![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/pumpkin-01.9ad7cf69.jpg)
Winchester Weekly
November 17, 2023
Winchester Purpose & Mission
Winchester is a Leader in Me school with a common purpose to inspire students to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers who demonstrate responsibility for themselves and respect for others.
Learning together, Leading forever!
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 22nd-24th: No School. Thanksgiving Break.
Nov. 27th-Dec 1st: Book Fair Week
Dec 8th - 10th: PTA Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Dec. 11th -Dec 15th: Winchester Student Gift Shop
Dec 22nd: Winter recess begins End of the day
Jan 8th: Classes resume
🍃🏵 🍃🏵 🍃🏵 🍃🏵
Important Events and Reminders
Dear Winchester Community,
This time of year reminds me of how thankful I am to be a part of this amazing Winchester community! I am fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated staff and an incredibly supportive school community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Winchester Principal. Winchester Dragons are the best!
We are excited to continue with the idea of homework-free “Well-Being Breaks” for all of our major school holidays/breaks. We believe school breaks should be just that - a brief reprieve from school responsibilities like homework, special projects, planning, and grading. It is a time to reconnect with loved ones without the stress of schoolwork creeping in. Therefore, all students AND staff will be free of academic-related work during the following dates:
Thanksgiving Break (Wednesday, November 22 - Sunday, November 26)
Winter Break (Saturday, December 23 - Sunday, January 7)
Mid-Winter Break (Friday, February 16 (1/2 day of school) - Monday, February 19)
Spring Break (Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 31)
Making sure that our students, staff, and families have the opportunity to detach themselves from school completely—physically and mentally—on the days they’re off is an important part of our commitment to honoring the whole person. Leader in Me calls this “Sharpening the Saw”. In other words, we know our students and staff have lives outside of school and guess what? We want them to enjoy those healthy, balanced lives! This means we want you to take the time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate!
Please note that our office plans on following this same advice, and as a result, there will be no Winchester Weekly during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Please look for a new Winchester Weekly on Friday, December 1st.
Reminder, we look forward to seeing you at conferences which are scheduled on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, November 29th - Evening conferences 4:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 30th - Afternoon conferences 1:00-3:55 PM (1/2 day of school with 12:15 PM Dismissal)
Thursday, November 30th - Evening conferences 4:00 -7:00 PM
Friday, December 1st - Afternoon conferences 1:00-3:45 PM (1/2 day of school with 12:15 PM Dismissal)
I hope you have a relaxing break full of family, fun, and togetherness.
With Gratitude,
Kelly I. Lindsay
Fall Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming! Conferences will be offered both In-Person and Virtual, with the preferred method being In-Person. You can sign-up for the mode that works best for you.
Conferences are scheduled for:
• Wednesday, November 29 - 4:00-7:00 PM (In-Person Conferences)
• Thursday, November 30 - 1:15 - 7:00 PM (In-Person Conferences)
• Friday, December 1 - 1:15 - 3:45 PM (Virtual Conferences)
PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHICH KIND OF CONFERENCE MODE (IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL) YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR. We have reserved Friday, December 1st for virtual conferences. If you need a different mode than what is offered on the day that you are available, please reach out to your child’s teacher to make arrangements.
Please note that Thursday and Friday, November 30 and December 1st are half days for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM on those two days. No lunch will be served.
By visiting the Sign Up Genius link below you can select conference times for all your children's teachers at once. Simply click on the name of the teacher you would like to meet with at the top of the sign up and then select the date and time you would like.
Tabs are organized by teacher. Please read the tabs and dates carefully. The sign up closes on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM. Any changes to appointments after that time need to be made through the Winchester office by calling 248-465-2402.
*Please make sure you are signing up with the correct teacher.
www.signupgenius.com/tabs/1357FDA0FA4C9E4C60-2023conferences
NEF and Community Financial Funding
This past week, Mrs. Golec, Ms. Haite and Mrs. Bush received a grant from the Northville
Education Foundation. This grant was in partnership with Community Financial Credit Union.
Our goal was to create a new Social Emotional Learning space at Winchester. We are creating
two spaces, one near the gymnasium and a room specifically designed to support student needs.
THANK YOU to the NEF and Community Financial for your generous support of this endeavor.
