We can't wait to host you next Thursday, Nov. 9 at our second Wolf Pack meeting of the year. We have opened an invitation for each student to have one parent (or family member) attend our Wolf Pack lesson. Our character education team has created a special lesson that focuses on kindness and seeing each member of the Wass Wolf Pack as the unique Wonder that he or she is. R. J. Polacio's best-selling book, Wonder, soon to be a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind.

You can come to school at 8:35 and help your child go through his/her morning routine, participate in the Wolf Pack lesson (8:55-9:35), and then go on with your day. Hopefully you can go in a little late to work and start your morning with your child. We are asking only one parent per child attend due to space. If you are unable to attend, another family member (grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc...) is welcome to join your child. This is a great way to see what Wolf Packs are for your child.

Following the lesson, you might consider taking your child to see the movie - Wonder. It opens in theaters on November 17. I will be providing follow up discussion questions for you to extend this lesson beyond our school walls and into your home. One of the great parts of our character education program is that we believe a strong school-home partnership is crucial to developing citizens that value Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, and Perseverance.

#BeWassKind

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I loved seeing all of the staff and students dress up in costumes to celebrate Halloween. This is a great relationship day for students and staff. The weather opened up just enough for us to have the Wass Halloween Parade outside. I would like to thank all of the classroom volunteers that planned and organized our class parties. The students had a blast!

OWL PELLET PROGRAM

Third grade students participated in our annual owl pellet dissection program after a week-long study of owls in our Structures of Life science unit.

SECOND GRADE GOES BATTY

Second graders enjoyed our visit from the Bat Zone this week. The organization for Bat conservatory was able to bring several species of bats for our viewing pleasure. The students enjoyed learning even more facts and information about these amazing creatures. You are welcome to visit the Bat Zone in downtown Pontiac (which used to be housed at Cranbrook) to learn even more about how to #save the bats.

Experts share ways to reduce screen time

The time kids spend staring at screens—watching TV, playing video games, going online—can affect their grades. As a matter of fact, research shows that kids who use these media the most tend to be the poorest readers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents of children ages six and older place consistent limits on the amount of time their kids spend with digital media. However, many kids say there are no rules about screen time in their homes.

Experts advise parents to:

• Establish screen-free areas, such as in kids’ bedrooms.
• Designate screen-free times, such as during meals and while in the car.
• Offer alternatives. Go biking together. Play cards. Learn a new craft. Show your child that there are plenty of ways to have fun—and engage her brain—without sitting in front of a screen.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2017 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2017 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. Source: “American Academy of Pediatrics Announces New Recommendations for Children’s Media Use,” American Academy of Pediatrics, niswc.com/elem_screens.

On November 7th, you will be asked to vote on a Building and Site Sinking Fund (or BSSF) for our schools. This fund would be created at NO additional cost to the current tax rates and allow us to make necessary repairs and upgrades in our schools.

What is a BSSF? A BSSF is a “pay as you go” millage used to keep district buildings in good repair as well as upgrade security/safety and technology. 170 school districts in Michigan have a BSSF.

Why is it needed? In the TSD, we work hard to keep your tax dollars where they belong—in the classroom. But funding cuts force us to make reductions elsewhere, and that means repairs and upgrades to our schools do not get done. We spend less on repair and refurbishment of our facilities than 734 of the 839 other school districts and academies statewide.

A BSSF would:

• Protect your investment in Troy Schools
• Preserve the excellence in our classrooms
• Ensure that our students are safe and secure in their learning environment

Why use a BSSF? This type of fund provides a dedicated revenue stream but adds no debt—we borrow nothing and spend only what is available each year, all at ZERO increase to the current tax rates.

We are grateful for the support of our friends and neighbors, who recognize the link between exemplary schools and strong property values. I urge you to learn as much as you can—and I invite you to attend a presentation through your school's PTA/PTO to hear more. Our website also has links to presentations, frequently asked questions, display boards and more:

BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND PAGE

And then, of course, head to the polls on November 7th. Thank you!

Dr. Richard Machesky - Superintendent, Troy School District

OCTOBER FOOD DRIVE

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the Wass October Food Drive. We were able to provide a substantial donation to Troy families in need.

FIRE SAFETY

Our students in grades 1, 3, and 5 participated in our annual Fire Safety programs on Thursday with Firefighter Rob. Each grade level receives a specific message to make them aware of fire safety. Each grade level went over the importance of having an evacuation plan in case you ever deal with a fire. Sunday is Daylight Savings, it's a good reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

CODING CLUB

Wass fourth graders in the Coding Club met for the first time this year on Thursday to further their knowledge and skills in computer science. Mrs. Rzepka runs this program for our fourth graders during their lunch break every two weeks.

Simple strategies can make reading exciting for your child

Strong reading skills are beneficial in every school subject. But experts say that to build reading abilities, children must want to read. Unfortunately, many children just aren’t interested.

To show your child that reading is enjoyable and rewarding:

• Listen to audiobooks. This is a great way to show a reluctant reader how interesting books can be. Young children may enjoy recordings made by parents. They can follow along with the book while listening.
• Sign your child up for a pen pal. Kids love receiving mail and learning about life in other countries. Ask your child’s teacher or a librarian about how to get involved.
• Take a field trip. Challenge your child to research attractions in your area, such as museums and parks. Then ask her to be your tour guide as she shares with you what she’s learned.
• Follow current events. Is there a developing news story that interests your child? Read the latest reports in the paper or online together each night.
• Give reading coupons. Show your child that you think reading is special by giving her reading coupons. Some might be for 30 minutes of reading with you. Others might be good for a trip to the bookstore or an extra trip to the library to select a book. Reading coupons also make great rewards for good behavior.

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

FOLLOW WASS ON TWITTER @WassWolves

You can view the learning that is taking place daily in our school. During the week, you can have a window into our school through the @WassWolves Twitter Feed with images of learning activities from grades K-5 throughout our school. Whether it is in a classroom, on a field trip, or in a specials class, we want you to know the great things going on at Wass. A picture and a headline says a thousand words! You can go to @WassWolves on Twitter or view the feed on the bottom right of the Wass website.

SAFETIES OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to these fifth grade students for being recognized for their outstanding service as Wass Safety Patrol members throughout the month of October.

PTO MEETING

Our second PTO meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 PM.

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.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY - NOV. 6

If you are unhappy with your child’s pictures or if your child was absent the day pictures were taken, please send your child to school ready to have his/her picture taken. For retakes, your child must return the original package intact and bring it on the day of retakes. Extra order forms are in the school office.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Don’t forget to to Fall Back an hour on Sunday (Nov. 5) for Daylight Savings Time.

KROGER REWARDS & AMAZON SMILE