Parent Newsletter from Greenwood

Parent Newsletter

November 29, 2018

From the Desk of Dr. G

BookTalk DJs

Our 3rd grade BookTalk DJs are back and we're teaming up with Little Mountain Elementary readers (in Monticello) to share the books we love. Check out the latest video to see some creative kids delivering the low-down on the latest "must reads" while practicing 21st-century skills like collaboration, communication, and digital citizenship.

Parent Restitution Resource
Our school started using a Restitution model to support students' needs and learning this fall. One of the elements I appreciate most about Restitution is that the approach does not shame students when they make a mistake. Instead, we maintain clear expectations while investing in students' capacity to fix their mistakes.

I recently read a parenting article about using a Restitution lens at home and wanted to share that with you. I can't say I agree with all the language and ideas found in this article, but it does provide some solid insights for parents who might be looking for additional tools that align with the general approach we're using at school.

Feel free to reach out anytime with questions and thanks for your partnership.

Brad Gustafson, Principal

Did You Know?

Toy Drive

KICKS students will host a toy drive for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota from December 10-14. Toys will be collected from 7:30-7:45 a.m. in the front hallway. Children's is only able to accept new items with the tags still attached. For more information, please see the hospital's Holiday In-Kind Wish List. If you have any questions, please contact Deanna at deannanicoll@me.com.

Reminders

Winter Weather Gear

A reminder to always send outdoor gear to school with your student. Students sometimes have up to two recesses each day and can be outside for 20 minutes at a time. To play outside comfortably and not be cold and wet afterward, students need to have a hat, water repellent gloves, warm coat, snow pants and boots. Don't forget their indoor and/or PE shoes.

PTA News

Join or Volunteer

Parenting Workshop Survey

After a successful parenting workshop last month, we are looking into adding a spring workshop. Please fill out this one-question survey to let us know what other topics you are interested in.

Amazon Smile

Support the PTA by starting your holiday shopping at Amazon Smile, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the money you spend to our school. Amazon Smile has the same products, same prices and same features as Amazon.

Volunteer Needs

Around the District

November 2018 Legislative Action Committee (LAC) Update
At the November 14 meeting of the Wayzata Legislative Action Committee, senators and representatives-elect for districts representing Wayzata Public Schools were invited. Able to attend were Senator Warren Limmer, Senate District 34; Representative Jerry Hertaus House District 33A; and Representative-Elect Ginny Klevorn, House District 44A.

The LAC reviewed election results for districts representing the District (full election results can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website). The LAC will start meeting with legislators before the 2019 Legislative Session begins January 8 to build positive relationships with our officials.

The LAC reviewed and discussed the 2019 Legislative Platform draft, which is scheduled to be approved at the December 10 School Board Meeting. This platform will guide LAC advocacy at the Minnesota Capitol during the 2019 Legislative Session.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Ann Ciardelli, Katie Bender or Carrie Lewis, Greenwood’s LAC representatives , or visit the District Committees webpage.

Looking for a way to say thank you and wish your child’s teacher a happy holiday season? Show them you care with the Wayzata Education Fund’s Thank A Teacher program. A donation made through this program will come with a certificate of appreciation to that teacher from their student. As a bonus, any donation of $25 or more also comes with a bundlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes – Minnetonka. Any donation through the program between now and December 18 will be delivered to your child’s teacher before winter break. Say thank you and support a good cause all at once.

Ask Ali the tough questions you might be too scared to ask in person. Alison Wobschall, M.A., director of Partners in Prevention, is a psychologist with 14 years of experience in prevention. She has a special passion for healthy brain development. Submit any questions you have regarding topics surrounding substances, mental health, and parenting strategies.