Digital Citizenship

Headphones help our learners as they

use their Chrome book daily. Please

take the time to check your child’s

headphones to make sure they are

working properly. Thank you!

Wisconsin’s Badger Assessment

This year students will take the Badger

Exam 3-8: A Wisconsin Smarter Bal-

anced Summative Assessment during

the last eight weeks of the school year.

You may be asking What is the Badger

Exam for grades3-8? This is a new

assessment that will be used to gauge

how well students are mastering the

Wisconsin College and Career Ready

Standards in English language arts

(ELA) and mathematics. Students will

take the assessment online and it will

be computer adaptive which means

that it adjusts to a student’s ability. The

computer bases the difficulty of each

test question on a student’s previous

answers. The Badger Exam 3-8 in-

cludes: multiple-choice questions: the student

selects the correct answers from an-

swer options,

short answer questions: the student

provides a brief description in their

response to the question, and

performance tasks: students must take

part in a separate group classroom

activities for ELA and mathematics.

They then answer a series of short

questions on the computer for each

content area. In an ELA performance

task, students do essay-writing and

answer three short questions.

More information will be coming out

from the Elkhorn Area School District

regarding this assessment. Look for a

letter and brochure that will be mailed

to your homes in March.

Mrs. Stone

West Side School Principal

Summer School

Session I: June 15 - July 2 Shut-down week: July 6 - July 10

Session II: July 13 - 31

NEW THIS YEAR: In an effort to pro-

vide courses that student enjoy the dis-

trict will use a Survey of Interest for

students to sign up for classes. The

number of sections for the classes is

then determined by the number of stu-

dents interested in the class. If there

are a limited number of seats (like pi-

ano or in the computer lab) then stu-

dents will be selected using a lottery.

Be sure to look at the booklet for clas-

ses. This will be available on the dis-

trict website starting February 19. You

will find class descriptions for grades

K-12 as well as swim lesson times.

Camps have been moved to the Park

and Recreation who will advertise

those opportunities for our families.

Be sure to register beginning March 2-

13, 2015. The window will close after

the 13th so we can begin forming clas-

ses based on student interest. Student

schedules will be available in May.

Brrr . . .

The temperatures are dropping and

snow has fallen! As a reminder—

students go outside for recess in all

kinds of weather. We will be outside

unless the temperatures dip below zero.

Please send winter gear to school daily

so your child can play warmly outside.

PBIS Character Trait

Effort and Responsibility are Febru-

ary’s character traits. Check out our

hallway bulletin board—see the pic-

tures on our Facebook page! Our won-

derful Wildcats are making great

choices!

West Side Elementary Prime Time

Inside this issue:

Music and Art 2

GATE 3

SPARC 4

Guidance 5

Nurse News 6-8

PTA 9

Parents Connection

Mark your Calendar

10-11

12

February Calendar Events

2/10 PTA Meeting

2/13 No School Teacher In-

Service

2/19 3”45-6:15 Parent—Teacher

Conferences

2/20 6:00 PTA Movie Night

Art News Art Night: Friday, March 6

6-8PM in the West Side Gym

There will be tons of art crafts to

make and take.

We will have hot dogs, water, candy, and condiments.

Come join the FUN!!

West Side Elementary School February GATE Newsletter

Creativity Conference

Dear Families,

We invite you and your child to participate in our annual Elementary

Creativity Conference on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

(Set up begins at 5:00). The Creativity Conference is a GREAT opportunity

for students to showcase their interests and talents. Students K-5 will have

the opportunity to display a project that they have created at home which

showcases their special interests.

Once again, we will have students from all three elementary schools

(Jackson, Tibbets, West Side) display their projects at Elkhorn Area Middle

School. At 6:45, after students have had a chance to tour all of the

displays, we will move to the gym for our special program – The Tibbets

Elementary Choir will perform under the direction of Mrs. Joan Seye-Pyle.

We are looking forward to seeing you at this very popular elementary event.

Students and families will have a chance to see students’ projects from

other schools as well as enjoy really terrific family entertainment. This

evening should be fun for the entire family!

The Creativity Conference information will be sent home with your child on

March 4th. If you do not receive the information or you have additional

questions, please contact Ann White @ 723-3297, extension 1324. If your

child is not planning on participating in the Creativity Conference, we would

still love to invite you and your family to come to this exciting event!

Happy Creating!

