January Weekly Update

Dear WES Family,

I hope you're doing well and ready as we settle back into the school rhythm after the unexpected winter break. Thank you for your warmth and enthusiasm in welcoming our students back into the building. Your dedication to ensuring our students feel supported and cared for is a beautiful reflection of our "We Before Me" vision.

As we move forward, let us continue to prioritize connecting with our students and creating an environment where both teaching and learning thrive. Your ability to adapt and refocus so quickly after the disruption speaks volumes about your commitment to our students' success and well-being.

With the benchmark testing next week, we must help our students manage their stress and anxiety. Remember to incorporate morning circles from our Second Step lessons, focusing on test preparation and the feelings that come with it. These conversations provide a safe space for students to express their concerns and build the confidence they need to succeed. By addressing their emotions and equipping them with strategies to manage stress, we are not just preparing them for tests—we are empowering them for life.

Thank you for all you do to ensure our school is a place where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Your efforts truly embody the heart of "We Before Me."

Let’s continue to inspire, uplift, and grow together.

Warm regards,
Venitra Senegal
Principal

3rd Nine Weeks Progress Report Grades Due- Monday, January 27th by the end of your conference period. Final Checks at the end of the day @4:00pm

1/28- 3rd Nine Weeks Progress Report 1 Grades posted on Skyward Parent Portal @ 4:00pm

1/28- Math Benchmark Test (Building Closed- No Visitors or Parent Lunch Day)

1/29- RLA Benchmark Test (Building Closed-No Visitors or Parent Lunch Day)

1/30- Science Benchmark Test (5th Grade Only)/2nd Grade RLA & Math Benchmark Day 2/ 3rd & 4th Benchmark Make Up Day (No Visitors or Parent Lunch Day)

2/3rd- 2/5- Makeup Benchmark testing

2/5- WES Professional Staff Meeting in room 606

2/6- Parent Academy Reboot @ 5:00- 6:00pm

Due to a 2 day week, our Zearn Lesson Challenge will continue after Blitz, the week of February 3rd!

Let’s inspire our students, support each other, and make this challenge a success! 🎉

1/27- STAAR Administration Training &Benchmark Classroom Environment Set-Up Time

*Teachers who have already attended STAAR Admin. Training will set up their classrooms for the STAAR Testing Environment (see Weekly Reminders)

1/31- Friday

Reading Teachers: Score the writing samples.

Math Teachers: Student engagement strategy Looking at scratch work to go through TEKS and create a problem of the week and their warm-ups, make adjustments to warm-ups.

Benchmark Testing Environment Arrangements

1. Teacher Desk Arrangement
   This year, desks should be arranged in an oval or large U-shape to allow teachers to have a clear line of sight to all students.

2. Student Desk Orientation
   Student desks should face outward, ensuring students do not have access to items stored in their desks during class.

   Example Setup: Arrange desks in an oval with the teacher’s seating area positioned in the center. (Refer to Classroom Arrangement Pictures below.)

3. Non-Testing Student Desks
   For students not participating in testing, their desks can be relocated outside the testing setup area.

4. Classroom Preparation for Testing
   All anchor charts and instructional materials in classrooms and hallways must be covered during testing.

Admin Review
At the end of each grade level’s conference, Admin and Ms. Perkins will conduct classroom visits to review testing arrangements and provide feedback to teachers.

HB1416 Update (4th & 5th Grade Teachers) Only- Teachers update your HB1416 tracker by entering WIN time to the tracker weekly.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zr7hzEZdReAIlsUodq3aYhroFCVP49xvY_dfrx520ow/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Jackets, Hats, Gloves, and Scarves during Specials- Jackets remain in the classroom for Specials, students may have jackets for lunch/recess but must wear the jackets while they are in the common area.

2nd - Lesson 17 - Which Solution

3rd - Lesson 19 - Pick a Solution

4th - Lesson 19 - A Good Solution

5th - Lesson 18 - Solutions Web

We appreciate the BEST Counselor in Wharton ISD! Ms. Perkins does an incredible job connecting parents, students, and staff members to the resources and support they need. She provides daily support for students, addressing their social and emotional needs with care and dedication. Each morning and afternoon, she greets students with a warm smile, creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere. In addition to her outstanding counseling work, Ms. Perkins is our Super Testing Coordinator, ensuring that WES staff and students have the best possible testing experience. Thank you, Ms. Perkins, for your exceptional leadership and unwavering support!

1/28- Miuyki Johnson

1/31- Lillie Stone