Wildcat News

What a great start to the year! Thank you for your role in helping make the transition back to school as smooth as possible. A few important items to note:

~ Early Release Info: OUR FIRST TWO HOUR EARLY RELEASE DAY WILL BE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024. The school day ends at 12:30 p.m. Please complete the following REGISTRATION to let us know your plans for your child or children on this day. Please fill out a separate registration for each child. We ask that you fill this form out for EACH Early Release because it is easier for us to track. Thank you for your cooperation.

~ Snack Cart: If you have not yet filled out the Snark Cart paperwork and returned it to school, please do ASAP. You may also sign up for the snack cart through your child's portal (see below). Starting on Monday, September 16, only students who are signed up for snack cart, OR who have requested a scholarship, will be allowed to take snack off the cart. Any questions please just call Washington (507-345-3059).

~ Walk-A-Thon Info: The PTO fundraiser, the Walk-A-Thon, is fast approaching! This is the PTO's biggest fundraiser of the year, and the goal is to raise $12,000. Rumor has it that Mrs. Haggerty MIGHT be sleeping on the roof IF we reach that goal????!!!!! The collection envelopes will be coming home next Tuesday, so be on the lookout for those. The actual walk is on Thursday, October 10th--rain or shine. All parents are welcome to join in and walk with their child(ren).

Grade levels walk at the following times:

1:10 - 1:30: Kindergarten & 3rd grade

1:40 - 2:00: 1st grade & 4th grade

2:00 - 2:20: 2nd grade & 5th grade

~ PTO is in need of a Vice President...if you might be interested in considering taking on this role on our amazing PTO, please email Katie Kendhammer at katie.kendhammer@gmail.com.

~ School Pictures: Our picture day is scheduled! These will be taken during the school day on Monday, September 30. Ordering information is below.The PTO is looking for volunteers to sit at the PTO table and help with the picture process. Here is a link to sign up for a volunteer slot. In return for volunteering, Strawbridge does give you a voucher/discount for your own kiddo's photos.

~Attendance: Perhaps you are aware that attendance in school post-COVID continues to be a concern. We continue to struggle to get students in school. Consistent attendance is absolutely critical for student learning, growth, and development. A Washington Attendance Team meets weekly to review absences, and we work together with families to support students being in school. Attendance is absolutely critical for students to be successful. Please be aware that our attendance protocols will be followed with fidelity. This includes:

• Sending a letter at 7 tardies, another letter at 14 tardies, and a meeting with parents after 14 tardies;

• Sending a letter at 7 excused absences, another at 14 excused absences, and a meeting with parents after 14 excused absences;

• Sending a letter after 3 unexcused absences, another letter and a meeting at 5 unexcused absences, and filing Educational Neglect after 7 unexcused absences.

Other friendly reminders:

• Please be sure to call the attendance line if your child will be absent (507-345-3059).

• An automated voice message goes out to parents at 9:15 each day if we have not received a call from a parent/guardian about a student being absent.

• The 1st bell rings at 7:50, and if students are not present by 8:00 they are marked tardy.

As always, thank you for the support your provide to your child, to our teachers, and to the larger Washington school community! We simply could not do what we do without each of you!

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

A photographer from Strawbridge Studios will be at Washington on September 30, 2024. You can use this link and code FM440991 to access the Washington Elementary form to order pictures. This link will allow you to sign up to receive updates via email regarding your child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals, and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, please be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

Payment can be made through your parent portal. Use this link for payment instructions: Step by Step Instructions to Pay for Snack Cart - Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Donations to sponsor a child in need are welcome, appreciated and can be selected in the parent portal as well. Yearly, we have around 60 students in need of a sponsored snack. Thank you in advance for your support if you are able.

If your child is going to have a snack during the school day we strongly encourage you to participate in the snack cart. If you do choose to send a snack with your child to school we ask that you choose from the following healthier items: (any fruits) grapes, apples, oranges, bananas, melon chunks, etc., (any vegetables) carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower etc., crackers, pretzels, rice cakes, whole grain bagels or yogurt.

We hope that you take the opportunity to save some money, enjoy the convenience of a school-provided snack, and most importantly provide “top-notch" nutrition for your child at snack time.

If you need assistance with this program please contact the Washington office.

Dear Student Caregivers,

At Mankato Area Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are of the utmost importance. To ensure our preparedness for various emergency situations, we will be conducting a safety drill known as "Lockdown" during September and October. Exact dates are yet to be determined.

Purpose of the Drill: “Lockdown” is designed to prepare students and staff for an exceedingly rare circumstance - when an intruder enters the school premises. During this drill, teachers will follow specific safety protocols, including locking classroom doors, turning off lights, moving individuals away from windows and doors, not opening doors, instructing students to remain silent, and ensuring that students remain out of sight.

Opt-Out Option: We want to inform you that, as per Minnesota Statute 121A.038, parents have the option to opt their student(s) out of this required safety drill. If you choose to opt your student out, please notify the school office. You will be able to pick up your student(s) 30 minutes before the drill begins and return them 30 minutes after it is completed. This absence will be excused, and no adverse actions will be taken due to their absence. If you plan to Opt-Out, please call Diane in the office for the exact days and times of our lockdown drillls.

Special Considerations: If your student has experienced violence or trauma that participating in this drill might reactivate, we kindly request that you notify the school office. We are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodations to ensure the emotional well-being of our students.

Our Commitment to Safety: Rest assured that these drills are conducted with the utmost care and attention to safety. Our staff is well-trained to oversee the process, and our primary goal is to equip both students and staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.

We sincerely hope that we never have to put this training into practice, but preparedness is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of our school community.

Contact Information: Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the lockdown or our school's safety procedures, please feel free to contact me. We are here to address any inquiries you may have and to work together to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ann Haggerty

Washington Elementary Principal

Mankato Area Public Schools

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) is committed to working together equitably, with families and communities, so that each learner has the knowledge and skills to be a successful and contributing citizen in a diverse global society.

Email: ahagge1@isd77.org
Website: https://we.isd77.org/
Location: 1100 Anderson Drive
Phone: 507-345-3059