Greetings Washington Families,

I hope this message finds you well as we embark on another exciting week at Washington GT Magnet Elementary School. It is with great excitement that I extend an invitation for your family to join us for our annual theater production of "James and the Giant Peach" on Thursday, January 18th at 7:00 pm in the Media Center. Our students and staff have been working hard and we know this performance will be a wonderful experience for both students and parents alike!

We also hope you can join us for some upcoming events in the month of February. Save the date for a parents-only session on dealing with anxiety scheduled for February 15th at 6:30 pm. Lastly, mark your calendars for "Celebrating Our First 100 Years" on February 24th, starting at 1:00 pm. This special occasion will feature the voices of former alumni, teachers, and students, making it a momentous celebration of our school's rich history. Your presence at school events enhances the sense of community that makes Washington GT Magnet Elementary School a special place!

Let's make it a great week at 1000 Fayetteville Street!

Magically,

Catie Burnette

Principal

🚌Transportation Survey: WCPSS is partnering with researchers at N.C. State University to learn more about families’ preferences for transportation services. Parents are being asked to complete this short, anonymous survey, whether their child currently receives district transportation services or not. Results of this survey will be analyzed by researchers and shared with district leaders to support future policy and planning.

1. Students in 5th and 8th grade who would like to continue in a magnet school at the next level MUST apply. Apply at wcpss.schoolmint.com. The deadline is January 25.
2. Students may apply to any magnet school that is an option for their address (review at wcpss.net/eligible)
3. Students with magnet status should be selected if they request their pathway school. See pathways at wcpss.net/pathways. Magnet students at Fuller, Hunter, Powell, Underwood, Washington, Zebulon, and Wiley have the highest priority at the TRADITIONAL CALENDAR GT Magnet Middle school for their address (Carnage, Ligon, Martin or Zebulon) as their pathway school. They have priority 3 in an application for Moore Square and are not guaranteed to be selected for that school.
4. ENTRY Grade siblings - those rising into grades K, 6 or 9 - MUST apply and will be assigned with an older sibling who will still be assigned to that magnet school for the 24-25 school year. (NOTE - some siblings have already been assigned.)

Cleaning out drawers and closets to start the near year? If you find any old yearbooks, please contact Ms. Hash at rhash@wcpss. We are working to build our collection as we prepare to celebrate our 100th Anniversary!

Anxious students may not be able to verbalize the specific cause of their anxiety; they just know they are experiencing excessive and ongoing worry and fear about something. They may avoid situations or activities in school. They may start to decline in academics and have trouble focusing and concentrating. This workshop will provide strategies for parents/caregivers to help their children cope with anxiety.

Who? All Interested Washington Parents

When? Thursday, February 15, 2023

Where? Washington GT Magnet Elementary Media Center

🎉 Join us in celebrating a century of brilliance at Washington GT Magnet Elementary School! 🎓✨ On February 24, 2024, we're throwing a spectacular 100th-anniversary bash that promises to be a trip down memory lane and a glimpse into the future. 🎈📚 A century of excellence, we have been creating bright futures since 1923! 🌟 Join us at 1:00pm on 2.24.24 for an event filled with nostalgia, inspiration, and community spirit. 🎊 Don't miss this historic event! Save the date and be part of the legacy! 🎂🏫

RSVP: https://bit.ly/washington22424 OR by calling 919-856-7960

Interested in building a stronger sense of connection within your child’s class and school? Consider being a grade level helper! This is open to parents and any care-givers who would like to be more involved in our school community. You can even find a buddy and be a grade level team! For more information and to sign up, submit your name at the Grade Helper Sign Up Form.

We will be consolidating our facebook grade level groups into one main facebook page. Please subscribe to: https://www.facebook.com/wizardpta

• 2nd Grade and above at this time. 1st Graders are with exception - contact wesgtpta@gmail.com for more info.

• The Chess Club will be facilitated by Triangle Chess and hosted at Washington after school. The 8 week program will start on Friday, January 19th and run for 8 weeks. It will be on Fridays after school until 4:50. The cost is $129.

• To register, go to the Triangle Chess Sign Up page.

• Click on: “Join a Team” (Button) to sign up and complete the information.

• Triangle Chess refers to In School programs as a Team. The students get opportunities to go as a Team and play other schools around the Triangle and win Team trophies. This is an optional activity, when the kids are ready. They also want the kids to see each other as teammates and share things they learn rather than see their classmates as competitors. The real competition is at other schools ;) Yes, they do practice with their classmates and all try to win but with emphasis on improving.

• On the page you will see a section on “supplies.” Don’t worry, you do not need to purchase them for the chess club. All supplies for chess are provided onsite - parents will get an email with details a day or two before the program starts. Any supplies that parents want are for home use/practice.

• PTA has a limited scholarship program for those that want to participate, but find the cost a hardship. Contact wesgtpta@gmail.com for more info.

K: Moira

1st: Elizabeth

2nd: Yashika

3rd: Taufeeq

4th: Avy

5th: Camilla

Staff: Mrs. Travers - 2nd Grade Teacher (not pictured)

Monday, January 15- HOLIDAY (No School; BGC Open 8am-5pm)

Tuesday, January 16-After School Rehearsal, Theater Production/Behind the Scenes, 3:50-6:00pm

Thursday, January 18- Theater Production, 7:00pm in the Media Center

Wednesday, January 24- Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

Thursday, January 25- School Wide Spelling Bee, 6:30pm in the Media Center

Thursday, February 15- How to Deal with Anxiety Parent Session, 6:30pm in the Media Center

Saturday, February 24- 100th Year Celebration at Washington, 1:00pm

Thursday, March 7- Math and Science Night, 5:30-7:30pm

• 2023-24 WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook (English)
• 2023-24 WCPSS Student/Parent Handbook (Spanish)
• 2023-24 Washington Student/Parent Handbook