Calling all 5th graders! Please join us for a 5th grade board game night on Dec 8th from 6-8 pm in the media center, maker space, and C-1.
Please bring your favorite board game and a canned good donation for the Civic Concern, and join us for a night of fun! There will be a game drawing (raffle) and 5th grade Girl Scout troop will have snacks & drinks for sale to raise money for their bronze award. We hope to see you all there!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVg8aHqLFM-o9Vv-JRiUEOmQLQWlh3m0/view
31aa Survey - Family Input Appreciated
We are seeking input and feedback from district stakeholder groups, including students, parents and staff members, as we begin to develop a plan for the most appropriate use of the funds to support the mental health and safety needs of students, within the parameters of the grant.
Your input is valued greatly and we hope you take a few minutes and participate in this brief survey. We look forward to learning about your thoughts, ideas and priorities for use of these funds to support mental health and improve student safety.
Questions or comments may be directed to nps@northvilleschools.org.
Survey Link:
Thank you for Staff Lunch
We wanted to extend a huge thank you to Archana Jalpota for planning and organizing lunch for the staff on Monday. Red Robin donated the cookies and allergy lunches. Rusty bucket donated the salad and Buffalo wild wings donated the wings, Lastly, Tropical Smoothie , donated smoothies.
Lunch was delicious and enjoyed by all!
Regular Attendance in School Matters...And Here's Why!
As we head into a busy time of year, we're beginning to see an uptick in the number of daily absences. While we understand that illnesses cannot be avoided and should not be ignored, we encourage families to plan appointments, vacations, and special occasions outside of the school day. While a few absences here and there may not seem like a lot, they add up quickly! As the infographic below demonstrates, missing an average of two days per month results in a loss of 30 hours of math instruction and 60 hours of literacy instruction per year.
Consistent attendance not only fosters academic achievement, but also encourages social and emotional development. It allows students to form connections with their peers, work collaboratively to solve problems, and feel a sense of safety in their learning environment. These skills are essential for students' growth and confidence.
If you're facing challenges with getting your child(ren) to school on a regular basis, please reach out to me. We are here to offer support and explore possible solutions to ensure that your child(ren) are on a path of educational success.
Celebrating Diversity
Winchester Families, Mrs. Bush needs your expert input! As part of our daily Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focus, we are learning more about "Diversity," which includes learning about various cultures and any differences that may exist among two people. If you would like to help educate our students about your culture or differences, please complete the attached slide and email it to bushje@northvilleschools.org. This information will be announced each Friday throughout the year to help our students become educated and accepting of differences.
Slide link:
Click here to access a copy of the slide.
Please include:
1. Your child's name/culture
2. Photos or graphics
3. Brief explanation of photo/culture/difference
T-Shirt Design Contest for Inclusion Week 2024- Design Entries are due 11/21!
This will be open to all Early Childhood/ Elementary,Middle and Cooke Schools-- We will have the high school students be our voters! This can be done with classes, groups, individuals- however you choose!
Inclusion Week TShirt Design Entry Form designs are due November 21st!
If you all would be so kind to send out a friendly reminder that shirt designs are due November 21st--- we've had a lot rolling in! thank you!
ALSO- people often ask about Unified apparel-- we have a fundraiser apparel sale going on right now-- it ends next week as well-- if you or any of your staff or families are interested: https://northvilleunifiedmustangsfall2023shop.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Community Rewards
Did you know that Winchester Elementary can earn money for supplies when you make a purchase at either Office Depot or OfficeMax?
Office Depot OfficeMax Give Back to Schools Program
Simply make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide your school's ID at checkout (in store and online) and your designated school will receive 5% back in credits for FREE supplies! It's a small act that can make a huge difference.
Make a purchase - Complete your online purchase and enter your school’s ID on the Thank You Confirmation page. Shopping in store? When you check out, simply provide your school’s name or school’s ID to the associate.
Forgot to give your school’s name or ID at checkout? Go to https://www.officedepot.com/l/school-supplies/give-back and enter our school’s ID and provide the online/phone order or in-store purchase information to credit Winchester Elementary!
WINCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ID: 70051772 NORTHVILLE, MI
Did you know that you could help Winchester earn money just by doing your regular shopping at Kroger and Busch’s?
