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Winnequah Families,
It’s hard to believe we are at the start of November already!
We had a fantastic month of October with so many fun activities!
Our Monona Fire Department visited our 4K students, Kindergarten had fun at Schuster's Farm, first graders enjoyed a show at the Overture Center, second graders spent time exploring with pumpkins during science, third graders visited the International Crane Foundation, fourth graders participated in a Kindness Retreat, and fifth graders have settled into the leadership role as our school Safety Patrol.
So many exciting opportunities for learning and growing for our students.
I also had the pleasure of hosting Leadership Lunches with some of our students in K-5 grades this month. I had lunch with students from each grade to hear how things are going for them this school year, what aspects of Winnequah they are enjoying, and talking about any concerns they have. We also talked about the classroom and I was able to learn from them, things that help them to be successful in the classroom. It was so wonderful to hear their feedback about our school community.
With the arrival of November comes cooler temperatures. Students have already begun to need their winter gear at recess. Please reach out if your family is in need of winter clothing for your student. We are happy to help make sure everyone is prepared for late fall and winter!
I hope you all have a great month of November! I am thankful for such a wonderful Winnequah family and community!
In appreciation,
Angie Fassl
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Kindergarten Leadership Lunch | |
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HOOT HOOT Hooray!
This year 426 people registered for the 12th annual HOOT HOOT Hustle! Roughly 250 participants braved the elements to run, walk, and have a good time!
A big thank you and much appreciation to:
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MG Staff:
- Sara Ehlers (and Erik), and Jade Sachs for volunteering as course marshals and keeping our participants safe.
- Andy Wendling, who has been our lead/sweep biker for many years.
- Linda Wright for sharing her talents by designing this year's T-shirt.
It went amazingly well with our new course signs.
- Winnequah families who volunteered and/or donated snacks
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The HHH committee:
- Missy at Monona Parks and Recreation
- Winnequah's parents: Maureen Treichel, Jess Barber, and Rob Beuthling. These parents volunteer many hours to make this event happen. We are extremely grateful for their time.
See you next year!
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MONONA GROVE EDUCATION FOUNDATION | |
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Did you know that the MGEF invests on average $28/student during the school year? One of the broad-reach items is the Weekend Snack Pack Program, which currently provides food for 150 MG students who experience food insecurity when not in school. The Pay It Forward personal hygiene supplies at MGHS, GDS, and Winnequah offer students free access to basic hygiene needs (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant). The Starting Line Fund just provided funding for the new Fishing Club at MGHS to purchase additional equipment and supplies giving access to students to participate in an activity they may not otherwise have. These are just three examples of the many things the Monona Grove Education Foundation does for the Monona Grove School District. There are many students who need additional support for various reasons and MGEF continues to partner with the Monona Grove School District to meet those needs. Please consider supporting the MGEF, so that we can continue helping the students of MG.
The MGEF is in the middle of its CARES Campaign. This is the only fundraising campaign for the MGEF that supports the students and teachers of Monona Grove via the 5 programs we offer. Students and Teachers have access to funding via the Pay It Forward Program (PIF), MGEF Weekend Snack Pack Program, Starting Line Fund, Summer Scholarships, and Teacher Innovation Grants.
As a 501(c) 3 organization, run by volunteers, all proceeds from the CARES Campaign are used for the operations of these programs. You can find out more about the individual programs, and volunteer opportunities that support these initiatives by going to www.supportmgef.org
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November’s Safety Drill - Lockdown Drill | |
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Winnequah School will hold a lockdown drill on November 15th for all students and staff.
The safety of our students is a top priority which is why it’s important for students to be present for monthly drills. A lockdown drill is designed to familiarize students with responding to an active threat. In all cases of a safety drill, our staff will inform students beforehand of the drill and what they can expect so they are fully prepared. We follow best practices to use trauma-sensitive language and exercises to mitigate fear and anxiety during the drill.
What your student will experience: Staff will prepare students by explaining the purpose of the drill, what they can expect, and what they will need to do during the drill.
The drill will begin when an announcement is made over the speakers that a lockdown drill has started. Staff and students will use the methods of listening for information and the method of Lock, Lights, Out of Sight. Classrooms will be encouraged to practice creating a barricade if safe to do so.
Throughout the drill, students will be reminded of different ways to manage stress and anxiety (eg: deep breaths, counting to 10, focusing on the task, staying in the present, etc.). Doors may be tested during the drill, but students and staff will be alerted of any tests before they occur.
After the drill is complete, staff will use trauma-sensitive language to help students process the experience.
Students with sensory and other special considerations will be accommodated according to their needs.
We encourage families to communicate with their student(s) about the importance of safety drills. You can find resources on our website to help guide those conversations.
Read the full message on safety communication practices on our website.
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Our Hootie Huddles are still pretty new. We had our second meeting together this month.
