Category Archives: School

Wildwood/ARPS Important Dates

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Welcome Wildwood STARS

  • October 17: Walk to school Day
  • October 18: Early release day, 1:20 dismissal for parent conferences
  • October 19, 20: Early release day,  Noon dismissal for parent conferences
  • October 25:  Photo Day
  • December 13: Wildwood Winter Chorus Concert at 7:00PM

Important Links / Hiperenlaces importantes

Teacher & Staff Wishlists for 2017-2018

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Each year, the Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) asks the teachers & staff to let us know what they could use in their classrooms. The 2017-2018 lists can be seen by clicking here. Please look over the lists and consider donating any items.  Don’t forget to check periodically for updates and remember to check your teacher’s wishlist during the holidays.

 

Cada año , la Organización de Padres Guardián ( PGO ) pide a los maestros y personal para hacernos saber lo que podían utilizar en sus aulas. Los 2015-2016 listas se pueden ver haciendo clic aquí. Por favor, mirar por encima de las listas y considere donar ningún artículo.

Wildwood PGO Meeting & Homework Discussion – Oct 3 at 5:45pm

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  • 5.45pm Meet in the library where Interim Superintendent Michael Morris will present the new proposed Homework Policy. A discussion and opportunity to provide feedback will follow.
  • 6.15pm  Meet the new PGO leadership committee and other parents, learn about what the PGO does, hear about upcoming events and ways to take part.
  • 6.45-7pm  Questions, Meet & Greet 

Wildwood​ ​Curriculum​ ​Night – ​Wednesday,​ ​September​ ​27,​ ​2017

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AN EVENING FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Welcome 6:00 – 6:15 with Nick Yaffe and Yaldira Felix in the Wildwood Library

Classroom Teacher Presentations :

  • ●  6:15 – 6:45 – Kindergarten and 1st grade
  • ●  6:45 – 7:15 – 2nd and 3rd grades
  • ●  7:15 – 7:45 – 4th and 5th grades
  • ●  7:45 – 8:15 – 6th grade

Specialist Teacher Presentations :

  • ●  6:15 – 7:15 Art in the Art Studio, Technology in the computer lab ,

    Music in the Music Room, and PE in the gym

  • ●  6:15 – 7:45 Susan Wells, our librarian, in the Library

o 6:15 – 6:45 PebbleGo and online database presentation

o 7:15 – 7:45 Axis 360 audio and ebook presentation*

*Bring your device to set-up for home use!

  • ●  6:45 – 7:45 Room A – Intensive Learning Center
  • ●  6:45 – 7:45 Room B – Intensive Learning Center
  • ●  6- 6:15, 7:45-8 – Science and Garden Table with Jen Reese

    ELL teachers will be in the classrooms where they work with their students.

Flyer with parking and childcare information

Change in Curriculum Night, PGO dates

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The Amherst Block Party date was changed to the evening of October 4th which is the same day and time as our Curriculum Night. Since the annual Block Party has become such a fun event for our families, we are changing our Curriculum Night to Wednesday, September 27th from 6-8 pm. A detailed schedule will be sent out soon. We will also move our first PGO informational meeting to early October so we do not have two school events during the same week.

ARPS Committee Seeking Comments on Superintendent

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The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 School Committee voted at their September 6th meeting to consider the appointment of Interim Superintendent Michael Morris to the post of permanent Superintendent of Schools.

“At the end of the summer, the chairs learned that Interim Superintendent Morris had reconsidered his interest in being a candidate to be permanent superintendent,” said Eric Nakajima, Chair of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee.  “Given his strong track record as Interim superintendent, the committees felt it worth exploring his appointment through a process that offers extensive opportunities for public discussion and input.”

“Many community members, educators and staff have approached us in recent months to express their interest in our discussion of this topic, and to express their support for Dr. Morris’s work this past year,” said Anastasia Ordonez, Chair of the Union 26 School Committee. “He’s worked hard for our district and shown an ability to deftly manage district budgets, community needs, and student achievement. We’re looking forward to formally considering his candidacy.”

The committees have scheduled a discussion to officially consider the appointment at the September 26th joint Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 meeting with a vote anticipated at either that meeting or on October 10th. The Committees expressed a strong interest in robust public engagement and input into the decision prior to taking that vote. Interim Superintendent Michael Morris will make a presentation at the September 26th meeting that will respond, in part, to questions submitted by the public and the school committees.

