Click Subscribe below at add our WMAES Family Calendar to any calendar app on the device of your choice. You can also click here to visit the calendar page and view information about subscribing.
Second quarter report cards for elementary students are now available in PowerSchool Parent Portal and were also sent as email attachments to the email address you have on file with us. To access report cards for your students at any time, log in to Parent Portal and click on student reports. Please use the digital signature function in Parent Portal to submit your signature after you've had an opportunity to review the report card. All current and past report cards will remain available on Parent Portal for your reference. If you need help getting started with Parent Portal, please contact the office.
The Intent to Return form for the 2024-2025 school year will be available on PowerSchool Parent Portal on February 5. As a reminder, Intent to Return is an online form that families complete annually to ensure their students have a spot reserved at WMAES for the next school year. We look forward to the opportunity to reserve space for your student and continue partnering with you in your child’s education! Please keep in mind that if you have multiple students at WMAES, an intent to return will need to be completed for each of them separately.
It is our privilege to serve the families that comprise our amazing, diverse WMAES school community. We're grateful to partner alongside you in your child's educational journey and for the growth and successes made possible with your support. As we anticipate the 2024-2025 school year with great enthusiasm, we look forward to your family joining us as we continue favorite WMAES traditions and usher in a number of exciting new developments.
Our next kindergarten round-up for families interested in enrolling a student in kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year is Tuesday, February 13, from 5:00-6:00 PM. Join us to learn more about our outstanding kindergarten programs, visit a kindergarten teacher and classroom, and take a tour of the elementary. Please feel free to share this information with families you know who are exploring kindergarten options for next year.
It is our privilege to serve the families that comprise our amazing, diverse WMAES school community. We're grateful to partner alongside you in your child's educational journey and for the growth and successes made possible with your support. As we anticipate the 2024-2025 school year with great enthusiasm, we look forward to your family joining us as we continue favorite WMAES traditions and usher in a number of exciting new developments.
The Intent to Return form for the 2024-2025 school year will be available on PowerSchool Parent Portal on February 5. As a reminder, Intent to Return is an online form that families complete annually to ensure their students have a spot reserved at WMAES for the next school year. We look forward to the opportunity to reserve space for your student and continue partnering with you in your child’s education! Please keep in mind that if you have multiple students at WMAES, an intent to return will need to be completed for each of them separately.
WMAES administers NWEA MAP Growth for all students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. The winter testing window for WMAES begins on January 22. As we approach the winter testing window, we want to share some valuable insights and tips to help your child succeed in the upcoming NWEA MAP Growth assessments. These assessments are crucial in shaping personalized learning experiences and are conducted in three phases: fall, winter, and spring, focusing on math and reading skills.
Understanding MAP Growth:
MAP Growth is a unique, computer-adaptive test used by millions of students globally. It adjusts its difficulty based on your child's responses, ensuring an appropriate challenge for all skill levels. This approach helps us get a detailed understanding of each student's learning level, which is pivotal for tailoring their educational journey.
Preparing for Success at Home:
Consistent Routine: Establish a regular bedtime and morning routine to ensure your child is well-rested and alert for testing.
Nutritious Meals: Provide a healthy breakfast or encourage students to utilize our free breakfast at school.
Practice Test Skills: Utilize the resources available at Student Resources. Engaging with these materials can familiarize your child with the test format.
Discuss Testing: Talk about the purpose of the test. Ensure your child knows that it's designed to help them learn and grow, not to judge them.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort and commitment rather than just the outcome. This fosters a growth mindset.
Additional Resources:
For a deeper understanding of MAP Growth and how it benefits your child's education, you can visit the Family Toolkit. This toolkit is a treasure trove of information on navigating and supporting your child’s educational journey.
We at WMAES are committed to providing the best educational experience for your child, and MAP Growth is a vital part of this process. Your support at home is invaluable in preparing them for success not just in these assessments, but in their overall learning journey.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education!
The WMAES Power Parent Team has once again made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students Friday, January 26. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $10. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
Hello families!
Elementary art is in need of help sorting and untangling yarn! There are a wonderful few angels that love untangling yarn. If this is your thing, then we would love your help either at home or at school! Please email Mrs. Thompson at melissathompson@choiceschools.com
Sincerely, Melissa Thompson
We are excited to announce new WMAES yard signs are now available for you to showcase your school pride! These signs are a great way to celebrate the WMAES community and the spirit of our school. Each sign also proudly features our recent designation as a U.S. News Best School.
You can pick up a yard sign in the elementary office at your convenience. We encourage all families to join in this wonderful opportunity to display your WMAES pride at home. It's a fantastic way to bring our school community together and visibly show support for the incredible environment you've partnered with us to create at WMAES.
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community, and we look forward to seeing WMAES pride displayed throughout area neighborhoods!
We would like to remind you that there will be no school on Monday, January 15th, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to pause and reflect on Dr. King's profound contributions to promoting equality and justice. WMAES stands with Dr. King’s message of equality, respect, and education for all.
On Friday, January 19, elementary students will be dismissed at noon in their normal dismissal locations. We appreciate your flexibility and support with making transportation arrangements!
The WMAES Team extends our warmest wishes to each of you for a restful and joyful time with your loved ones during the coming break. We hope you have an opportunity to recharge and reflect on the many great things your students have achieved this year. Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement and optimism for the new year! We are confident that our students will continue to amaze us with their accomplishments and growth. Here's to a wonderful break and a great start to 2024. Thank you for partnering with us!
The state is providing schools $220 per student to address school safety and student mental health needs through 31aa funding. Please click here or copy and paste the link below into any browser to complete a brief survey to give your input concerning this funding.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZt1PmwG5eTp8lGhVWTALTniUJ2MYNgPOMYzrm0Ld0b9vF3Q/viewform
Our first 2024 kindergarten round-up event for families interested in enrolling a student in kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year is Tuesday, January 9, from 5:00-6:00 PM. Join us to learn more about our outstanding kindergarten programs, visit a kindergarten teacher and classroom, and take a tour of the elementary. Please feel free to share this information with families you know who are exploring kindergarten options for next year.
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support of our students and art program! I'm so thrilled that many of you have purchased keepsakes with student artwork on them through artsonia.com/gifts and have raised our art program a whopping $658.88 for new art supplies! 20% of your purchases are given back to our art program. Thank you so much for supporting the arts at WMAES! I wish you joy and happy holidays! I adore teaching your children art!
Sincerely,
Melissa Thompson
melissathompson@choiceschools.com
Dear WMAES Families,
As we approach the last week before winter break, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've had so far this school year. It has been a joyous experience witnessing the growth, enthusiasm, and achievements of our students WMAES.
Throughout the year, we've seen countless moments of inspiration, creativity, and academic success. These are a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, the support of our WMAES families, and the enriching environment we strive to create at WMAES.
I want to express my gratitude to you, our valued partners in education. Your commitment to your child's education and involvement in our school community make a huge impact! The partnership between our school and families is a cornerstone of our shared mission to provide the best possible education for every child.
Wishing you and your family a restful winter break. We look forward to the coming year and all the growth and success it has in store for our WMAES community.
