December 15

A note of thanks …

Dear Friends,

What an amazing week we had at Wiley! Once again, the Wiley Community rallied to provide our students with fun learning opportunities, our staff with food, gifts and time together, and presents and food for kids in need. We can't thank you enough for all your generosity.

•            The Hour of Code brought out 30 volunteers to help teach kids about computer science during the week-long event.

•            During the annual Winter Thanks breakfast, 70 volunteers donated 94 hours of their time on Thursday to show our staff how much they are appreciated. An additional 37 parents sent in food for a delicious buffet with 73 items to choose from! Additionally, the Wiley community donated 50 gifts for the raffle and almost $1500! The money will be used exclusively for something of the teachers' choosing.

•            In the spirit of the giving season, Wiley families sponsored snowflakes for 65 students and donated over $1000 in gift cards.

•            The food drive brought in enough to fill 125 bags of food, providing meals for kids over the winter break.  

A big THANK YOU to those who also went out shopping or eating to support the PTA at Restaurant night; who sent in food for the Wiley Pal event; who chaperoned field trips; attended the Wiley Band concert and who in many different and important ways continue to Make a World of Difference at Wiley!

A huge THANK YOU to the 90 families who have contributed to the Annual Fund, we have collected almost $13,500 to support the teachers and programs at Wiley.

The volunteer hours above don't begin to account for the number of hours of planning and preparation that our wonderful committee chairs and VP's contributed to ensure that these events were a success. A special THANK YOU to Tina Hlbase, Hadley Cairns-Heath, Katherine Hite, Kelly Kelly, Heather Nguyen, and Jessica Wahler for all their hard work.

This week has again shown what a generous, loving community we have at Wiley. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season and look forward to many more wonderful times together in the new year.

Leslie Taylor                                                                          Teresa Jones

Principal                                                                                PTA President

General Wiley News

AIG Nominations:  Nominations for WCPSS Academically or Intellectually Gifted program are now being accepted for 4th and 5th grade students.  Nominations must be submitted in writing (emails accepted) to Dr. Cecconi-Roberts, lcecconi-roberts@wcpss.net, no later than Thursday, January 8, 2015.  Nominations will not be accepted after January 8th.  Students will be tested beginning the week of January 21st.  Please note that this testing window is earlier than in the past and is the final AIG testing period for the 2014-2015 school year.

Students may be nominated by parents, students or teachers.  Only 4th and 5th graders may be tested at this time.  Students may only test once a school year.  Additional information may be found at

http://www.wcpss.net/what-we-teach/services/aig-plan.pdf, or by contacting Dr. Cecconi-Roberts at lcecconi-roberts@wcpss.net.

Carpool Line:  As you drive through the carpool line in the mornings and afternoons, please be sure to keep the pedestrian crossing open for those wishing to cross. 

Wiley Spotlight

This week’s spotlight shines on Ms. Bennett, fourth grade teacher.

What do you like to do during the summer?  I enjoy visiting family, catching up on my reading, and traveling. 

If you could work anywhere, besides Wiley, where would it be? I would own a little book store and read to children … in Raleigh or Portugal.

Who is your most memorable teacher?   I loved loved Mrs. Cordisco my 7^th grade English teacher at Jefferson Jr. High School, Pittsburgh, PA.  She had a fun way of teaching

Tell us about your favorite teaching moments.   I love those moments when I can stand back and watch it all come together – when the students are doing their thing without me … when I’m the true facilitator of learning. 

What is your favorite thing about Wiley?  I enjoy the diverse, friendly, family-like staff, students, and general community.  

Upcoming Events

December 18: K field trip to Marbles

December 20-January 4: Winter Break

December 30: Wiley Vacation Social Event for Families—Ice Skating, 4-7pm

News from our Wiley PTA

Talent Show

Calling Talented Parents (& Guardians!) of Talented Children.... The Wiley Talent Show Committee needs YOU!

The Talent Show is in March, but initial organization and planning will begin in January. If you want to volunteer to be part of this great event, e-mail Scott Andrews at talent.show@wileypta.org.

PTA Social Calendar

The Social calendar has been finalized, and we have many options, including daytime, nights, and weekends. Please check the website for details - www.wileypta.org

Free skating

The PTA has free passes for you! Valid during the holiday break, these passes provide FREE Admission for up to 4 people at United Skates of America. There is no set meeting time- enjoy them at your leisure and have fun with your family! Look for them in your child's Monday folder today.