The Committees plan extended public comment periods at the beginning of both the September 12th and September 26th school committee meetings to be held at the Amherst Regional High School Library beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please provide the School Committee feedback on the potential appointment of Dr. Morris as permanent Superintendent. We welcome your questions or topics that may be included in a future presentation by Dr. Morris on September 26. The deadline for submissions is September 19. Please email schoolcommittee@arps.org.

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Comité de la Escuela Regional de Amherst-Pelham y Unión 26 Declaración del Comité sobre la Consideración de la Nombramiento Permanente del Superintendente Interino Dr. Michael Morris El Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham y el Comité Escolar de la Unión 26 votaron en su reunión del 6 de septiembre para considerar el nombramiento del Superintendente Interino Michael Morris al puesto de Superintendente de Escuelas Permanente.

“Al final del verano, los presidentes de comités escolares se enteraron que el superintendente interino Morris había cambiado de opinión y estaba interesado en ser candidato superintendente permanente”, dijo Eric Nakajima, Presidente del Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham. “Dado su sólido historial como Superintendente Interino, los comités consideraron que valía la pena explorar su nombramiento a través de un proceso que ofrece amplias oportunidades para la discusión pública y el aporte”.

“Muchos miembros de la comunidad, educadores y el personal se han acercado a nosotros en los últimos meses para expresar su interés en nuestra discusión de este tema, y para expresar su apoyo a la obra del Dr. Morris el año pasado”, dijo Anastasia Ordonez, Presidenta del Comité Escolar de la Unión 26. “Ha trabajado duro para nuestro distrito y ha demostrado su habilidad para manejar hábilmente los presupuestos del distrito, las necesidades de la comunidad y el logro de los estudiantes, y estamos deseando considerar formalmente su candidatura”.

Los comités han programado una discusión para considerar oficialmente el nombramiento en conjunto el Comité Escolar Regional Amherst-Pelham y la Unión 26 en la reunión del 26 de septiembre con una votación anticipada ya sea en esa reunión o en la del 10 de octubre. Los Comités expresaron un gran interés en una participación pública sólida y contribución en la decisión antes de tomar esa votación. El superintendente interino Michael Morris hará una presentación en la reunión del 26 de septiembre que responderá, en parte, a las preguntas presentadas por el público y los comités escolares.

Los comités planifican extender los periodos de comentarios públicos al comienzo de las reuniones de comité escolar los días 12 de septiembre y 26 de septiembre, que se llevarán a cabo en la Biblioteca de la Escuela Regional de Amherst comenzando a las 6:30 PM. Proporcione al Comité Escolar comentarios sobre la posible designación del Dr. Morris como Superintendente Permanente. Damos la bienvenida a sus preguntas o temas que pueden ser incluidos en una presentación futura por el Dr. Morris el 26 de septiembre. La fecha límite para las presentaciones es el 19 de septiembre. Por favor envíe un correo electrónico a schoolcommittee@arps.org.

Field Days, 6/21 (grd. 1-3) and 6/22 (grd. 4-6)

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Two field days this year! Lower elementary will have field day on June 21 from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm, and upper elementary will have field day on the last day of school, June 22nd from 10:00 am to 11:20 am.

Lower elementary field day (grades 1-3) will take place on Wednesday, June the 21 from 1:30pm to 2:45pm. Similar to last year, there will be water games. Therefore, the students will need to bring a change of clothes they don’t mind getting wet. At the end of the field day, we will be gathering by the wooden structure for frozen treats before everyone heads in to grab their things. Please start compiling a list of students who cannot have Popsicles due to dye or other reasons so I can have an alternative treat for them. If there are any questions, feel free to ask.

CLICK for SCHEDULE and RULES for Lower Elementary — First, Second, and Third Grades (Wednesday, June 21)

Upper elementary field day (grades 4-6) will be held on Thursday, June 22 (the last day of school) from 10:00am to 11:20am. It will be a culminating celebration for the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser 4th-6th grades participated in. See the schedule for games being played. Students will be informed of the event details as the day approaches, but start letting students know now to bring a change of clothes due to the water games. Also, please let me know if there are any students who cannot have Popsicles. Similar to last year, the plan is to give them to students once the event is over, and I want to make sure we have alternatives for those who can’t have them. Let me know if there’s any questions regarding anything, and I’ll answer as best as possible.

CLICK for SCHEDULE and RULES for Upper Elementary (grades 4th, 5th, and 6th) (Thursday, June 22)  

Thanks,
Vince

News from the WW Library (Feedback Requested!)

