, and the PTA is working to help offset the cost for families. Your donation can make a big difference in ensuring all students can participate! Donate here: 4th Grade Field Trip Donation. Thank you for your support!

Join the fun! Chess sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 3/19 to 5/14, right after school until 5 PM. Sign up at www.TriangleChess.com. If you have any concerns or need financial assistance, please reach out to the PTA at wesgtpta@gmail.com. Scholarships are available—we want every student to have the opportunity to participate! ♟️

Math & Science Night is Thursday, March 6 from 5-7:30pm!

Join us for a night of discovery and hands-on learning!

• View Jupiter through a telescope with Raleigh Astronomy Club.
• Test robots from Ms. Edsall and Ms. Casey’s robotics electives.
• Make snow or silly putty in our new experiment area in the cafeteria.
• Learn about beekeeping from Wake County Beekeepers Association.
• Rebuild Spider Man’s DNA with NC State’s Biotech Syndicate Club.
• Inspect real rockets from The NC State High Powered Rocketry Club.
• Create calcium alginate pearls and chromatography butterflies with Meredith College American Chemical Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon.
• See live animals from White Deer Park.
• Touch a Van de Graaff generator and feel your hair stand on end with NC State’s Physics Club.
• And so much more from NCSU Genetics Club and NCSU SUM Club!
• Make sure to stop by Ms. McDonough’s Health table and displays from our Odyssey of Mind teams.
• Mr. Martin’s Math Games will return, as well as The Egg Drop Challenge and our Paper Airplane Competition.

Plus New Food Trucks!

Fired Up Pizza and BBQ
Featuring gluten free and vegetarian items, along with kid favorites like pizza, hot dogs, and quesadillas.
No standing in line! Order from your phone!

And Donut NV

Offering freshly made donuts, lemonade and coffee.

What is the Egg Drop Challenge? Students are asked to create a device that will keep a raw egg from cracking when dropped from up high (16 1/2 feet!).

When? The experiment will take place during Math and Science Night on Thursday, March 6th. The Egg Drop will run from 5:15 to 6:45 pm.

This project is for ALL grade levels!

Students should work on their contraptions at home and bring them to Math and Science Night to test. Limited supplies will be available to work on contraptions during the event. WES PTA will provide the eggs!

There’s no set of “right” materials for this challenge. Materials you might need: Cardboard tube or box, paper/plastic cup, balloons, craft sticks, straws, pipe cleaners, foam, bubble wrap, paper, tape, sponge, tissue, cotton balls, etc.

Because of the popularity of this event, students will be asked to sign up for a time slot to test their egg protection devices at Math and Science Night. Be on the lookout for the sign up sheet as you arrive at the event!

K: Mav (not pictured)

1st: Vetri

2nd: Aarush

3rd: Raina

4th: Melody (not pictured)

5th: Kadence

Staff: Ms. Parker (not pictured)

• Thursday, February 13: RAISE A READER: LITERACY WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES
• What time? 5:00-7:30pm (Dinner 5-5:45, Sessions begin at 6:00)
• Where? Washington Elementary
• What is this event? Food, Childcare and Informative Sessions for Parents
• RSVP HERE!
• Monday, Feb 17: Teacher Workday (BGC Open 8:00am-5:00pm)
• Monday, Feb 24: Classroom & Elective Interims go home
• Thursday, March 6: Math & Science Night

• 2024-25 Student/Parent Handbook (English)
• 2024-25 Student/Parent Handbook (Spanish)