Ann White

FEBRUARY

SCHOOL PARENT AND READING CONNECTION

Dr. Stuart Brown, M.D., founder of the National Institute for Play in Carmel Valley, CA, has devoted the last two decades to studying the effects of play on both humans and animals. His research confirms that play is important to learning because when students have fun in the process, they tend to continue to pursue it for its own sake. When a baby begins to shake a rattle, a toddler jumps down a step, or an older child builds a bridge across a small stream, that child is doing a mini-experiment. Those same children are similar to adult scientists—they devise experiments that test their skills and test their world. This type of play allows them to have fun, but at the same time allows them to learn. When you think about it, playing with your children is rather like candy for their brains—it helps to re-ignite a passion for learning by doing a fun thing and learning about it! If you feel your child has lost a zest for learning, it might be time to reinforce some playfulness! Here are four simple steps to bring back some fun and learning!

1) Ensure the child's environment is set-up for play. This means have paper, empty boxes, scraps of fabric, crayons, paper clips, and other materials handy for creative crafting. The process will allow them to explore and experiment.

2) Protect the child's free time for unstructured non-technology play. This doesn't mean they can't spend time watching TV or working on the computer; it just means some of their daily playtime should not involve technology.

3) Ensure the child knows you value playfulness. Praise their creativity and inventive-ness.

4) Play with your child. You don't need to devote hours to play; just incorporate it in your daily routine. Depending on the age of the child, play rhyming games during bath time, or ask your child to use as many adjectives as they can to describe a best friend. Be sure to play with words, as studies show there is a strong connection between parental language use and children's intelligence and ability to read.

Enjoy the fun and, as always, Happy reading! Barbara Townsend Title 1 Reading/Language Arts West Side Elementary School

Helping Your Children to Learn: Re-Igniting a Passion for Learning

WEST SIDE ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE NEWS UPDATE Brrrrrr! It is cold outside! Even with this wintery weather, our students are ‘shoveling’ through and doing a great job. Lets keep up the awesome work! During the month of February we will be finishing up our guidance lesson topic regarding Academic Success and moving into Career Exploration. February Guidance Lesson Topics: 

● Unit: Career Exploration ○ Identify interest, strengths, challenges, and hobbies ○ Explore a wide variety of careers ○ Explain the relationship between learning and work ○ Understand that current interests and choices may lead to 

future long term career goals ○ Identifying goals­­school and home 

You can help your child with career choices by: ● Talking to your child about your job(s).  

○ What special training/education does your job require?  ○ What school subjects do you use in your job? ○ What character traits are necessary in your job? ○ What do you like/dislike about your job? ○ What chores/activities did you participate in as a child that were helpful in preparing  

you for your job? ● Seeing who can come up with the most jobs, or the most interesting ones.  Encourage your child 

to think of jobs that involve their hobbies or interests. ● Going to the library and researching jobs of interest.  Find out what skills, subjects in school, 

interests, talents and education are needed for that job. ● Giving your child chores to do around the house so they can develop skills and a good work ethic 

along with encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit in your child – raking leaves, shoveling snow, or selling lemonade. 

 

5th Grade Parents/Guardians: Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Conferences will be held during second semester starting at the beginning of February. Schedules have been sent home indicating what day and time your conference will be. If you have not received a conference schedule please contact me as soon as possible. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your child. 

 

Come check out my website! http://westsideschoolcounseling.weebly.com/pbis.html  

 

If you would like me to see your child individually or in a group please contact me at anytime. The start date for each group is dependent upon the need and how many students sign up for that particular group. Please let me know if you would like your child to participate in any of the groups below.  Groups: Confidence Group, Friendship Skills, Changing Families,  Anger Management, Grief, Self­esteem, Study Skills 

Mrs. Griffith, School Counselor­­­­grifni@elkhorn.k12.wi.us­­­262­723­3297 ext. 1326 

From the Nurse...

There is nothing more beautiful than your child’s smile! Here are some tips on how you can help keep that smile healthy.

Brush

Dental visits for checkups, tooth cleaning and checking for decay or other possible problems:

Fluoride. There is NO fluoride in the Elkhorn city water. Please speak with your dentist and use a

fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride —helps prevent tooth decay.

Healthy Eating: Offer nutritious snacks such as raw vegetables, fruits and low-fat cheese.

Limit snacks with sugar and starches such as candy and soda.

Sealants: A sealant is a clear material applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

It acts as a barrier to help protect teeth from bacteria and acid that attack tooth enamel. The

Seal a Smile Program is available in 2nd, 5th at West Side & Jackson and 6th grade at the

Elkhorn Area Middle School!

Leading the Way: By setting a good example you will help your child develop good oral

habits. Let your child see you brush and floss, and visit your dentist regularly.

