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Waukazoo Newsletter

February 10, 2023

WaukazooNewsletterFebruary 10, 2023

Upcoming Important Dates:

February 13 = No School, Mid-Winter Recess

February 14 = Compassion Day, Wear pink, red, and or/white

February 22 = $1 Purple Power Hat Day

February 24 = Purple Power Day, Wear purple & Popcorn Day

February 27 = WZ Scholastic Book Fair Begins

Outdoor Recess & Sledding

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, like all the rain we just got yesterday, and sledding at Waukazoo is dependent on the conditions. Students will be holding off on sledding until there is a large enough amount of snow so the students are not sledding in mud. Once there is enough snow accumulation we will continue to utilize a rotation for sledding days. Students will have at least one day of sledding 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.

Upcoming Construction at Waukazoo

As part of previously approved West Ottawa bond projects Waukazoo will be adding on beginning in the late spring. Two classrooms will be added off the southwest corner of the building and one 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.

"Strive for 5"

Attendance is an important component of success in school. All Waukazoo students should “Strive for 5” or less absences per semester. By having less than 5 absences per semester a student will attend school at least 95% of the time (5 absences per semester equals 10 absences for the year).

PBIS Pride Tickets

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 = 7,746

West Ottawa Bus Procedure Update

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.

Reminders About 8:30am Student Drop-Off

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.

Staff Spotlight

Meet Faith Pustover

Hi, my name is Faith Pustover and I am a 5th grade teacher here at Waukazoo! This is my 3rd year working at Waukazoo! For my first two years I was working as a resource teacher assistant. I have loved working in this building and getting to know the staff and students! In my spare time, I spend time with my family and friends. I love to play cards, watch movies, exercise, journal, and read books. My favorite thing about my first year in 5th grade so far, is how much fun my kiddos are and seeing the close bond we have developed as a group! One thing I have learned from my students this year is to always appreciate the “wins” of our day. No matter how big or small the “win” is, it is important to address it and celebrate.

Meet Kelsey Schroth

Hi Waukazoo! I’m Kelsey Schroth and this is my third year teaching at Waukazoo. I teach first grade and advanced math. Math is my favorite subject so I’m so excited I get to teach it twice during the day! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going on hikes with my puppy, Flynn, and spending time at the lake!

Waukazoo Specials

Physical Wellness with Mr. Metz

Hi Waukazoo Families,


I hope your week is going great. In Physical Wellness for the month of February we will be learning all about football. Students will start by learning how to properly throw and catch a football. We will also be doing a variety of lead up games that will allow students to work on throwing to both a stationary target and a moving target as well catching while standing still or moving. I'm really excited to see how much all students improve this month. Have a great day!


-Mr. Metz

4th grade students are working hard to prepare for their Link Up Concert with the Holland Symphony Orchestra on Monday, March 20th. The Carnegie Hall Link Up Program is an amazing opportunity for students to participate and perform with a professional symphony orchestra. This year’s theme is called The Orchestra Moves!


One of pieces the orchestra will share is the Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In addition, students will be singing moving and of course playing our recorders. Other music includes part of Ludwig von Beethoven’s 5th Symphony as well as songs from great operas, such as Bizet’s Carmen and Offenbach’s opera The Tales of Hoffman.


Here is a link to Mozart’s Overture from The Marriage of Figaro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp6UAGN_Ir4

Technology Talks

Hello! We are working on many projects during technology time! Check my website for all of the details! Be sure to email me with any questions you have about our adventures in Tech!! Thank you!

Mrs. O’Brien

obrienp@westottawa.net

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!


~Mrs. Hall

Thank you PTA!

We have a great PTA who plans some pretty special events for our students and shows so much support to our staff. Here is just a snapshot of some of them!