Windsor Newsletter
October 2022
- October 7th - Wildcat Dash
- October 11th - PAWS Meeting 6pm
- October 18th - Picture Day
- October 18th - Chipotle Night
- October 28th - Fall Parties
- October 31st - No School, Professional Development
- November 1st-2nd - Conferences beginning at 3:00
- November 7th-8th - No School, Fall Break
- November 22nd - Mix It Up Day
- November 23rd-25th - Thanksgiving Break No School
Smile! Picture Day is October 18th.
From Mr. Nichols
Hello Families!
Well it's Fall. The leaves put on their bright colors, the mornings start to get a little cooler and crisper, and when you ask your child to put on their jacket, they can't find it because it's here at school in the lost and found or in their locker with the other four jackets that you have given them recently. LOL
Windsor just finished our FAST testing for the fall period. Our results were very nice overall. A quick, early look at our scores shows several improvements over last year as we continue to rebound from the pandemic and the academic results that were caused by it. Next up is the Panorama Student Survey which measures the perceptions and feelings about school that are felt by students. That will start October 3rd. In November, a similar survey will be sent out to families so please keep an eye out for that.
As we head into November, we will have our fall conferences. If you are a new family, it’s super easy. Just create a username and password from the link (in a separate window below) and you can sign up for a time slot that works for you. You can see multiple teachers at once if you need it to better align your times. If you would like a virtual conference, contact your child’s teacher(s) directly rather than booking a time online. Students can attend the conference or you can come in by yourself, that is totally your call. And yes, we will have the ever popular book fair.
We have been seeing more and more students trying to bring in McDonald's, Starbucks, energy drinks and so on. Also several types of snacks like chips, candy, and Taki's. These items are not to be school. Students often hide these in their locker and try to sneak out to eat/drink them or share things with friends. It usually just ends up making a mess or items get left in the lockers and they start to rot.
Picture Day is coming up on October 18. Flyers will be coming home soon with all the details.
A quick reminder about picking up kids at school. If you walk to school and have an animal with you, such as a dog, please stay back on the middle sidewalk. We do have some younger students who are afraid of dogs and/or we don’t want kids to mess with the dogs or vice-versa.
Thanks again for helping us have a great start to the 2022-23 school year!
Mr. Nichols
https://www.schoolbookings.net/book/step1?z=kY3VwL
The link will open October 17th.
Use school code fbeaf
Some Reminders about Drop-off and Pick-up
When dropping off at west doors in the morning please remember:
- Wait in line and have your child get out of the car at the tree.
- If possible, have them exit the car on the same side as the building.
- If your child needs help getting out of the car, we ask that you pull into an open parking spot (red wildcat prints designate parent parking) and assist them.
- Please do NOT drive around cars as they are dropping kids off. While we would like everyone to exit on the building side, it's not always possible, and we want everyone to stay safe.
Pick-Up
59th Street:
- If you are picking a student up on 59th Street (east side of the building) please do not double park or ask you child to run across traffic. We have had some near misses already this year as children dart across the road because their parent was waving them across.
West Doors (parking lot):
- Go south on 59th Street, east on Dagle, and then make a right turn into our parking lot. That is the direction of the line and that is the place you need to go to get into line.
- We only drive on the right side of the parking lot for safety purposes. No driving on the left side until all cars from the car line are done picking up their students.
- If you would like to park and pick up your students you can park across the street in the St. Theresa's parking lot directly in front of our school. Our students that get picked up in this way go out the front doors and you can wait for them there or they can walk across the street to you. We have staff, student safety patrol, and a crossing guard out there for safety.
What is the Wildcat Dash?
Wildcat Dash is a pledge-based fun run fundraiser where students collect monetary donations and then participate in a fun run at school with their classmates. Our goal is simple—raise as much money as possible to support the education and experiences of all Windsor students. We have set an individual fundraising goal of $30 per student, but fundraising is not a requirement and ALL students will participate in the fun run. The fun run will take place at Windsor Elementary School. Kindergarten through 2nd grade will run/walk 2 laps around the upper playground (¼ mile) and 3rd through 5th grade will run/walk 4 laps around the upper playground (½ mile).
Why should we fundraise?
All money collected stays at Windsor and makes a direct impact on our students. Participating in fundraisers such as these give students a sense of ownership, involvement and pride in their school.
What does my student need to do?
Students will ask family, friends, neighbors, etc. to support them by donating money to Windsor. Envelopes are due October 7th and can be brought into the school office any morning during the collection campaign. One collection envelope is included in this packet; please ensure the envelope is filled out entirely and sealed prior to turning it in. Additional envelopes are available in the office. Please make checks payable to Windsor PAWS.
Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?
How should my child dress on the day of the Wildcat Dash?
Students should wear clothes they would typically wear for PE, including socks and tennis shoes. They should also bring a water bottle. The fun run will happen outdoors, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, September 19th:
● Students take home information packet about Wildcat Dash and fundraising begins!
Friday, October 7th:
● All donations must be received to be included in fundraising totals for prizes.
● Wildcat Dash- Each grade will run at different times throughout the morning
● Rain Date Friday, 10/14
● Wristbands will be given to students in class before the race.
Monday, October 10th:
● Students will receive any prizes they earned for meeting their fundraising goals.
Tuesday, October 11th:
● Donut and Juice party for the winning classes in K-2 and 3-5.
How does your donation help Windsor?
Through fundraisers, Windsor PAWS is able to supplement student needs, enhance student learning and support Windsor Staff. Here is a list of ways PAWS regularly helps Windsor students and staff:
*Purchases indoor recess games and craft materials for each classroom *Provides money to subsidize field trips for each grade
*Brings assembly performers to Windsor
*Provides a stipend for teachers to purchase needed/wanted classroom materials
*Provides funds for Art, Music, PE, Library, and Counseling
*Purchases Scholastic For Kids magazines for all students
*Purchase an A to Z Learning subscription for all teachers to use in their classrooms *Provides and organizes staff meals and snacks for parent teacher conferences *Provides gum and mints for students during testing
*Provides a fabulous staff appreciation week full of snacks and a meal
*Donates shirts to students participating in Battle of the Books
*Encourages school spirit through Windsor shirt sales
*Hosts social nights, movie nights, fun nights, and restaurant nights
*Helps organize and fund the 5th grade end of year celebration at Colby Park
Windsor Elementary
Email: windsor@dmschools.org
Website: windsor.dmschools.org
Location: 5912 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8440
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windsordmps/
Twitter: @WindsorCatsDMPS