Thank you for choosing WMAES for your child's education! Your trust and collaboration are vital to the success of our school, and we are genuinely grateful for the opportunity to work together in shaping a bright future for our students.
Warmest regards,
Nathan VanDuinen
Elementary Principal
Just a reminder that we offer free breakfast for all our students from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM every school day. It's a great way for your child to start their day with a nutritious meal and be fully energized for learning! We look forward to seeing our students bright and early for a delicious start to the day!
We're excited to announce a special Spirit Day on Friday, December 22nd – it's Festive Winter Apparel Day! On this free, no-uniform day, students can showcase their creativity by wearing school-appropriate, festive winter apparel of their choice. Whether it's cozy sweaters, cheerful holiday colors, or fun winter accessories, let's transform WMAES into a winter wonderland!
Dear Families,
I am blown away that we have raised $501.56 so far for our elementary art program! Thank you so much for your support of our students and art program! I'm thrilled that so many of you have purchased keepsakes through artsonia or gifted us with a direct donation for new art supplies through artsonia.com/gifts! Sales are going on now and if you wish to receive keepsakes for the holidays, you have until tomorrow, December 16 to order. 20% of your purchases will be given back to our art program. Thank you so much for considering supporting the arts at WMAES! Information on how to order has been emailed and sent in flyers. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! I adore teaching your children art!
Sincerely,
Melissa Thompson
Click Subscribe below at add our WMAES Family Calendar to any calendar app on the device of your choice. You can also click here to visit the calendar page and view information about subscribing.
The WMAES Power Parent Team has once again made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students Friday, December 15. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $10. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the first WMAES Discovery Day on December 8! Your presence made the day truly special as we explored and shared the unique aspects of West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.
Discovery Day is designed to offer our school community a glimpse into the enriching experiences and opportunities our students enjoy daily. It's a chance for families to witness our commitment to innovative learning, environmental exploration, and community engagement.
We are already looking forward to hosting more of these engaging events in the near future. Stay tuned for details, as we continue to celebrate all that WMAES has to offer!
All WMAES elementary students have access to Amplify Reading, an online resource that provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice literacy skills within an engaging story world that adapts to each student as they move through the program. We would like to encourage families to explore Amplify Reading with their students at home.
Access Amplify Reading
Go to https://reading.amplify.com/
Click Username and Password Login
Click Log in with Google
Have your student log in with his or her @wma-es.com Google account. Many elementary students have this memorized. If you need this login information, contact your child’s teacher.
For support and information for families using Amplify Reading at home, visit the Amplify Reading Caregiver Hub at https://amplify.com/caregiver-hub/amplify-reading
December 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM - enter through secondary entrance
Tickets:
Individual Ticket: $5
Family Ticket (3 or more members): $15
We're excited to announce a special Spirit Day on Friday, December 22nd – it's Festive Winter Apparel Day! On this free, no-uniform day, students can showcase their creativity by wearing school-appropriate, festive winter apparel of their choice. Whether it's cozy sweaters, cheerful holiday colors, or fun winter accessories, let's transform WMAES into a winter wonderland!
Miigwech means thank you! Miigwech to the DeerInWater family for joinig us in the art room to share about the Potawatomi tribe and creating with natural materials from our land! Throughout the month of November, Native American History month, we wove with Abakweshk (cattail), created natural dyes, played around with natural materials making stick people, and created weavings. Migwech DeerInWater family!
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support of our students and art program! I'm so thrilled that many of you have purchased keepsakes through Artsonia or gifted us with a direct donation and have helped raise our art program $368.14 so far for new art supplies through artsonia.com/gifts! There are sales going on now and if you wish to receive keepsakes for the holidays, you have until December 16 to order. 20% of your purchases will be given back to our art program. Thank you so much for considering supporting the arts at WMAES! Information on how to order has been emailed and sent in flyers. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! I adore teaching your children art!
Sincerely,
Melissa Thompson
melissathompson@choiceschools.com
Click Subscribe below at add our WMAES Family Calendar to any calendar app on the device of your choice. You can also click here to visit the calendar page and view information about subscribing.
Just a reminder that we offer free breakfast for all our students from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM every school day. It's a great way for your child to start their day with a nutritious meal and be fully energized for learning! We look forward to seeing our students bright and early for a delicious start to the day!
We are pleased to announce that the Kent County Search and Rescue team will be conducting a K-9 training exercise on our campus this Saturday, December 2nd. We recognize the importance of these exercises and are glad to support the team's efforts by hosting them on our campus. We also want to ensure our community is aware of this event to avoid any surprise or concern should you notice the presence of the training team and their K-9 partners around the school grounds on Saturday.
From Tuesday, November 28th through Tuesday, December 19th, we invite all students and families to contribute spare change – and bills are welcome too – to support WMAES families in need! This fundraiser is a simple yet powerful way to help members of our school community. Every coin counts! All proceeds will be distributed directly to WMAES families in need the week before winter break.
Dear Families,
Thank you for your support of our students and art program! I'm so thrilled that many of you have purchased keepsakes with student artwork on them and have raised our art program $242.66 so far for new art supplies through artsonia.com/gifts! There are sales going on now and if you wish to receive keepsakes for the holidays, you have until December 16 to order. 20% of your purchases will be given back to our art program. Thank you so much for considering supporting the arts at WMAES! Information on how to order have been emailed and sent in flyers. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! I adore teaching your children art!
Sincerely,
Melissa Thompson
melissathompson@choiceschools.com
We're excited to share that Yoga Club is returning to WMAES soon! Stay tuned for all the details and be sure to check out the flyer below for more information.
This December, join us in supporting the Power Parent Team by participating in our Runyon House Roasts coffee fundraiser! When you purchase your favorite blends online from Runyon House Roasts, 20% of your purchase will be donated to our Power Parent Team. Remember to use the code GREENKIDS at checkout to ensure your purchase contributes. Let’s brew up some support for our Power Parent Team! Visit https://www.runyonroasts.com/
Announcing a special fundraising event to support our Power Parent Team: From December 3rd to December 23rd, join us for 20 incredible days of shopping and giving back at Five Below on Alpine.
To participate, simply present the attached flyer when making your purchases. This flyer is essential for ensuring a portion of the proceeds goes toward the Power Parent Team. Thanks in advance for your support!
As we approach the holiday break next week, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the members of our school community. This is a perfect time to reflect on the wonderful community we have built together at WMAES. Your unwavering support, engagement, and partnership have been pivotal in shaping a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our students. We celebrate the strong, collaborative spirit that makes our school community so special. Wishing you all a joyful, restful break!
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our WMAES community: WMAES has been named a 2024 Best Elementary School by U.S. News & World Report! The WMAES middle and high schools have also achieved this distinction. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, families, and staff. We're proud of the enriching, supportive learning environment you've partnered with us to create and look forward to working toward continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence. Thank you for being an integral part of our school's success!
We are delighted to invite you to a new series of special events at WMAES, Discovery Days. These events will be held during the school day and offer an excellent opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the enriching and dynamic environment that your children are a part of every day. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Event Highlights:
Campus Exploration: Enjoy a brief tour of our diverse campus settings.
