![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/snowyleaves.23849ef0.jpg)
Windsor Newsletter
January
5th Grade Students Working Hard Before Break!
Upcoming Events
- January 8th - Hearing screenings
- January 12th - last day of first semester
- January 12th - PAWS Movie Night
- January 15th - No School MLK day
- January 16th - PAWS Meeting
- January 22nd - No School Staff PD
Twirley Birds In Mrs. Kairs Class
The Principal's Page
Where did 2017 go? It seems like we just started and the BOOM! it’s winter break. Where did it all go??
I have a couple of items to pass along that you may want to know about as we move into the second semester. The first is easy; at least putting it on paper is easy. I will be out of Windsor for a medical leave beginning January 23rd. I get to have a total hip replacement – yes, apparently, I’m that old. J I will be out for probably 6 weeks with an extra week or two of half-days as I transition back. We will be bring a retired principal to fill in during that time. Her name is Dr. Nancy Moorhead. I have met her several times in the past and she will be a great fit for us. I am truly sorry about the timing during the school year. I had known this was coming for a couple of years actually, but I was really hoping to hold it off for a few more years yet. But unfortunately now I’m starting to have increased troubles with the other hip, which is why you see me limping or waddling down the halls, so it’s time just to get it done and over with before I make it worse.
The other news is that we are having a few staffing changes happening at Windsor. The first change is at music teacher. We have conducted interviews and have selected Mr. Haviland Gilbert to be our new music teacher. He will start with us on January 8. We would like to thank Ms. Hessing for filling in over the last few months and wish her well in the future.
The other position we have hired is a little bit of a longer story. Ms. Murphy, a half-time Instructional Coach will be out for the remainder of this school year. To cover that position, Mr. Ballard is sliding into a split role where he will be in the classroom in the mornings and an Instructional Coach in the afternoons. That left a half-time opening in 5th grade. We hired Ms. Rachel Zimmerman to fill that spot. She was a student teacher in Mr. Ballard’s room this past fall so the students and families in that room should be very familiar with her. She was fantastic as a student teacher and we are very excited to bring her back to Windsor as a staff member!
Each of our new teachers has written a short paragraph that in included in our newsletter.
As always, please feel free to contact us with any feedback – positive or negative. We love all of our families and appreciate hearing from you. Have a great January!
Mr. Nichols
Introducing Windsor's New Music Teacher, Mr. Gilbert
Hi! I am Mr. Gilbert. I am a recent graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in music performance and a K-12 music teaching license. While at the University of Iowa, I enjoyed playing the upright bass with the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. I am from Duluth, MN, where I grew up playing hockey and am a proud Eagle Scout. I will be moving to Des Moines with my partner, Maryanne, who is a Suzuki violin teacher. We are excited to be moving to Des Moines with our dog, Ollivander.
Welcome Back Miss Zimmerman!
Hello Parents/Guardians:
You might remember me from when I was student teaching in Mr. Ballard's class for the first eight weeks of school. Now following my graduation from ISU, I couldn't be more excited to be back at Windsor working alongside Mr. Ballard and the 5th grade team. I'm really looking forward to teaching and learning with your child and also working with you this spring!
~Rachel
Indoor Recess Fun
Brrrrrr! WINTER is here! That means school recess will be held indoors on days where it’s just too cold to go outside.
For the second year in a row PAWS went shopping for games to donate to the classrooms. Some of the games included Connect 4, Trouble, Sorry, Clue, Guess Who, KerPlunk, Hedbanz, Polly Pockets, Dominos and more! Each grade also received a 900 piece lego to split between them.
To figure out what games went to which classroom we provided the teachers with the opportunity to pick and choose one day after school. It was a hit! We are happy to help provide some fun and entertainment for those indoor recesses!
You Can Pay Your Student Fees Online!
School Fee Payment Instructions for Infinite Campus
1. Visit our district website at www.dmschools.org and find the Parents Link at the top of the site.
2. Click the Online Payments link under Links for School Info to get to the Des Moines Public Schools Web Store.
3. Select School Fees.
4. Enter your Infinite Campus Parent Portal User Name and Currently enrolled child’s birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY) to access a list of your student’s fees.
5. Select the fees you would like to make a payment for and click Next Page.
6. Confirm your payment choices and click Go to Checkout.
7. If a new customer, select “I am a new customer”.
a. Enter your email address
b. Click “Sign in”
8. If a returning customer, select “I am a returning customer”.
a. Enter your email address and password
b. Click Sign in
9. Enter your billing information and create a password (if required).
10. Enter your payment information.
11. Verify information for accuracy and select Complete Order.
- Payment will be processed and Receipt can be viewed and printed.
Need Help?
Forgotten Web Store Password? Click Password Reminder under Services, enter your email address and click the arrow. Your password will be emailed to you shortly.
Forgotten your Infinite Campus Parent Portal Password or no Parent Portal Access? Contact your student’s school building secretary Casey Brown at casey.brown@dmschools.org.
P.A.W.S.
P.A.W.S. (Partners at Windsor School) is our parent organization to help support the learning and development environment at Windsor Elementary School. We plan and host a variety of school and family activities. All fundraising profits help offset the cost of fieldtrips, classroom supplies and special events at the school.
How can I get involved?
If you have questions or ideas, you are always welcome at monthly meetings during the school year.
Thank you for your support and participation in P.A.W.S.
SAVE THE DATES!
Movie Night:
- January 12th - Doors open at 6:00 pm and the movie starts at 6:30 pm
Next Meeting:
· January 16th – 6:00pm – School Library
o Fun Night Planning
DQ Conference Night:
- February 5,6, & 7 – Grab a sweet treat after conferences and join us for WINDSOR ELEMENTARY’S DAIRY QUEEN NIGHT!
- 25% of your total will be donated to Windsor PAWS
- Windsor Heights DQ only – Tell them you are from Windsor Elem.
Find Us on Facebook!
Once a month is just not enough to keep everyone updated on all the PAWS activities, contest results and pictures! Be sure to like us on FB to get the most up to date information. www.facebook.com/windsordmps
President: Shelley Langfitt Vice President: Katie Finken
Treasurer: Meggon John Media Chair: Renea Burg
Contact P.A.W.S.: dsmwindsorpaws@gmail.com
PAWS Family Movie Night!
Friday – Jan 12th
Despicable ME 3
Free Admission!
Doors open at 6pm – Movie at 6:30pm
Concession Available for Purchase:
$1.00 Each – Popcorn, Cookies, Water or Juice Box
Any students that attend movie night must be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons.
Windsor Elementary School
Email: Windsor@dmschools.org
Website: Windsor.dmschools.org
Location: 5912 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States
Phone: 515-242-8440