Information provided by Crest Healthy Smiles 2015, Crest School Program. For more information about keeping your child’s smile healthy and beautiful, visit the Crest Family Care center at www.crest.com or the American Dental Association at www.ada.org. or rd.com/dentalhealth.

once a day. twice a day and floss

How much toothpaste should you use? Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste and do not swallow it.

February 2015: Dental Health Month

Bacteria in the mouth can enter the hole in the tooth (cavity) and may spread from the tooth, to the muscle, the

bone and enter the blood stream infecting the heart, lungs and brain which has resulted in deaths. Dental decay

can drain your body’s strength causing you to feel tired, irritable and prone to other infections and illnesses.

Gum disease may also heighten the risk for heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia and premature births.

Dentists are not just looking for cavities; they also thoroughly check the tongue, palate, inside of the cheeks, and

lips for any bumps or unusual sores. Dentists can recognize signs of oral cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, diabetes,

gastrointestinal problems like Crohn’s disease, skin diseases, autoimmune diseases and more.

A Silent Epidemic of Oral Disease in American Children and Adults

40% of 5-year-olds and 85% of 11th graders have tooth decay or cavities.

One in three Americans over age 30 have advanced gum disease, and more than 9 in 10 Americans have some

tooth decay. Nearly three in 10 adults over age 65 have no teeth at all!

To promote a lifetime of healthy gums, teeth and body in your child, the Elkhorn Area School District requests a

dental check be done in kindergarten, and in 4th, 7th and 9th grade.

Food Safety in School For Valentine’s Day

Parents are encouraged to check with their child’s teacher before bringing in snacks for the

classroom as there may be some foods that are restricted due to special diets or food allergies.

To reduce the spread of illness, we are discouraging the use of ‘classroom snack bowls’

that allow students to put their hands into the bowls to serve themselves.

Please individually wrap food items or snacks, or use

commercially prepared snacks or snacks prepared by a licensed food vendor.

Due to the lack of freezer or refrigerator space, foods that require refrigeration or freezer space

should be avoided.

If your child has a special diet or food allergy—please offer your services to assist in the classroom on

the day of classroom parties or field trips that involve eating away from school.

Handicap parking is available at all school buildings for those students,

family members, visitors and staff who have a temporary or permanent

physical disability. A handicap sticker for your car is available through

your physician for those who have a physical disability.

If you are an able bodied person, please keep those parking areas open for

those that need them. Thank you.

The Elkhorn Police Department will write tickets for those in violation of

this parking ordinance. A yellow curb indicates a no parking zone.

Has your 5th grader received their

Tdap & 2nd Varicella (chickenpox)

vaccine for 6th grade?

Please contact your healthcare provider to make an

appointment as soon as possible.

Walworth County Public Health is available for

those families without insurance or those with

MA/BadgerCare. Call 262-741-3140.

Does your 5th grader have a physical on file

for 6th grade?

Starting in 6th grade a current physical is

required participation in after-school sports.

5th

Grade

Parents

ALERT

Marketplace, Medicare, “Obamacare”, Affordable

Care Act, Re-enrollment and Insurance Questions?

Come get answers! Last day to enroll in insurance is

February 15th! Don’t miss your chance!

Walworth County ACA Awareness Steering Committee

Marketplace Certified Agents:Marketplace Certified Agents:Marketplace Certified Agents:Marketplace Certified Agents:

Dustin Schlesner – Clear Choice Insurance Bruce Blum – Mutual of Omaha/ United

Donna Egly & Sherri McConeghy - Sierra Insurance Bret Jenkins - FCIS *Bilingual—Spanish*

Doug Trumbower - Wealth & Insurance Strategies

Learn how to earn a Kohl’s Gift Card!

Saturday, February 14 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Elkhorn Area Middle School 627 E Court St, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Learn your insurance options. Make informed choices! #GetCovered

■ FREEFREEFREEFREE Fair! Fair! Fair! Fair! No cost to attend, no obligation.

■ FREEFREEFREEFREE Insurance Enrollment Insurance Enrollment Insurance Enrollment Insurance Enrollment assistance

■ FREEFREEFREEFREE Blood Pressure Checks Blood Pressure Checks Blood Pressure Checks Blood Pressure Checks provided by Mercy Health.

■ Play Area Play Area Play Area Play Area provided by EASD Parent’s Connections Pattie Woods

Booths sponsored by the following:

Marshfield Clinic Mobile Mammography:

Call Amberlea 414-389-4887 to schedule your mobile mammogram appointment today! There are scholarships available

for uninsured women.