Student Showcase: Experience a snapshot of our students' daily learning journey.
Information Session: Attend a quick overview session about our school’s culture and initiatives.
Community Engagement: Discover various ways to get involved and support our school community.
Express Your Interest:
To help us prepare for these events and ensure you are informed about upcoming dates and times, please complete the form below.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science has to offer. Stay tuned for more details!
Dear Families,
I am excited to share that there are fantastic ON SALE keepsake items for you to purchase in time for holiday gifts or just for fun! Artsonia donates 20% of your purchases to our art program for new art supplies and technology. The art room has been humming with your joyful student creators. Student volunteers are working at carefully uploading your child's artwork to their digital Artsonia portfolio. Thank you for considering purchasing keepsakes and supporting our art program! You can view your child's artwork and the sale items in your email in addition to flyers that will be going home shortly.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Thompson
WMAES participates in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to provide all students breakfast and lunch at no charge. Our participation in this program requires your support with completing a brief online form for your household at https://wmaes.familyportal.cloud/. Click “Apply for Benefits” to begin. While your student is already receiving free breakfast and lunch through CEP, the completion of this report by all families makes this possible and is critical in determining the amount of support that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs. These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students such as staffing, technology, resources, and more.
We are asking that you please complete and submit the Household Information Report as soon as possible to ensure that these resources for our school continue to be available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the report submitted is confidential. We greatly appreciate your assistance in completing this report, as it will allow WMAES to continue to utilize State and Federal resources to benefit WMAES students and families.
WMAES is hosting a Roller Skating party at GR SKATE in Kentwood on Thursday, November 16!
Event Information:
14 52nd St. SE, Kentwood MI, 49548
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
https://grskateandevents.com/kentwood/
The Junior class will be hosting Movie Night on Friday, November 17. Doors open at 5:00 and the movies start promptly at 5:30. This year, Movie Night will be done in cinema style, as students will be able to choose between three movies that are being played: Spiderman, Elemental, and Super Mario. The entry fee is $5 per person or $15 for a family of three or more.
There will be pizza, drinks and snacks for purchase to enjoy during the movie.
Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, November 8. Students who had their picture taken on the first picture day must bring their picture packet to school in order to have retakes. Information about retakes is also available in the back of the student picture packets. If your student did not have a picture taken on the first picture day, a new order form will be sent home.
First quarter report cards for elementary students are now available in PowerSchool Parent Portal and were also sent as email attachments to the email address you have on file with us. To access report cards for your students at any time, log in to Parent Portal and click on student reports. Please use the digital signature function in Parent Portal to submit your signature after you've had an opportunity to review the report card. All current and past report cards will remain available on Parent Portal for your reference. If you need help getting started with Parent Portal, please contact the office.
The information below was also emailed to you last week.
We are pleased to inform you of our exciting initiative of improved Standards Based Grading for the current school year at WMAES! We are informing you of this today since these improvements will be reflected on the quarter 1 report card you will receive soon. This initiative is being undertaken to more effectively and thoroughly communicate the specific expectations set by the Michigan K-12 State Standards and student growth and achievement relative to these standards. As we embrace this positive change, we acknowledge that transitions can come with unique challenges. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that this approach to grading and communicating progress will bring substantial benefits to all stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents/guardians.
Standards Based Grading empowers students with a clearer understanding of what they are expected to learn in accordance with the Michigan K-12 State Standards. It will also provide parents with an in-depth view of their child's growth and academic achievements. We hold the belief that consistent and transparent communication between school and home throughout the year is indispensable for our students' success. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with you to equip your child with the knowledge and tools necessary to reach their highest potential.
What changes can you anticipate as a parent/guardian?
Instead of (and in some cases in addition to) traditional letter grades and percentage scores, proficiency scores ranging from 1 to 4 will be employed. These proficiency scores are directly linked to detailed descriptions of what the students are expected to know and be able to do. Teachers will provide invaluable feedback to students using these proficiency scores, and your student will have multiple opportunities to achieve proficiency (a score of 3) on the standards. Final grades will be determined based on the most recent evidence of student learning. In addition to academic proficiency, students will receive separate grades for behaviors that promote a positive learning environment.
Here's a more detailed explanation of the Proficiency Scale:
- A score of 1 or 2 when learning a new skill or concept is entirely appropriate and not intended to be punitive. It is crucial to understand that learning is a process, and some concepts and skills may be more challenging to grasp.
- A score of 3 signifies proficiency and is a reason for celebration! It demonstrates that the student has met the grade-level standard.
- A score of 4 indicates that a student has reached proficiency and has applied knowledge beyond the grade-level standard.
How does the Standards Based Grading system compare to the traditional letter grade system?
Standards Based Grading is designed to evaluate how well an individual student is performing in relation to grade-level standards, rather than comparing their work to that of other students. This approach provides parents with a better understanding of their child's specific strengths and areas that may need improvement. In contrast, traditional letter or numerical grades are often influenced by class expectations, performance on assignments and tests, effort, student behavior, and how the student compares to their peers. They do not provide insights into which grade-level skills a student is currently working on and which skills they have already mastered.
We are confident that this transition to Standards Based Grading will enhance the educational experience for your student and lead to more meaningful discussions about their progress. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you and your student, fostering a deeper understanding of their academic growth and supporting their success.
The WMAES Power Parent Team has once again made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students Friday November 10. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $10. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
Please note that students also have the option of participating in Dollar No Uniform Day this Friday.
WMAES is hosting a Roller Skating party at GR SKATE in Kentwood on Thursday, November 16!
Event Information:
14 52nd St. SE, Kentwood MI, 49548
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
https://grskateandevents.com/kentwood/
It's been another fantastic week at WMAES! Students enthusiastically embraced our spirit days, and it was great to see the joy that participation brought them. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to families for connecting with us during parent-teacher conferences. Your active involvement in your child's education is invaluable, and we appreciate your partnership in nurturing their growth and success. Thank you for your support!
As we strive to provide the best possible experience for our students and families, your feedback and input are important to us. We would greatly appreciate your response to the brief survey linked below. Completing the survey takes only a moment and provides WMAES with valuable information. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s educational journey!
Hello Amazing WMAES Families!
Please consider purchasing your child's artwork on keepsakes like mugs, magnets, key chains and cards on artsonia. We receive 20% of purchases back towards art supplies. Thank you so much for considering ordering during this upcoming season! www.artsonia.com/gifts/products
I am so proud to teach your amazing children in art class and facilitate their creativity inspired by the environment and our community! Many of the art resources we have are because of your fantastic support with purchasing your child's artwork on keepsakes here on artsonia, where we receive 20% back from every purchase you make. This can be done any time of the year. Your children also feel such pride when you order their artwork on these keepsakes. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering ordering one of the many keepsakes (there are sale items now)!
To order keepsakes, you can:
Go to www.artsonia.com/gifts/products
Or
Open an email from artsonia that has your child’s art in it
Click “view entire gallery”
Please let me know if you need support connecting with your child's digital portfolio.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to purchase 6 ipads and ipad stands for the art room. This would enable students to upload their artwork to artsonia on their own and more efficiently get their work back. As of now, we rely on fantastic art fairy student helpers to process our entire school's art. If you happen to have an old phone with a decent camera that you are willing to wipe, and donate to the art room for this purpose, we would sincerely appreciate it!
