The Cardinal Connection

At J.O. Wilson Elementary School, we are SOARing to success every day in every way by creating an environment in which joy, pride, positive interactions, and growth mindsets lead students to comfort in taking risks, self-advocating, and facing adversity.

October 17th: Building Community in a Multi-Racial School...630PM to 8PM at Watkins ES

October 19th: Kindergarten and 1st grade Family Meet-Up...2PM to 4PM

October 21st: Early Childhood Committee Meeting @ 8PM

October 22nd: Anti-Bullying Poster Submissions are due to Ms. Amegah or Ms. Gregory

October 23rd: Fall Picture Day at JOW

October 24th: Fall Festival and Outdoor Movie Night 4:30 to 8 p.m.

October 24th: Unity Day at J.O. Wilson...Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! Wear your ORANGE shirts.

October 28th: Virtual Principal Chat 6PM

October 29th: Dine Out at Old City Market and Oven...4PM to 7:30PM

October 29th: Step Team Try Outs...3:45-4:45 in room 109

October 30th: Step Team Try Outs...3:45-4:45 in room 109

We had over 50 parents and staff members participate in last week's virtual PTA Meeting. For those who weren’t able to attend, you can review the agenda and meeting slides online.

During the meeting, the PTA provided updates on committee activities, how you can get involved, and an overview of upcoming events.

Sign up for current opportunities here or fill out the membership form to tell us more what activities and volunteer opportunities interest you. Upcoming opportunities include:

• Fall Festival and Outdoor Movie Night with Labyrinth Games (Oct. 24)

• Election Day Bake Sale (Nov. 5)

• Camp Fair (Feb. 1)

• Cardinal Auction Night (early May)

• Dine Out Partnerships (monthly)

• Bingo Night (TBD)

• Family Dance (Spring)

We are currently looking to fill the following vacancies:

• PTA Assistant Secretary (2-year term) — Duties include helping the Secretary with recording the minutes of PTA general body and board meetings; conducting general communication and outreach efforts; supporting the PTA’s use of social media; and assisting with general administrative duties.

• LSAT Parent Representative (1-year term) — The Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) is a group of elected and appointed members that exists for every DCPS school. The team consists of parents, teachers, non-instructional school staff, a community member, and, in some cases, students, for the purposes of making recommendations to the principal on matters that promote high expectations and high achievement for all students.
  NOTE: These seats are independent from the PTA and are open to any J.O Wilson parent or guardian.

Know someone who would be a great candidate? Please submit your nomination(s) here!

Want to learn more? Please reach out to the PTA info@jowilsonpta.org to learn more about the positions.

We will hold the special election to fill these vacancies during the Nov. 12 PTA General Body Meeting.

To reserve your pumpkin(s), please complete the pre-order form by Wednesday, Oct. 16. Pumpkins can be picked up at the Fall Festival on Thursday, Oct. 24, and limited quantities will be available for day-of purchase.

Please help spread the word to friends and neighbors. We welcome purchases from outside the J.O. Wilson community. All proceeds from the sales of pumpkins support activities that benefit students and teachers.

Join other Kindergarten/1st Grade students and parents for a playdate on the field at school to build community and make new connections. Siblings and other grades are also welcome.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 23—a day to capture moments you and your family will cherish forever! Uniforms are optional for Picture Day. Place your order online at mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: EVTFGGTCH. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Alternatively, your child can bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

Join the Cardinal Community for:

• Pumpkin decorating

• Game Night with Labyrinth Games and Puzzles (4:30-6 p.m.)

• Swag sale - Stock up on your cool-weather gear, including long-sleeved t-shirts and hoodies for kids!

• Refreshments (pizza, popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase)

• Outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania starts at sundown. Closed captions will be provided.

This event is open to all; please help spread the word to friends and neighbors.

Volunteers needed! Can you work a shift during the afternoon/evening of Thursday, Oct. 24, or help with unloading pumpkins the day of the event? Please sign-up to assist with set-up, activities/games, concessions and/or clean-up.

If you would like to be involved with planning events like this and haven’t already let us know, please reach out to info@jowilsonpta.org so we can add you to the Events and Fundraising Committee email list.

Parents Kyra Tyson and Mackenzie Matthews will be leading the group, and we'll be talking about supporting field trips, holiday events and the upcoming swing space move for the ECE classes, as well as the next Pre-K family meet-up.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83812649044?pwd=ym4x4JiY1Hum1KgraEQldWAxHuCkbV.1

Meeting ID: 838 1264 9044

Passcode: 846569

Grab dinner from Old City Market, our friendly, neighborhood corner store, and help support the PTA! A portion of each sale will benefit J.O. Wilson students.

Do you have the moves to shine like a star? We’re inviting all 3rd-5th graders to try out for the J.O. Step Team!

Tryout Dates:

• October 29th & 30th
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
• Room 109

Come show us your skills and become part of the team! Let’s make this year’s Step Team the best yet!

For more information, please contact Ms. Long or Mrs. Jackson.

bullying by wearing your orange T-shirt. Let’s unite as a school community and spread the message: Kindness Counts—Be a Buddy, NOT a Bully!

Students, it’s time to get creative! Show us what it means to stand against bullying by designing a powerful poster for our Anti-Bullying Poster Contest. Submit your posters to Ms. Amegah or Mrs. Gregory by October 22, 2024.

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $50 Amazon Gift Card
• 2nd Place: $25 Amazon Gift Card
• 3rd Place: $15 Amazon Gift Card

Let your creativity shine and make a difference!

Join Early Stages for a series of informative parent workshops, designed to help families navigate the special education process and understand developmental milestones for young children. Workshops are presented in both English and Spanish.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Navigating the DCPS Special Education Process
  October 15, 2024, 5-6 PM
  bit.ly/47GfiBE

• Developmental Milestones for 3-5 Year-Olds
  November 19, 2024, 5-6 PM
  bit.ly/3Beg6S1

Future Sessions:

• Navigating the DCPS Special Education Process
  February 11, 2025, 12-1 PM
  bit.ly/4dpdMEi

• Developmental Milestones for 3-5 Year-Olds
  March 18, 2025, 12-1 PM
  bit.ly/3BcC4oq

Don't miss out on these valuable resources to support your child’s educational journey!