PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Upon the completion of our third week of school, the Wass teachers have and will continue to implement our Reader's Workshop format and curriculum with all students in grades K-5. Reading is the spine to everything we do in elementary learning. Instead of telling you about what it means to be a #WassReader, we would like to show you. Here is a video we have created to give you a glimpse of what it means to be a #WassReader!
#WassReader Video
IMPROVE YOUR CHILD'S READING SKILLS BY READING YOURSELF!
A parent’s example always teaches a powerful lesson. You can’t teach your child honesty if you don’t tell the truth. You can’t teach your child to eat healthy food if you never eat fruits or vegetables. The same is true with reading. If you want your child to be a good reader, demonstrate reading habits that give the right impression. You can:
- Show your child how you read for information. Say, “I’m trying to figure out how to use a new computer program for work. This article explains how it works.”
- Read for a purpose. Do you take the bus in the morning? Show your child how you use the bus schedule to see when to leave the house. Are you looking for a new recipe for dinner? Show him how you search online or flip through cookbooks to find one to try.
- Read for pleasure. When your child sees you reading just to relax, he will realize that reading isn’t just for school or work.
- Share something you’re reading. If there’s an interesting story in the paper, read some of it aloud. Print or cut out an article you think your child will enjoy and leave it on his bed. Your child will see that reading is something that is fun to share.
- Take your child with you when you go to the library. Show him how rewarding it can be to browse titles and discover a great book.
- Bring something to read with you everywhere you go. Your child will see that reading is a constructive way to pass the time.
Reprinted with permission from the September 2018 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2018 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.
On Thursday, September 20 at 7:45 a.m., we will kick off our monthly All Pro Dad meetings. Our September topic is Positivity. This program is open to all dads and their students attending Wass. If a father is not available to attend for any reason, mothers are welcome to come as well. Breakfast will be provided for you and your child(ren).
ASSEMBLY ON PERSEVERANCE
Students in grades 2-5 attended an assembly featuring opera singer Jason Duika. Jason is a former Troy School District student that faced the life challenge of overcoming Tourette Syndrome. His message of perseverance captivated the students as he shared how he has gone on to become a professional opera singer. We were fortunate to have Jason present to our school this morning as he is a former classmate of fifth grade teacher, Mr. Kolbe.
BAGEL SALE EXTENDED
We have extended the deadline to order bagels for the entire year to Monday. We have a huge response for this, but don't want to leave anyone out. Bagel sales begin next Friday.
WASS SPIRITWEAR SALE
Wass Spiritwear sales will remain open until Thursday, Sept. 20 at 11:59 PM. This will allow us to place the order and received it by mid-October. We have a new design this year for our shirts and many new products for our students, staff, and parents to show off their school spirit. We will be including the fifth grade signature shirts on the site to make ordering easier for fifth grade parents. A separate email will be sent to fifth grade parents when this is added. Go Wolves!
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS LINKED TO BETTER CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE
It’s no secret that exercise is good for your child. Along with other benefits, it can cut her risk for obesity, diabetes and even some types of cancer. But did you know that physical fitness may also help her in school? Studies show that, compared with their inactive peers, children who get regular exercise:
- Have better hand-eye coordination.
- Are better listeners.
- Are less fidgety in class.
- Have better handwriting.
To give your child lots of opportunities to get her heart pumping:
- Go on regular walks. Pick a time, such as before or after dinner, to take a short walk around your neighborhood. Make this a habit.
- Take the long way. When you are out running errands, skip the elevators and escalators and take the stairs. Choose parking spots that will allow you to walk a bit farther.
- Play games. From catch to tag to hide and seek, there’s no end to the fun your family can have.
- Have contests. When you watch TV together, challenge your child to a competition. During commercial breaks, see who can do the most jumping jacks or pushups.
- Put her in charge. Challenge your child to come up with some creative ways to keep your family moving.
Reprinted with permission from the September 2018 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2018 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. Source: “Physically active children have improved learning and well-being, DMU researchers find,” De Montfort University, niswc.com/elem_exercise.
SCHOOL PICTURES
School pictures are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21st. This is our annual Dress Up for School Day! Order forms will be sent home on Wednesday, Sept. 19th. If you choose to order a picture package for your child, please send in the exact amount or check made out to Kaiser Studio. If you wish to purchase a yearbook, please do so at this time.
PREPAY ONLINE - You have the option to prepay by credit card at www.kaiserstudio.com with the Wass School Code ID: WASS2018. This is a nice feature so your child doesn't have to worry about turning in the envelope or losing the check or cash.
The online Wass PTO Auction is open through Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 at 7:00 PM. All funds go directly back into resources and programs at Wass Elementary.
Join Mr. Cavataio and the Wolf Pack on Tuesdays to Wake Up with the Wolves on the Wass Track from 8:00-8:30 a.m. This is a great way to actively start your day as a family. Waking up with the Wolves will take place every single Tuesday throughout the school year. If it rains, we will cancel the program and resume the following week.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES AT WASS
You can register for the following classes offered after school at Wass through Troy Continuing Education at www.troyceonline.com.
- On Your Mark Fitness Classes
- Drawing Classes – Young Rembrandts
- TGA Premier Gold Classes
- After School Basketball
- Chess Wizards
- Drama Classes
- Troy Cheer, Dance, & Pom
- Floor Hockey
JOIN SCOUTS NIGHT
Parents interested in learning more about the cub scouts program at Wass for their son are encouraged to join us on Monday, September 17th from 7:00-7:30pm in the cafeteria. If you are not able to attend, you can contact the cubmaster, Chris Calven at wasspack1708@gmail.com for more information.
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.