Creatively yours,
Mrs. Thompson
Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, November 8. Students who had their picture taken on the first picture day must bring their picture packet to school in order to have retakes. Information about retakes is also available in the back of the student picture packets. If your student did not have a picture taken on the first picture day, a new order form will be sent home.
Thanks so much for joining us for Treats on the Trail! Despite the rain, it was wonderful to see so many of you there exploring the trails and enjoying the evening.
We hope your kids had a blast collecting candy, and that you were able to check out our newly renovated playground. It was a great turnout, and we couldn't have done it without your support.
Your participation and support make events like this possible. Thanks for making it a memorable evening!
We have an early dismissal this coming Friday, October 27th, at 12:00 PM. The afternoon is reserved for remote parent-teacher conferences. We kindly ask you to ensure arrangements are in place for the prompt pickup of your students at dismissal time. This will greatly assist our teachers in transitioning smoothly to their scheduled conferences. Thank you in advance!
Parent-teacher conference registration is still available at https://www.myconferencetime.com/wmaes/. In-person conferences will be held on October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm, and virtual conferences will be held on October 27 from 1:00-4:00 pm. We hope that these time slots will accommodate your schedule and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.
At https://www.myconferencetime.com/wmaes/, please select your child's homeroom teacher, select a date and timeslot, and complete the required information. You will receive a confirmation email with your conference information after signing up. A helpful guide to signing up for a conference can be found at the link below. Thank you! https://www.myconferencetime.com/info/help/video-how-to-sign-up/
Monday 10/23/23 3:00-4:00 in Literacy Nest
Tuesday 10/24/23 3:00-4:00 in Literacy Nest
Wednesday 10/25/23 3:00-4:00 in Literacy Nest
Thursday 10/26/23 3:00-4:00 and 5:30-7:30 in Literacy Nest (During Conferences)
Online Purchasing and eWallet Information from Scholastic
Say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Book Fair online. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Every online purchase will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
We encourage students to participate in a fun spirit week Monday, October 23 through Friday, October 27. Participation is optional. Details regarding the individual spirit days can be found below. All garments worn for spirit days must be appropriate for school. For elementary students, we appreciate the support of families that goes into helping students prepare should they choose to participate!
Date - Theme
Monday 10/23 - Soccer Mom and BBQ Dad
Tuesday 10/24 - Barbie (Pink) or Men In Black (Dress Your Best, Suits, etc.)
Wednesday 10/25 - Adam Sandler Day
Thursday 10/26 - Class Colors (See Below)
Preschool - Orange
TK - Yellow
K - Black
1st - White
2nd - Red
3rd - Purple
4th - Blue
5th - Green
Friday 10/27 - School Spirit (Blue and White)/WMAES Day
For the soccer mom attire, students can dress in clothing commonly associated with busy and active parents attending games. Some simple ways for students of any age to participate include activewear like sweatpants, athletic pants, sneakers, jerseys, hoodies, baseball caps, etc.
As for BBQ dad attire, students can utilize a wide range of items that fit the idea of a summer casual event. This can include cargo shorts, khakis, short-sleeved button-down shirts, aprons, sunglasses, or anything along this line.
Adam Sandler day is just a different take on comfy day, a spirit day theme we’ve used frequently in the past. Oversized t-shirts or sweatshirts, jerseys, pajama pants, and athletic shorts are just a few of the many things students of any age can easily wear to participate in the comfy, oversized concept.
For Barbie and Men in Black, the theme is once again just a slightly different take on a spirit day theme we’ve used often, dress up/dress your best day. Options are certainly not limited to the pink theme of Barbie or the suits and ties characteristic of Men in Black. For younger students, anything they would like to wear as their dressiest attire fits here. For example, dresses, dress shirts, or ties would all be easy options for participating. As with the other themes, the wide variety of clothing that can be considered dressed up allows for a great deal of flexibility.
I'm thrilled to share that our new playground has been a huge hit with students! It's been wonderful to see their faces light up as they explore and enjoy this new space. The photos below show some of the many fun elements the new playgound has made available for our students.
Parent-teacher conference registration is now available at https://www.myconferencetime.com/wmaes/. In-person conferences will be held on October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm, and virtual conferences will be held on October 27 from 1:00-4:00 pm. We hope that these time slots will accommodate your schedule and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.
At https://www.myconferencetime.com/wmaes/, please select your child's homeroom teacher, select a date and timeslot, and complete the required information. You will receive a confirmation email with your conference information after signing up. A helpful guide to signing up for a conference can be found at the link below. Thank you! https://www.myconferencetime.com/info/help/video-how-to-sign-up/
We’re looking forward to one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. Donations of bags of individually wrapped candy in support of the event are greatly appreciated. Candy donations can be dropped off in either the elementary or secondary office.
Families can begin entering the trails at 5:00. Costumes for students are encouraged but not required. Costumes must be appropriate for school (e.g. no weapons, blood, etc.). We encourage families to bring a bag or bucket for each child that will be receiving candy. This year, Treats on the Trails will also offer a great opportunity to check out our new playground, as construction will be finished in the next two weeks. We hope you’ll join us for this fun family event!
Add Treats on the Trail to your calendar using the button below!
The WMAES team looks forward to hosting our upcoming fall parent-teacher conferences with options for in-person conferences the evening of October 26 and virtual conferences via Google Meet the afternoon of October 27. As always, we hope to provide everyone with a convenient way for us to connect and discuss your child's progress in this format. To access virtual conferences, please note that you will need a Google account. Don't worry if you don't have one; you can use your student's @wma-es.com Google account. We will share instructions on how to sign up for the virtual and in-person conferences soon. Please keep an eye out for this information to reserve your preferred time slot.
In-person conferences will be held on October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm and virtual conferences will be held on October 27 from 1:00-4:00 pm. We hope that these time slots will accommodate your schedule and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.
The intent of our upcoming spirit week is to create a fun, unified experience for all students, from preschool through high school. We believe that with some creativity, the themes can be adapted to suit different age levels, and this approach fosters a sense of community and togetherness among students of all ages. Please keep in mind that participation is entirely optional.
Past attempts to create separate spirit day themes for elementary and secondary have caused confusion and logistical challenges, particularly for families with students at both the elementary and secondary levels. To maintain a consistent and streamlined approach, we keep the themes the same across grade levels.
We hope the details below might provide some simple examples of easy ways to participate in the few spirit days that may not be clear at a glance. As is the case with any spirit day themes, we recognize that elementary students need guidance and input from adults at home regarding the attire that fits the theme and appreciate the support of elementary families with this!
For the soccer mom attire, students can dress in clothing commonly associated with busy and active parents attending games. Some simple ways for students of any age to participate include activewear like sweatpants, athletic pants, sneakers, jerseys, hoodies, baseball caps, etc.
As for BBQ dad attire, students can utilize a wide range of items that fit the idea of a summer casual event. This can include cargo shorts, khakis, short-sleeved button-down shirts, aprons, sunglasses, or anything along this line.