Holiday ice skating

Come join us from 4-7pm on Tuesday, Dec 30 for holiday ice skating, outdoors in City Plaza downtown. Cost is $9 for 2 people (half price!). This is a public event, so wear your Wiley wear to show your spirit and help us find each other. Look for the large mylar holiday balloon on the perimeter of the ice rink to find a PTA representative. We hope to see you there for some holiday cheer! For more details about this skate rink can be found online: http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/winterfest/faq

School Skate Party

Save the date! Wiley will have a FREE school skate night on Jan 13th at United Skates of America, 6-8:30pm.

December 8

Hour of Code:  Huge thanks to our many volunteers donating their time and talents to enhance our students’ Hour of Code experience.  Be sure to ask your student all about it! 

Wiley Generosity:  Whether it be a Snowflake gift, a box of Macaroni & Cheese for the food drive, the gift of your time in a classroom during ‘Wiley Thanks’, the compassionate smile that you offer, or the kind words of encouragement that you share … thank you!  Our students and staff feel your love, and we are so appreciative.  The Wiley community is truly one of a kind!

Lost & Found:  Lost and Found items will be displayed on a table in the hallway for the next week.  Items not claimed will be donated to charity next week.

WCPSS Survey: WCPSS is conducting a survey in conjunction with Project Tomorrow SpeakUp to learn more about what those we serve think about learning in our schools, specifically around how technology supports that learning. SpeakUp is an online survey for teachers, parents, students and community supporters. If you haven't done so already, please visit the SpeakUp website at http://www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2014/.   

The Wiley Spotlight will return next week!  

 Upcoming Events

December 1-12: Wiley Food Drive
December 11: Winter Thanks Event for Teachers. 9-11am

December 11: Winter Band Concert, 7 pm

December 12: Fourth Grade Field Trip to Science Museum; PTA Social Event for Adults @ Ornamentea, 8:30-10am

December 30: Wiley Vacation PTA Social Event for Families—Ice Skating, Time TBD

News from our Wiley PTA

It’s a busy PTA week at Wiley. We’ll be sending regular reminders via email. If you aren’t receiving PTA emails, contact vp.communications@wileypta.org.

Thanks to Elliott Davis for Preparing PTA Taxes

The PTA would like to extend our sincere thanks to Wiley parent, Tammy Barry, CPA, and her colleagues at Elliot Davis, PLLC for their assistance in the preparation and filing of our yearly tax documents.

Elliott Davis is one of the largest accounting, tax and consulting services firms in the southeast and ranks among the top 50 CPA firms in the U.S. With offices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the firm provides a wide range of accounting, tax, assurance and consulting solutions, concentrating on core industries, niche areas and emerging business sectors. Growing since 1925, Elliott Davis is a member of The Leading Edge Alliance, an international professional association of independently owned accounting firms. Learn more at http://www.elliottdavis.com.

Specialties include: Assurance, Tax Planning & Preparation, Consulting, Accounting Resources, Transaction Services, Business Valuation, Strategic Planning, Litigation Support, International Services, Business Advisory

For more information, please contact:

Elliott Davis
5410 Trinity Road, Set. 320 | Raleigh, NC 27607
 Office 919.783.7073 | Fax 919.600.6983
 www.elliottdavis.com

Remaining Winter Thanks Needs

Thanks to all who have signed up to help with Winter Thanks. We still have a few volunteer spots we need to fill. Specifically, we need classroom volunteers in a number of classrooms. Please click the link below to volunteer. You can volunteer in any classroom, not just your child’s room.  

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D44A9AD22AA8-winter/21319502

Food Drive Reminder

A reminder to pick up some extra non-perishable items when you go to the store this week. We have 70 kids in need of food to help them through the winter break.  If you can’t bring in food, consider a grocery store gift card, and we’ll do the shopping for you. Donations are due by this Friday, December 12^th.  Items can be brought to the Kindergarten hallway or your child’s classroom.  

Food Needed for Wiley Pals Event:

Wiley Pal Mentoring Event snack needed - Please consider donating snacks to the Wiley Pal Mentoring Event on Thursday, December 11.  Snacks will need to be delivered to the lounge by 3:00 pm.  Thank you in advance for your help!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084cabaa2aa02-wiley

Winter Band Concert:

The Winter Band Concert will be held this Thursday, December 11^th in the Media Center at 7 p.m. Join us for a great concert.

December Social Events Schedule

Come join us Friday morning Dec 12 for a casual gathering at Ornamentea (509 N. West St). Coffee and tea are free as you find inspiration & supplies for homemade holiday gifts.  No sign-up, just join us if you can. A PTA representative will arrive by 9:30 but you are welcome to come earlier; Ornamentea opens at 8:30.

