April

• 21: Mileage Club on Monday this week
• 22: 4th Grade to Lansing
• 22: 5th Grade to Greenfield Village
• 23: Kindergarten Registration
• 24: M-STEP - 3rd Grade ELA
• 29: M-STEP - 5th Grade ELA
• 30: Fun Run

• 1: Fun Run Money Due
• 2: Parent Requests Due for 25-26
• 2: Progress Reports Sent Home
• 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
• 9: 2nd Grade to Outdoor Discovery Center
• 16: 5th Grade Field Day, Bulldog Stadium - 11 am
• 21: Last Delayed Start
• 27: Kindergarten Celebration, OHS Auditorium - 2 pm
• 29: 1st Grade to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park
• 29: 5th Grade visits OMS
• 29: Warriors 5k Ultimate Fitness Challenge - 4:30 pm

• 3: 3rd Grade to John Ball Zoo
• 5: Field Day - 10 am - 2 pm
• 6: 5th Grade Recognition, WSE Gymnasium - 2 pm
• 11: 1/2 Day - Awards Assembly, WSE Gymnasium, 11 am
• 12: 1/2 Day - Last Day of School

Kindergarten screening begins next week! Be sure to get your little Bulldog registered for the 2025-26 school year! Screening takes place during a morning or evening session on April 23rd. (The registration form will take you to the sign-up form.) Please note: Learn 'n Grow students will be screened by our teachers during their current class time.

Register at https://www.otsegops.org/aboutops/enroll

The WSE Fun Run Fundraiser packet was sent home this week! This is our one and only fundraiser for the year, and we’d love for you to participate. Students have a chance to earn exciting prizes, including classroom raffles, ice cream & extra recess, a pool party, an obstacle course inflatable party, an invite to our Glow Party, and more!

Fun Run Schedule:

• 11:50 - 12:20 - 4th & 5th Grade
• 12:25 - 12:55 - 1st Grade
• 1:05 - 1:35 - 2nd & 3rd Grade
• 1:45 - 2:15 - Kindergarten

Thank you for helping to make WSE such an amazing place to be!

Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for the 2025-2026 school year. One important part of that planning is the placement of students in classrooms—a task we take very seriously. Thoughtful placement decisions take time and involve collaboration among many staff members.

Our goal is to make the best match between each student and their future teacher and learning environment. We consider many factors, including academic needs, learning styles, personalities, social dynamics, gender balance, and special needs.

If you have unique insights about your child that may assist us in this process, we welcome your input. Please follow the guidelines below:

• Focus on your child’s needs.

• Do not request specific teachers or friendship groups. A description of your child’s learning style and what helps them thrive is most useful.

• Submit your input in writing by completing this FORM or stopping by the office no later than May 2.

While we cannot make guarantees, please know we give thoughtful consideration to each and every placement. We appreciate your trust in our process and our commitment to doing what’s best for every student.

Week of April 21st

• 3rd Grade (ELA) - Thursday, April 24

Week of April 28

• 5th Grade (ELA) - Tuesday, April 29
• 5th Grade (Science) - Thursday, May 1
• 4th Grade (ELA) - Thursday, May 1

Week of May 5

• 5th Grade (Math) - Tuesday, May 6
• 5th Grade (Social Studies) - Wednesday, May 7
• 4th Grade (Math) - Thursday, May 8
• 3rd Grade (Math) - Thursday, May 8

Week of May 12

• Make-up Week

Sign up today for Otsego Hitters, a developmental program for kids ages 5-8. Practices start at the end of May, games begin in June. Register by April 21st! https://www.otsegops.org/departments/communityed/youthsports

Election Day is just over two weeks away and we want to be sure you are informed about the upcoming zero-mill increase bond proposal on the May 6, 2025 ballot. There are four key focus areas and dozens of projects that will address both the needs of the district and opportunities for our students, families and community. Please take a moment to learn more at: https://www.ourfuture-ourstudents-ourcommunity.com/ Thank you!

Capture the memories of the school year with a Washington Street Elementary Yearbook for $10!

Expectations of your child

It’s important that you have the same expectations of your anxious child that you would of another child. However, understand that the pace will need to be slower and there is a process involved in meeting this end goal. You can help your child break down big tasks into smaller steps that your child can accomplish. You can help role-play or act out possible ways your child could handle a difficult situation. Saying it out loud makes kids more confident and more likely to try the strategy when your child is alone.

Build on your child’s personal strengths

It is important to praise your child for facing challenges, trying something new or brave behavior. Some children like big loud exuberant praises, others like a quiet pat on the back. There is a lot you can do to help build your child’s competence. Search to find avenues where your child can show he/she is good at something (music, art, sports). Also be sure your child has jobs around the house that show your child is contributing to the family.

Letting your child learn to do things on his/her own

While tempting, it is best not to take over or do it for your child. While this might help your child feel better right now, the message your child is getting is that you don’t believe your child can do it. Then your child will start to think the same way about him or herself. Try not to get caught continually reassuring your child that everything will be okay. Teach your child to answer his/her own questions and provide reassurance to him/herself. You can model how you think through and respond to your child’s questions.

Helping your child handle his own feelings

It is okay to let your child experience some anxiety. Your child needs to know that anxiety is not dangerous but something your child can cope with. You can let your child know all feelings are okay and it is okay to say what you feel. Anxious children sometimes have a hard time expressing strong emotions like anger or sadness because they are afraid people will be angry with them. It is okay to take time for yourself even if your child wants to be with you at all times. You are modeling for your child that everyone needs some time to themselves.

Passing on your fears

Try to keep your fears to yourself and as best as you can to present a positive or at least neutral description of a situation. Let them know that it is safe to explore. It is not helpful to laugh or minimize your child’s fear. However, humor does help one deal with the world, so show your child how to laugh at life’s absurdities and mistakes.

**Article adapted from worrywisekids.org

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: Lylee Sheldon, Serenity Van Dussen

1st grade: Audrey Sheldon, Nahla Stallings, Greyson Peebles

2nd grade: Joelyzza Johnson, Brice Churchill, Taylor Lusso

3rd grade: Elin Johansen, Bristol Weston, Josiah Hawley

4th grade: Gabby Froelich, Claire Planck, Braydon Tyler

5th grade: Hunter Wrobleski, Joshua Lane, Braelynn Mol

Reminder: Students will need all of their winter gear! This includes **snow pants and boots**, especially with snow on the ground and real-feel temperatures expected to drop below 32°F.

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