Adam Sandler day is just a different take on comfy day, a spirit day theme we’ve used frequently in the past. Oversized t-shirts or sweatshirts, jerseys, pajama pants, and athletic shorts are just a few of the many things students of any age can easily wear to participate in the comfy, oversized concept.
For Barbie and Men in Black, the theme is once again just a slightly different take on a spirit day theme we’ve used often, dress up/dress your best day. Options are certainly not limited to the pink theme of Barbie or the suits and ties characteristic of Men in Black. For younger students, anything they would like to wear as their dressiest attire fits here. For example, dresses, dress shirts, or ties would all be easy options for participating. As with the other themes, the wide variety of clothing that can be considered dressed up allows for a great deal of flexibility.
As a reminder, here's the schedule:
Date - Theme
Monday 10/23 - Soccer Mom and BBQ Dad
Tuesday 10/24 - Barbie (Pink) or Men In Black (Dress Your Best, Suits, etc.)
Wednesday 10/25 - Adam Sandler Day
Thursday 10/26 - Class Colors (See Below)
Preschool - Orange
TK - Yellow
K - Black
1st - White
2nd - Red
3rd - Purple
4th - Blue
5th - Green
Friday 10/27 - School Spirit (Blue and White)/WMAES Day
The WMAES Power Parent Team has once again made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students this Friday, October 13. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $15. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
Please note that students also have the option of participating in Dollar No Uniform Day this Friday.
We’re looking forward to one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. Donations of bags of individually wrapped candy in support of the event are greatly appreciated. Candy donations can be dropped off in either the elementary or secondary office.
Families can begin entering the trails at 5:00. Costumes for students are encouraged but not required. Costumes must be appropriate for school (e.g. no weapons, blood, etc.). We encourage families to bring a bag or bucket for each child that will be receiving candy. This year, Treats on the Trails will also offer a great opportunity to check out our new playground, as construction will be finished in the next two weeks. We hope you’ll join us for this fun family event!
Add Treats on the Trail to your calendar using the button below!
The intent of our upcoming spirit week is to create a fun, unified experience for all students, from preschool through high school. We believe that with some creativity, the themes can be adapted to suit different age levels, and this approach fosters a sense of community and togetherness among students of all ages. Please keep in mind that participation is entirely optional.
Past attempts to create separate spirit day themes for elementary and secondary have caused confusion and logistical challenges, particularly for families with students at both the elementary and secondary levels. To maintain a consistent and streamlined approach, we keep the themes the same across grade levels.
We hope the details below might provide some simple examples of easy ways to participate in the few spirit days that may not be clear at a glance. As is the case with any spirit day themes, we recognize that elementary students need guidance and input from adults at home regarding the attire that fits the theme and appreciate the support of elementary families with this!
For the soccer mom attire, students can dress in clothing commonly associated with busy and active parents attending games. Some simple ways for students of any age to participate include activewear like sweatpants, athletic pants, sneakers, jerseys, hoodies, baseball caps, etc.
As for BBQ dad attire, students can utilize a wide range of items that fit the idea of a summer casual event. This can include cargo shorts, khakis, short-sleeved button-down shirts, aprons, sunglasses, or anything along this line.
Adam Sandler day is just a different take on comfy day, a spirit day theme we’ve used frequently in the past. Oversized t-shirts or sweatshirts, jerseys, pajama pants, and athletic shorts are just a few of the many things students of any age can easily wear to participate in the comfy, oversized concept.
For Barbie and Men in Black, the theme is once again just a slightly different take on a spirit day theme we’ve used often, dress up/dress your best day. Options are certainly not limited to the pink theme of Barbie or the suits and ties characteristic of Men in Black. For younger students, anything they would like to wear as their dressiest attire fits here. For example, dresses, dress shirts, or ties would all be easy options for participating. As with the other themes, the wide variety of clothing that can be considered dressed up allows for a great deal of flexibility.
As a reminder, here's the schedule:
Date - Theme
Monday 10/23 - Soccer Mom and BBQ Dad
Tuesday 10/24 - Barbie (Pink) or Men In Black (Dress Your Best, Suits, etc.)
Wednesday 10/25 - Adam Sandler Day
Thursday 10/26 - Class Colors (See Below)
Preschool - Orange
TK - Yellow
K - Black
1st - White
2nd - Red
3rd - Purple
4th - Blue
5th - Green
Friday 10/27 - School Spirit (Blue and White)/WMAES Day
Add Treats on the Trails to your calendar using the button below! We’re looking forward to one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. Families can begin entering the trails at 5:00. Costumes for students are encouraged but not required. Costumes must be appropriate for school (e.g. no weapons, blood, etc.). We encourage families to bring a bag or bucket for each child that will be receiving candy. This year, Treats on the Trails will also offer a great opportunity to check out our new playground, as construction will be finished in the next two weeks. We hope you’ll join us for this fun family event!
We are thrilled to announce that significant progress has been made on our exciting playground construction project. The final stages of the construction are set to begin in the coming week, and we anticipate that it will be ready for our students to enjoy very soon. We're excited to extend an invitation to all of our families to explore this fantastic addition at our Treats on the Trail event on October 19. This promises to be a wonderful opportunity for our students and their parents to experience the new playground firsthand. We can't wait to see the joy and excitement on the faces of our students as they make memories in this new play area. Check out the construction photos below!
Our opt-in process for text updates is complete. We'll begin using text updates along with mass email this week. You can continue opting in at any time by simply sending a text containing Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up.
Don't forget to connect to PowerSchool Behavior using the access code in the letter you received. If you need assistance connecting or need another copy of your access code, please contact your child's teacher. We look forward to utilizing this tool to support our partnership with families!
We encourage students to participate in a fun spirit week Monday, October 23 through Friday, October 27. Participation is optional. Details regarding the individual spirit days can be found below. All garments worn for spirit days must be appropriate for school. For elementary students, we appreciate the support of families that goes into helping students prepare should they choose to participate!
Date - Theme
Monday 10/23 - Soccer Mom and BBQ Dad
Tuesday 10/24 - Adam Sandler Day
Wednesday 10/25 - Barbie (Pink) or Men In Black (Dress Your Best, Suits, etc.)
Thursday 10/26 - Class Colors (See Below)
Preschool - Orange
TK - Yellow
K - Black
1st - White
2nd - Red
3rd - Purple
4th - Blue
5th - Green
Friday 10/27 - School Spirit (Blue and White)/WMAES Day
The WMAES team looks forward to hosting our upcoming fall parent-teacher conferences with options for in-person conferences the evening of October 26 and virtual conferences via Google Meet the afternoon of October 27. As always, we hope to provide everyone with a convenient way for us to connect and discuss your child's progress in this format. To access virtual conferences, please note that you will need a Google account. Don't worry if you don't have one; you can use your student's @wma-es.com Google account. We will share instructions on how to sign up for the virtual and in-person conferences soon. Please keep an eye out for this information to reserve your preferred time slot.
In-person conferences will be held on October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm and virtual conferences will be held on October 27 from 1:00-4:00 pm. We hope that these time slots will accommodate your schedule and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress.
