Dear Wines Families,
Well it certainly seems as if the cooler fall weather has
arrived a bit early this year. Let’s just hope this doesn’t mean we have
another “polar vortex” heading our way this winter! I have a number of
important announcements this week.
Run-a-Thon Pledges:
Two Days Left!
Our Run-a-Thon pledges have been coming in daily and I want
to thank everyone who has helped your child participate. We are very close to
meeting our school-wide goal and nearly every class has met their own goal. But
we aren’t there yet! We will collect pledges through Friday. Remember, you can
make a pledge online at https://squareup.com/market/wines-elementary-school-pto.
If you need a new pledge form or if you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Science and Builders
Fair
Last week I sent out the first set of information regarding
our annual Science and Builders Fair. With all of the many things going on at
Wines right now, I fear that some of us missed the message. We certainly want
to continue to have a successful event! The Fair is Thursday, Nov. 6th
and registrations are due on Nov. 3rd. Attached to today’s email you'll find a registration form and Fair information. Please consider signing up!
Halloween Reminders
We will celebrate Halloween next Friday afternoon. We will
parade through our neighborhood beginning at 2:00 and classrooms will have
activities during the afternoon as well. Please refer to your child’s teacher’s
communication regarding the classroom plans. Students may bring their costumes
to school and change into them during the afternoon at the time designated by
the teacher. Please remember that costumes must be “friendly.” No fake blood or
weapons. A good rule of thumb is that if you have a question about the
appropriateness of a costume or prop, then it probably is not appropriate. We
understand that not every family chooses to participate in Halloween
activities. If you do not want your child to participate, please let me know
and we will have an alternative activity planned.
“Mix it Up at Lunch”
I’m pleased to announce that next Wednesday, October 29th,
Wines will be participating in “Mix it Up at Lunch.” Mix it Up at Lunch is a
national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance over a decade ago. Mix It Up
at Lunch encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.
In our surveys, students have identified the cafeteria as the place where
divisions are most clearly drawn. So on one day—October 29 this school
year—we ask students to move out of their comfort zones and connect with
someone new over lunch. It’s a simple act with profound implications.
Studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice.
When students interact with those who are different from them, biases and
misperceptions can fall away.
Our students will be assigned to different tables next
Wednesday where they will eat lunch and engage in some facilitated
conversations. We have a number of teachers who are going to help with the
tables, but we could use parent help as well. If you have about an hour to give
next week at lunch (lunch runs from 11:45-12:30), please consider signing up to
help. We will provide you with everything you need. Here is a link to the volunteer
sign up document. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054aadaa2aaa8-parent/.
If you want any more information on this event, please visit http://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/what-is-mix.
Wines “Dining Out”
Event.
On Wednesday, November 12th, local restaurant
Lena is sponsoring a Wines “Dining Out” event. During this evening, 15% of your
bill at the restaurant will go directly to Wines. It would be great to fill the
restaurant with Wines families! So start calling those babysitters now
(although kids are certainly welcome) and join us for this great way to spend
an evening and support our school. An informational flyer was attached to
today’s email.
Parent/Teacher
Conferences
Our teachers have been busy in the evenings over the past
couple of weeks meeting with parents for conferences. If you were not able to
attend your conference, please contact your child’s teacher to reschedule. As
always, we want to make sure we meet with every parent.
Walk to School this
Friday
Don’t forget, we’ll be walking to school again this Friday!
That’s all for this week!
David
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