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Oct 11 - PTA Meeting @ 8:45am
Oct 14- NO SCHOOL
Oct 18 - Reflections Contest Deadline
Oct 27 - Dining for Dollars
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Dear Wolftrap Families:
Fall is finally here and we could not be happier about the cooler temperatures. In just the first six weeks of the school year, we have welcomed over 475 parent visitors and volunteers to our school. When FCPS sent out the Family Engagement Survey in the spring, 119 parents participated. The following were our among our highest ranking indicators on the survey.
- “There are opportunities for me to volunteer at my child’s school.” (97% strongly agree or agree)
- “This school welcomes families of different backgrounds and cultures.” (96% strongly agree or agree)
- “I feel welcome at my child’s school.” (95% strongly agree or agree)
Parent volunteers, including those participating in the Watch DOGS program, add so much value to our school day, and we offer many enriching programs with parent support. I wanted to take a moment to remind all volunteers of the FCPS Policy of Confidentiality (Policy 2730.3) It states that “all volunteers shall be expected to maintain personally identifiable student information, whether oral, written, or automated, in a confidential manner.” Observations of student performance and their behaviors in the classroom may not be shared or discussed, as we strive to protect all children’s right to privacy.
In exciting news, Wolftrap won another award. In addition to being named a recipient of the 2019 Virginia Board of Education Highest Achievement Award, Dr. Braband and the School Board have created a new recognition program. We will be recognized at the School Board meeting later this month as a recipient of the Superintendent’s Excellence in Equity Award, as we were in the top 10 schools with the largest reduction in achievement gap in math.
As we celebrate the many academic success of Wolftrap students, we need to remain mindful of the unintended consequence of stress and anxiety that students in high-achieving schools may endure. I came across an article in the Washington Post that I wanted to share called, “Students in high-achieving schools are now named an “at-risk” group.” We continue to help students at school by focusing on positive character traits from the Positivity Project. We have seen tremendous response from our students as we empower them to build relationships by seeing the character strengths in themselves and others. This is an example of how Wolftrap supports the emotional needs of our students so that they understand that their effort, and not achievement, is what matters the most.
If you are interested in continuing these conversations at home, I encourage you to explore the idea of the growth mindset (https://www.mindsetworks.com/). World renowned psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck coined the terms fixed mindset and growth mindset to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. The staff at Wolftrap talk about these ideas consistently with all students, and it is always a stronger message if parents adopt this language in the home as well.
Finally, a special shout out from 5th grade to the PTA for the wonderful new wall-mounted projectors that were recently installed in the Quads. Not only is the picture quality better, but mounting the projector on the wall gives each classroom more space. Thank you, PTA!
Sincerely,
Teresa Khuluki
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Fall is on its way, though temperatures may not feel it! October brings a steady month for the PTA, and thankfully the wrapping up of our fall membership drive. Thank you to the many families who showed their support for Wolftrap by becoming part of the PTA, including those of you still joining! Every membership matters and it’s never too late to show your love, by joining here. Families also have the option this year of paying class funds online, no more checks or cash to the office needed.
PTA programs kick into gear this month, with after school classes starting, Artist in the Making, Odyssey of the Mind, Teacher Workroom Support, Dining for Dollars, and of course, Pizza Bingo. This month also brings the deadline for the Reflections art contest. Please make sure your calendars are marked!
Our October PTA meeting is slated for Friday October 11, 8:45am in the Teachers’ Lounge. These meetings are great for learning about schoolwide events and asking whatever questions you may have. Come join us and stay involved!
Your PTA Board,
Cantaré: “Carnaval”!
The Wolftrap PTA’s Cultural Arts Committee is delighted to host Cantaré this Fall on the morning of Friday, October 18. Through song and dance, Cantaré will enable students to explore the Indigenous, European and African cultures that shape Latin American music. Students in all grades will engage their senses as they listen to Spanish and Portuguese songs and rhythms and are introduced to instruments like the donkey jaw, goat toenail rattle and armadillo shell guitar. Through the Carnaval performance program, students will experience rhythms from different Carnaval traditions such as carnavalito from Bolivia, festejo from Peru, plena from Puerto Rico, conga from Cuba and samba from Brazil. Student audiences sing and play instruments and dance conga.
Cantaré has performed at venues like the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, Smithsonian Discovery Theater and Wolf Trap.