School picture day at WMAES is Tuesday, October 3. On picture day, students do not need to wear their typical school uniform items. Students may wear school appropriate attire of their choice. Revised picture order forms from Geskus were sent home with your student on September 26. Please discard the incorrect Geskus forms sent home initially. The incorrect forms mistakenly contained a yearbook option in the picture packages listed as available for purchase. Geskus will not be providing our yearbook this year, and information regarding ordering a yearbook from our new provider, TreeRing, has been sent separately.
We would like to remind everyone that Count Day is this Wednesday, October 4. Count Day is a crucial event for our school, as it directly impacts our ability to provide the best possible education and support for your children. When your child attends school on Count Day, it ensures that we have accurate pupil accounting, which, in turn, grants us access to the programming and resources needed to enhance their growth and success. We appreciate your continued support and partnership in creating a bright future for our students.
We are excited to share that on the afternoon of Count Day, we will be hosting a special celebration for students right here in our beautiful outdoor space. This event is a way to recognize the importance of your students' attendance on this significant day and to make it a memorable experience for them. Our Count Day party will include music, snacks, and fun activities. It's an opportunity for students to relax, enjoy themselves, and soak in the beautiful outdoor environment of our school.
We would like to highlight the vital role that regular school attendance and punctuality play in your child's academic success.
While we understand that illnesses and unexpected events may sometimes lead to absences or tardiness, we urge you to ensure that these are the exception rather than the rule. Each minute in the classroom is an opportunity for learning, growing, and developing essential skills that will aid your child in their future endeavors.
When a student is frequently absent or late, they are not only missing out on valuable lessons but also disrupting the rhythm of the class and the learning environment. Moreover, consistent tardiness can lead to a feeling of disconnection and lower academic performance.
Please note that our school takes attendance and punctuality very seriously. If a pattern of habitual absence or tardiness is noticed, our Student Advocate will reach out to discuss the situation and potentially initiate the truancy process. Our objective with this is not to penalize, but to assist families in overcoming obstacles that might be hindering regular attendance and punctuality.
We are all on the same team here, with the shared goal of helping your child succeed. Please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or if there is anything we can do to support you and your child with attendance.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Our attendance guidelines are detailed below.
Elementary Attendance Expectations
Full day absent = 1
Tardy up to 35 minutes = 0.10
Late 36 minutes to 90 minutes = 0.25
91 minutes or more = 0.50
Early dismissal 35 minutes or less = 0.10
Extra early dismissal 36-90 minutes = 0.25
WMAES expects an attendance rate of 90% or higher. This adds up to about 4 absences per quarter.
If a student accumulates 3 counted absences within the first 30 school days, or their attendance rate falls below 90% at any given point in the school year, our attendance team will send a first notice via email on file. This email will include resources for attendance improvement. Additional resources and support can be provided after determining the specific needs of families.
Consistently low attendance that does not improve will result in a referral to the Kent ISD Truancy Department. After the first referral is made, families are responsible for contacting the attendance team and setting up a time to create an attendance improvement plan together.
A letter detailing how to create an account to access PowerSchool Unified Classroom Behavior Support for your student was sent home Friday, September 22. The access code you'll need for account creation is included in the letter. Please note that family members will not be able to send messages through this platform until your child's teacher sends an initial message. A initial message will be sent by all teachers on Monday, October 2, to open up the messaging platform. You will be able to message your child's teacher at your convenience once you've received this initial message.
Some technical difficulties required us to delay the one time opt-in message to the coming week, the week of October 2. This week, phone numbers on file that have not already been opted in to receive text updates from WMAES will receive a one time message providing the opportunity to reply to opt-in. You can also continue opting in at any time by simply sending a text containing Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up. Once this one time opt-in message is completed, we will begin using using texting in addition to email to distribute updates to families.
TK-1st Graders are undergoing a prairie study, painting and printmaking in art! Project inspired by impressionist artist John Singer Sargent, art_with_mrs.kay, and our prairie.
2nd-3rd Graders are finishing up their Brazilian American Romero Britto pop artist inspired self portraits for Hispanic Heritage month.
3rd-4th Graders are doing a nature study on tree cookie disks and experimenting with how many types of brown they can make by mixing primary and secondary colors. Inspired by painted paper art and WMAES trees.
4th-5th Graders are harvesting plants around WMAES to create dye with Ms. Holly for yarn that we will weave with the next unit.
Sincere gratitude to families who have donated yarn. Keep it up! We are looking for thicker and/or undyed cotton or wool yarn donations for our upcoming weaving unit. Yarn can be dropped off in the office or students can deliver it to Mrs. Thompson. Thanks so much!!!
Add Treats on the Trails to your calendar using the button below! We’re looking forward to one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. Families can begin entering the trails at 5:00. Costumes for students are encouraged but not required. Costumes must be appropriate for school (e.g. no weapons, blood, etc.). We encourage families to bring a bag or bucket for each child that will be receiving candy. This year, Treats on the Trails will also offer a great opportunity to check out our new playground, as construction will be finished in the next two weeks. We hope you’ll join us for this fun family event!
We would greatly appreciate your help with providing the candy passed out to our school community during Treats on the Trails. Donations of bags of individually wrapped candy to be passed out would be a tremendous help. If you’d like to make a donation, these can be dropped off in the office at your convenience. Donated candy will be distributed among all of the Treats on the Trails stations.
September 25 - NWEA Map Testing Window Begins for All Elementary Grades
September 25 at 6 PM - Evening Open House for Campus Master Planning
September 26 at Dismissal - Evening Open House for Campus Master Planning
September 29 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 3 - Picture Day (Retakes November 8)
October 13 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 19 - Treats on the Trails
October 20 - No School for Students - Staff Professional Development
October 23-26 - Mobile Dentist at WMAES
October 26 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Noon Dismissal for Students and Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
For your convenience, the full overview calendar for the 2023-24 school year remains available at https://tinyurl.com/wmaescalendar.
This calendar provides a snapshot of important dates and events throughout the year, helping you plan and stay informed.
We would like to remind everyone about the outdoor campus master planning and design work happening on Monday and Tuesday, September 25th and 26th. At 6:00 PM on both Monday and Tuesday evening, we’ll have opportunities for you to get involved in the master planning process. Please use the elementary main entrance for these evening events. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to see the ongoing design work and engage in meaningful conversations with the project designers. Your input is invaluable as we plan the future of our outdoor space. If you haven't already, please take a moment to submit the survey included in last week's update. Your feedback will help shape the direction of the master planning work. We hope to see you on Monday and Tuesday evening!
A letter detailing how to create an account to access PowerSchool Unified Classroom Behavior Support for your student will be sent home Friday, September 22. The access code you'll need for account creation is included in the letter. Please note that family members will not be able to send messages through this platform until your child's teacher sends an initial message. We will be waiting until the first week of October to send those messages to allow all families to access their Family Portal before opening up the messaging system.
We are excited to roll out our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) plan this year and introduce PowerSchool Unified Behavior Support across all K-5 grades!
