April 2009 Archives

MAY

Multicultural Night
Friday, May 1
6:30 - 8:30 pm

Monday Mixer with Principal Espania
Monday, May 4
9:15 am, Library

Volunteer Reception
Tuesday, May 12,
2:00 pm Lunchroom

PTA Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 12
7:00 pm, Library
Please RSVP to Jennifer Bucher at rjmlbucher@comcast.net
Childcare is available

Scrip Orders Due
Thursday, May 14

Two Hour Early Dismissal
Wednesday, May 20

Wedgwood Walkathon
Friday, May 22

Memorial Day
NO SCHOOL
Monday, May 25

Science Night
Thursday, May 28

Dear Wedgwood Families,

There have been a variety of exciting lessons occurring through out the school. Many of our classes are engaged in science units about organisms studying and making observations about plants or animals. Early in the week I had the privilege of working with a first grade class during reading. While the majority of the class worked independently on spelling, math or independent reading I was able to work with a small group reading the Magic Tree House. We talked about vocabulary and discussed and wrote the main idea of the chapter in their journals. I participated with a second grade class voting on our favorite Mexican dish. I voted for fajitas, but the majority of the class voted for churros- I think churros would have been my sons’ pick as well. Following the vote, the teacher guided the class into a review about what they learned in math about mean, median and mode. Finally, at the end of the week Ms. Sokolow, Mr. Murphy, and I worked with the 5th grade teams in designing and creating tile mosaic stepping stones. These mosaics will be at the Wedgwood carnival auction for those who would like to bid at the opportunity to have a dedication placed on one of these works of art.

The growth and learning that have transformed students and classrooms is amazing! As we head towards the last two months of school I have been thinking about how to support this growth through out the summer. Over the next two mixers we will be sharing different ideas on what families can do over the summer to encourage our children to sustain this momentum of learning. I look forward to seeing you at our next Monday mixer on May 4th.

Denise Espania

Please join us for what promises to be a fantastic Multicultural Night this Friday, May 1st, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The entertainment begins at 6:45 with room 14 performing a drum ensemble from Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. Next up will be Irish step dancers from local dance studio All That Dance, followed by Wedgwood’s very own students, Trishala Jain and Josephine Athappilly performing a bollywood style dance. You won’t want to miss Kibibi Monie, a fabulous African storyteller, who will then be followed by room 10 with a children’s game from Ghana.

Be sure to check out the Wedgwood International Short Film Festival in the library, the photos of Wedgwood families from around the globe, and the quilt made by students featuring books they read and countries they learned about during Read Around the World.

Plan to enjoy appetizers and desserts at the multicultural bake sale. Samples will be sold for $1.00 per item. Please bring items pre-cut and include any necessary serving utensils. Drop your donations off at the bake sale table near the entrance to the lunchroom. All proceeds will benefit the PTA.

The evening will conclude with our Read Around the World raffle. Students have received one entry per book read during RAW, and we’ll hand out more than 20 prizes.

SCRIP, Wrap-N-Mats and Wedgwood t-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase during the night. Bring your checkbooks and support Wedgwood.

Please contact Brenda Waldrop at waldrop_watrous@msn.com or 365-8881 with questions about any aspect of Multicultural Night.

Yearbook art submissions are due by Monday May 4th. Submissions may be turned in to the box in the front office. Win a FREE yearbook if your art is chosen for the cover! All students who enter artwork will be entered in a raffle to win a free yearbook. For more information, contact Dana Nelson at: dcnacskms@hotmail.com

Co-sponsored by: Seattle Special Ed PTSA and Seattle School District

Saturday, May 16, 2009, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Meany Middle School, 301 - 21st Ave East , 98112

Attention parents, teachers, and others who care for and about children with disabilities. This is a wonderful opportunity to attend workshops, pick up brochures, and ask questions to representatives from many organizations that provide education, support, enrichment, and services for children with disabilities and their families.