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From the Wildwood Library: Wow! In 180 days our community has checked out 25,300 books!  Top-Circulation awards were given out at this week’s assembly.  Ms. Bing-Owen topped the charts with over 330 books checked out and in second place one of 5th graders, who checked out 290 books this year!
  • If you could spare an hour or so to help put away a few of those 25,000 books we would welcome the help please!  Please come on in (really!) or call 413-362-1424/ email: wellss@arps.org
Our Summer Reading Bingo Challenge is back!  Click here for details and student created summer reading lists!
Summer Reading programs at all the local libraries begin SOON.  Check www.joneslibrary.org for details!
We have had such a lovely school year here in the library!  I am sad to see such fun come to an end but my summer reading list is long and I can’t wait to begin reading some MCBA (Massachusetts Children’s Book Award) Mashup books!
Happy Reading!
Susan Wells

End-of-Year Picnic (w/ dunk tank!), 6/20

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All students and families are invited to the Wildwood School End of Year Picnic!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 2015 (rain date June 21)
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30pm
WHERE: Wildwood Playgrounds

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Your own family’s PICNIC DINNER and DRINKS
  • Your own REUSABLE FLATWARE, CUPS AND PLATES, we are trying to produce as little waste as possible. PGO will also have paper-goods for those who don’t bring their own from home.
  • BLANKETS/CHAIRS to sit on.
  • BUG REPELLANT is recommended.
  • Please CLEAN UP as you go!
  • ALL CHILDREN must be ACCOMPANIED by a parent, guardian or a responsible ADULT.

Wildwood Yearbook & Tees, order by Friday, June 9

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Last Chance to order Wildwood T-shirts and 2017 Wildwood Yearbooks! Order forms were sent home with your student or can be found in the WW office.  Please be sure to return the forms and payment by Friday June 9th.

The 2016/17 Wildwood School Yearbook is filled with pictures of all the students and memories of this year at Wildwood, in beautiful full color!

Order deadline: June 9th
Cost: $8 (families may request a confidential free copy)
View Order Form (also in backpacks): WW Yearbook ORDER FORM 2017 (1)

The Wildwood Yearbook is a parent produced, all volunteer project.

Multicultural Fair, We’re ONE WEEK Away

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Mark your calendar for the 2017 Wildwood Multicultural Fair! Come celebrate our cultural diversity!

Where: behind Wildwood Elementary School
Date: Thursday, June 8th (rain date: Thursday, June 15th)
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Events: potluck dinner, fashion show, performances, crafts, and games

What to bring:

  1. A dish to share (without nuts!!!). A form will be provided at the Welcome Table so you can list the ingredients.
  2. Drinks for your family (water will be provided)
  3. Reusable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils for eating in order to reduce waste.
  4. A blanket or mat to sit on
We’re still looking for any last minute Wildwood students willing to perform or be part of the fashion show!

Questions or to volunteer: contact Becky Miller at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com

Wildwood Staff Appreciation, Food Drop-off

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If you’ve volunteered to donate food, items can be dropped off on June 1st before 7:45am (or on the 31st as long as items are labeled and placed in the staff refrigerator). Nonperishable items labeled “Staff Breakfast” can be dropped off anytime in the office. Still in need of donations for Staff Breakfast (click here to view remaining needs).

Thanks in advance to all who are able to pitch in.

Incoming PGO Officers, thanks in advance!

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Thanks to those who attended Wednesday’s PGO meeting, and a very special thanks to those parents stepping up into PGO leadership. As Dr. Morris expressed in his weekly newsletter, “You do amazing work on behalf of our students and your support means so much to the all of our faculty, staff and administrators.”

Co-Chairs: Kerry Crosby and Sheilah Jones
Treasurer: Toni Cunningham
Volunteer Coordinator: Becky Miller
Fundraising Coordinator: Irene Dujovne
Secretary: Lisa Berry
Blog Communications: Anita Rao
Yearbook: Susan Wells and Jenny Haugsjaahabink
School Directory: Susan Wells and Jenny Haugsjaahabink
Class Parent Liason: Becky Gahan

Kindergarten Sing-along, June 2 from 5:30-7 pm

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Wildwood kindergarten families…Please join us for an end of the year dinner (potluck) and sing-along on Friday, June 2 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm.

Each family is asked to bring one dish to share. If your last name starts with A – R please bring a main dish or salad and if your last name starts with S – Z please bring a dessert or fruit to share. In addition, you are asked to bring your own cups, plates, napkins, and silverware to reduce waste. Water will be provided for drinking.

