The Wiley World Review is back!

Wiley’s 2015/16 Teacher of the Year:  Please join me in congratulating Gretchen Ross as Wiley’s 2015/16 Teacher of the Year.  Ms. Ross teaches fifth grade science & social studies and is a long-time member of the Wiley team. Hooray for Ms. Ross! 

Congratulations!  Way to go Ms. McCann and Ms. Ziada-Brandt!  They are our newly renewed Nationally Board Certified Teachers!  Yahoo!! 

Enrollment Cap Proposal:  Check out this link to access an N&O blog post that provides information about a recent proposal to add Wiley to the list of capped schools for the 2016/17 school year.   

Morning Arrival:  Our Wiley staff begins their morning arrival duty at 8:45am, and we have noticed that students are being dropped off before our adult supervision begins.  We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep your students safe by making sure that an adult remains with your child until the 8:45 bell rings. 

Homework:  This summer, our K-2 teachers and administrators engaged in discussion around recent (and not-so-recent) research around homework.  We committed to trying a different approach that incorporates more reading for understanding and practical application of taught/learned concepts. We certainly don’t want to leave families in the dark, though!  On the WCPSS website, you’ll find a great link to grade-by-grade parent guides.  Further, our WCPSS Mathematics Departments has offered one suggestion for extending mathematics learning at home, the Bedtime Math app.  From the website:  We know to read to their kids at night, but what about math? Our mission is simple: to make math a fun part of kids' everyday lives, as beloved as the bedtime story. Choose the Math Problem of the Day, or explore over 400 additional math problems with various zany topics, ranging from electric eels and chocolate chips to roller coasters and flamingos. Each has three levels of challenge ("Wee Ones," "Little Kids," and "Big Kids"), and many also have harder questions ("The Sky's the Limit") for really big kids, grown-ups, and anyone who's feeling brave!  Try it out and let us know what you think! 

Hour of Code is returning to Wiley! 60% of jobs are in the field of Computer Science, while only 2% of students are seeking a Computer Science education. In order eliminate the gap and promote Computer Science education, every Wiley student will be participating in Hour of Code, which is a world-wide celebration where students participate in a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. We will host Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week, the week of December 7th.   Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities! 

Holiday Support:  This year, Wiley is partnering with the Salvation Army and Hayes Barton Methodist Church to provide support for some of our Wiley families.  Ms. Cherry, our Social Worker, and Ms. Williams, our School Counselor, have assisted families expressing need for the holidays to connect them with the Salvation Army.  Margaux, our Salvation Army contact, has suggested several opportunities that you & your family may wish to consider if you’re looking for opportunities to serve (below).  Additionally, we are hoping to continue our ‘giving campaign’ with a special outreach event during our December Spirit Week. 

Stockings: Over 8,000 Stockings need to be filled with goodies for boys and girls 0-11 years old. Stockings can be picked up now and we ask them to be returned by Dec 12. A guideline of items to include can be provided, and stockings can be picked up at 1863 Capital Blvd during regular office hours. 

Adopting Angels: Individual angels can be adopted from Angel Tree locations at Crabtree Valley Mall, Triangle Town Center or Cary Towne Center. Angels can also be adopted online by visiting our website www.wakearmy.org. Should you or your group be interested in adopting a large quantity of angels or a family staying in our shelter, please contact us. We ask that gifts be returned by Dec 12. 

Fill the Truck: Walmart has partnered with The Salvation Army to host a nationwide Toy Drive. Help us collect toys and fill the truck! On December 4 through Dec 6^th we will be at Walmart’s throughout Wake County and hope you will volunteer or come drop off a toy. This is a fun opportunity for volunteers of all ages. Contact us for locations and more information. 
Dates: Dec. 4, 5, & 6 

Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets: Each holiday we pack a grocery bag full of all the items families need to make a nutritious and warm Thanksgiving or Christmas meal at home with their families. Donated items such as potatoes, canned green beans, turkeys, pies, etc are needed and a complete list of what we include in the baskets can be given to groups or individuals interested in helping. 

