Oaknoll Drivers Needed - NEXT Thur, 4.7 AND Thur, 5.5

Our March trip to Oaknoll was SUCH a success!  The Oaknoll residents were on Cloud Nine as were our students.  The Oaknoll Volunteer Coordinator emailed and wants us back!  What an indicator of respect, love, and generosity our students must've shown.

If you can drive either NEXT Thursday, April 7th or Thursday, May 5th please click HERE to sign up on our field trip spreadsheet.  We will leave Willowwind at 10:30 and return by 12:30.  I know the turn around time for the April 7th field trip is quick but the value in the trip outweighs scheduling needs.  Your support is necessary, so thank you in advance for your support.

In the meantime, enjoy these pictures from our last field trip.

Silly at all ages!

Spring is Here! - Spring Hunt Homework

Yesterday your child was assigned with a task to go on a hunt for Signs of Spring.  Using the instructions below, please help your child with this fun at home activity.

1)  Search for Signs

While out and about, and with your child, look for these signs of Spring…

•  a robin

•  a tree bud

•  a flower

2)  Add to our Chart

Encourage your child to add to our graphic organizer (located outside our classroom on the hallway wall to the right of our bulletin board.  On this graphic organizer, use the pen provide to add:

•  where they saw that sign of Spring

and

•  their name or initial

3)  Other Signs?

See other signs of Spring?  Add those to our “other” section on the graphic organizer, too.

Please encourage your child with this activity.  They are excited to look for signs of Spring and are eager to add their sights to our hallway poster.  Have fun!  Happy Spring and happy hunting!

Spring is Here! - Wet Weather / Muddy Ground

The playground is extremely muddy.  Please be sure your child has snow pants and boots here at school daily.  While we may not wear them every day or at every recess snow pants and boots are an important layer thanks to March & April rain showers.  Snow pants and boots are required for wet recess play and to keep your child dry and clean while having fun in the warming Spring sun.  Hats and gloves are also helpful to keep on hand for those cool morning recesses.  Students will be required to wear coats (a light weight Spring coat is fine) with cool Spring temperature.

Owl Cafe - Friday, Apr 1

A message from our Owl Friends!

Please join us on Friday, April 1 for the annual Owl Café. The Owls will be serving breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30. We are earning money for our class trip to Dubuque, Iowa.  We will visit the River Museum, have lunch, and visit a nearby nature reserve. Come join us for a healthy breakfast and bring the whole family. Don't have time to eat? You can take some goodies to share at work and donations are welcome as well. The Owls will publish this year's menu in a few days. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Upcoming Field Trips

We have a variety of upcoming field trips at the end of March & early April.  Please take note.

THIS Wednesday, March 23 - ONE Driver STILL Needed
Peter and the Wolf Puppet Show - New Strand Theater - West Liberty, IA
9:20 - 11:30ish
LEAVE BOOSTER SEAT!

Please click here access the volunteer list and help drive students to and from the show.

NEXT Wednesday, March 30 - Parent Volunteer Needed

Iowa City Public Library

9:30 - 12:00

BRING LIBRARY CARD!

We are in need of one parent volunteer.  If you are interested in join us please let me know.

Monday, April 4th

Bodyworks Performance @ The Englert
9:00 - 11:30
Bodyology is a 1 hour theatrical show that explores the inner workings of the human body along with the health practices required to care for it. The National Bodyology Tour is an exciting new Musical Show starring PBS's Slim Goodbody.  K-6 teachers and students will be traveling together via the City Bus.

VIP Day Invites Needed by Friday, April 1

Mark your calendars! Friday, April 8th is Willowwind's VIP Day (11:30 - 2:45). Your child is welcome to invite one VIP to spend an afternoon at Willowwind.  A Willowwind VIP is a charismatic adult that plays an important role in your child's life but doesn't often get the chance to see your child interact as a student here at Willowwind School.  Typically different from parents, your child's VIP should be a vested adult interested in learning more about Willowwind through the eyes and leadership of your child.  A Willowwind VIP may include a grandparent, relative, adult neighbor, coworker, family friend, etc.  Please brainstorm with your child who they would like their one VIP to be.  Then have your child personally invite their VIP to be a part of our VIP Day.  We encourage your child's VIP to be a loving adult beyond your child's immediate family.  Before Spring Break, your child took home their initial brainstorm of potential VIPs in their life they'd like to invite.  Please feel free to use this in guiding your child to a potential VIP.

By Friday, April 1st, please email your VIP RSVP to your child's classroom teacher.  Please include your child's name, their VIP's name, and the VIP's email address.  We would like to personally welcome all VIPs to Willowwind via a school invitation.  VIP Day allows us to grow our Willowwind family while giving VIPs an opportunity to see the fun your child has while learning and growing. 

