December 2013
TO: Michael Green, Superintendent
FROM: Mark Houk
RE: WPS MONTHLY UPDATE
Common Core State Standards Development
Significant effort and resources have been dedicated this fall on our continued learning of these new expectations for schools. Our Teaching and Instruction Departments (Asha Riley, and Learning Support Specialists) have led or provided quality experiences for instructional staff. We are learning from some of the best current sources and resources, and our own staff is seeing what is necessary to translate pieces into teaching action.
Most recently, KG, 1st, and 2nd grades have done extra work in planning the immediate implementation of Common Core pieces we find necessary to begin focusing upon.
This has led to more work fine-tuning our standards-based report cards to reflect what will be taught and learned by students. 3rd grade will layer in similar work later in the winter. This is hard work, being done in earnest by our school teams all across the district while continuing with the daily instruction of our students. I continue to be amazed and appreciative of the relentless fashion in which our school staff teams are pursuing the Common Core – WOW!!!
Veteran’s Day Observance
This assembly was once again a highlight of the fall. This year all WPS students attended (Full-Day Kindergarten) and the setting was special. This year’s program included student performances, presentation of the colors by local scout troops, and bagpipes by our own Mr. Jeremy Stewart. Also, teacher Mrs. Linda Morris, sang a solo piece that was memorable. This was all topped off by recognition of Veteran’s and local service personnel in attendance – each was presented with a small loaf of homemade bread prepared by our own WPS Staff.
Ms. Melissa Sander’s 3rd grade class also invited Veterans who are relatives of students in her class for a reception in her classroom. This activity was striking in that each student had the opportunity to ask each Veteran about their experience serving our country. Many interesting facts about these life experiences were shared with our students – including one Veteran who served in World War II.
Staff Update
This late fall, we have been pleased to welcome Mrs. Nicole Caulfield to WPS as our Fine Arts Teacher, and Mrs. Teresa Young as our new Building Secretary.
Mrs. Caulfield has jumped right in moving around the building with art projects for classes – she is an artist herself with a penchant for motivating students to attempt tasks utilizing different skills and aptitudes.
Mrs. Young has been on our WPS Staff for a while but will become much more visible as a member of the office staff. We are very fortunate to have each in our school supporting students and staff!
An Invitation
Please note that the WPS Holiday Programs will take place on Monday, December 16th with performances at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in order to accommodate all parents, family, and community that typically enjoy attending.
YOU, are all invited to take in a performance if you have the time and inclination!
Postscript…….Holiday Program went well with worthy performances by all students! Our thanks to WPS Staff for working together to help students demonstrate learning through Music! Special appreciation to parent Janet Thrall, and staff members Keri Moss, Linda Morris, Kim Tolbert, Megan Groen, and Teri Schlenz for their special work with students on the Program!