Contact Margaux Austin, Volunteer & Resource Coordinator, with any questions or for more information: 919-834-6733 ext 104 or Margaux.austin@uss.salvationarmy.org 

If you’re looking for something that hits closer to home, consider the following that will directly impact our Wiley students:

·         Donate expenses to cover the cost of a field trip for another student

·         Chaperone a field trip and make it a meaningful experience for your small group

·         Share your time each week with a lunch bunch book club

·         Purchase extra Wiley wear and let your student “gift it” to a friend that doesn’t have a Wiley t-shirt

·         Distribute Backpack Buddies food through the Cecilia Rawlins Fund and/or donate to the Fund (theewens@gmail.com)

·         Donate to our cafeteria’s emergency lunch fund (CNS620@wcpss.net)

·         Build a relationship with a student as a Wiley Pal (jwilliams7@wcpss.net)

Principal Chat:  Our October Principal Chats covered some of the pressing issues around funding and student enrollment, particularly in terms of the effects on Wiley.  The small groups allowed for insightful dialogue and question/answer. Many thanks to those that shared their time with the group and especially to the Wiley PTA for drinks & treats!  The next Principal Chat will be scheduled for January. 

Free Family Concert:  Ms. Wolfgang, our Music Specialist, wants to let you know about a free family concert to be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, November 29^th at Carswell Recital Hall, Meredith College – “Santa’s Gift to the Monsters”. 

Wiley Spotlight

This week’s Wiley spotlight shines on our newest members of the Wiley family.

Missy Overby – Speech Language Pathologist

Jackie Stocks – School Nurse

Thelma Cherry – School Social Worker

Challie Sullivan – Special Education Teacher

Erin Wilson – Kindergarten Teacher

Elizabeth Fogleman – First Grade Teacher

Lia Sticweh – First Grade Instructional Assistant

Kristina Wise – First Grade Instructional Assistant

Stacey Smith – Second Grade Teacher

Whitney Bickelhaupt – Third Grade Teacher

Eman Ziada- Brandt – AIG & Magnet Coordinator

Meghan Sollars – AIG

Lori Jones – ESL

Tracy Avery – Assistant Principal & Technology Facilitator

WELCOME!!

 Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 11/18: 1st grade field trip to glean sweet potatoes; Lunch & Learn for 5^th grade parents wishing to learn more about Middle School Magnet opportunities

Friday, 11/20:  Fourth grade field trip to NC Museum of History; Fifth grade field trip to Outer Banks

Monday, 11/23:  Make-up pictures

Tuesday, 11/24:  Board Advisory Council Meeting, hosted by Christine Kushner, WCPSS Board of Education Chair – 12:00 at Brentwood Elementary – topic: Magnet Schools

Wednesday, 11/25: Teacher Workday – no school for students

Thursday & Friday, 11/26 & 11/27: Thanksgiving Vacation - no school for students

Wednesday, 12/2:  Ms. O’Brien’s class participates in Special Olympics; Magnet Mini Fair @ Poe Magnet School from 9:30am-11am

Going the Distance ... eager anticipation for a fabulous year!

Welcome Back!  The 2015/16 school year is off to a great start!  We are so grateful to each of you for your patience and cooperation to promote a smooth start for our school year.  So far, 2015/16 by the numbers:

·         over 120: the number of new students (including Kindergartners) we welcomed to the Wiley family this year

·         11: the number of new staff members we welcomed to the Wiley family this year

·         2: the number of times the cafeteria has flooded since the beginning of school (once during pm carpool and once during am carpool – of course)

·         2: the number of new staff babies we welcomed to the Wiley family this summer (congratulations Ms. Gao and Ms. Hahner)

·         1: the number of fire drills already in the books

·         5: the number of incredibly patient bus drivers that work hard each day to safely transport our Wiley students

·         1: the number of Crossing Guards added to our streets to help get our Wiley walkers safely to and from school

·         3: the number of custodians that worked tirelessly throughout the summer to prepare our building for the school year (shout out to Mr. Reggie, Ms. Daisy, and Mr. Henry!!)

·         65: the number of Wiley staff members … from reception to cafeteria to the classroom … that have committed to ‘go the distance’ for each of our Wiley students this year! 

We Are Wiley!

Beginning of Grade Testing for 3^rd Grade:  Our Beginning of Grade (BOG) testing date has been set for September 8.  Calling all proctors … please mark this date on your calendar.  While proctoring is not the most fun you will ever have, it’s essential to providing all students with a positive testing environment.  As a Wiley family, we look forward to another opportunity to pull together to support our school!

Calling all volunteers… WE NEED YOU!  Please visit this link to sign up to proctor, and sign up for a date for proctor training.

Proctors will need to attend a one hour training prior to BOG testing.  The training consists of a 30 minute security video and a 20-30 minutes of talk time.  Proctor trainings are scheduled for this week of August 31^st at various times throughout the week.  

Please contact our Testing Coordinator, Eman Ziada Brandt, with any questions.  You may email her at eziada-brandt@wcpss.net or leave a message in the office with your name and phone number. 

P.S. More proctors will be needed the week of October 5, 2015. 