The Wolf Den Diner is serving a catered meal from The Wedge on VIP Day, Friday, April 8. The meal will include cheese pizza and a garden salad. Pre-purchase is required by Wednesday, April 6. The meals are $5. Come in and buy your VIP meals at regular selling times. Overall unlimited and Pizza unlimited tickets do not include this meal. Please bring your own drink or water bottle as we do not serve drinks with our meals.

Following VIP Day, students will be preforming in our Spring Music Program at the River Community Church.  This event begins at 1:45, and all family members are invited to attend (and VIPs).

VIP Day Schedule

11:30  VIP Arrival

11:30 - 11:50  VIP Recess

11:50 - 12:15  VIP Lunch (Wolf Den Diner available)

12:15 - 1:30   Classroom Activities

1:30 - 1:45   Walk to Chuch for Music Program

1:45 - 2:45   Spring Music Program (ALL family members invited)

2:45   Optional Early Dismissal

or

2:45 - 3:15   School Activities

Please Reply: Community Night Attendance

We are gearing up for our Community Night event THIS Thursday, March 10th at 5:30 located at the River Community Church.  We are so excited to present on our Winter unit of study - Kindness.  All Willowwind students are expected to participate.  This event is mandatory.

If for some unforeseen reason your child will not be able to attend this mandatory event please let me know by Tuesday evening.  We have been working hard to prepare for the event with singing and speaking parts.  We need to be sure that all students with speaking parts will be at the event to complete their essential portion of the presentation.

Snow Pants & Boots STILL Needed

The snow is gone, but the ground is soggy, mucky mess.  Please continue to bring in snow pants and Boots until you hear otherwise.  It's silly, but today, for example, we went outside with snow pants and boots and long sleeve only due to the milder weather.  We will send snow pants home over Spring Break to wash, but I ask that you bring them back to help with the rainy, muddy season ahead.  Your child's snow pants are an important part in keeping our clothes and interior classroom spaces clean and dry.

Specials Update - Feb / Mar

Art w/ Mr. Ryan

ryanb@willowwind.org

Visit Mr. Ryan's website for monthly updates.

www.willowwindschoolart.weebly.com

Music w/ Ms. Katherine

katherinea@willowwind.org

Visit Ms. Katherine's blog for monthly updates.

http://willowwindmusic.weebly.com/

ASP w/ Mr. Dan & Friends
dand@willowwind.org
Visit ASP's blog for regular updates.
http://willowwindasp.weebly.com

Espanol w/ Ms. Ximena

ximenac@willowwind.org
February was a great month. The kids enjoyed the Valentine’s Day Celebration; we had treats, candies, cards and an especial book from our secret friend. Because of that celebration, in Spanish class they learned a new song called “Cada vez que nos juntamos” (Every time we get together). Also, they wrote a Valentine’s card in Spanish to a friend or a family member. After Valentine’s Day, we started the unit “ La comida” (food). We talked about favorite foods, favorite drinks, and favorite fruits and vegetables. Also they have enjoyed the song “Chocolate bate bate” and the books: “ La semana de cookie” and “ El perro con sombrero”. Next month, we are going to start with the unit “La ropa” (clothing).

Phy Ed w/ Ms. Susan
susant@willowwind.org

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 badminton 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.

Program Goal:

All students will be able to play a functional game of badminton employing basic skills, rules and strategies.

Rationale:

Badminton is a lifetime activity which includes enhancing social skills and motor skills.

Objectives:

1. After sufficient instruction and practice time all students will be able to move to the shuttlecock and execute a shot demonstrating proper form and an acceptable level of accuracy.
2. After sufficient instruction and practice time all students will be able to execute and underhand serve demonstrating proper form and acceptable level of success.
3. After reviewing verbal explanation, students will demonstrate knowledge of basic rules of badminton by verbal communication and demonstration.

Entry Level

Kindergarten, first and second grade students there will be a wide range of skill levels. This lesson will be structured to start off working on basic skills and will allow students a chance to learn and practice more advanced badminton skills.

Cognitive Domain

-Understand and apply rules to the best of their ability

-Know basic strategies/tactics for singles play

Affective Domain

-Be able to display sportsmanship and values of fair play

-Be able to communicate with other students

-Learn to be a good team player

-Display a positive attitude

Psychomotor Domain

-Be able to perform some specific badminton related skills, serving, forehand and    backhand shots

-Be able to demonstrate proper footwork when serving

-Contact point-Eye on the birdie-Focus on the target

Physical Education Procedures and Expectations:

• Respect yourself and others

• Wear appropriate clothing and gym shoes or close-toed shoes
• Walk in and out of the building quietly
• Be silent and listen when the teacher is speaking
• Follow directions
• Use equipment with permission only
• Implementing the phrase (Stop, Look, and Listen)
• Safety

As their Physical Education teacher I continue to pay particular attention to their social development. Taking advantage of building their self esteem and confidence throughout  their physical education class. Students are working on problem solving, cooperation and even learning to be leaders by taking turns which is critical to a successful program. The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. To pursue a lifetime of healthful physical activity, a physically literate individual.