To see a video sample of Cantaré:
https://www.goartivate.org/product/cantare/
To see resources for Hispanic Heritage Month:
https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.org/index.php/resources
To see classroom resources for Hispanic Heritage Month:
http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/hispanic-heritage-month-k-5.html
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Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8:20-11:30. The Wolftrap clinic staff needs a few volunteers for this simple, but very important screening. No experience necessary, sign up here. Questions? Contact Mrs. Wolfe at SWolf@fcps.edu. |
We had a big turnout on National Walk to School Day. Thanks to Rita's of Vienna, Ledo's Pizza and Caffe Amouri for their generous donations for our walkers and bikers. Of course, a big thanks to Ms. Stubbs for serving as Wolfie!
A friendly reminder that volunteers are needed to help with coffee pickup for Walking Wednesdays. Your help is greatly appreciated.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a45ada823a5fb6-caffe
Congratulations to the 2nd Grade for winning the first Golden Sneaker Award of the school year!
Pictured are Kinsley Wintermute and Shelby Smith presenting the award to Grace Keeler.
Seeking Book Fair Committee members! First meeting will be held October 17th at 8PM. If you are interested in helping to plan for our November Book Fair, please email bookfair@wolftrappta.org for details!
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The 5th and 6th grade families will be hosting October's Teacher Appreciation Luncheon for all of Wolftrap's teachers and staff on Thursday, October 24th. This month's theme is Falling Into a Great Year! Food, beverages, supplies and clean up help are needed. Please see the sign up to see how you can help. Thank you for making this a special day for our staff!
Friday, October 25, 2019 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Please join us for an exciting family night of Pizza Bingo (prizes available for all winners!), Scoops2U ice cream and a few NEW & exciting raffle items to be announced very soon (cash preferred but checks also accepted.) There will be a $5 entrance fee per family and ALL proceeds go to support the PTA. Students, parents, families alike always enjoy this crowd-pleasing community event featuring some good ol' fashion BINGO! Students love to see some of their favorite teachers in action calling the BINGO numbers too.
We can't wait to see everyone and enjoy a fun evening with our Wolftrap Community! PRIZE DONATIONS accepted in the office -- one man's trash is another man's treasure. We gladly accept new items from your junk drawer, party favors, & gifts your kids never wanted/needed! Thank you for helping to make this Pizza Bingo evening a smashing success!
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Teams are forming! Sign into your account on the PTA website and visit "My Account" to find the interest form under forms. E-mail odyssey@wolftrappta.com for the presentation link and hand out from Tuesday's Parent Information Meeting!
Tuesday October 29
Foster's Grille 11am-9pm, Ben & Jerry's 4-9 pm.
Twice the fun! Have dinner at Foster's and grab ice cream next door at Ben & Jerry's.
Make sure to say you're there for Wolftrap and you'll earn 20% back for the school. Two great reasons to make it a night to eat out.
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AIM kicks off the year with a project on form using the works of Michelangelo. Want to see what your child is creating? Check out the video here.
Make sure you save your child's artwork throughout the year for the first-ever gallery night on May 27, 2020. More details to come.
And if you're interested to learn how to be a docent (easy and you get to be in the classroom!), email aim@wolftrappta.org.
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For more information on community new and events such as scouting, programs for special needs students, Stemtree opportunities and more, go to: https://wolftrappta.membershiptoolkit.com/
Harlem Wizards Game Oct 11 at Marshall High School - Doors open at 6:30, game at 7:30. GET THERE WHEN DOORS OPEN!
$3 to Wolftrap for every ticket sold to a Wolftrap family but ONLY if you buy in ADVANCE. So go to the website and BUY your tickets today!
Come out and enjoy an exciting game, food and fun! Mrs Stubbs, Mr Bechtle, and Mr Campet NEED you to cheer them on as they take on the Harlem Wizards! FCPS Board member at large Ryan McElveen will be playing too! Guest appearance from the Chick Fil A cow!! There will be chances to win lots of great stuff! All advanced ticket purchasers will be automatically entered to win one of 3 prizes - a Mathnasium Gift Basket, an Orange Theory Fitness gift basket, Mathnasium gift basket or a $50 PJ sports gift certificate.
Buy your tickets before this event to be in the raffle! Prices will be higher at the door!
TIckets on Sale at https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/154265
Proceeds to benefit Marshall HS Class of 2020 All Night Grad Celebration
Check out this video to see how much fun it will be!! www.harlemwizards.com/1minpromovideo/
Questions? Email Liz Margiotta ecmargi@gmail.com
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