Archiving Seesaw Photos

Feedback from our families about the success of implementing Seesaw as a communication tool PreK-6 has been overwhelming.  We are so excited that families have found this way to stay in touch helpful when talking about the school day with their child.  As we approach the end of the school year, I wanted to pass along information on how you can archive photos linked to your child's Seesaw account.  See the message from Seesaw below to save photos.

Seesaw Message:

We’re happy to announce that parents can now download a .zip archive of their child’s work for free, anytime.  For parents who want to save their child’s work outside of Seesaw at the end of the year, this is a much simpler option than downloading files individually.  See how it works!

Last Day of School - Talent Show (5.24)

As the end of the year draws near, all students are invited to participate in our Last Day of School Talent Show. Students may share an appropriate performance arts based talent that lasts 60 seconds or less. Examples could include song, dance, comedy routines, acting scenes, music, sports demonstrations, etc. Students will share their talent with the Willowwind community on Wednesday, May 24th from 9:00-10:30 AM. Participation is voluntary!

Please take time to discuss this opportunity with your child.  They may need your advice and guidance as they select an appropriate act for a K-6 audience.  Ideas will be approved by classroom teachers. All materials needed including digital and sheet music and instrument for performances, costumes, sports equipment, etc. must be provided by the student’s family.  All digital music must be played from a family’s device (or CD given to teacher).  Devices must include a headphone jack to plug into Willowwind’s AV / sound equipment.  Please sign up on THIS spreadsheet. Spots are first come, first serve and outline the order of the talent show performances.  Sign up by FRIDAY, MAY 19th!

Thanks so much for sharing your talents, students!  Parents, you are very welcome to join us for the show.  We'd love to have you there to cheer us on!

Shhhhhh! Help Needed: Kindergarten Wishes

Read carefully... I need your help with a fun Kindergarten surprise.  SHHH!  Don't tell your Kindergartener about the top-secret information below.

Our time together is quickly coming to end. While this thought can bring some sad feelings in our hearts it is a truly a time to celebrate all that we have done together and our love for one another. It is a time where we are reflecting on our own individual progress over the last year and thinking about all of the wonderful things we have done together. We have become a family and experienced so much together.

On Friday, the Cottontails talked about wishes. We concluded that a wish is a something we want that makes ourselves and others feel better. Students took Literacy time on Friday to think about our Kindergarten year and brainstorm three wishes they would love to see come true as Kindergarten comes to an end. We generated a flurry of ideas and are excited to think about all the wishes, big and small, that could happen in the coming weeks. I am excited now to take one of each students' wishes and make it come true before the end of the school year.

Daily, beginning Tuesday, May 9th, a student's wish will come true. While the Cottontails know that one of their wishes may come true, it is a total surprise for the Cottontails regarding who's wish will come true each day and which wish. I have created a schedule of students' wishes and what day they will come true. Some may require your help.  These wishes can be found in red font. I will send reminder emails before "help wishes" occur.

Thank you so much for your help in making the last month of Kindergarten incredibly special and fun. Remember, the wish schedule is top secret!! And don't forget to send me your child's baby picture ASAP or before your child's Wish Day.  See other blog post (titled:  Shhhhhh! Help Needed: Your Child's Baby Picture).

Cottontails' 2017 End of Kindergarten Wishes

Tuesday, May 9 - William's Wish - Movie Day

Wednesday, May 10 - Ian's Wish - Park Day
Wednesday, May 10 - Ben's Wish - Plant a Flower Day

Thursday, May 11 - Zariah's Wish - Stuffed Animal Day - Note:  Please pack a favorite stuffed animal for your child to play with at school.  Keep the stowaway stuffed animal a SECRET!

Friday, May 12 - Lily's Wish - Prize Bus Day

Monday, May 15 - Jared's Wish - Dance Party Day

Tuesday, May 16 - Aryan's Wish - Word Search Day

Wednesday, May 17 - Hannah's Wish - Dress Up Day - Note:  please pack a dressy (as in more formal) outfit for your child to change into.  Keep the packed dress up outfit a secret!

Thursday, May 18 - Neshi's Wish - PJ Day - Note:  Please pack a pair of PJs for your child to change into.  Keep the packed PJs a secret!

Friday, May 19 - Olivia's Wish - Extra Art Day

Tuesday, May 22 - Ms. Michelle's Wish - Class Field Trip Day (More information to follow.)

Shhhhhh! Help Needed: Your Child's Baby Picture

On Tuesday, May 9th, the Cottontails' will begin watching our End of Year Wishes come true.  A wish is something we want that makes ourselves, and others feel better.  Please see the previous blog post for more information and where your specific help is needed in granting wishes.

In the meantime.... please read this top-secret information carefully.

ASAP, please email me your Kindergartener's baby picture.  Beginning Tuesday, each Wish Reveal Morning the Cottontails will play "Who's That Baby?" making guesses as to which Kindergartener is featured in the Baby Picture of the Day.  At Morning Meeting, I will reveal "Who's That Baby?" and therefore who's wish will come true that day.  Please see the Wish Blog Post for our top-secret Wish Reveal schedule and when I will need your child's baby picture for their special Wish Day.

Email me your child's baby picture ASAP, and keep the picture you select a secret so your child can be just as surprised when their own baby picture is on display.  Now for a little "Who's That Baby?" fun!  Take a look below and can you guess…"Who's That Baby?"

