Monday, March 17, 2014

3/17/14 Update

Wiley Updates

Discovery Education Takes Us Around the World!
Guest Post by Ms. Ross, Mrs. Price, and Mrs. Stockert
     Discovery Education has opened a whole new batch of engaging resources for teachers to use with their learners this year. Virtual field trips have been great for our 5th graders to visit company headquarters across the United States. Learners have broadened their knowledge of science objectives and have been exposed to engaging experiences through Discovery Education sponsored virtual field trips.
     December 11th, over lunch in our 5th grade classrooms, all three 5th grade homerooms participated in the first of three virtual field trips help by Discovery Education and The Weather Channel. We went LIVE to the Weather Channel headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Meteorologists from The Weather Channel discussed the science behind hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather and provided tips on how to create a plan to keep safe in case of a weather emergency. We went on a behind the scenes tour of The Weather Channel studios and live weather center to explore the technology used to predict, track and report severe weather. This virtual field trip allowed us to participate in an interactive and informative discussion to prepare the learners for any kind of weather! To view the virtual field trip to the Weather Channel headquarters click here:http://new.livestream.com/DEN/events/2511491/videos/37239428
     Again in January, on Wednesday the 22nd, the 5th grade participated in their second lunchtime virtual field trip. We went LIVE to a 6th grade classroom at LaSalle Springs Middle School in Rockwood, MO to view a lesson on heat energy and transfer. Discovery Education’s super teacher, Patti Duncan, did an amazing job answering questions teachers and their classes around the country were posting live. We sent many questions and truly enjoyed the investigations. To view the heat transfer lesson and investigations click here: http://new.livestream.com/DEN/events/2711096/videos/40243534
More recently, on March 5th, went took another virtual field trip all the way to California to the Google Headquarters to get a tour and meet the Google Doodlers! It was amazing to learn how the Doodlers brainstorm and create the ever-changing Google Doodle on their search engine page. Wiley 5th graders and 3rd graders have created their own versions of the Google Doodle and have entered them into a contest for their artwork to become the actual Google Doodle for a day! Winners can also receive money for a scholarship and money for educational technology for their school. Click here to view: http://youtu.be/9YGXH4aaRMs
     We might have some future Doodlers, meteorologists, teachers, scientists, or computer engineers on our hands! 

Scholastic Pursuit Team Openings
Wiley’s Scholastic Pursuit Academic Team has openings for several new members! All team members will practice together and participate in a Wiley Scholastic Pursuit Competition. The top 8 scorers from this competition will go on to compete at Peace College in the county-wide tournament in May. The two additional students will become alternates. Interested 4th and 5th grade students should come to the technology lab on Thursday, March 20th at 9:00 am to try out for the team. Students will be given a timed trivia quiz, which will take about 15 minutes. 

The goal of the tournament is to test students’ knowledge of the curriculum learned in elementary school, along with current events. Team members must commit to morning practices several times a week. Outside studying will also be required. 
Questions?  Contact Jill Molloy at jmolloy@wcpss.net.

Upcoming Events
March 24th, Spring Pictures-- Help Wanted! Earn free pictures by volunteering to help on Picture Day! Call Ms. Coventry at Wiley at 919-856-7723 to volunteer. 
March 28th, Regular School Day (snow make up day)
March 31st-April 4th Spring Break
April 18th, Holiday, No School 

Wiley PTA Updates


Survey on Boosterthon and Invitation to Join Focus Groups
The PTA Board would like your thoughts and input on Wiley’s first Fun Run for Technology. Please fill out a survey on the event by clicking on the link below by 3/28. Paper copies of the survey are also available in the office. 
In addition, if there is interest, the PTA will run focus groups to obtain further input on the event. If you are interested in being part of a focus group, please email vp.communications@wileypta.org by Friday 3/21 with your name, relationship to the school (Parent / Guardian or Teacher) and best time to join a focus group (day in-person, day by phone, evening by phone). We’ll then reach out with options. 
The PTA Board will discuss the event at its next meeting and then will summarize findings in a blog entry in mid-April. Again, thanks to everyone for participating in the event! 
Next Boosterthon Count Day is Tuesday—Bring in Pledges! 
As of last week, we were edging towards 80% of pledges collected, thanks to a number of online payments. Our next count day is tomorrow, Tuesday 3/18. Please send pledges in with your children! 
Wiley Wear Spring Orders Due by Tuesday April 8th
WILEY WEAR SPRING SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW! The snow is gone and it’s time for t-shirt weather!  Order your new short sleeve cotton t-shirt, tie-dye or performance tech (polyester) shirt now.  Both child and adult sizes available. Orders are due by APRIL 8th.  Shirts will be delivered to your child’s homeroom mid to end of April.  Please see attached flyer for colors and order info.
Science and Curriculum Night a Big Hit 

Thanks so much to Sarah Luginbuhl, the Science and Curriculum night committee, and especially the Wiley teachers and staff for organizing a fun and informative science and curriculum night. The children were fascinated by all of the exhibits and hands-on science experiments they got to see. Thanks for working hard to continue this great Wiley tradition!