PowerSchool Unified Behavior Support is an innovative platform designed to streamline communication between home and school. It allows us to maintain a dialogue about your child's progress towards meeting our school's SOARing expectations.
SOARing expectations are integral to our school culture - they guide students towards being Safe, Owning their actions, Acting responsibly, and being Respectful (SOAR). With Unified Behavior Support, you'll be able to stay updated on how your child is SOARing on a daily basis!
We believe that this addition to our PBIS plan will greatly enhance our ability to continue to foster a positive school environment and support our students' growth. Our teachers and staff have been working hard since the beginning of the year to implement this platform and you will see how your child has been SOARing since the first day of school.
To access the Family Portal, please use the directions included in this letter to sign up. If the access code is not accepted at first, retype it excluding the dash (-).
Please note that family members will not be able to send messages through this platform until your child's teacher sends an initial message. We will be waiting until the first week of October to send those messages to allow all families to access their Family Portal before opening up the messaging system.
If you have access codes for multiple students, you will be able to add more students to your family member portal account once you are logged in.
The week of September 25, phone numbers on file that have not already been opted in to receive text updates from WMAES will receive a one time message providing the opportunity to reply to opt-in. You can also continue opting in at any time by simply sending a text containing Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up. We look forward to being able to utilize texting beginning in October as a convenient means of providing links to our newsletters, reminders about upcoming dates, weather-related closing notifications, and more.
School picture day at WMAES is Tuesday, October 3. Picture order forms will be sent home Friday, September 22. On picture day, students do not need to wear their typical school uniform items. Students may wear school appropriate attire of their choice.
Dear families,
Elementary art is in need of yarn on the bigger side, if possible (not very thin) for TK-5th grade students to use in our upcoming weaving unit. Our artists love all of the colors! Students will also get to use naturally dyed yarn from our WMAES plants that we harvest with Ms. Holly!
Thank you so much for considering donating between now and October 19! You can leave donations in the office or with your child to deliver to Mrs. Thompson.
Be on the lookout for an email from artsonia. Students and I take a lot of time and care to upload their artwork to this website for you to enjoy their digital portfolio throughout the years. This is also a fundraiser for our art program. You are welcomed to upload any artwork from home as well! Any keepsakes you purchase provides funds for art materials for students. It's a win win!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Thompson
WMAES participates in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to provide all students breakfast and lunch at no charge. Our participation in this program requires your support with completing a brief online form for your household at https://wmaes.familyportal.cloud/. Click “Apply for Benefits” to begin. While your student is already receiving free breakfast and lunch through CEP, the completion of this report by all families makes this possible and is critical in determining the amount of support that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs. These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students such as staffing, technology, resources, and more.
We are asking that you please complete and submit the Household Information Report as soon as possible to ensure that these resources for our school continue to be available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the report submitted is confidential. We greatly appreciate your assistance in completing this report, as it will allow WMAES to continue to utilize State and Federal resources to benefit WMAES students and families.
We’re looking forward to the return of one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails, on the evening of Thursday, October 19. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. More information will be coming soon.
September 22 - Popcorn Day
September 25 - NWEA Map Testing Window Begins for All Elementary Grades
September 25-26 - Evening Open House for Campus Master Planning
September 29 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 3 - Picture Day (Retakes November 8)
October 13 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 19 - Treats on the Trails
October 20 - No School for Students - Staff Professional Development
October 23-26 - Mobile Dentist at WMAES
October 26 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Noon Dismissal for Students and Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
For your convenience, the full overview calendar for the 2023-24 school year remains available at https://tinyurl.com/wmaescalendar.
This calendar provides a snapshot of important dates and events throughout the year, helping you plan and stay informed.
WMAES participates in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to provide all students breakfast and lunch at no charge. Our participation in this program requires your support with completing a brief online form for your household at https://wmaes.familyportal.cloud/. Click “Apply for Benefits” to begin. While your student is already receiving free breakfast and lunch through CEP, the completion of this report by all families makes this possible and is critical in determining the amount of support that our school receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs. These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students such as staffing, technology, resources, and more.
We are asking that you please complete and submit the Household Information Report as soon as possible to ensure that these resources for our school continue to be available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the report submitted is confidential. We greatly appreciate your assistance in completing this report, as it will allow WMAES to continue to utilize State and Federal resources to benefit WMAES students and families.
In our continuous pursuit of excellence, we are embarking on a Campus Master Planning initiative to envision a vibrant, sustainable, and nature-centric future for our 60-acre campus. We believe that a harmonious blend of cutting-edge facilities and natural surroundings can create an enriching environment for our students to learn, grow, and flourish.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Design Charrette, an inclusive and collaborative process that will incorporate your insights and preferences. It's a dynamic and interactive journey that we're excited to embark upon together. We have contracted expert consultants GZA to guide us through this journey.
Here's a glimpse of what lies ahead:
School Community Stakeholder Survey: We invite you to share your thoughts through a survey that will delve into your aspirations, ideas, and concerns. Your input will serve as the foundation of our endeavor. Please complete the survey by clicking here. The survey can also be found embedded below for your convenience.
Thoughtful Discussions: Our dedicated staff will engage in thoughtful discussions and brainstorming sessions with students, families, and our design consultants. Special evening open houses on September 25 and 26 will allow your perspectives to guide us in crafting a vision that resonates with our collective goals.
On-Site Explorations: To capture the essence of our 60-acre campus. The team from GZA, school leadership, staff, board members, and students spend time on-site exploring its natural beauty. This immersive experience will help us align our vision with the innate charm of our surroundings.
Design Report & Drawings: A report and drawings summarizing a phased approach to designing our 60-acre campus will be presented to the board for review and potential adoption at our November board meeting.
Remember! Please save the date for open house interactions with our designers on the evenings of September 25 and 26. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting project!
The WMAES Power Parent Team has made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students once again, on Friday, September 22. Bags of popcorn are 50 cents. Families will still be able to sponsor an entire class for a donation of $15. Students are able to purchase multiple bags of popcorn if desired.
WMAES administers NWEA MAP Growth for all students in young fives through fifth grade. Testing takes place during three testing windows, fall, winter, and spring, and is administered in math and reading. The fall testing window for WMAES begins on September 25. As the fall testing window approaches, I’d like to provide you with a brief overview of how MAP Growth works and the important purpose it serves in your child’s education.
Excerpted from A Family Guide to Map Growth available at https://www.nwea.org/resource-center/fact-sheet/29662/family-guide-to-map-growth_NWEA.pdf/
“Children learn better—and faster—when teachers have a clear picture of what each student knows and is ready to learn next. That’s why a group of educators and researchers founded NWEA, a not-for-profit organization that has created some of the most trusted and reliable assessment solutions available. More than 11 million students in the US and in 140 countries worldwide use MAP Growth. MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.”
NWEA also provides an extensive Family Toolkit if you’d like to learn more about MAP Growth testing. https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit/
Helpful student resources are also available to support discussions with your children to prepare them for MAP Growth testing. Visit https://studentresources.nwea.org/ and click on the grade level range for your student.
NWEA MAP Growth provides WMAES with an invaluable tool for identifying the learning needs of students and planning their instruction accordingly. I hope this information helps clarify the important role it plays in supporting our effort to meet the needs of all students.
