"Knightly" News

October

• 14: PTO Meeting, Media Center - 4 pm
• 14-17: School Safety Week
• 18 & 21: Fall Break - No School
• 22: PTO - Decorate Lobby for Halloween, 3 pm
• 23: No Delayed Start
• 28: PTO - Halloween Snack Prep, 9 am
• 28: Pumpkin Decorating Contest
• 29: Picture Retakes
• 31: Trail for Treaters (set up - 1:45 pm) & Halloween Parade - 2:15 pm

Our continued efforts to enhance security to keep our students and staff safe will include the implementation of a new visitor sign-in procedure called Raptor. This is for those visiting and spending time in our buildings.

Starting next week, if you are visiting the school, you will stop at the main office as usual.

• With this new system, we will scan your ID to create a Visitor ID Label.

• This label will have your photo, name and location within the building that you are visiting.

• This allows others in the building to immediately know you are a welcome visitor in the school and have been checked in at the office.

• At the end of your visit, stop back in the main office to sign out.

With Raptor, IDs will be screened against the registered sex offender databases and a custom database created/maintained by each school that could include banned/restricted visitors, individuals with restraining orders, etc. Adding this level of security does not add a lot of time to the sign-in process, but will provide an added layer of safety and comfort.

Our PTO meets on the second Monday of each month at 4 pm in the Media Center. Join us on Monday, October 14th, as we finalize plans for our special Halloween festivities!

Washington Street Elementary is excited to announce a Costume Swap! This is a great opportunity to exchange your gently-used Halloween costumes for something "new-to-you." We are currently accepting donations and "shopping" times are listed below.

Congratulations to the following students for being chosen as their classroom's PRIDE winner this week!

P - Positive Attitude

R - Responsible Actions

I - Integrity Within

D - Determination to Succeed

E - Expect Excellence

Kindergarten: Emelia Montoya, Zoey Majewski, Damian Andrade

1st grade: Noel Sturgis, Kiara Hondred, Harper Vaughn

2nd grade: Jaden VanDussen, Everyly Hassing, Andie Krumm

3rd grade: Kaylyn Ross, Jace Gruber, Courtney Higgins

4th grade: Gabby Froelich, Lucas West, Dalton Gillhespy

5th grade: Sam Sposato, Prestyn Johnson, Maisie Smith

Halloween is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to bring back our Halloween Parade & Trail for Treaters on Thursday, October 31! The costume parade will take place inside the building, at 2:15 pm, with spectators watching from the gymnasium.

The Trail for Treaters will feature stations throughout the building, giving parents a chance to hand out candy to students. Click on the sign up below to reserve a spot along the parade route to set up your station for candy distribution. Think of it as a "Trunk or Treat"—just without the trunks! 😉 Please plan to bring 460 treats. Set up begins at 1:45 pm.

Students should bring their costumes to school and will change before their classroom parties and the parade. It is important that your child can put on their costumes independently.

A quick reminder: Costumes must be non-violent, and weapon accessories or scary masks are not allowed. Additionally, due to allergies, spray-painted hair is prohibited.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Our WatchD.O.G.S. program will officially begin for the 2024-25 school year in October. “Dads” (or dad-like figures) who are interested in signing up to volunteer for a full or half day should contact Angie Bender (abender@otsegops.org) via email to schedule a date.

When you volunteer, you will receive a schedule for the day that allows you to help out in different classrooms doing a wide range of activities (reading a story, working with a child 1:1 on work, playing a game with a small group). You will also have scheduled time on the playground and lunchroom to interact with students and be a positive role model for them. We need a current background check on file before you are able to volunteer.

Parental involvement is crucial in schools for several reasons, primarily because it directly influences student success. Research consistently shows that when parents are engaged in their children's education, students tend to achieve higher academic performance, exhibit better behavior, and have improved social skills. Here’s a breakdown of why this involvement is so impactful:

1. Enhanced Academic Achievement: Students with involved parents are more likely to perform well academically. Parental engagement helps reinforce learning at home, leading to a better understanding of concepts taught in school.

2. Improved Behavior and Attendance: Active parental involvement often correlates with better attendance records and positive behavior in students. When parents show interest in their child's education, students feel more motivated to succeed.

3. Stronger Relationships: Communication between parents and teachers fosters a sense of community and support. This partnership helps address any issues that may arise, ensuring students receive the help they need.

4. Increased Self-Esteem: When parents praise their children's efforts and progress, it boosts their confidence and encourages a growth mindset. This positive reinforcement can motivate students to tackle challenges more readily.

5. Problem-Solving Support: Parents can help their children navigate school-related challenges, promoting resilience and effective problem-solving skills.

Tips for Promoting Parental Involvement:

1. Review Classwork: Regularly check assignments and classwork to ensure understanding and completeness.

2. Discuss Projects: Engage in conversations about upcoming projects to gauge your child’s feelings and offer support.

3. Praise Efforts: Recognize and celebrate your child’s hard work and progress, not just the outcomes.

4. Communicate with Teachers: Reach out to educators with any questions or concerns to stay informed and involved.

5. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Talk positively about the school experience to help your child develop a constructive outlook and approach challenges with confidence.

By adopting these practices, parents can significantly enhance their child’s educational experience, leading to better outcomes both academically and socially.

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

Attendance Line: (269)694-7880

WSE BASE: (269)694-7835

Email: jknight@otsegops.org
Website: http://wse.otsegops.org/
Location: 538 Washington Street, Otsego, MI, United States