WildwoodPGO Meeting – Wednesday May 24, 6:00-7:30pm

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Come learn about Project Based Learning at the next Wildwood PGO Meeting
Tuesday, May 24, 2017  6:00pm-7:30pm

  • 6pm  PGO meeting in the Library – Hear about open PGO positions for next year. We need You!
  • 6:30pm  Nick will present on the implementation of Project Based Learning in Grades K-6 and the impact it will have on your children.  Come find out about this exciting journey into hands-on, problem-based, in-depth learning.
  • 7-7:30pm  Meet & Greet 

View Flyer in English

View Flyer in Spanish

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Volunteers Needed!

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Wildwood teachers/staff are really appreciative of this annual event. Please help us make it a success.

Lots of ways to pitch in (donation of food, picking something up that is already paid for, or setting up or cleaning up). Click on the link below and see if one fits you: Click to Sign Up

Our annual staff appreciation breakfast will be held on June 1st beginning at 7:45am in the staff lounge.  We are looking for donations of breakfast items and volunteers to set-up, serve and clean-up.

Thank you,
PGO

MCAS Testing Dates

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MCAS testing has begun. Remaining test dates as follows:

  • ELA MCAS: Grade 6 on May 2.
  • Math MCAS: Grade 5–May 11, 12; Grade 6–May 18,19; Grades 3 and 4–May 23,24.
  • Science MCAS: Grade 5–May 16 and 17.

Valley Gives & Brown Envelope Fundraiser, May 2

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The 4th annual Valley Gives Day is THIS WEEK! valleygives-2

This 24-hour online giving day allows people throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond to support hundreds of local nonprofits, including our very own Wildwood School. Don’t delay, support Wildwood PGO today!

Donate via brown envelope or online at: https://valley-gives.org/designee/wildwood-parent-guardian-organization

With your help the PGO can continue to support our students in ways that are as diverse as the population we serve. We strive to ensure that all children have what they need to thrive while also providing our amazing educators with basic tools for their classrooms. With your help the PGO can continue to support our students in ways that are as diverse as the population we serve. But we can’t do it without you! Check it out:

  • $850 ensures every 6th Grade student can participate in the Morse Hill field trip
  • $700 pays for a visiting author
  • $500 supports Art room clay supplies for the year
  • $200 will pay for a Sewing Machine for the Art Room
  • $125 supports a Staff Appreciation Breakfast
  • $120 buys Soil Testing probes for a 2nd Grade Soil Investigation science unit
  • $100 Pays for Moby Max curriculum software licenses for 5th Graders
  • $100 Can assist the school to submit mini grants for unique learning opportunities for children
  • $50 Will help every child to attend class field trips in the community
  • $20 Contributes to teacher classroom supplies so all children have access to pencils and paper
  • $10 helps to ensure that each child can have a snack every day

Our school will be stronger with help from you. Please donate what you can today and dig deep this spring. Thank you!

That Volunteer Opportunity May Require a Background Check

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We welcome all talents and abilities! To learn more about fun, unique and exciting volunteer opportunities at Wildwood, visit our Volunteering and Contributing page

CORI Background Check: If school or PGO volunteer opportunities bring you into contact with students at Wildwood ES or on a field trip, you must have a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check on file. This includes all field trip chaperones and classroom volunteers (e.g. grandparents, aunts & uncles, adult siblings). CORI checks must be done on individual volunteers every three years and are valid for all schools within our district. If you would like to check to see if you are current on your CORI status, please call Sasha in the Central Office at 362-1810.

To request a CORI check, bring your current driver’s license into the Main Office at Wildwood or to the district’s Central Office (located at the middle school) for photocopying and complete the required application well in advance of any volunteer obligations. Questions about the CORI process can be directed to the Wildwood Main Office or Sasha in the Central Office.

MCAS Testing Dates

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MCAS testing has begun.

Grades 3 and 4 have their ELA MCAS on April 25, 26 and 27. Grade 6 will take their ELA MCAS on April 28 and May 2. Grade 5 tested on April 4-6.

Math MCAS dates are as follows: Grade 5–May 11, 12, Grade 6–May 18,19 Grades 3 and 4–May 23,24. The fifth grade also has MCAS Science tests on May 16 and 17.

Family Math Night – April 6, 2017

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Wildwood Elementary School Presents a Title 1 and PGO sponsored school-wide math event.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

5:45-7:30 pm*

“Play and Take” Math Games

Pizza dinner in the cafeteria: 5:45-6:15

Math games in rooms around school: 6:15-7:15

Grand prize raffle in the cafeteria: 7:15-7:30

*Buses will pick up at entrance (and drop off after the event):

Boulders @ 5:15,   North Village @ 5:25,   Village Park @ 5:35,    Olympia Oaks @ 5:40

Please RSVP for the event.

View English Flyer

View Spanish Flyer