We’re looking forward to the return of one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails, on the evening of Thursday, October 19. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. More information will be coming soon.
September 15 - Noon Dismissal for Students - Staff Professional Development
September 15 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
September 22 - Popcorn Day
September 29 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 3 - Picture Day (Retakes November 8)
October 13 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
October 19 - Treats on the Trails
October 20 - No School for Students - Staff Professional Development
October 23-26 - Mobile Dentist at WMAES
October 26 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Noon Dismissal for Students and Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences
October 27 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
For your convenience, the full overview calendar for the 2023-24 school year remains available at https://tinyurl.com/wmaescalendar.
This calendar provides a snapshot of important dates and events throughout the year, helping you plan and stay informed.
On Friday, September 15, elementary students will be dismissed at noon in their normal dismissal locations as staff professional development will be taking place in the afternoon. We appreciate your flexibility in arranging for pick-up at this time and supporting a prompt dismissal so teachers can quickly transition to afternoon professional learning sessions.
Please review this information from the mobile dentists who come to WMAES each year. Their next visit to WMAES is scheduled for October 23-26. We encourage families to take advantage of this convenient program. See below for more information and a link to sign up your student. Paper registration forms will also be sent home this week.
Great news! Our school has partnered with Smile Programs…the mobile dentists to offer in-school dental care. Sign up your child today at https://www.myschooldentist.com/WMWMMI_schsrm
Even better, dental care is usually available at no cost to you. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a low cost self-pay option is available.
Our in-school dental program saves you time and provides a safe and comfortable place for your child to receive gentle dental care from licensed local professionals.
Simply go to https://www.myschooldentist.com/WMWMMI_schsrm to get started.
We’re looking forward to the return of one of our favorite annual community events, Treats on the Trails, on the evening of Thursday, October 19. Treats on the Trails provides a fun, safe trick-or-treating experience for families on the beautiful trails at WMAES. More information will be coming soon.
We're pleased to shared that Hand2Hand will be supporting the WMAES community with food assistance this school year. If interested, please fill out the form below (Spanish and English versions available) and return to your student's homeroom teacher or the main office. Paper copies of the same form have also been sent home, and additional copies can be requested in the office if needed.
We look forward to being able to utilize texting as a convenient means of providing links to our newsletters, reminders about upcoming dates, weather-related closing notifications, and more. Simply text Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up. Coming soon, we will also be sending a one time opt-in message to all numbers on file who have not opted in to provide the option of doing so at that time.
We're excited to share that the final large play structure components for our new playground will be shipping soon! Installation is still on schedule for this fall, and we cannot wait to see students enjoying the new and improved playground soon.
September 1 & 4 - No School for Students - Labor Day
September 15 - Noon Dismissal for Students - Staff Professional Development
September 15 - Dollar No Uniform Day for Students
September 22 - Popcorn Day
October 3 - Picture Day (Retakes November 8)
For your convenience, the full overview calendar for the 2023-24 school year remains available at https://tinyurl.com/wmaescalendar.
This calendar provides a snapshot of important dates and events throughout the year, helping you plan and stay informed.
Please refer to the information below for everything you need to know to sign up for text updates from WMAES. We look forward to being able to utilize texting as a convenient means of providing links to our newsletters, reminders about upcoming dates, weather-related closing notifications, and more. As shown in the flyer below, simply text Y or Yes to 67587 from a number you have on file with the office to get signed up. Coming soon, we will also be sending a one time opt-in message to all numbers on file who have not opted in to provide the option of doing so at that time.
Please check out the video highlighting the Pig Roast Open House below. Thanks to the many of you who contributed! A link to the online story is also provided below.
Elementary students are having a blast drawing their self portraits in the art room: 4th-5th are inspired by Tim Burton and whimsy, 2nd-3rd are inspired by Brazilian American pop artist Romero Britto, and TK-1st grade is practicing the basics of self portraits, body parts, shapes and exploring painting. They are all excited and adding all sorts of personal interests to their art. It is such a lively and positive start to art this year and Mrs. Thompson is so lucky to be working with your students in her dream job for the 7th year!
School picture day at WMAES is Tuesday, October 3. On picture day, students do not need to wear their typical school uniform items. Students may wear school appropriate attire of their choice. Picture forms and ordering information will be coming your way soon.
The WMAES Power Parent Team has made it possible for us to host a popcorn sale for students once again, on Friday, September 22. Each bag of popcorn is priced at 50 cents. We are committed to ensuring that every student who wishes to partake in the popcorn sale can do so. For this reason, any additional contributions towards popcorn day would be greatly appreciated. Additionally, if you wish to sponsor an entire class for popcorn day, you can do so by making a donation of $15. We request that students limit their purchase to one bag to ensure that we have enough popcorn for all.
WMAES provides access to real-time information on grades and attendance via the PowerSchool Parent Portal accessible in any web browser and free PowerSchool Mobile app. If you’ve created an account in the past, you can continue using the username and password you established to see current school year information. If you need to reset the password for your parent portal account, go to the Parent Portal webpage for WMAES and click on “Forgot Username or Password?” If your family is new to WMAES this year or would like to create a new account, instructions for creating an account and linking students to it will be sent to you in the coming week. We encourage all families to take advantage of this convenient tool for monitoring your student’s progress.
Parent Portal Links
Browser Access to Parent Portal for WMAES:
https://powerschool.wma-es.com/public/
PowerSchool Parent and Student Resource Center:
https://www.powerschool.com/parent-student-resource-center/
PowerSchool Mobile on the App Store for Apple Devices:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerschool-mobile/id973741088
PowerSchool Mobile on Google Play for Android Devices:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.powerschool.portal&hl=en
WMAES strives to provide a parking lot environment that is as safe and courteous as possible and ensure an orderly drop-off and pick-up of students. Your adherence to the following guidelines is greatly appreciated and serves as an important example of adult cooperation, patience, and respect for our students.
Enter only through the east drive.
Exit only through the west drive.
Drive slowly! Be alert and watch for children emerging between cars.
If you are planning to leave your vehicle for any reason, park in a designated parking space.
During drop-off, the inside lane (closest to the school) is available for vehicles dropping off students.
Vehicles in this lane must remain occupied by the driver and merge left slowly into the outer lane after dropping off.
Drop off children on the inside lane only as close to the sidewalk as possible.
Make sure children exit the vehicle on the school side (passenger side) of the vehicle.
The outside lane is for continuous traffic flow.
Do not leave your vehicle unless it is in a designated parking space.
Carpool whenever possible to help reduce traffic volume.
BE PATIENT! Our parking lot must accommodate a high volume of vehicles. As is the case in any parking lot, this can create slow moving traffic at times. Patience and cooperation are necessary to make departure go smoothly.
All elementary classes will be dismissed at 3:15 PM. They will be standing with their teacher on the sidewalk in front of the elementary building for dismissal. Signs will designate the specific dismissal location for each class in the grade level dismissal areas shown in the image below. At dismissal, you must park and walk to your child's teacher to pick up your student. Please be prepared to identify yourself to your child's teacher as necessary.