We continued with getting to know each other and building community in the huddle. We did this by playing name games and a roll and share activity where we shared favorites including animals, sports, dessert, TV show/movie, and free time activity.
Learners look forward to this every month!
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Social and Emotional Learning - What is SEL?
Social and emotional learning (SEL), is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is an integral part of education and is included within our 4K-12 curriculum and MGSD strategic plan. The Department of Public Instruction states that “explicitly teaching and promoting SEL skills in Wisconsin schools is one step on the path to student success.”
SEL lessons will often include elements of social justice, which is the principle that society should never withhold rights and opportunities because of a person’s identity and should aim to create a society where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities to develop their full capacities, and everyone is welcome to participate.
SEL can be a powerful lever for creating caring, just, inclusive, and healthy schools that support all young people in reaching their fullest potential. In the context of SEL, equity and excellence refers to every student—across race, ethnicity, family income levels, learning abilities, home language, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other factors—engaging in high-quality educational opportunities and environments that best promote their healthy social, emotional, and academic development (CASEL.org).
Sources:
SEL TOPICS FOR NOVEMBER:
In November, Winnequah Owls are learning how to manage strong feelings through our Emotional Regulation social-emotional learning unit. Students are learning about what causes strong feelings through their Second Step lessons, and how those strong feelings affect our brains and bodies. Students are also learning about the Zones of Regulation to help them to identify which tools help them feel better when they are having strong emotions.
Students will also hear more about Native American Heritage Month and will celebrate notable Native Americans from US history. We will also learn about Diwali, the 5-day Festival of Lights celebrated in many Southeast Asian countries.
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4th GRADE MUSIC OPPORTUNITY | |
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Fourth Graders are invited to perform the National Anthem while enjoying a Madison Capitols game with friends and family on Saturday, December 9th. The game will take place at Bob Suter's Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton at 7:05 p.m.
If you and your student are able to attend, please let Mrs.Ehlers know here and purchase your tickets for anyone attending (student included) using the link below.
Tickets are available to Winnequah Families at the special rate of $11 using this link - tickets purchased with our link will be seated together.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
- Sara Ehlers sara.ehlers@mgschools.net
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ATTENDANCE:
When calling in an ill child:
- Please list all symptoms they are experiencing.
When calling in a child for a medical appointment or family event:
- Please note this in your message for attendance purposes.
END-OF-DAY TRANSPORTATION CHANGES:
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Please report end-of-day transportation changes and early pickup times by calling or emailing the attendance line as early as possible.
Please do not email your child's teacher as the only method of communication. Teachers may be absent or they may not have an opportunity to check their email between the time your email arrives and dismissal.
PICKING UP YOUR STUDENT EARLY:
Parents/Guardians:
- Please come into the school office to sign your child out for appointments or early releases.
- Please call the attendance line with early dismissal information.
INFINITE CAMPUS:
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PLEASE keep your information on Infinite Campus up to date.
- Be sure to check your phone number(s), addresses, emails, and emergency contacts.
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Click HERE for help.
STUDENT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES:
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Please review our pick-up and drop-off procedures.
- We appreciate your care and cooperation in creating a safe and efficient system for coming to and leaving school.
LOST AND FOUND:
- Please label all belongings that your child brings to school.
- Missing an item? Be sure to check the lost and found!
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HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR ATTENDANCE | |
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As we enter cold and flu season, it’s timely to review the guidelines for school attendance. We encourage families to send students to school each day as long as the injury or illness does not significantly compromise the student’s health and there is no risk of illness transmission to the school community.
A phone call or email to the attendance line at your student’s school is required to explain an absence on days they will remain home.
Students should remain home and will be sent home from school if they:
- Have been experiencing episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
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Have a temperature of 100°F or higher. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
- Are experiencing any symptoms severe enough to hinder participation in class and school activities (i.e., headache, body aches, fatigue, pain).
- Have cold symptoms that are not well contained (i.e. constant coughs, sneezes, runny noses).
- Possibly have an untreated communicable illness (i.e. strep throat, impetigo, scabies, draining pink eye).
- Rashes or patches of broken, itchy skin need to be examined by a physician if they appear to be spreading or not improving. Some rashes may need to be covered while your child is at school.
- Tested positive for COVID-19 (please remain home for five days from symptom onset or positive test).
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Free tests are now available for ordering at covid.gov/tests and a limited number of rapid tests are available in our schools upon request.
Students may attend/return to school:
- When symptoms are improving
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea free for 24 hours
- Fever-free (100 degrees F or greater) for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
- If evaluated and cleared by a healthcare provider
If you have any questions, please contact:
Ms. Jackson in the health office at 608-221-7677 or ws.healthroom.mgschools.net
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5301 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716 Phone: (608) 221-7660 Fax: (608) 221-7688 | | | | |
