Wildcat Newsletter
September 4th, 2024
Dear Wildcat Families,
It’s great to have all of our Wildcats back in the building for the new school year. Kindergarten and our partner Pre-K started Tuesday and we are thrilled to have them join in the routines of the day. Our Kindergarteners were excited to have a first day picture taken!
We’ve got lots of information packed in this edition of the family newsletter. And, there are many loose pages accompanying the newsletter. Please take time to read through everything.
You should be receiving the lunch menu, our one-page events calendar, a PPS calendar that includes the early release dates, and a code of color reminder. These are for your reference.
Additionally, you are receiving a form from Vision to Learn. This form has information about the program that we are SO EXCITED to have at Woodlawn this year. This form is only needed if you are opting OUT of the program. If you want your child to participate in the vision screening, do nothing. Vision screenings are happening for 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade tomorrow so if you would like to opt OUT please send your child to school with their form tomorrow.
Next, we ask all families to log into ParentVue and check the information, especially the emergency contacts and all phone numbers, attached to your child’s registration. One thing that is NEW is the technology agreement. Every student must have this completed. Here is information about that process:
Yearly verification in ParentVue due for all
Parent or guardian consent is required for each student to use PPS District computers and programs. The easiest way to complete this consent is to do the Yearly Verification in ParentVue.
· If you haven’t used ParentVue before contact the office. We can print directions or they can be emailed to you.
· If you have been in ParentVue but are locked out, we can reset passwords, too.
During the Yearly Verification process, you will be asked to complete the technology consent box. This is a one-time consent which will roll over year to year while your student is with PPS.
If you are new to PPS you may have already completed this during the online registration process. If you are unsure you can always do the Yearly Verification from ParentVue as a double check.
Last office thing for this week, you’ll see Back to School Night on the events calendar for Thursday, September 19th. The format of this event is changing to better align our communication with you about the curriculum in your child’s grade level. There will be classroom sessions offered each half-hour in which a teacher presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer time. While children are invited to this event, it is geared towards parents and providing information about the school program. There are no activities for children. More information will be provided next week.
An update on a staffing change: Mrs. Lefferts has accepted a Principal position in another PPS school. She started her new assignment this week. We will begin the process of filling the Assistant Principal position in the near future.
So great to be together!
Mrs. Porter-Lopez, Paige, Kellie and Sandra
Woodlawn Elementary School is excited to welcome author, poet, and playwright Idris Goodwin for a visit on September 30th.
This is a unique opportunity for Woodlawn students to learn about the book creation process from a talented writer of picture books.
We are partnering with Green Bean Books for families that are interested in purchasing signed copies of his book. When ordering through the link below, please:
Green Bean Books Link: https://greenbeanbookspdx.indielite.org/list/idris-goodwin-author-visit
Select "I would like to pick up this order" under pick up options and then select Woodlawn
Write your child's teacher's name in the comment box so that the books can be distributed easily.
The deadline for submitting orders is Monday, September 16th
A Note from Mrs. Marquis, Our School Counselor
Dear Families/Caregivers:
Welcome back to school! School attendance is very important. Did you know:
Students who miss 10% of the school year (or 17 days throughout the year) are considered chronically absent
This number includes excused AND unexcused absences
Missing 10% or more of the school year can make it harder to learn to read
Attendance is one of the three school success indicators reflected in our school’s report card issued yearly by the state
When students reduce absences, they can make great academic gains
Last year, 36.25% of students were chronically absent (see graph below for details). We are working to decrease that number this year and in the years to come by providing outreach, school wide attendance awareness, schoolwide incentive programs to encourage attendance, and resources to students and families.
This week the School Counselor, Carissa Marquis, will be teaching classroom lessons on the importance of coming to school everyday on time, sharing with student’s their personal attendance averages from the prior school year, listing legitimate reasons to miss school (funeral, health concerns/sickness, etc.), and discussing how attendance can affect your education and future.
If you have any questions about your child's attendance or if you need resources for your family to help support school attendance, don't hesitate to call the main office for our School Counselor.
Thanks, Mrs. Marquis
Harvest of the Month at Woodlawn
Harvest of the Month is a Farm to School program that introduces students to great local fruits and vegetables. Each month, Nutrition Services will feature a different locally grown produce item. This September, students can enjoy fresh watermelon every Thursday with their school lunch. Join us in celebrating fresh, local foods and give watermelon a try!
Campfire Meet & Greet, Plus Save the Date!
Campfire is hosting a meet and greet for families at Woodlawn School on September 13th from 5 to 6pm on the big playground!
Campfire will also be hosting a full day of childcare on October 11th at Fernwood. More info in next week’s newsletter.
Thanks, Blaine
From the PTA
Volunteer at the PPS Clothing Closet
As a PTA we have a requirement to send volunteers twice a year to the PPS clothing closet at Marshall High School. You will be organizing donations and helping families shop for school clothes. If you can help us volunteer there on September 9th, we would be so grateful. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49AFA828A4FEC43-50675252-woodlawn#/
Be our Fish Tank Hero
The School has a need for someone to care for the Fish tank that is outside the office. This is a great volunteer job that can be done on your own time. If you are able to help out in this way, please let the front office know or email us at woodlawnschoolpta@gmail.com
Watch for Grand Central Bread on Tuesday mornings.
Did you know that the PTA picks up leftover bread and treats from Grand Central Bakery every Monday evening. On Tuesday mornings, we put the treats in the staff resilience room and we hand out bread to WIldcat families. Please come and get some bread for the week. It is great fresh and freezes well too. Usually we are set up in front of the school Tuesday mornings but if we are short on volunteers you might find us after school or at SUN school pick up instead.
Upcoming Important Events:
9/5 Vision Screenings
9/16 SUN Registration Opens
9/19 Back to School Night
9/20 SUN Registration Closes
9/25 Early Release
9/25 Spirit Day: Wear Grade Level Colors!