Waukazoo Newsletter

February 27 = WZ Scholastic Book Fair Begins

March 7 = Conferences 5-8

March 9 = Early Release Day- Dismissal at 11:52; Conferences 1-4 & 5-8

Spring Conferences will be on Tuesday March 7, from 5-8pm, and then March 9, from 1-4 & 5-8pm. March 9 is an Early Release Day(Dismissal at 11:52).

Register at the link below:

https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Waukazoo_Elementary

Hi Waukazoo! I’m Alison Engle and this is my third year teaching, but my second year teaching at Waukazoo. Last year, I was our school’s MTSS Interventionist. I especially loved teaching Math Tutoring last year! This year, I teach fourth grade. As a student I absolutely loved fourth grade and I am honored that I now get to teach in fourth! I live in Holland with my husband, our chocolate lab (Stout) and our orange cat (Nipsey). Outside of school I love to read, go hiking, relax at the beach, and spend time with friends and family.

This is my fourth year teaching and second year at Waukazoo. I have taught first grade, fifth grade, and Upper Montessori. My husband and I live in Holland with our daughter (3 months) and our dog. We love to spend time outside and with family. Our favorite hobbies are skiing, golfing, boating, and going for walks. I am so thankful to come to work everyday and see my students!

Due to the upcoming building construction Waukazoo’s annual Celebration of Learning will be held prior to Spring Break. On March 23, 2023 the building will be open from 6:30-7:00PM for families to come in and see all that your students have been working on. You’ll be able to see their room, say hello to their teacher, check out our March is Reading Month “PAWS for Reading” theme, and complete an in class activity. The event is “open house” style with no requirement to attend but, if you would like to, please stop by and see all the cool things that we can celebrate as your student continues to learn this year.

Now that the weather is getting colder it is important to reiterate the District’s cold weather recess policy. Students will go outside for recess EVERYDAY unless it is below 0° (or if it is raining hard). Waukazoo also asks that all students bring boots, gloves/mittens, a coat, and hat daily for recess.

Michigan has constantly changing weather, think about the last week…it was 50 and then we had an inclement weather day. IF there is an adequate amount of snow students will have at least one day of sledding weekly and will routinely have two days of sledding each week. Finally, thank you again to the Waukazoo PTA for providing enough sleds for all grades levels to enjoy a sled for each student to use their own sled daily.

Panther Pathways is back for a 3rd session at Waukazoo. Waukazoo now has Boys Basketball. Updated game schedules will come out weekly.

As part of previously approved West Ottawa bond projects Waukazoo will be adding on beginning in the late spring. 2 classrooms will be added off the southwest corner of the building and 1 classroom will be renovated. The remainder of the building will see a significant refresh with carpet, locker, and paint improvements over the summer. The work will be completed in time for the 2023-2024 school year at Waukazoo.

Waukazoo will be continuing to utilize Waukazoo Pride Tickets this year. These tickets recognize students for being Respectful, Responsible, Ready to Learn, or demonstrating Waukazoo Family Pride. Our goal this year is to reach 12,500 tickets this year. Let’s go kids!

Pride Tickets to Date = 8,181

February’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) root is COMPASSION. Waukazoo’s 5th Grade is leading the building’s look at COMPASSION each Friday in February. Ask your student about COMPASSION and see what they have learned.

West Ottawa Public Schools adheres to a method of progressive discipline when there is a violation of basic Bus Rules or Behavior Expectations. Depending on the severity or progressive nature of the unacceptable behavior, the Director of Transportation and/or principal at the building of attendance may impose any number of days of bus suspension up to and including the loss of bus riding privileges for a brief or extended period of time including the remainder of the school semester or the school year. All consequences are subject to administrative discretion. Restorative practices are considered in all situations and may be implemented when appropriate.

To view a copy of the Bus Rules and Behavior Expectations which are posted in color at the front of every West Ottawa school bus, CLICK HERE.

To view a copy of the Transportation Department's Administrative Guidelines on Pupil Transportation Student Conduct and Corrective Action (AG 8600.009), CLICK HERE.

To access the West Ottawa Transportation Department website, containing links to all of our Administrative Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, CLICK HERE.

We look forward to working with you and your child to address unacceptable behavior and to restore your child as a safe bus rider for themself and for others on the bus.

Morning drop-off will continue to begin at 8:30am, please remember that students are not supervised prior to 8:30am. The doors will electronically unlock and there is a bell to note the 8:30am time.

As colder weather has arrived it is important to note that students will not be able to enter prior to 8:30am.

Hi Waukazoo Families,

Hope you are all having a great February. We are right in the middle of our football unit and all our skills are really improving. Lower elementary students are working on throwing mechanics and getting better at catching. Upper elementary students are now participating in football lead up games and doing awesome. The students are having a blast, working hard, and being great teammates in all classes. I'm very happy with the work they are doing. Have a great rest of your week!

-Mr. Metz

Last week students in third to fifth grade brought their Chromebooks to Spanish class. I showed kids my Spanish website and they spent time exploring online games, conversations, and songs. My website is a great resource to extend Spanish practice at home. I encourage students and their families to check it out!

https://senoradillon.weebly.com/

Hello! Our Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! Our specialist team will be meeting with families in the Waukazoo Library on Tuesday, Mar. 7th, from 5:00-8:00. Please sign up for a time at this link, or feel free to email me to arrange a time to meet. We’d love to share your child’s progress with you!

Check my website for all of the details about our learning in Technology! If you have any questions, email me at obrienp@westottawa.net Thank you!

Mrs. O’Brien

obrienp@westottawa.net

Welcome back Waukazoo Families & Artists! I look forward to sharing with you all the awesome projects and art inspired learning we will be exploring in art class this year! Please visit the Google Sites link below to keep up to date with all the awesome things happening in our Waukazoo art room.

https://sites.google.com/westottawa.net/mrs-halls-art-news/home

Don’t forget- ART Makes You SmART!

West Ottawa offers a tuition-based preschool program, West Ottawa Wonders (WOW) Preschool. This half day program is designed for 3 year-olds (Tu/Th) and 4 year-olds (MWF) and is offered to all families. The WOW Preschool program is located in Lakeshore Elementary School. Class size is limited. More information can be found here.

If you would like to speak to someone regarding West Ottawa Wonders Preschool, please contact Erin Brower at 616-786-1400 X3110 or browere@westottawa.net