Monday, May 5, 2014

Updates 5/5/14

Wiley Updates
Parent Input for 2014-2015
Today I will begin collecting parent input letters regarding placement in classes for next year. You can drop off a letter in the office or email it directly to me at kmcmillan3@wcpss.net. If you choose to write a letter, please consider the following questions:

1. What went well this year and what could be even better for your child next year?
2. What kind of learner is she or he? 
3. What kind of environment does she or he tend to thrive most?
4. **Because teachers primarily develop class lists for their students in the next grade (ex. current second grade teachers make classes for the students' third grade year), the answer for the following question will be shared with grade level teachers: Are there one or two other students with whom they should be placed in order to facilitate a smooth transition? 

Parents of rising Kindergarteners, please feel free to also write a letter for your child! These will be considered during staggered entry.

As in the past, your letter will remain confidential (with the exception of question 4). Remember that I cannot accept letters that request specific teachers in any way.  The last day we will accept letters for rising 1st-5th graders is May 23, 2014.

Save the Date!!  Come and Play: Field Day is Monday, June 9th
We will need parents' help for Field Day to be a success once again this year.  K-1st-2nd grade games will begin at 9:30 and end at 11:30.  Students in 3rd-4th-& 5th will begin at 1:00 and end at 3:00.  Volunteers will be able to sign up for a game when they arrive at school on the day of the event.   All volunteers must already be approved through WCPSS in order to take part in our activities.  You may volunteer for the whole day, or just during a certain time period, but please let me know so that I can ensure that we have full coverage.  I could also use help in gathering supplies, or taking pictures as well.  If you are interested in helping please send me an e-mail (mschisler@wcpss.net) or send a note to school.  
Lunch will be from 11:30-1:00 for all grade levels.  The cafeteria will be serving bag lunches only on Field Day.  Lunches must be ordered 2 weeks ahead of time, so please return this sheet as soon as possible.  If your child would like a bag lunch for field day, please provide  your child’s home room teacher the following information by Friday, May 23rd.
Child:
Lunch #
Home Room: 
Thank you for your support! 
Matt Schisler (mschisler@wcpss.net)

Upcoming Important Dates
Now through May 14th: SSA Parent Nomination Window
May 9: International Night, 5-7pm
May 13: SSA Parent Info Night Conducted by WCPSS at Wiley, 5:30pm
May 22: Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 9:15am-10am
May 26: Memorial Day holiday, No School
May 30: Science EOG for 5th Grade
June 2: EOG 3rd-5th grades
June 3: EOG 3rd-5th grades
June 9: Field Day
June 11: 5th Grade Graduation Celebration
June 12: Last Day of School 
Wiley PTA Updates
Staff Appreciation Week This Week!
Staff Appreciation Week is this week! While we have had a lot of individuals volunteer, we could still use a bit more help. Please click the link below to sign up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0F4BA5AF2CA20-staff/17077185
Please reach out to Pamela Santos (pamela.j.santos@gmail.com) with any questions.
International Night This Friday May 9th from 5-7 p.m.
Activities! Performances! Food Trucks! Fun! International Night is coming to Wiley on Friday May 9th at 5-7 p.m. Added to the agenda is a fabulous grand finale of Taiko Drumming. We look forward to seeing the Wiley Community there to enjoy all of the activities, performances, and food. Wear a Wiley t-shirt and have it stamped like a passport at each of the locations. We could still use volunteers to help out. Please sign up for one of three time slots at: 
Please email Stef Reed at  jeffandstef@gmail.com if you have questions. 

PTA President Election Process and Statements 
Process
Following this entry, you will find statements (in alphabetical order) for the two candidates for PTA President for the 2014-2015 school year.  The election will be held at the next General Assembly Meeting on Thursday, May 22, at 6:30 in the Media Center.  Free childcare will be provided by the YMCA in the cafeteria from 6:30-7:30. Paper ballots will be sent home next Monday, May 12th to all active PTA Members as of May 1st, 2014. There will also be an opportunity to join the PTA at the May 22nd meeting if you are not yet a member and wish to vote.  For questions/concerns regarding the election process, please contact Catherine Bray at vp.programs@wileypta.org.  
Statements from Candidates for 2014-2015 PTA President
Dear Wiley Community,
This year there are two of us who are interested in serving as president of your PTA. While we come from different backgrounds and experiences, we both share a passion for Wiley and are committed to serving this community. We encourage you to be a part of this process. If you have not had an opportunity to become a member, you may still do so.  We would like this to be an inclusive process and we hope everyone will participate. Please take a few minutes to read the following statements and learn a little about us. We hope you will join us at the general PTA meeting on May 22 to cast your vote, the PTA is providing childcare for your convenience. Wiley is a wonderful school and active involvement by the parents and teachers will only make it better.  This election will be the first step in kicking off the 2014-2015 school year. Please come out and support your children and the school's PTA.
Respectfully,
Katherine Hite and Teresa Jones
Katherine Hite

What does PTA mean to you? To me it's a fun and functional partnership between parents and teachers for the betterment of the environment, education and well being of our children. I want this statement to relate throughout Wiley. I will work to increase parent, teacher and community involvement. It's my personal mission to involve as many as possible, after all, it takes a village. Good things are  happening. I'll build on them to get our diverse community engaged in supporting the common goal of parents and teachers giving our children the best education.

The National PTA's values include: collaboration, commitment, accountability, respect, inclusivity, and integrity. Our Wiley community possesses all of these. I will live these values everyday, and let them guide me to pull us together for the benefit of our children.

My greatest strength is getting to know people. I love to reach out and connect with parents, teachers and children. The more relationships built between us the more effective we become. Through active recruiting and encouraging volunteerism we'll find you who have time and gifts to give and determine where you are best suited.

With collaboration of families and faculty we can further develop our fundraising efforts. Fundraising is a crucial and integral part of creating a prosperous environment which allows for tools like technology, books and supplies needed for success.

My children are my full time job. I invest love, time, knowledge and skills in them. I will do the same for our school. 
Teresa Jones: 
Dear Wiley Family,

I currently have three children who attend Wiley and we are affectionately know as the Breiner Family Circus. My husband and I chose Wiley six years ago because of its size and character and it has become an integral part of our lives. I am an active member of the Wiley Community and have developed strong relationships with our teachers, built on hours spent helping in the classroom. Some of my PTA Board and volunteer activities include:
  • VP Services
  • PTA Secretary
  • Room Parent Chair
  • Room Parent (5 times)
  • Tutor
  • Wiley Pal
  • Book Clubs
  • Food Drive
  • Backpack Buddies
  • Books are Magic
  • Staff Appreciation
  • Book Fairs
Before becoming a full-time mom and part-time Wiley volunteer, I received my M.Ed. in Counselor Education and worked at several nonprofits and Universities. My experience includes advocacy, counseling, organizing events, and recruiting and managing volunteers. I believe my background and dedication to Wiley make me uniquely suited to lead the PTA. As President, continuing to build a strong, inclusive PTA would be my overarching goal. My priorities are: 
  • Collaborating with teachers and staff to provide a fun and enriching learning environment
  • Advocating for our teachers, students and school
  • Investigating innovative fundraising that fits the Wiley Community
  • Increasing communication between the PTA and parents
  • Facilitating a positive, team oriented PTA that is open to new ideas
Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy. I know that together we can make it a wonderful year for our kids.

Respectfully,

Teresa Jones

Posted by at