Save The Date for an outdoor play date on Tuesday, Dec. 30. You won't want to miss ice skating at Raleigh's only outdoor ice rink, set up temporarily in downtown Raleigh. More details next week!

A finalized social calendar for the remainder of the year will be published next week. Look for it so you can mark your calendar with the varied events scheduled!

Restaurant Night and Shopping for Wiley at 10,000 Villages and Piccola Italia

Two great options to support Wiley are coming up this week. 10,000 Villages in Cameron Village will be doing a Week for Wake Schools running from 12/8-12/12. Shop anytime that week and mention Wiley. The PTA will receive a portion of your purchase.

On December 10^th, Piccola Italia will host restaurant night for Wiley. Dine or do takeout and the PTA will receive a portion of your purchase.

Fun Run Committee Members Needed:

Last year, Wiley had its first fun run. This year, we’re beginning the planning early to allow time to make changes to make the event a great fit for Wiley. We’re looking for committee members to help us with this event. Please email vp.waysandmeans@wileypta.org    to join the group and help define what the event will look like this year.

Clubs Update—Registration for 2015 Open

The next sessions of after school clubs will start in January / February and registration for all of them is open!  Please note that all clubs are now open to kindergartners.  Need-based financial aid is available.  For more information, please contact vp.communications@wileypta.org.

Chess - Available to K-5 students, this club will meet from 3:45 - 4:45 on Friday afternoons (full school days only) in the art room from 1/23/15 - 3/20/15.  The cost is $110.  To pre-register with PTA, please go to:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1w2QYimur-R00O8KMDLWXaFOt4oyVa81Knl9AnCEg8IU/viewform

Club Scientific - Available to K-5 students, this club will meet from 3:45 - 5:00 on Tuesday afternoons in the art room from 2/3/15 - 3/31/15.  The cost is $120.  To register, please go to:

www.NorthRaleigh.ClubScientific.com

KidzArt - Available to K-5 students, this club will meet from 3:45 - 5:00 on Wednesday afternoons in the art room from 2/4/15 - 3/18/15.  The cost is $105.  To register, please go to:

www.NorthRaleigh.KidzArt.com

December 1

Hour of Code:  Next week, every Wiley student will be participating in Hour of Code, a world-wide celebration where students participate in a one-hour introduction to computer science, through the language of code.  We will host Hour of Code on December 8, 11, and 12th.  We are seeking volunteers to assist students in completing online and offline coding activities.  No prior experience is required to volunteer.  We would also like guest speakers to visit each classroom and share a 5-10 minute chat with students about the impact of Computer Science or Coding in their careers.  If you are interested in participating in either capacity, please SIGN UP here.  We'd love to have a volunteer and guest speaker in every classroom.  You may sign up for more than one classroom if your schedule permits. If you have a family member or friend, who is not a registered volunteer, we can still use their help. To speak to a class, only a brief form needs to be completed.  If you have questions, please contact Instructional Technology Facilitator, Sadie Hoover at shoover@wcpss.net. 

Snowflakes for Wiley Students: As in years past, Wiley will be providing assistance to Wiley families experiencing financial hardship so they may enjoy the holiday season. Through the Snowflake Student Gift Drive, toys or gift cards will be collected for Wiley students who would benefit from a holiday giving program. We invite you to participate in this fun and meaningful way to help others in our Wiley community. Please stop by the main office for more details! 

Cecilia Rawlins Fund:  The Cecilia Rawlins Fund was added to Amazon Smile so whenever people shop from Amazon, 0.5% of the price of eligible items will be donated to the fund. More info here: http://smile.amazon.com/about

Amazon shoppers just need to go here and select Cecilia Rawlins Fund as the charity partner. http://smile.amazon.com/.  Snowflake gifts purchased on Amazon could have a double whammy impact! 

WCPSS Survey: WCPSS is conducting a survey in conjunction with Project Tomorrow SpeakUp to learn more about what those we serve think about learning in our schools, specifically around how technology supports that learning. SpeakUp is an online survey for teachers, parents, students and community supporters. If you haven't done so already, please visit the SpeakUp website at http://www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2014/.   

Wiley Spotlight

This week’s Wiley spotlight shines on Sadie Hoover, our magnet coordinator and instructional technology facilitator. 

What do you like to do during the summer?  I enjoy visiting family and friends.  I like to do crafts – sewing, photo art, and Pinterest crafts.  I also like to cook and bake – my kitchen can easily look like a big mess. 

If you could teach anywhere, besides Wiley, where would it be, and why? I would teach in my nieces’ and nephews’ schools so that I could keep an eye on them!  Instead, I have friends that teach at their schools, and they keep me in the loop.