Thank you for your help!

Local outreach opportunity with an International flair: 

Greetings from the Office of International Services!

Apart from the immigration services that our office provides to international students and scholars at NC State, we offer several cross-cultural programs to help international students connect to the university, their fellow students, and the community.

One of these programs is Breaking Bread in which local volunteers host international students or scholars for one meal. Many of our international students, scholars, and their families have never had the opportunity to visit an American’s home. By participating in Breaking Bread, you are extending a hand of hospitality to our students and scholars through one of the world’s common cultural denominators: food!

For more information or to apply for Breaking Bread, please visit our website or email oisprogramsasst@ncsu.edu. We sincerely appreciate your assistance in making our programs successful again this year!

 Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 9/2:  Electives Forms Due
Friday, 9/4:  Early Release – school will dismiss at 1:15

Monday, 9/7:  Labor Day Holiday – no school  

Tuesday, 9/8:  Beginning of Grade (BOG) testing for all 3^rd graders

Saturday, 9/12:  Wiley Family Night @ Jellybeans

Sunday, 9/13: Gardens & Grounds Workday @ Wiley

Tuesday, 9/22:  Open House & General PTA Meeting

Wednesday, 9/23:  Teacher Workday – No School for Students

News from our Wiley PTA

Welcome Back!

Your PTA is gearing up to make this another great year at Wiley. Our focus for this school year will be on healthy living. To start, the PTA has purchased storage boxes for each playground, and filled them with jump ropes, hula hoops, and playground balls, to help kids be more active during recess. You will read more about our efforts in the Welcome Packet coming home next week in your child's weekly folder.  

We hope you will consider getting involved in the PTA. Wiley's enrollment numbers will be at a record high this year, and with shrinking state budgets and limited resources, we need your help more than ever. Volunteers play an important role in enriching our Wiley community.  Regardless of the amount of time you have, we can find a job for you.  

Don't forget to link your cards! Harris Teeter VIC cards, Box Tops, and Target's Redcard contribute thousands of dollars to the PTA budget.

Harris Teeter #2920

Target RedCard - #81109 

PTA Communication

We want to keep you in the loop!  Please contact vp.communications@wileypta.org if you or someone you know is not receiving PTA emails.  Also, please be aware that our website is under construction, but should be up and running soon.

Mark Your Calendars!

Saturday, 9/12 - Jellybeans Skate Night - Kick off the new school year with friends and classmates at Jellybeans on Saturday, 9/12, from 5:15 - 7:00 pm.  The cost to get in is $5 and skate rental is only $1.

Sunday, 9/13 - Gardens and Grounds workday - Our gardens need attention!  Join us for the first Gardens and Grounds workday of the year on Sunday, September 13th from 1:30-3:30pm. We will be weeding and mulching the Prairie Garden. We need 20-30 people for this project to be successful in 2 hours.  Sign up at: http://bit.ly/prairie1

Tuesday, 9/22 – Open House & Curriculum Overview, along with the PTA’s first meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, 9/22, in the media center.  Ms. Taylor (Wiley’s Principal) is hosting a welcome meeting for new-to-Wiley parents at 5:30pm. The Grand Kick-off and general PTA meeting will begin at 6:00 with classroom visits scheduled for 6:30pm and 7:00pm.  Please plan to join us for a great evening! *This event is geared for adult-only attendance. 

Supply Lists

Meet the Teacher – Mark your calendars for our Meet the Teacher event to be held on Thursday, August 20^th from 5:30-6:30. Bring a family picnic to enjoy after meeting your teachers.  We’ll have tunes & games outside for your enjoyment as you meet new friends & greet “old” ones.  Additionally, at our outdoor stations, you will have access to information about PTA, volunteer opportunities, YMCA before & after school care, cafeteria accounts, carpool numbers, medicines, and bus routes.  Kindergarten families are welcome, too … remember, though, that K class assignments will be available on Friday, August 28 at our 2:00 Pop-In. 

Supply Lists – If you did not have an opportunity to purchase your school supplies online, please take a look at the recommended supplies for each grade. 

Kindergarten:

·         $8 for a t-shirt to be worn on field trips, special days, and field day. Will be ordered a size larger than your child’s current size.