Simply follow the instructions on the next pages to link your account from each store to Winchester Elementary. With every shopping trip, Winchester automatically earns money.
For those of you that have already linked your accounts to Winchester Elementary, it is now time to re-enroll in the Busch’s Cash for Education program. You are required to re-enroll every year. Enrollment will begin in October of the year prior and close on the first of the New Year. If you
already had Winchester Elementary – PTA selected, please log in to re-enroll for the upcoming year. No further action is required at this time for Kroger Community Reward.
Thank you for supporting Winchester Elementary PTA!
Lost and Found
(located inside the upper EL doors near the cafeteria)
Please click here to see if any lost and found items belong to your child. If so, please have them pick it up from the Lost and Found or email Kellie Anzenberger at anzenbergerke@northvilleschools.org, please be sure to include your child's name so the item can be returned.
Still missing something that isn't pictured? Have your child check their classroom, the gym or cubby area.
This link will be updated weekly, so please check back each week.
Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation is a self-regulation program we teach K-5 that teaches students to identify their feelings by using a different color zone. The students learn that we can be in more than one zone at a time, that all zones are okay, and can learn strategies to modify the zone they are in. Such self-regulation strategies may include, but are not limited to taking a drink of water, taking deep breaths, taking a break, using positive self-talk, hugging a stuffed animal, eating a snack, or going outside to play or get physical activity.
The “Zones of Regulation” defines four zones:
The Blue Zone (REST AREA) is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.
The Green Zone (GO) is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Yellow Zone (CAUTION) is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Red Zone (STOP) is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
The Leader in Me
Our habit focus of the month of November is Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
What It Is:
Beginning with the end in mind means that we take time to define our vision and purpose clearly. We have the opportunity to define outcomes before we act. We can make choices that shape our future, rather than leaving it up to other people or circumstances. Habit 2 aligns with the principles of vision, commitment, and purpose
Click on the images below to learn about some family fun activities that you can do at home that reinforce Habit 2!
Join us for the upcoming "Partners in your Safety" meeting, Nov. 28 from 6-8 pm.
This event will be held at the Northville High School Auditorium, located at 45700 Six Mile Road. The main focus will be discussions pertaining to school safety, the risks associated with social media and an in-depth exploration of the resources offered within the NTPD.
You will also have the opportunity to meet some of our officers and gain insights into their specific roles, including collaborative efforts with social workers, therapy dogs, School Resource Officers (SROs) and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) officers.
Topics to be covered include:
- Online enticement
- Cyberbullying
- Sexting
- Phishing scams
- Social media applications and their uses
- Online threats
- Parental involvement
Our event presenters will be:
- CSO Andrew Domzalski
- SRO Michael Brown
- SRO Robert McFadden
- Det. Justin Norlock
- Social Worker Susan O'Brien
Music Informances 2024
Dear Winchester families,
We are excited to announce the dates for our spring music informances. Our 1st, 3rd and 5th grade classes will each share with you a music informance and showcase all of the learning we have done this year in the music classroom! Each student will have multiple instrument parts and is vital to the success of their class. For this reason, we expect each child to attend their class informance. Please save the date! (Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th graders will all participate in the Spring Art Show, details to come.)
Please contact me at murphyap@northvilleschools.org if you have any questions. More information to come as we get closer to the dates! -April Murphy
Tuesday, March 12th - 3rd Grade
5:00-5:30pm Scott, 5:45-6:15pm Linton, 6:30-7pm Eckley
Tuesday, April 23rd - 1st Grade
5:00-5:30pm Catalano, 5:45-6:15pm Nicholas, 6:30-7pm Molnar
Tuesday, May 21st - 5th Grade _(+4/5 Split Entire Class Attends)
5:00-5:30pm Moore, 5:45-6:15pm Crowell, 6:30-7pm Calero, 7:15-7:45pm Lipke
STEAM
STEAM - Needs toilet paper and paper towel tubes
The Winchester Maker Space/STEAM Classroom is in need of cardboard toilet paper and paper towel tubes.
These are items we use all year long. Please consider setting up a routine with your family to collect them at home and send them to school with your child (every month or so) to drop off at the Maker Space for STEAM classes.
Thank you so much for your help!!
