Principal's Weekly Update #13

Hello Wales Families,

A reminder that today (Friday 11/22) is an early release day. UPK students need to be picked up at 11:30, K-3 parent pick up is at 11:40, and busses will dismiss from Wales at 12:00.

A reminder that the district calendar has an error in it. The 11 AM Early Release Days and Parent Teacher conferences are on 12/5, 12/10, and 12/20.

We are excited to announce that our students have requested a Pajama day on 11/26.

November is National Thankful Month. It's an opportunity for us to take some time to reflect on the things we are thankful for. Last week I shared an excerpt from a small book written by Jennifer McCartney, The Little Book of Alpaca Philosophy. This week I would like to share a quote by Epictetus from the book. "Generally, we're all doing the best we can. We are not privy to the stories behind people's actions, so we should be patient with others and suspend our judgment of them, recognizing the limits of understanding."

Due to the increasing need for support at the II building, Mrs. Kelchlin will be transferring starting after Thanksgiving break. While we will miss her dearly, we understand the importance of her new role. We were able to shift some schedules around and ensure that all the students Mrs. Kelchlin was seeing for RTI would be picked up with similar services, but with a different provider. Thank you for your understanding and support during this transition.

The holidays are approaching. If you and your family could use some support during the holiday season, please see the message below for Helping Hands.

The holiday order for wreaths are due on 11/25.

This is a reminder that when your child is absent or tardy, legally we must have a note with a reason, upon the child's return to school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

FSC and Rural Outreach Center(ROC) have partnered to give a presentation on 12/4 at 6pm at the II.

We are hoping to gather families for this presentation to help gain knowledge of the family support center here at Iroquois as well as a wonderful resource within the community. The ROC will present on the services they offer from mental health care, mentoring and tutor programs, substance use, government programs such as WIC, HEAP, and SNAP, as well as access to foodbanks, free legal services, holiday services such as Christmas for kids and Christmas meals, winter coat and boot drive, as well as many other amazing resources and services they have to offer.

We are making accommodations for child care ages 4+(utilizing the gym to set up games and fun activities) and will have snacks for families as well.

The Red Hawks’ Nest Project aims to build a new pavilion and enhance the Intermediate School recess area on our main campus.

Play spaces at the Primary Schools have been possible due to our generous community. Securing an adequate outdoor play space for the Intermediate School 4th and 5th grade students will require that same community support.

Please click on the link provided to learn more and to donate!

https://school-giving-drive-temp-53335.cheddarup.com/

Danny's Helping Hands is now registering families in need for this holiday season! You can find the electronic registration forms on the district website. For assistance, feel free to contact Danny's Helping Hands directly at 716-290-0436 or via email at dannyshelpinghands@gmail.com.

11/22 Early Release Day UPK-3

• UPK will dismiss at 11:30
• K-3 parent pick-up will begin at 11:45
• bus dismissal will be at noon

11/27-11/29 Thanksgiving Break