Flyers with more information will be available in the front office.

Carnival is the largest event we put on at Wedgwood and it takes a lot of volunteers to make it happen. Our dedicated Committee has made great progress in planning the biggest blowout yet, but we need more help before we can raise the big top. We have the notes and directions; we just need enthusiastic helpers! Specific areas of urgent need include: Cakewalk Coordinator, Graphic Designer for our posters, Food Coordinator (we've done the procuring already), and Wristband Presales Coordinator. Contact Emily Maher at ptaemily@gmail.com today!

Order your WRAP-N-MAT thru May 1 and help your kids save the environment by having a waste-free lunch. No more plastic baggies! This unique sandwich wrap and placemat in one is easily wiped at the sink or thrown in the washer. This will be your last chance to order this year, go green and help Wedgwood make green with a portion of the proceeds! Forms are in the office or email amygriff@u.washington.edu.

Science Night is an event sponsored by the PTA to encourage a love of science in Wedgwood’s students. Science Night has two parts:

• Poster Presentations


• Egg Drop

Poster Presentation - The PTA purchases tri-fold posters that students can use to display their research. Posters will be available for pickup at the office after May 1. If we run out, they can also be purchased at Office Depot. They cost about $14/each, so please do not take a poster unless you are sure you are going to present a poster at Science Night. Research posters can be on any subject. These projects are done at home with the assistance of parents. Teacher will not be working on these during class time.

The posters are typically divided into three sections that correspond to the three sections of the board: the prediction, the test, and the results/conclusion. It is nice if a child’s test can be recreated at school so that other students can watch and learn, too. Work on the poster with your child. You don’t have to be a “real” scientist to create an easy, fun experiment. Encourage you child to try to make a prediction on something they are interested in. For example: What will decompose faster in my compost bin: a whole apple or apple slices? Do organic foods decompose faster than non-organic foods?

Students will set up posters in the lunchroom and stand by their posters to answer questions. They can also go check out what others have done. If we have any “real” scientists at school it would be great if you could somehow share your passion with our students!!!

Egg Drop - Protect an egg so it can sustain at 30ft drop from the top of Wedgwood Fire Department’s fire Truck Ladder. No hard-boiled eggs!! Good Luck!!!

APRIL

Read Around the World Ends
Friday, April 25

MAY

Multicultural Night
Friday, May 1

Monday Mixer with Principal Espania
Monday, May 4
9:15 am, Library

Volunteer Reception
Tuesday, May 12, Cafeteria

PTA Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 12
7:00 pm, Library
Please RSVP to Jennifer Bucher at rjmlbucher@comcast.net
Childcare is available

Scrip Orders Due
Thursday, May 14

Two Hour Early Dismissal
Wednesday, May 20

Wedgwood Walkathon
Friday, May 22

Science Night
Thursday, May 28

Dear Wedgwood Families,

At our last Monday Mixer we discussed the budget, staffing, and classes for next fall. I explained that the projections were preliminary and subject to change pending more confirmed student numbers and a finalized district budget.

• Parents brought up concerns about class size and the possibility of a third kindergarten. These are concerns that will be better addressed once final numbers are provided. However, the district is working to ensure that class sizes remain at or below contracted levels. Additionally, if we are asked to have three kindergartens we will not be able to entertain the idea of having recess prior to lunch, an idea that was brought up at one of the first Monday Mixers.
• We were able to finance, a reading specialist and an instructional assistant. In order to staff these positions we are asking the PTA for support in providing stipends for safety patrol, conflict managers, and student council, helping with additional supplies, as well as support for lunch and playground supervision. We discussed the PTA carnival and possible walk-a-thon as up coming fundraisers. The PTA will be holding a general membership meeting at the end of the year to discuss next steps.
• A question about the music curriculum and WASL was brought to the discussion. Specific questions about individual teachers should be addressed in a private setting. However, to address questions about the music curriculum, Ms. Becker will be sharing grade level objectives via The Weekly.