Breakfast and Lunch - Order by 7:00 AM
- ALL ORDERS ARE DUE BY 7AM THE DAY OF, *this is a change from last year. You can order up to 30 days in advance.
- Students may only have one free breakfast and lunch a day, any additional items will be charged to their account (i.e. extra entree, extra milk).
- If your student wants milk only, this is NOT free. Students may pay for the milk separately.
News from the PTA
Invest in Your Child!
Winchester Families,
We are $640 away from meeting our Invest in Your Child Goal (IIYC). Help us get there! From Monday, Nov 27 - Friday, Dec 8 we will be running a classroom contest for Invest in Your Child. What is Invest in Your Child? You can find all the info you need to know here. This is the PTA's main fundraiser that helps fund all of our programs like Staff Appreciation, Breakfast with a Buddy, Teacher Stipends, March is Reading Month, Field Day and more! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We are so close! If you have not donated, please visit this website to make your tax deductible donation by Dec 8. The classroom with the most participation will win a pajama and pizza party sponsored by the PTA (we will also accommodate all dietary restrictions) in the month of December. Reach out to WinchesterPTAPresident@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Best,
Winchester PTA Board
Save the Date
The PTA would like to announce a second session of Spanish Club with Mr. Tran for Winchester's Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students!
Mr. Tran is excited to offer new Spanish language units this coming semester for continuing Spanish Club students. New Spanish Club students are equally welcome to join as Mr. Tran can easily transition all incoming students into his class.
Classes will be held from 3:46pm to 5pm at Winchester Elementary and as follows:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade on Tuesdays (12 sessions - $240 total - $20 per class). Class starts January 16th and ends April 16.
2nd and 3rd Grade on Wednesdays (12 sessions - $240 total - $20 per class) Class starts January 17th and ends April 10.
It is our goal in Spanish Club to create a diverse learning experience and we encourage all students, Kindergarten through 3rd, who have an interest in Spanish to join.
Enrollment will begin Monday, November 27 at 10am. For more information, and to enroll, please contact Thuan Tran at thuantranaatf@gmail.com.
PTA Ideas and Feedback Are Welcome!
Do you have an idea or feedback you would like to provide to the PTA? We want to hear from you. Fill out this form and someone from the PTA will follow up with you.
Book Fair November 27th - December 1st
Are you ready to spy a new favorite book at the book fair?
Beginning the week of November 27, students will have the chance to purchase books and other fun things at the book fair.
When sending money for your student, please put the money in a ziplock bag with the students name, the teachers name and the amount sent. We will have volunteers available to help your student shop.
Parents will also have the chance to visit the book fair during conference times. The media center will be open after school until 7pm on both Wednesday and Thursday. Check the facebook page to find out which teachers will visit the book fair each day. All of your purchases help support Winchester and the Media Center!
Questions? Contact Molly King mollymccloud@gmail.com and Caitlen Horvath Caitlen.horvath@gmail.com
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
The Winchester PTA Holiday Scavenger Hunt is Friday, December 8th-Sunday, December 10th!
We need 10 families that love to spruce up their outdoor decorations for the Winter holidays. You
only need to find a fun and unique object to hide amongst your display. Please make sure it is well
lit and visible from the road between the hours of 6pm-9pm, Friday-Sunday. If you would like to be
on the trail, please fill out the sign-up genius below, and kindly email a picture of your hidden object
to Stephanie Smith at stephaniehannah@hotmail.com by Friday, December 1st.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4FAEAE2AA46-46173327-winchester
Winchester Gift Shop December 11th - December 15th
Click the image below to access the pdf and link to sign up to help!
Skatin Station
Winchester Skatin Station Family Nights:
11/20 at 6pm
2/22 at 6pm
4/29 at 6pm
Winchester Family Skatin Station Night is Monday, November 20th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM! Don't miss out! Skatin Station is located at 8611 Ronda Drive, Canton. We look forward to seeing you there!
Winchester Spirit Wear
Winchester Spiritwear Store is open and 20% off sitewide! Sale goes through December 8!
