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.

Take One Home Today! - IA DNR’s Trees for Kids Seedlings Grant Recipients

Great news!  Willowwind School is a recent grant recipient of pollinator seedlings thanks to Iowa DNR’s Trees for Kids Seedlings Programs.  Yesterday, K-6 students planted various seedlings around Willowwind’s campus.  Ask your child where they planted seedlings! As a part of the grant requirements, students are encouraged to take a seedling and plant at home.  Beginning Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon, you will find baskets of seedlings in the Front Entry Way where each PreK-6 student is encouraged to choose one seedling to take home.  There are four varieties of pollinators to choose from (Arrowwood, Buttonbush, Chokecherry, Serviceberry).  Please take one as well as the seedling's corresponding informational planting sheet which tells you more about the species and where would be good place to plant  Please Note:  The Iowa DNR recommends soaking the seedlings roots for 4-8 hours prior to planting. Finally, to show Iowa DNR how our school’s seedlings were put to good use, we encourage you to take a picture of your family planting and caring for the seedling and share the picture via email with your child’s classroom teacher.

Drivers Needed: Hickory Hill Service Learning Field Trip - 5.10

The K-6 students are looking forward to a field trip to Hickory Hill Park the morning of Wednesday, May 10, 2017. We will be working with friends of Hickory Hill to help remove invasive garlic mustard from the park. Students will also enjoy some fun outdoor games and a picnic lunch at the park with their partner families.

We will need parent volunteers to drive us there and we would love parents who are available to stay and help us identify and pick garlic mustard.  If you can help by driving students but aren't able to stay for the trip, we would appreciate that as well.  We will leave school at 8:45 and return at 12:30.  Please use this spreadsheet to volunteer as a driver or chaperone.

Each child will need to dress appropriately for the unpredictable Iowa weather. Wearing layers allows us to adjust as the day progresses and comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Long pants and long sleeves are helpful to protect skin from plants. We may be muddy, so please plan accordingly. Students will also need a snack, a water bottle and a big lunch in order to have energy for the day. Any extra items in backpacks will only be extra weight for them to carry, so please consider reorganizing backpacks in preparation for this day.

Field Trip Fee Needed: WW Field Day @ Camp Tanager - 5.22

We are excited to announce that this year, on Monday, May 22nd, Willowwind's annual End of School Year Field Day will take place at Camp Tanager outside Mount Vernon, Iowa.  Here K-6 students will participate in a day of fun grouping together with their classmates and Partner Families.  Throughout the day, your child will enjoy a variety of interactive, team-building activities such as 9 Square, Capture the Flag, team relays, team challenges, and archery.  Students will leave Willowwind at 8:30and return to school around 3:00.

This wonderful opportunity can't come to life without your support.  To cover the cost of travel (via school bus) and camp admission we are asking parents to help assist in the cost for this event.  By Monday, May 15th please drop off $10 per child to your child's classroom teacher.  If you are interested in donating additional money to support the cost of this event and to ensure that all K-6 students can join in the fun please let your child's classroom teacher know.  Your support is incredibly appreciated.  If this cost creates a burden for your family please let your child's classroom teacher or our Head of School know so we can be of assistance.

In preparing for our visit to Camp Tanager, students will still need to bring their snacks, lunches, and water bottles.  Comfy clothing, layers, and tennis shoes are encouraged.  Please be sure your child has applied sunscreen at the start of the school day.  K-6 teachers, will have Willowwind-supplied sunscreen on hand to reapply during the day.