We have two more mixers this year and if you can make it I hope you will join us.

Denise Espania

Everyone is invited to take a trip around the world at Wedgwood's Multicultural Night on Friday, May 1st from 6:30 to 8:30pm. We have a jam-packed evening of entertainment for you. Come see what the students have been doing the past several weeks in the Read Around the World program.

There will be performances you won’t want to miss, including an African storyteller named Kibibi, Irish Dancers from All That Dance, as well as music and dance from other cultures. We'll also have our first Wedgwood International Short Film Festival in the library, slides of Wedgwood families vacationing around the globe, and a sampling of snacks from around the world available for purchase.

Kids, we'll have a raffle drawing for prizes. The more books you read during RAW, the more times you get to enter! The entertainment begins promptly at 7:00 pm, so get there early!

In recognition of all the great work we have been doing at Wedgwood around environmental awareness, Wedgwood has been recognized with the Terry Husseman Sustainable School Award. Special thanks goes to Vishaka Smith (Ravi’s mom) and Darby DuComb (Luke and Finn’s mom) for their help in writing the application for this award. Happy Earth Day!

Due to Washington Mutual becoming Chase, the bank has decided to discontinue the School Banking Program effective Friday, May 1st. There will be no more bank days at Wedgwood after that date. So gather up your savings and bring them into school for the last two days of school banking, April 23rd and 30th. Thanks to all the bankers who have faithfully brought in their deposits over the years.

Mark your calendars!! it’s official!! The first annual Wedgwood Walkathon is Friday, May 22nd. We have a lot of the structure in place and now need a solid team to do the legwork. For more info, contact Deborah Sigler at deborahsigler@gmail.com and help us make this great—and healthy—fundraiser a HUGE success! We need you!!!

On a live broadcast of TVW (the state government channel) on April 14 we saw State Representative Scott White present our Wedgwood student’s bill for the Olympic Marmot to become the state’s endemic mammal for the final vote on the House Floor. Rep. White did an excellent job stating our case, and mentioned our students and the hard work that they had put into the research of the bill and their lobbying efforts.

It was a pleasure to see five other State Representatives stand up in favor of our bill, and no one oppose it. Representative Jim Moeller, the Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, called a vote and the outcome was 84 in favor and 13 opposed. The marmot passed! Now it is on to the governor’s office for final consideration and her signature to become a law!

Submitted by Team Marmot

Hello Parents!!

The end of the school year is almost here. Here are a few dates for your calendar:

May 1st: Multicultural Night: Rooms 10 and 14 will each be performing at some point during the night. Come and listen!

May 4-8: 5th Grade WASL Music Testing: Please do not stress over this!

June 2nd, 6:45-7:45pm: 4th and 5th Grade Music Concert (Not including instrumental music this year.) There will be a shortened assembly for students at 1:50pm. There will be percussion, drums and more!

June 10th, 6:45-8:00 pm: 2nd and 3rd Grade Concert - American Folk Music Theme. Guitar, Banjo, Piano and Bass players are needed for the 2nd/3rd grade concert! We need you as parents!!

The students have been busy this year working on the following:

• Kindergarten has been singing songs and games;


• 1st grade spent the first semester in the music room and has moved on art;


• 2nd Grade has been learning songs for the concert;


• 3rd Grade has been working on singing, dancing, games and instruments. Their concert will include singing and instruments.


• 4th & 5th Grades have been working on instruments and music notation;

All grade levels also had a week or son in Ghana, watching/learning/playing Ghanaian children’s games.

Thank you all. I look forward to hearing from Folk Musician Parents out there!!