What is your favorite food?  Chocolate!

What is something that most people don’t know about you?  When I was fifteen, I ran through a mud pit at a mud bog to win some money.  My parents were really proud.  I had to take a bath in the river to clean off because there was no running water at the mud bog.

Who is your most memorable teacher?  My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Turner, at Camden Kindergarten in West Virginia was most memorable for me.  She taught my brother, me, and one of my nieces.  When my brother was in kindergarten (I was three), Mrs. Turner let me stay at school to ride the bus home with him on days when my mom helped out in the classroom.  She was wonderful and full of hugs. 

Tell us about your family.  My husband, Max, and I have a seven month old little boy, Wade.  I also have a dog named Maggie Mae. 

 Upcoming Events

December 1-12: Wiley Food Drive

Tuesday, December 2 - Wiley students participate in Special Olympics; Magnet Mini Fair at Millbrook ES

Wednesday, December 3 - Fifth grade wax museum

Friday, December 5 - Fifth grade field trip to Ligon MS
Thursday, December 11 - Winter Thanks Event for Teachers (9-11am); Winter Band Concert @ 7pm

Friday, December 12 - Fourth Grade field trip to Science Museum

Monday, 12/22 - Friday, 1/2 - Winter Break

News from our Wiley PTA

Winter Thanks Volunteer and  Food Signup: Each year, the PTA organizes a winter breakfast to thank our teachers and administrators for all that they do for our children. The teachers get a morning to enjoy a breakfast together complete with door prizes and delicious food.

Help us make this event a success. It’s not too late to make a donation of cash or door prize gift which can be sent back by your child’s Monday folder. Another alternative is to volunteer to bring food or help out that morning.  You can sign up at the link below:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D44A9AD22AA8-winter/21319502

Food Drive Kickoff:  We are kicking off our holiday food drive! Food Friends: Fighting Hunger Together, is an annual initiative to help our Wiley community. We have 70 kids in need of food to help them through the winter break.  We can help ensure that no bellies grumble over winter break! We can rally together to contribute food to help our fellow Wiley families have a healthy and happy holiday season.

Next time you go to the store, pick up something to contribute to Food Friends. Drop off the food in your classroom any time Monday, December 1 - Friday, December 12. You can also send grocery gift cards and leave the shopping to us!

Examples of food donations that are non-perishable (NO GLASS -- non-breakable packaging only, pop tops are a plus!):

·         canned soup/stew

·         tuna fish

·         canned meat

·         canned beans

·         canned fruit/vegetables

·         fruit cups/apple sauce

·         peanut butter (in plastic jars!)

·         cereal

·         granola bars/cereal bars

·         crackers

·         shelf stable milk/powdered milk

·         macaroni and cheese

·         pasta or rice

·         pasta sauce (in plastic jars!)

·         nuts/dried fruit/raisins

·         can openers

Together we make a huge difference in the lives of our fellow students! Thanks for helping make our Wiley community so special.

Wiley Sweatshirts for Sale through 12/6:  You’ll be receiving an order form today for Wiley Sweatshirts! Orders can be sent back via your child’s folder and are due by 12/6. Reach out to abryson1@nc.rr.com with any questions.

Social Event Calendar and Ornamentea Event: The PTA Board will be finalizing a social events calendar for the remainder of the year at our meeting next week. As per requests, we’re planning on including a variety of events, including daytime, weekend and evening options. If you have thoughts on the events you’d like included, please email vp@wileypta.org with your thoughts.

We do have one event on the schedule before the holidays—a casual, morning event at Ornamentea on December 12^th until 10:00 a.m. Coffee and tea is free, and you’ll have a chance to look for crafting ideas for the holidays or shop for crafting materials. Reach out to social@wileypta.org with any questions.

Restaurant Night and Shopping for Wiley at 10,000 Villages and Piccola Italia: Two great options to support Wiley are coming up next week. 10,000 Villages in Cameron Village will be doing a Week for Wake Schools running from 12/8-12/12. Shop anytime that week and mention Wiley. The PTA will receive a portion of your purchase.

On December 10^th, Piccola Italia will host restaurant night for Wiley. Dine or do takeout and the PTA will receive a portion of your purchase.

Chess Club Registration Opens Next Week:  Registration for the second session of Chess Club will open next week.  Session two will be held in the art room on Friday afternoons, 3:45-4:45, from January 23 - March 20 (full school days only).  Registration will be slightly different this session, as parents will be required to pre-register with the PTA prior to registering with Triangle Chess.  Please see next week's blog for specific registration information.  Need-based financial aid is available.  Please contact vp.communications@wileypta.org for more information.