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THE WOLF'S HOWL WEEK 15 - DEC. 4-8

The fifth grade students had a wonderful day enjoying the movie Wonder at the Star Southfield Theater. Wass students joined the fifth grade classes from Martell, Leonard, Troy Union, Costello, and Hill Elementary Schools. We packed the theater with approximately 450 students. Thank you to the PTO for sponsoring such an awesome event for our Wolves.

My favorite line in the movie is the precept - "When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose KIND."

hour of code

Students that participated in the Hour of Code this past week can turn in their slips to Mrs. Rzpeka, Wass Media Specialist, next week. A certificate will be printed out for your child and posted in the school. If your child hasn't taken advantage of this opportunity yet, they can still complete this over the weekend to be honored next week in school.

HOUR OF CODE INFORMATION

mp1 report cards

Report cards for students in grades K-5 will be available to parents on Tuesday, December 12 electronically through HAC.

HOME ACCESS CENTER LINK

Talking to Your Child about Report Cards

A child's report card can bring feelings of joy, excitement, and pride; it can also cause concern, frustration, and uncertainty. In either case, the reporting period marks a new beginning to set goals as well as reflect on past work habits, achievements, and hardships. Most important, it is a time for parents to communicate with their children and determine a path for future academic enrichment and social/emotional growth.

Focus on the positive

Regardless of the grades your child brings home, you must first focus on positive aspects of the report. This is not always an easy task. For some parents, this might mean highlighting a strong effort or citizenship grade, or congratulating an academic accomplishment. It could mean praising a perfect attendance record or acknowledging a small improvement shown in a particular area. Starting on a positive note shows your child that you truly care about the accomplishments, not only areas that need improvement.

Ask the right questions

Be careful not to overreact to low grades, or grades you view to be unsatisfactory. Instead, use this time to look at past performance and plan for the future. Talk to your child, asking questions to understand how a particular grade was earned:

  • Was the work too difficult?
  • Could the pace of the class be inappropriate (too fast, so that your child feels "lost," or too slow, causing your child to feel "bored")?
  • Does your child complete all homework and ask questions when problems arise?

The answers you receive might indicate a need to review your child's study habits. Determine whether or not your child is recording all assignments and bringing home all materials necessary to complete them. Does your child have a specific place to study where resources (including someone to answer questions) are available and distractions are minimized? Is your child completing all homework on a nightly basis, or are assignments being turned in late, or not at all? Once you have determined the problem, you can begin to create a solution.

The next step

Creating a plan to maximize future academic success is an important part of every child's education. Help your child set realistic and attainable goals for the next reporting period. Outline ways in which these goals can be met, as well as rewards and consequences if they are not. Type the "official plan" and post one copy in a prominent household location, another in your child's binder, and forward another to her teacher. Involving your child gives her ownership and importance in this process; and this makes the report card important not only to you, but also to your child.

As parents, we want the best for our children, but in too many cases this is measured only by the number of As and Bs brought home. Emphasize to your child the importance of doing the very best job that he can. Encourage him to succeed, and measure his progress in realistic terms, letting him know that you care and are available to help. Break tasks into small steps, so that even the youngest child can measure her growth, and the most advanced child can monitor her progress. By reviewing the report card, and developing a plan for the future, you will help your child find the road to success.

Farwell, Terry. (2017, November). Talk to Your Child About Report Cards. Retrieved from https://www.familyeducation.com/school/report-cards/talking-your-child-about-report-cards#.WiVFQK6ESb4.google.

WOLF PACKS

Our Wolf Packs met on Thursday morning to learn a math problem-solving strategy called TIPS. This is an example how we integrate our character education program into our curriculum by infusing our values into math instruction. The poster below is displayed throughout our school to help students use a 4 step strategy to be RESPONSIBLE mathematicians. Students practiced this strategy with their packs, but will continue to use this with their classroom teachers.

Students were also introduced to a school-wide service project during Wolf Packs. We have learned that Priest Elementary / Middle School in Detroit (K-8 School) has a large need for coats, boots, and gloves. They have 800 students and many of their students can't go to outdoor recess because they don't have appropriate outdoor winter clothes. We've contacted the principal of their school to see how dire the need is and she stated that it is over half of their school. We are asking students (with assistance from their parents) to donate any coats, gloves, or boots that they have outgrown. Donation boxes are located in our front entry vestibule. This is a great way for our Wolves to show the Wass Wolves' Way to other kids that are in need.

"See a need, fill a need!"

robowolves

We have multiple teams of Wass students, know as the Robowolves, that are participating and competing in FIRST Lego League Robotics competitions over the past month. Some have qualified for the state competition. The goal of Lego Robotics is to excite and inspire children to excel in math and science. Thanks to all of the parents that have organized and coached the Wass students in this great program. We wish you the best in the state competition.

Helping others promotes confidence and self-esteem

Children want to feel like they play an important role in their community. Volunteering can help your child build important social skills and develop self-confidence—which will also benefit him in school.

  • Find a volunteer or community service activity you and your child can do together. Here are some ideas:
  • Bake something for a senior citizen or a parent of a new baby.
  • Make sandwiches for people who are homeless.
  • Help take care of a pet. If a neighbor is going away for a few days, you and your child could offer to feed and walk the dog.
  • Take part in a clothing drive. Collect coats, gloves and hats and donate them to local shelters.
  • Donate money he has earned. It’s nice when your child sees you give money to a charity. But he’ll remember it longer if he gives away even a small sum of his own money to help others.

Reprinted with permission from the December 2017 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2017 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.

CLASS HOLIDAY PARTIES

Class Holiday Parties are scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Parties in grades K-5 will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Parents signed up to work the classroom parties as volunteers can arrive and enter at 2:15 to set up for the parties.

Come join Mr. Cavataio and start your morning off with some family exercise on Tuesdays. Waking Up with the Wolves takes place on the Wass Track from 8:00-8:30 a.m. If it's raining, we'll use our indoor track.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Many parents work hours that do not allow them to pick-up or drop-off their child when school begins or is dismissed. If you are in this situation, child care is available before and after school through the C.A.R.E. Company. Full or part-time schedules are available. For more information, please call 248-823-5100 or visit their website at www.troyceonline.com.

KROGER REWARDS & AMAZON SMILE

The Wass PTO raises significant funds every year through your normal purchases at Kroger and Amazon! These funds go right back into the classroom, directly impacting all Wass students. If you have not registered yet (especially at Kroger and Amazon), simply click on the link to find out how. Please consider asking family and friends to sign up for this FREE benefit for our Wolves. Thank you for supporting the Wass PTO.

KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS

AMAZON SMILE

Have a great weekend! #WassKindness #WassTeammates

Matt Jansen - Principal - Wass Elementary

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