Carla Becker

APRIL

All-School Spring Dance
Friday, April 10
6:45 - 8:45 pm
Cafeteria

WASL Testing for 3 - 5 Grades
April 13 - May 1

Monday Mixer with Principal Espania
Monday, April 13
9:15 am, Library

PTA Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 14
7:00 pm, Library
RSVP to rjmlbucher@comcast.net
Childcare available

Scrip Orders Due
Thursday, April 16

Read Around the World Ends
Friday, April 25

MAY

Multicultural Night
Friday, May 1

Dear Wedgwood Families,

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed your break from the every day routine of school and got to enjoy something different. This spring break, my boys, Adonis and Apollo got to play with their grandma and great-grandma from Hawai’i. They loved the spring flowers, snow, sun, aquarium, the science center, and just being together. It is great to have a little bit of change to remind us of all the wonderful things we are surrounded by every day.

I spent time telling my grandmother about Wedgwood and how much I enjoy being your principal because of the great community we have at Wedgwood. Last week, the PTA sent out a survey to find out if the community would be willing to support staff positions. The staff and I are so appreciative of the overwhelming support in favor of funding positions. However, I also know that many of you, for a variety of reasons, do not believe that this is the direction the PTA should pursue. I believe that we are a stronger community because we challenge each other to be better when we question and provide constructive comments. We are teaching our children to be democratic citizens who are successful in a global community when we model how to respectfully work through issues when we do not see eye to eye.

We will be discussing our budget during our next Monday Mixer on the 13th. Please be sure to share your questions, comments and concerns with me ahead of time via your PTA Board representatives. I will do my best to ensure that we clarify any questions and take note of any suggestions you have.

Denise Espania

On Friday night, April 10th, join DJ extraordinaire, our own mix master, Clarence Spice, for a night of music and dancing. Come try your hand at the Limbo, Macarena, Electric Slide, the Bump, and the Twist! EVERYONE welcome!

Warm weather dress is appropriate but or safety purposes, no flip-flops, please! All children must be accompanied by a supervising adult; this is not a drop off event. The party begins at 6:45 pm and is $4 per person or $10 per family.

Wedgwood T-shirts, sweatshirts, as well as SCRIP and Wrap-N-Mat order forms will be available for sale. Bring your checkbooks!

Principal Espania will be in the library Monday morning, April 13, after drop-off to discuss the state of Wedgwood. She will try to answer all our burning questions about the budget process and where we are right now.

Husky Stadium, Sunday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. start time
Support Physical Education programs in Seattle Schools by joining us for the 4th Annual Boardwalk 5K and Fitness Carnival. The event is open to all ages and abilities.

A huge thank you to Kevin, Cate, Lily and Nora Oyama for their very generous donation of headphones and splitters for all the computers in the library! Thanks also to Brian, Susan and Ben Ritchie for their donation of silver paper. Students and staff are very grateful! The library could still use some more paperback books.

On Tuesday, March 24, Team Marmot; fifth graders, Gabe Briggs, Erin Cunningham, Claire Demorest, Nick Jansen, Garrett Lawrence and Caroline Malone, traveled for the second time to Olympia to testify in front of the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee on behalf of Senate Bill 5071. The group did an outstanding job arguing the points on why it is important that the Olympic Marmot be Washington State’s endemic mammal. An exceptional, hand drawn portrait of a marmot by fourth grader, Eric Buzard was on display as the team testified. It was a surprise to all that a vote was taken immediately after the testimony, and a unanimous yes vote by the committee meant that our bill was passed on to the House Rules Committee!

After this excitement, our group met privately with Speaker of the House, Frank Chopp, Representative Scott White and Representative Deb Wallace. We are confident that this face-to-face lobbying will pay off.

Wednesday through Friday the fourth and fifth graders spent lobbying the House Rules Committee via email to pull our bill to the House Floor for a vote. On Friday, March 27, we were again surprised to learn from Scott Sigmon, a professional lobbyist who had taken up our cause, that the Rules Committee had passed our bill! We now move on to the House Floor for a full vote of the Representatives. If we achieve a majority yes vote on the Floor of the House, our bill to designate the Olympic Marmot as the State’s endemic mammal will be sent to Governor Gregoire for her signature, making our bill a law. Please stay tuned for our progress.