Public Health

Come to Family Movie Night!

Friday, February 20th in the West

Side gym from 6-8pm. Students will

be voting soon for which movie they

would like to see! The winning movie

will be announced soon and will be

given away to one lucky student.

Candy and water will also be availa-

ble for purchase. Doors open at 5:45.

Set up your spot with blankets and

pillows. Bring your stuffies and co-

zies! Hang out with family and

friends while watching the movie!

See you there.

Upcoming Events:

February 10, PTA

meeting-5:30, library

February 13, No School

February 19, Parent/

Teacher conferences

(request only)

February 20, Family

Movie Night

March 6, Fine Art night

March 10, PTA meeting

and Referendum

meeting-5:30, gym

March 27-April 3,

Spring break

PTA meeting Tuesday, February 10 in

the Library, at 5:30pm

Please join the PTA at

the next meeting Tues-

day, February 10 at

5:30pm in the library.

Have a voice in West

Side events and learn

about PTA’s involve-

ment at school. A few

topics on this months

agenda: Basketball and

Swim night, Family

movie night, Color Run

committee and the ref-

erendum meeting.

Come and share! Re-

member there is free

babysitting and a cou-

pon freebie for an up-

coming PTA event.

February 2015

West Side PTA Happenings

https://www.facebook.com/elkhornwestsidePTA

FUNDRAISING

UPDATE:

Box Tops $900

Sentry and Frank’s

Receipts $250.57

Market Day $859.84

Target Rewards $592.93

Every little receipt, Box-

Top and purchase helps!

All the little things add

up to big dollars for our

school. Keep it coming!

And watch for new Box-

Top incentives to start

soon. Information will

be coming home with

your child.

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 10

REFERENDUM

INFORMATIONAL

MEETING

Tuesday, March 10 at

5:30pm, during the nor-

mally scheduled PTA meet-

ing, there will be a special

information session to hear

about the April school dis-

trict referendum. FREE

babysitting is offered.

There will be district ad-

ministrators on hand and

school tours will be provid-

ed. Please come and see

how this referendum will

impact West Side Elemen-

tary and our students. ALL

West Side families are

strongly encouraged to at-

tend. This is your chance to

get your questions an-

swered and see FIRST

HAND the full potential of

West Side.

PARENT CONNECTIONS

FEBRUARY – 2015

February 2 – Miss Pattie’s CAFÉ at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 3 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 3 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 11:00 a.m. at Library February 5 – Books ‘n’ Babies at 10:00 a.m. at Library

February 5 – Raising a Thinking Child Parenting Program at 1:00 p.m. at Wal. Co. Government Center

February 6 – Moshi Ooshie Gooshi at 1:30 p.m. at the Elkhorn Park and Recreation

February 7 – Be My Valentine at 10:30 a.m. at Library February 9 – Playgroup with Pattie at 10:00 a.m. at Library

February 9 – Tiny Tots at 6:30 p.m. at Library February 10 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 10 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 11:00 a.m. at Library February 11 – Moshi Ooshie Gooshi at 10:00 a.m. at the

Elkhorn Park and Recreation February 12 – Books ‘n’ Babies at 10:00 a.m. at Library

February 12 – 2015 Chili/Soup Cook-Off at 5:00 p.m. at EAMS February 12 – Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. at Library

February 16 – Moms with Multiples at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 17 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 17 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 11:00 a.m. at Library

February 17 – 4K Registration at 3:30 p.m. at EAMS Cafeteria February 18 – Rookie Snowballs at 10:30 a.m. at the

Elkorn Park and Recreation February 19 – Books ‘n’ Babies at 10:00 a.m. at Library

February 19 – Raising a Thinking Child Parenting Program at 1:00 p.m. at Wal. Co. Government Center

February 20 – We Explore SCIENCE! at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 23 – Tiny Tots at 6:30 p.m. at Library

February 24 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 10:00 a.m. at Library February 24 – Toddlers ‘n’ Books at 11:00 a.m. at Library February 26 – Books ‘n’ Babies at 10:00 a.m. at Library

February 26 – Raising a Thinking Child Parenting Program at 1:00 p.m. at Wal. Co. Government Center

Mark your Calendar…

February

2/4 Report cards available on Family Access

2/10 PTA meeting 5:30 WS Library

2/13 No School

2/20 Movie Night 6-8 PM

March

3/6 Family Fine Art Night 6-8 PM WS Gym

3/1 PTA Meeting 5:30 WS Library

3/27 Spring Break-No School

(Entire Break runs Friday 3/27-Sunday 4/5)