Welcome Spring!
As we transition into the third trimester, I look forward to continued growth for all of our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our staff has been working hard to ensure that our students achieve grade level benchmarks and milestones. We have been focused on activities and messaging that encourage and build a Growth Mindset culture. As parents, you play an important role in all of these initiatives. We welcome our partnership and encourage your involvement in helping your children reach their full potential. Please read on for more information about school events and programs.
The Box Challenge
Our third grade students recently competed in The Box Challenge. The students were divided into four groups within each homeroom. Given limited supplies, they were given the challenge of working as a team to agree on an idea and build their project in a limited time frame. In each class the four groups were assigned a different theme – make something useful, make something fun, make something beautiful, or build a place you can go. They were given 15 minutes to brainstorm and 50 minutes to build their project. The projects were then transported to the multipurpose room for viewing and voting. Winners were announced in each category. The Box Challenge is one example of an activity we are providing our students to foster a Growth Mindset culture at Washington School.
Color Days – Character Education
During the month of March, the focus of our Character Education program is on the Pillar of Responsibility. On Friday, March 17 we wore green to recognize this important Pillar (and to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!). Our Physical Education teacher, Mr. Bligh, read a book on Responsibility to our students. He and the Character Education committee have planned activities for our students to work on both in school and at home. Our next Color Day will be on Wednesday, April 5. We will all wear blue to celebrate the Pillar of Trustworthiness.
Scooterville
An all-time favorite activity for our students returns to Washington School on Wednesday,
March 29 and Thursday, March 30. Mr. Bligh and a team of PTA volunteers will be transforming our multipurpose room into the town of Scooterville! Making their way on scooters over tar paper roads surrounded by numerous cardboard buildings – pizzeria, bakery, etc. – the students practice skills learned in a unit on pedestrian and vehicular safety. They can also participate in races at the Scooterville Raceway and play games such as Scooter Basketball and Scooter Soccer. Each class visits Scooterville on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Discovery Day
On Friday, May 5, we celebrate this longstanding Washington School tradition. During Discovery Day, we focus our entire day on one particular theme. Discovery Day themes in the past have included Space, Oceans, the Jungle, and Going Green, among others. This year, our theme will be Science. We are planning to have our day begin and end with assembly programs in the multipurpose room. In between, classes rotate through different learning stations in the library, art/music room, and the multipurpose room. We are looking forward to this great day of fun and learning. More details will be shared as the day gets closer.
Discovery Day is provided through the generosity of the Washington School PTA.
PTA Happenings
Thank you to our Washington School PTA for coordinating the Scholastic Book Fair that was held February 28 through March 2. Our students enjoyed shopping for new books by day, and many families enjoyed shopping together in the evening on March 2.
On Thursday, April 6, the PTA will provide a Spring Celebration for our students complete with an egg hunt and other activities.
The PTA will be hosting a Friday Fun Night/Spring Fling “Luau” on April 21.