Submitted by Team Marmot

Like the idea of a waste-free Wedgwood? Want to make a difference in the environment by eliminating the use of plastic baggies? Buy a WRAP-N-MAT, the reusable sandwich wrap and placemat in one - the perfect product for a waste-free lunch! Check them out at Friday's Spring Dance and at the April 13 Monday Mixer as well as April 13-17 before and after school. Taking orders now - pick an up an Order Form at the mentioned dates or in the front office, or via email. Help Wedgwood go green and make green! A portion of the proceeds also support Wedgwood PTA. Questions? Contact Amy Griffin amygriff@u.washington.edu.

Below is the classroom schedule with the current and upcoming continent. If you want to learn about and even reserve recommended books for your child’s continent from the Seattle Public Library go to the RAW home page at: http://wedgwoodelementary.org/activities/readaroundtheworld.html. Thanks for your support.

classroom numbers 1, 9, 10, 19
Week 4, April 6 to 10 - Asia and Middle East
Week 5, April 13 to 17 - Africa

classroom numbers 2, 11, 18, 21
Week 4, April 6-10 - Africa
Week 5, April 13-17 - Austraila, New Zealand, Oceania

classroom numbers 3, 5, 6
Week 4, April 6-10 - Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
Week 5, April 13-17 - North America

classroom numbers 4, 8, 16
Week 4, April 6-10 - North America
Week 5, April 13-17 - South America

classroom numbers P1, 14, 20
Week 4, April 6-10 - South America
Week 5, April 13-17 - Europe

classroom numbers P3, 7, 22
Week 4, April 6-10 - Europe
Week 5, April 13-17 - Asia and Middle East

These 5th Grade Wedgwood students were recognized by the University of Washington’s Center for Young Scholars for their achievement of scoring in the top 3% of the reading or math tests in comparison to students statewide on the 4th Grade WASL:
McKenzie Boyle, Maggie Bucher, Jonathan Chang, Michelle Chang, Karina Cooper, Christina Doty, Sofia Dudas, Elizabeth Han, Sarah Kaestle, Nolan McCafferty, Colin Murphy, Alder Strange, and Julie Tolmie. Way to go!

Wedgwood’s annual carnival is rapidy approaching! Save the date for Sunday, June 7, 2009 (stay tuned for more carnival details). Last year’s carnival was the first year the PTA attempted a silent auction and raffle. We raffled off a Wii and Guitar Hero package, and had some great auction items, such as summer camps, golf, bowling, dinner and even a day at the spa. It was a great success and raised funds to support various Wedgwood projects.

This year we want to make the auction and raffle even bigger and better and that’s where you come in! Help support Wedgwood by making a tax-deductable donation to our auction, no matter how small or big.

• Do you work for or own a company that can donate a tax-deductable product or service?


• Do you own a timeshare or vacation rental that you would be willing to donate for a weekend?


• Do you know someone who may be willing to donate a product or service?


• Do you want to donate a themed gift basket or combine efforts with other parents in your child's classroom? The gift basket could center around movie night, sports, parents night out...be creative!

For more information on the auction/raffle or to donate an item, please contact Shelley Macias at shelleymacias@yahoo.com or 206.528.5363.

Most classrooms now have a volunteer who is in charge of collecting photos for each classroom’s one-page yearbook collage. If your classroom does not yet have a yearbook representative (rooms 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, and 21 are still missing them), please contact Dana Nelson to volunteer to fill this position right away. This job will take relatively little time and can be completed at home. No camera required!

If you have been contacted by your classroom’s yearbook rep, please get your photos in to that person no later than Fri 4/10. Not sure who your yearbook rep is? Please email Dana Nelson (dcnacskms@hotmail.com). Thank you for your help!