WA S H I N G TO N N E W S January, 2018
Kendo Carlson
January Calendar
Little Free Library
2 - Classes Resume 9 - PTA Meeting @ 4:15 p.m. 12 - Second Nine Weeks End 15 - No School - Professional Day 19 - Report Cards Go Home
Washington Elementary now has a Little Free Library! A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book’ free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books found in the front of our school. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Please use our free library with your family. Share a book, take a book, read together, and show respect when using our community Little Free Library!
Visitor ID Badges Please remember to check in at the office to receive a visitor pass if you are visiting our school or are doing volunteer work. The passes are to be signed out and returned to the office when leaving the school. If you come in after 8:45 and want to visit with your child’s teacher, you will need to make an appointment with them. Class time starts at 8:45.
Lunch Reminders
PTA Meeting
Digital Backpack
Please do not bring outside food such as McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, etc. to the lunchroom. If you wish to treat your child on a special day, you are welcome to check your child out and take them for lunch. Pop or soda is not allowed in the lunchroom.
Don’t forget to attend the PTA meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at 4:15 pm in the library. We will be discussing upcoming events at Washington School. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
You can find the Digital Backpack on the MPS homepage at: www.minot.k12.nd.us Just click on the backpack.
Girls Basketball The Minot Recreation Commission is once again sponsoring the 4th and 5th grade girl’s basketball program.
Jim Hill Middle School A representative from Jim Hill Middle School will visit
The season begins around the week of January 22 and will run seven to eight weeks. Games will generally be played at the Civic Auditorium II gym starting 3:45 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and possibly Saturdays (if necessary). Information was sent home with the girls. If you are willing to coach, contact Mr. Carlson.
Dress for the Weather
with our 5th grade students on Thursday, February 6 for a presentation titled “Welcome to Middle School.” Our students will tour Jim Hill, view a video about transitioning to middle school and eat lunch at Jim Hill on Thursday, April 26.
MPS Weather Policy is: Children remain inside only when the wind chill is -15º below or the air temperature is -5º. It is important to have boots, winter jacket, snow pants and mittens. Please label your children’s clothing to aid in returning lost items.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up Student safety is a concern before and after school. Please note the no parking signs in front of the school. Keeping this area clear of vehicles improves visibility. Vehicles should NEVER be parked or stopped in these areas unless you are actively loading or unloading. If you are waiting for a student, please pull into a parking spot. There is an entrance on 18th Avenue for drop off and pick up. This one way runs back to 6th Street. Using this entrance will keep the traffic from backing up on 6th Street. Please help keep the Washington students safe!!
School Nurses’ Newsletter Winter 2017 Its hard to believe winter is HERE… so it’s time to start preparing. There are a lot of fun things to do outside in winter. However, it is important to consider safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided us with some helpful winter health and safety tips: Outdoor Winter Activities
Recycling Please send the following for our “Trash For Cash”. These programs will help Washington earn money for needed supplies. Campbell Soup UPC labels, General Mills Box Tops, Our Family UPC labels, Sunny D UPC labels Printer cartridges
Ice skating, skiing and sledding are great ways to get exercise on a cold winter day. Remember, children should be supervised with these activities. Safety Tips: It is safer to sled feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first. Sled on slopes that are not too steep and are free of obstructions like trees or fences. Skate only on approved surfaces. Skate in one direction with the crowd. Never skate alone. Do not chew gum or eat candy. Wear a helmet when skiing. Stay away from crowded areas. Other winter concerns:
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school - and themselves. Start building this habit early so they can learn right away that going to school on time and every day is important. WHAT CAN YOU DO? * Set a regular bed time and morning routine. * Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. * Send your child the message that school is an important and fun place to be.
* Nosebleeds
* Bring your child to school unless he/she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds it may be from the dry air. Try using a cold air humidifier in the child’s room at night. Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too. If severe, consult your pediatrician.
* If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, the school counselor, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
* Hypothermia/Frostbite
* Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent for help.
When it is cold outside, remember to set a reasonable time limit on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. Dressing in layers is best.
* Plan medical appointments and extended trips when school is closed or not in session. * Keep track of how many days your child has missed and how many time they’ve been late.