I'll give you a hint.  It's actually a picture of two little ones...it seems like they could practically be twins...but they're not.  ;)  Enjoy, have fun, and thank you for helping us make the end of our Kindergarten year so magical!  REMEMBER, keep the baby picture you email TOP SECRET.

Please Advise - May 10th Field Trip Change

Due to the recent wet weather, an increase in Poison Ivy, a high tick population this Spring, and recommendation from the Hickory Hill field trip coordinator, Willowwind School's May 10th field trip to Hickory Hill Park has been cancelled.  A big task on our field trip was to go "off trail" to help Hickory Hill friends pick Garlic Mustard (an invasive species).  This task would put our students into contact with too much Poison Ivy, a risk too great for Willowwind faculty to feel comfortable taking.  Parents that volunteered to drive, we thank you for your willingness to help but are no longer in need of drivers.

We were most looking forward to the trip to Hickory Hill to help our local environment and spend time together.  We hope to still do so on Wednesday, May 10th, weather permitting, with a walking field trip to Friendship Park and Ralston Creek where students will participate in group games and Willowwind's annual De-Trash-a-Thon.  According to tradition, 3-6 friends will help to clean out Ralston Creek.  Specific information about needs for this portion of the trip will be communicated by 3-6 classroom teachers.  Given Friendship Park is within walking distance we are no longer in need of drivers.  With our revised May 10th field trip to Friendship Park, students should still wear layers, apply sunscreen, and bug spray.  Students will be back at Willowwind in time for lunch.  

Even though our Hickory Hill field trip won't go as planned, we still encourage families to get involved with Hickory Hill Park, if interested.  Families can visit http://www.hickoryhillpark.org/blog  to find ways to help where they have Work Days that are open to the public.

Please don't hesitate to ask your child's classroom teacher if you have questions.  Thank you for your understanding.  

Save the Date: Portfolio Night - Wed, May 17 (5:30 - 6:15)

You're invited to join us for Willowwind School's Annual Portfolio Night! 

Who: Willowwind's students will present work from the school year to illustrate overall growth and progress in all areas of study.  Please note, this event is mandatory for all K-6 students.  Please let your classroom teacher know if an unavoidable conflict stands in the way.

Where: Willowwind School Classrooms

When: Wednesday, May 17 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. for all K-6 Students.

Why:  Portfolio Night and the preparation leading up to this event allow students to be reflective learners within their own education.  Analyzing school work while preparing for Portfolio Night allows students take ownership of their school year and see the progress they have made.  Through parent participation, Portfolio Night provides students a platform to speak about their growth, building their public speaking skills in an informal, open house style forum.  Students will be assigned a classroom based on their partner families.  Click HERE to see your child’s Portfolio Night room assignment. 

FINAL Specials Update - Apr/May

Each month, Specials teachers will be providing updates to give you a peek into the progress your child is making in Specials classes.  If you ever have questions about your child within a particular class please feel free to email that teacher directly.  They are always available and happy to help.

Music w/ Ms. Katherine

katherinea@willowwind.org

Visit Ms. Katherine's website for monthly updates.

http://willowwindmusic.weebly.com/

Art w/ Mr. Ryan

ryanb@willowwind.org
Visit mr. Ryan's website for monthly updates.
www.ryanbentzinger.com/teaching/

Español w/ Ms. Ximena
ximenac@willowwind.org
All too soon the Spanish classes have come to an end.  I want to thank all the students and parents for an exceptionally school year. I’m always impressed with how much can be learned by enthusiastic students in a short time, and this group was no exception.  Please congratulate your sons and daughters on the progress they have made!

In April, we learned Spanish vocabulary about “La ropa” (the clothes) and we have practiced the vocabulary every day with the question: What are you wearing today? Among other activities.  Also, the kids have enjoyed the song called: “Gorro, camisa, y pantalones”.  Also, this month, we just finished the Unit: “Places”. They learned about important places to visit for fun as Museums, parks, Zoo and they practice the vocabulary with songs, worksheets and memory games.

In May, I will do a review about the important topics that we learned during the year, to give them the opportunity of practicing the vocabulary and the pronunciation.  Thank you again for making Spanish part of your child’s education.  As always, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch.  Have a wonderful summer!

Phy Ed w/ Ms. Susan

susant@willowwind.org

Lacrosse Unit:  My philosophy is that Physical Education should promote the learning domains and provide a positive learning environment where the students feel comfortable regardless of their ability. Through making our program paced and fun I will be able to incorporate different teaching styles so that those students of all levels feel comfortable and increase their Lacrosse skills. I feel that Physical Education should encourage students to take their new abilities and love for physical activity outside of their school. Where they will be able to use the skills that they have learned in school to play either at a competitive or a recreational level and implement themselves into life long learners.

Program Goal:

The goal of physical education is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.

Unit Objectives:

Psychomotor Objectives:  Students will apply basic skills (cradle, scoop, throw and catch) to small game situations. 

Cognitive Objectives:  Students will describe two basic cues for each of the four skills of lacrosse.

 Affective Objectives:

1. Students will work cooperatively and collaboratively in small groups in practice and small games.
2. Students will practice and recognize good sportsmanship and support each other.
3. Students will gain confidence and self-esteem by focusing on the basic elements of the game.