Parent Newsletter from Greenwood Elementary School

Parent Newsletter

September 20, 2018

From the Desk of Dr. G

Big-time Learning, Big-time Character
We want to give our staff, students, and incredible school community a big-time thank you! We're off to a successful start of the school year and we couldn't have done it without you.

As much as we strive to provide students world-class learning experiences and cutting-edge technology, we know their learning is underpinned by good character and the support of their families. That's one reason we're so committed to partnering with you to cultivate six positive character traits in students.

Earlier this week, we held our first all-school assembly and introduced our first character trait: trustworthiness. We talked about trustworthiness using language from the Character Counts website including: "Trustworthiness is being honest, reliable, and doing what you say you'll do. It means having the courage to do the right thing."

During the assembly, we also introduced the annual Grizzly Dash (Fun Run) to students in an exciting way. Be sure to ask your student which teachers will be slimed. The PTA will be revealing additional teachers getting slimed as we move forward on our Grizzly Dash goals!

Thanks for everything you do to support high levels of learning, positive character, and fun for students!

Brad Gustafson, Principal

Did You Know?

Picture Day flyers/order forms are being sent home this week. Orders are being accepted online at Lifetouch. Use Picture Day ID MI218117Y0. If paying by cash or check, please fill out the entire order form and enclose cash or a check payable to Lifetouch. Order forms do not need to be returned to school for online purchases.

Are you a 4th or 5th grader who loves to read and share the love of what they've read? Join us for the Mock Newbery Book Club.

Mock Newbury Club

FastBridge aReading and aMath Tests

Students in grades 2-5 will be completing the FastBridge aReading and aMath tests in the next few weeks. The aReading and aMath tests are Screening Assessments within the FastBridge system. aReading and aMath tests are correlated with the MCA and can be used to measure student growth across time. aReading and aMath tests are used in Wayzata Public Schools as one of the measures to screen students for remedial intervention and gifted & talented services.

Fall 2018 FastBridge aReading and aMath test results will be loaded into Skyward Family Access by October 12. More information about the aReading and aMath tests and how to access your child's scores in Skyward Family Access can be found on the Research & Evaluation page.

"Top 20 Parenting"

The Parenting with Vision series of parent forums feature evening programs that focus on important issues and milestones that may be faced in a child's life. This year's series is a combination of presentations, panel discussions and workshops designed to provide parents with tools to support their children. The first workshop titled "Top 20 Parenting" will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Central Middle School Auditorium.

Legislative Candidate Forum

Description:Parents, community members and staff are invited to attend the 2018 Legislative Candidate Forum set for Tuesday, October 2, 6:30-8 p.m., in the Central Middle School Auditorium at 305 Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth. All candidates from House Districts 33A, 34B, 44A, 44B and 46A have been invited to participate in the forum. The forum will consist of a time for attendees to hear from all candidates as well an opportunity to interact with candidates from their specific House district. The forum, sponsored by the Wayzata Public Schools Legislative Action Committee (LAC), is an opportunity for voters to learn more about legislative candidates prior to Election Day on Tuesday, November 6. All questions will focus on issues that affect public education.

Reminders

Spirit Wear

Spirit Wear orders are being accepted through September 24 online with Rambow. Use "Wayzata' for the store code. This will prompt you to create a profile. From here click on 'Greenwood' at the top of the page.

Student Directory

The Student Directory is a great resource for all families. We cannot include your family if you do not submit your information for the Directory. Even if you signed up in previous years, you need to sign up again.

PTA News

Join or Volunteer

Grizzly Dash & Grizzly Gathering

Grizzly Dash fundraiser information has been sent home with students and is available our PTA website. This year, for every $3,000 raised by Greenwood students, they will unlock another mystery Greenwood staff member to be slimed! When the students reach our goal of $30,000, at least 10 staff members will get slimed.

We need many volunteers, Behind-the-Scenes and during the Grizzly Dash and Grizzly Gathering, in order to make our fundraiser a success!

Join the PTA

Become an important piece of the Greenwood PTA puzzle by completing a PTA Membership Form. Each family who joins the PTA will receive a puzzle piece in the front display case with their student(s)' first name and family's last name. Drop your completed form in the main office with your $12 check made out to Greenwood Elementary PTA.

Volunteer with the PTA

The PTA sponsors many events and programs throughout the year that need volunteers. Fill out our Volunteer Sign up Form to find programs that best fit your interests and schedule.

Volunteer Needs

Grizzly Dash
Friday, September 28

Grizzly Dash Behind-the-Scenes

Community Education

Greenwood Engineering Club
Coding with Scratch®
Lever Developers - STEM Enrichment using LEGO® bricks for the 21st Century learner
Scholars MathPath
Scholars ReadingPath

Strings Information Night is Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Central Middle School. MacPhail Center for Music partners with WISHES to offer 2-5 graders evening violin and cello lessons at four of our elementary schools! Come to info night to find out more, visit our website or email Katie.

Auditions for All District Choir for grades 4 and 5 are October 9 & 10 at Birchview Elementary from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Look for more information in your school’s e-news and a flyer from your music teacher!

Destination ImagiNation Information Night for parents and Team Managers is Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 6:30-7:30 at Central Middle School. Visit www.wayzatadi.org for more information on DI