• Has learned the skills necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities.
• Knows the implications and the benefits of involvement in various types of physical activities.
• Participates regularly in physical activity.
• Is physically fit.
• Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle.
• Believe that honesty, respect, and responsibility are character traits.

Community Event: ICPL Math Club

What do you get when you add hands-on activities plus fun-loving kids?  Crazy 8s Math Club!  The Iowa City Public Library is joining the national movement to make math the cool thing to do after school by hosting a Crazy 8s Math Club for elementary students in kindergarten through second grade. Beginning March 2, this fun and educational program will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Storytime Room every Wednesday for eight weeks. Crazy 8s was created by the Bedtime Math Foundation to get kids fired up about math. Participants build things, run and jump, make music – even make a mess – while making friends and increasing their understanding of math. First launched in the winter of 2014, there are more than 6,000 clubs nationwide serving 80,000 kids.  The Library’s club is open to any child in kindergarten through second grade ready to have fun. Registration isn’t required and participants don’t need to attend every club meeting – but they’ll probably want to! Here’s what we have planned: March 2: Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry. Join us as we make geometric shapes with glow sticks, including a gleaming Egyptian pyramid! March 9: Let’s Get Loud. We’ll experiment with water and straws to create different sounds, then build a working flute out of milkshake straws. Find out exactly how loud you are down to the number! March 16: Time of Your Life. Are you ready to find out what makes you tick? Get ready to race through some crazy stunts, “be” a clock, and see if you have the winning birthday! March 23: Toilet Paper Olympics. Test your Olympian skills in the shot put, long jump and relay race! March 30: Spy Training. See if you have what it takes to be a spy. Work to break the clues to find the hidden treasure! April 6: Flying Marshmallows. Send marshmallows flying through the air using Popsicle sticks and rubber bands. You’ll need to figure out what positions work best and then measure the flight to prove it. April 13: Zip Line Zoo. It’s time to build a zip line for brave stuffed animals and race them across the room. Measure the distance and time their rides to see how fast they can go! April 20: Bouncy Dice Explosion. This is your chance to throw things because you’re supposed to! Find out your chances of rolling a 2 or a 5, and then try to be the winning chip on a giant human Bingo board. For more information, call the Library at 319-356-5200.

Community Night - NEXT Thur, Mar 10 @ 5:30

Next week brings Willowwind's much-anticipated annual K-6th Grade Community Night.  On Thursday, March 10 join your child as classes present current works and studies.  All Willowwind students are expected to participate.  This event is mandatory for all K-6 students.  We are looking forward to having you be a part of their special event.

If for some reason, there is an unforeseen event that stands in the way of your child's mandatory participation please let me know as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.  Each Kindergartener has a singing and/ or speaking part.  Their role is important in our class presentation.  We have been working hard for weeks on our performance and your child's participation is essential.

With your child, please join the Willowwind community promptly at 5:30 pm at River Community Church for a peek into our K-6 studies.  Preschool families are invited to attend, too, if interested.

Classroom Focuses Include:

Kindergarten:  Acts of Kindness

1/2 Grade:  WW History

3/4 Grade:  The Solar System

5/6 Grade:  History Fair

Community Night is an incredibly important event that allows students - of all ages - to accept challenges and take risks as they perform and work on public speaking and presenting skills.  Your role as an audience member is crucial in providing all Willowwind students with a real-life, authentic experience in speaking and sharing to a large group.  We encourage you to stay for the 3-6 Open House following the formal presentations to provide our oldest students with the necessary "real-world" audience to share their knowledge and practice their own growing speaking skills.  Students not only build public speaking skills but also build other crucial life skills such as character, self-acceptance, resiliency, and grit.

We are so proud of our work and are eager to share it with you.  See you Thursday, March 10 at 5:30 pm.

Oaknoll Field Trip - TOMORROW Wed, Mar 2

Tomorrow brings our final Kindness field trip to Oaknoll Retirement Community.  I received an email from their Outreach Coordinator, Brianna, and their residents are very excited for our visit.

THANK YOU to all for reaching out and offering your support with drivers.  We are set for drivers, so please be sure your child leaves their booster seat at school tomorrow.  I know that work schedules are crazy and I appreciate all of your kind words and offers to help out.  This field trip is a highlight in our year (and often a highlight of my teaching career).  I'd like to make this a monthly event for our Spring activities and hope to plan accordingly with dates that work best for you - our parent drivers.  It appears that Mondays and Fridays may work best for some parents.  Please let me know what day would work best for your schedule to accompany as a driver.  I will try to accommodate our schedule based on driver availability.

Thank you again for your support and be sure to leave your child's booster seat tomorrow.