Welcome Back 2010-2011

2010-2011 School Year Brings Exciting Changes to Wakefield Elementary

As the 2010-2011 school begins there are many exciting things that will take place to provide the best education for our students.  This year we will continue on our quest to effectively meet the individual needs of all of our students.  In order to meet this goal, our  staff has evaluated our educational needs and we have made some adjustments to meet those needs.  Here are a few of the discussions and decisions that will impact student achievement.

• K-6 Language Arts curriculum has been revised and a new textbook series has been adopted.  Our revision team has selected McMillian McGraw-Hill’s Treasures.
• A Leveled Book Room has been added as a central location for all teachers and school staff to access materials at their individual student levels.
• 4-6 teachers meet last spring to discuss some academic options.  We decided as a team to departmentalize in grades 4-6.  Students in grades 4-6 will have lockers to keep their school supplies and textbooks.  

• During our summer data retreat, our school improvement team decided to continue our focus on increasing reading comprehension for all students.  We made some important decisions based on our data.  We will continue to monitor student progress to ensure all students are making adequate progress.

At the end of last spring, we also looked at out waiting list for pre-school eligible students and determined that we had the need for an additional classroom.  In conjunction with the ESU 1, we have successfully staffed the classroom.  I know that pre-school has been a controversial issue but the need is out there.  We will be serving nearly 60 students, all but 4 are Wakefield students.  Pre-school participation is a successful indicator for ultimate school success.  We have the ability to provide additional early intervention services for some of our most needy children as well.  Over the course of this school year, we will monitor student progress and share those results with our stakeholders.  

New Elementary Staff

This year we welcome a few new staff members to Wakefield Elementary School.
• Sarah Schlickbernd will be teaching 2nd grade.
• Peggy Nelson will be teaching pre-school.
• Mike Clay will split his time and work as our Elementary Guidance Counselor.
• Ivon Martinez and Christy Jensen will be paraprofessionals.
• Josie Paulson joined our staff as our elementary custodian in the 4th quarter.

Facility Updates

Our maintenance staff has been hard at work this summer making sure our school looks great for students to return.  There have been numerous facility updates as well this summer.
• Relocation of Elementary classrooms.
• Pre-school playground-UNDER CONSTRUCTION
• Re-painting of the main gymnasium floor.
• Lights were replaced in both the main gymnasium and the activities center.
• Various painting projects including classrooms and locker rooms.
• Due to flooding in some of the classrooms and the office, carpet is in the process of being replaced.
• Cabinets in the Art room

A Few Reminders...

As a reminder, please use the main elementary doors to enter the school.  Students will wait outside until it is time t for school to start.  If students arrive at school early, they can eat breakfast or wait outside with their classmates.  If students arrive late to school, please be sure they stop in the main office to get an admittance slip from Mrs. Anderson. 

 
Thank you for all of your support last year in helping us ensure our school is a safe place for students and staff members.  Cameras have been installed and have helped us on numerous occasions this summer.  The changes in our parking procedures have also helped alleviate some of the concerns.  We are still looking for additional ways to improve that.  In order for us to ensure student safety, we must be able to account for all students, staff and visitors in the case on an emergency.    The only way we are able to do that is if you stop in the main office.   If you are going to go anywhere other than the main office, please be sure to see Mrs. Anderson to sign in and get a visitor’s name tag.  If staff members see people in the building (even if they know you) without a visitor’s pass, they will redirect you to the office.  Thank you for your support in making our building as safe as possible.

Goals include improved communication with parents and community
One of our building goals is to make sure we increase the amount of communication that goes out to our parents and community members.  Be sure to check out the website frequently for any updates.  We will also continue sending out dual-language notes to better inform our families.  In addition, we hope to encourage communication through various family activities through-out the school year.  I have been approached about a possible parent organization, which I am extremely excited about.  If you are interested in helping with this process, please contact the school.

"Bucket Fillers"
As we start the 2010-2011 school year, we will continue to focus on pro-social skills and appropriate behavior.  This year we will be taking a different approach to the program.  This year we will “fill each other’s buckets” through recognition.  Students and staff members will take ample opportunities to be “bucket-fillers.”  This program is based on the book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud.  Watch upcoming newsletters for our “bucket-fillers.”