Holiday Sale Info
● Sale Dates: November 6th - December 8th
● Savings: 20% discount sitewide
● Shipping: Free shipping over $75, $5 shipping under $75
● Delivery: All orders are guaranteed delivery by December 23rd
Shop here -
http://click.email.1stplacespiritwear.com/?qs=7923238b90c00fc46e8c93a8b0c6450b1ae8dd668b49f0f4fa
e1ebfb655f98a2cb5e304276f3f4b108d8c06d06305ad8269552510674716a
If you have any questions please contact Donna Coleman colemandonna1@yahoo.com
Yearbook
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK TODAY TO ENSURE THE LOWEST PRICE!!
Yearbook ID : 15130024
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob?jobNumber=15130024&utm_source=exacttarget&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PUB24_BTS_YB_I&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=PUB24_BTS_YB_I&utm_content=hero
You can also upload your own photos for possible use in the yearbook here :
https://community.lifetouch.com/invite?code=CHESTER-THE-DRAGON-24
Invite Code: CHESTER-THE-DRAGON-24
2023-2024 "Staff Favorite things list"
Staff Appreciation Committee is happy to share the 2023-2024 "Staff Favorite things list". We would also like to thank Kim McFarlane and Amanda Amen for their help with the IHOP Pancake brunch in October!
Dad's Club Updates
Please mark your calendars for the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. It will be on March 15th, 6-8:30 PM. More details will follow. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with winchesterdadsclub@gmail.com
Next Dad's Club Dine and Dash: Friday, April 26, 2024
After School Programs
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts is fun for the whole family. It provides hands-on learning opportunities that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life. Anyone interested in Cub Scouts please send an email to: cubmaster@northville903.mypack.us.
District News
Hello generous Northville community! Are you interested in helping Civic Concern this holiday season?
Halloween is over, there was snow this morning, and it's been Christmas at Target for at least three weeks now...this means it's time for:
Northville Civic Concern - 2023 Holiday Basket Blitz
Civic Concern provides support to over 120 client households within Northville/Northville Township. Many clients are single or coupled adults. Over 50 client households are families with kids. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE EACH AND EVERY CLIENT HOUSEHOLD A FESTIVE HOLIDAY BASKET.
How you can help:
Sign up to "adopt" a household and purchase, decorate and stuff a laundry basket (2bu capacity) with shelf-stable items needed for a cozy holiday meal. This could include, but is not limited to, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy, canned veggies, hot chocolate, boxed cake mix, frosting, tea, and holiday candies. We'd also like to include a new, cozy blanket with each basket - please purchase and include one!
A 2 bushel capacity laundry basket can be found here:
https://www.target.com/p/2bu-laundry-basket-white-brightroom-8482/-/A-87299516#lnk=sametab
You can choose to "adopt" a single/couple household, or a household with children. If you select a family with children, please expect to receive a "wish list" via email. The list will include one item each child in the family needs and one item each wants for Christmas. Please purchase and include these items in the family's basket. Some families (and wish list items!) are larger than others! If necessary, please secure wish list items in a bag to turn in with the family's basket.
View the sign-up list of client households to adopt here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4EACA729A0FA7-44303397-civic
Baskets need to be dropped off at Civic Concern at one of the following times:
Thursday, December 7th from 4pm-7pm
Tuesday, December 12th from 4pm-7pm
WIth the cost of groceries through the roof, our clients are spending a higher percentage of their limited budgets on food. Many will not have the option of a special holiday meal at home without our help. And the extras that we might take for granted (hot chocolate, a seasonal blanket, festive chocolates, etc.) are out of the question. Please consider helping us lighten their grocery expense burden and brighten their holidays!
Thank you for reading. We live in a very generous and compassionate community, and it's the most wonderful time of the year to share our giving spirits!
New Hope Center for Grief Support in Northville
New Hope Center for Grief Support in Northville is a non-profit peer-led grief support agency that provides free grief support programs and services to children, teens, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.
As 2023 soon comes to a close we wanted to share the incredible free programs that we have scheduled for the remainder of the year and highlight some of our ongoing groups that are available. Please click here to open a pdf with details of the events. Also, please feel free to visit our website at www.newhopecenter.net.
If you have any questions, or if we can provide further information or provide additional support, please let us know.
Northville Youth Network
Winchester ❤️
Website: http://winchester.northvilleschools.org/
Location: 16141 Winchester Drive
Contact Us: (248) 465-2400
X (Twitter):@ WinchesterElem
Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM