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Weekly Update

Weekly Update

October 17, 2024

Dear Winnona Park Community,


Fall is my favorite season on the calendar for so many reasons. I love wearing a sweater, I love sitting by a fire in my backyard, and I love saying goodbye to mosquitos for a couple of months. However, one reason I do not look forward to fall (other than raking leaves) is the astonishing growth of the Winnona Park lost & found during October and November. I must admit I have an obsession over the lost & found and returning sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets to kiddos. You can really help this process by putting your child’s name on every outer layer of clothing your child wears to school. If (when) your kiddo leaves a sweatshirt outside, and it has a name on it, it will make its way home. No name - no dice, unless you check the lost & found in the cafe during Community Circle.


Sincerely,


Greg Wiseman,

Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School

Important Dates

  • Oct 11 - 18: Read-A-Thon

  • Oct 18 - Community Circle - Second Grade Families
  • Oct 24 - Spirit Night - Naan Stop (Order Link)

  • Oct 26 - Diwali Celebration

  • Oct 30 - Early release at 12:50 p.m.

Morning Drop-Off Request

As you know, there is precious little parking for WP teachers and staff in the back parking lot. In fact, the overwhelming majority of teachers park in the streets surrounding the school. It would be very helpful to them, and generally more safe in the vicinity, if parents do not drive to WP in the morning, park nearby, then walk their students a block or two to school. My request is, if you’re getting into your car in the first place, just join our fast moving carpool lane. If you feel you must drive, park and then walk, please park 3-4 blocks away and make your walk a bit more meaningful.

UPDATE: 2024-25 Fit Georgia Assessment Waived

We previously communicated that all students enrolled in a PE class in CSD would be taking part in the state’s new Fit GA fitness assessment this year. However, due to continued, unresolved technical issues with the state’s new Fit GA platform, CSD has decided to waive participation in the Fit GA assessment for the 2024-25 school year. While some classes and students already participated in a pre-test, no classes or students will be post-tested this year.

Save the Date - Family Education Sessions

Mark your calendars!

Dr. Lindsey Hicks, our school counselor, will be hosting a Parent Book Chat on Friday, January 24 from 9-10 a.m. and Wednesday, January 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center. We’ll be discussing Jennifer Breheny-Wallace’s book Never Enough. The book ventures into what achievement culture looks like, how impacts our kids, and suggestions for a different approach. I welcome you to read the book before joining us, but advance reading is not required. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Hicks at lindsey.hicks@csdecatur.net.


Digital Wellness - Join the Conversation

Join Ilene Zeff, our media specialist, and other families from our school community as we start a conversation about digital wellness. After sharing some information about digital wellness and the impact of screen use on young children’s brains, we will have a chance to reflect on screen use within our own families, as well as discuss strategies to begin to better manage the technology in our lives. Sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Friday, February 28 from 9-10 a.m. in the Media Center. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Zeff at ilene.zeff@csdecatur.net.

Register here for the DHS Thanksgiving soccer camp.

Winnona Park PTA

Please visit our PTA website to stay connected with upcoming events

We have a new website! Stay connected with upcoming events: https://www.wpespta.org/

Find us on Facebook and Instagram.


Final Days for Read-A-Thon!

We’ve made some amazing progress to our goals, but even when the read-a-thon ends on Friday, there is still time to gather donations. YOu have until the end of the month (Oct 31) to collect any last minute donations.

Visit the site for more information.


Pride Porch at Oakhurst Porchfest

We are hosting Pride Porches @ Porchfest! Every year the PTA/PTO DEI committees collaborate to decorate porches @ Oakhurst Porchfest to help celebrate Atlanta Pride (which is in October) and show support for our LGBTQ+ families. Check out Oakhurst Neighborhood Facebook page for a map!


Diwali celebration

Join us to celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali at Oakhurst Elementary on Oct. 26, 5-7 p.m., brought to you by the CSD PTA/PTO DEI committees! Food, drinks, crafts, music, performances, and more! Dance workshop at 5:30pm.

This is a great opportunity for older students to volunteer for a fun community event. CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER


Current Volunteer Opportunities:


WPES Yearbook: Candid Photos

The WPES Yearbook Committee wants to see all you've been doing in school this year! Please email your photos of Winnona Park Wildcats in action to yearbook@wpespta.org. We love photos of school events, field trips, student groups, and school work! Important: Please include student names and teacher/grade in your email if known


We’ve got spirit! Do you?

Show your school pride in style with our Winnona Park Spirit Wear—now available online! From cozy hoodies to cool t-shirts, we’ve got something for everyone. This is your chance to rep our school spirit wherever you go!

Shop now and support the PTA with every purchase. Visit the online store and gear up in time for school events, community circle, and more. Let’s show off that Winnona Park pride in style!

Order yours today!


Join the PTA and Support the School with our New Membership Drive

Thank you to everyone that has already joined the PTA this year. As a reminder, joining the PTA is an annual event. We’ve also combined our membership drive with a fundraiser, asking families to make a donation. All contributions from this annual drive will directly benefit our students and teachers by supporting essential programs. The funds will cover:

  • All field trip costs for the year

  • Support educational initiatives like the community garden, STEAM materials, Books-in-a-Bag, and DEI programs

  • Teachers will also receive a stipend for classroom materials at the beginning of the year

  • Ongoing teacher and staff appreciation activities

  • Yearbooks for every student

  • School social events

  • And so much more!


Your generous donation will ensure that these programs thrive and that our children continue to have enriching educational experiences. And your PTA membership is included in all levels.


Visit our website for more information or select your membership level!



DEF Invites You to Supper & Sips

Supper & Sips is BACK, and tickets are live! Grab your friends and join us for an evening of fun, fellowship, and food for a good cause - our kids! You'll enjoy a delicious Southern supper provided by Oakhurst Market, sips provided by Three Taverns Brewery and Decatur Package, and seasonal desserts from our friends at Butter and Cream! Terry Cannon of Maxwell Street will provide the tunes, and we'll provide one-of-a-kind live auction items and an exhilarating fund-a-need to support DEF's work in our schools and in our community! Get your tickets today!

Community News

Decatur Education Foundation

Supper & Sips Returns!

Grab your friends and neighbors and help us celebrate the return of Decatur Education Foundation's highly-anticipated fall FUNdraiser - Supper & Sips! Join us on Thursday, Nov. 14th, from 6-10 pm at The Chapel on Sycamore for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship - all for a good cause. The Supper provides crucial support for DEF, allowing us to continue our work addressing unmet needs, providing enriching opportunities, and supporting our educators.

Get your tickets today! Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email Meagan@DecaturEducationFoundation.org.


STEP UP for Decatur Youth!

DEF was founded more than 20 years ago by a group of residents who wanted to ensure that EVERY student in CSD had what they needed to learn and thrive. Today, DEF's mission remains focused on Decatur's kids and educators, and we are still 100% reliant on the support of the Decatur community. DEF puts the community's contributions where they will have the biggest impact on our students, and DEF's Step Up Circle is a special group of supporters that allows us to operate programs like Lighten the Load, Teacher Innovation Grants, behavioral health support, arts programming, and so much more. There are also benefits - for both businesses and individuals - to joining DEF's Step Up Circle (beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from supporting Decatur's kids!). Visit https://decatureducationfoundation.org/step-up-circle/ to learn more about the different giving levels.

Winnona Park Elementary School
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