·         Blue Pocket Only Folder (No clasps)

·         Yellow Pocket only folder (no clasps)

·         Marble Composition Notebooks Top ½ plain ( find at Office Depot or Staples)

·         1 inch black 3 Ring Binder with clear insert on front

·         24 no. 2 pencils

·         1 box of 8 Crayola crayons

·         4 black dry erase markers

·         9-12 glue sticks (no bottles)

·         2 white pearl (or Pink Pet) erasers

·         1 box tissues

·         2 containers of Lyson Dual Action disinfectant wipes

·         1 box Ziploc sandwich bags

·         1 box Ziploc gallon size bags

·         Bottle of hand sanitizer

First Grade

·        5 marble composition notebooks- wide ruled (no spiral notebooks please)

·        Pack of Crayons

·        2 packs of glue sticks

·        colored pencils

·        markers

·        tissues

Second Grade

·        two pocket plastic folders (no prongs): 1red, 1 blue, 1 yellow

·        spiral notebooks (wide ruled, one subject): 1 green, 1 blue

·        1 composition book, any color

·        1 box of Ticonderoga pencils

·        Box of markers

·        Pack of glue sticks

·        1 box dry erase markers

Third Grade

·        1 package erasers

·        1 set #2 pencils

·        1 package crayons/ and or colored pencils

·        3 spiral bound, wide ruled notebooks (red, blue, green)

·        2 composition books

·        4 folders ( (blue, green, red, yellow)

·        1 pack of glue sticks or Elmer’s glue

·         1-2 boxes of tissues (Kleenex)

·        1-2 Expo dry erase markers

·        Ear buds labeled with your student’s  name

·        1” 3-ring binder

·        Notebook paper

Fourth Grade

·        Box of colored pencils

·        2 boxes # 2 pencils

·        Box of 8-12 colored markers

·        3 plain folders

·        1 plastic folder with pockets

·        one - 1 1/2” ring binder

·        5- subject plastic pocket dividers for binder

·        5 spiral notebooks

·        1 math grid composition book

·        1 ream of 3 holed punched, wide ruled notebook paper

·        1 box tissue

·        Pencil case for binder

·        2 glue sticks

Fifth Grade

·        Assignment book ( purchased through school for a small donation)

·        Binder with zipper

·        #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils please)

·        Highlighter

·        1” notebook

·        One subject spiral notebooks

·        4  composition books

·        Wide – ruled notebook paper

·        4 two- pocket folders without metal clips in center

·        Pack of 5 notebook dividers

·        Colored pencils

·        Optional: Dictionary and Thesaurus (to be kept at home)

Languages

·        1 box tissues

·        1 box #2 pencils

·        1 package of erasers

·        1 package of  glue sticks

·        1 box of markers

·        3 prong folder (German and Chinese only)

·        1 composition book ( Spanish and French only)

·        1” binder (4-5 Spanish students only)

Kurtz and O’Brien

·        2  2- pocket folders with prongs

·        1 spiral notebook (wide ruled, one subject)

·        1 composition book

·        1 box Crayola colored pencils

·        1 pack of glue sticks

·        1 box tissues

June 9

Happy Summer Vacation!

Upcoming Events

Thursday, August 20:  Meet the Teacher

Monday, August 24: First Day of School

Monday, August 24 – Thursday, August 27: Kindergarten Staggered Entry

Friday, August 28:  Kindergarten Popsicle Pop-In (Meet the Teacher)

Wiley Spotlight

This week, the spotlight shines on Neena Fortune, 2^nd grade teacher.  We saved Ms. Fortune as the year’s final Wiley Spotlight as we bid her farewell.  Of Ms. Fortune’s 32 years in education, 24 of those have been spent at Wiley. We are grateful for her service and hope that retirement brings her relaxation and joy!

Here’s what Ms. Fortune had to say …

What do you like to do during the summer? I love to read (for pleasure), work in my yard, visit family, and go to the beach.  Also, my husband and I go for a walk each evening, and I enjoy listening to the night noises that we hear on our summer walks. 

If you could teach anywhere (other than Wiley), where would it be?  I have always wanted to visit Australia so I would teach in Australia. 

Who was your most memorable teacher? Ms. Keith, sixth grade teacher at Teachers’ Memorial Elementary, in Kinston, NC. The year I was in her room, the enrollment increased and we were put in a room just off of the stage, the former music classroom.  We were away from all the other classrooms, and we could be loud as we wanted to be so she really incorporated “PLAY” in our day.  She was always an active participant when we were outside for recess, and on rainy days, we played cool games inside. 

What is something that you are most proud of, that most people wouldn’t know about you? I am proud that I learned a foreign language and have been able to use it in my teaching. 

If you could have anyone as a teacher who would it be?  Fred Astaire - because I love to dance!

Ms. Fortune’s final remarks ...  Wiley has felt like my second home, and I hope that it continues to be a great place for students to learn and grow.