Wekiva Whispers

Wekiva Elementary School Where Koality Education Happens Every Day! 1450 East Wekiva Trail Longwood, Florida 32779 Phone: 746-3150 Fax: 746-3163 March 2013 Principal: Marjorie Adamczyk Assistant Principal: Kyle Hughes Principals Message In sports, there is March Madness, as teams get ready for NCAA tournament. In school, March means preparation, as the last semester of school begins. Teachers know this is a critical time of year. During this time, we make sure we are looking at assessments to observe where a students strengths and weakness are in order to re-teach or review curriculum to help them. Teachers use innovations or motivation in the lessons to keep students focused and try to encourage students when the work is hard to do. Just recently, two third grade students came to my office with a persuasive speech about why their class should be allowed to watch a movie. Part of the speech included the fact that the class would do a Venn diagram about the similarities and differences between the book and the movie. I agreed and gave them my permission along with four of my own high-level questions to be answered at the completion of the project. After a couple of days, students from the class returned to share their Venn Diagrams as well as the answers to my questions. The students were all in agreement that the book was better than the movie. In fifth grade an intense lesson took place. I observed students academically argue their point as to what net matched a geometric shape. Even students in first grade are selfassessing themselves to determine their reading fluency level and sharing on how to improve! Teachers orchestrate, compete, and collaborate in the classroom to deeper understand a skill. It is going on everywhere! March is also Non-Violence Month. At Wekiva, we stress daily what being a good KOALA means. Todays technology and media share foul language, name-calling, violent programs and commercials. It is our job as adults to teach and share that Wekiva is not the place for it. Thank you for your continued support to help our community and our school in so many different ways. Until next time, Ms. Adamczyk Community Kudos!!!! Thank you to the anonymous donors of food for the Koala Closet! Boxes of food dropped off helped out several families this month. If your family is in need, please contact Mary DeBonville at 407-746-1164. All calls are kept confidential. TREK FOR TECH TREK FOR TECH Fundraiser on Friday, April 5th 2013. This is the only fundraiser where we keep 100% of the donations. All proceeds from this walk-a-thon will be used to renew our annual online site licenses and to purchase Mimio Interactive Whiteboards for classrooms. The funds we raise this year are even more necessary due to cutbacks in our school funding during these tight economic times. Parents are invited to come out and walk during their childs PE time. More detailed information will be sent home soon. If your business can donate prizes and/or gift certificates for our student prize drawing, please contact Mrs. Cook at 407-746-3151. Thank you for supporting technology at our school! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We need some enthusiastic volunteers to help us out with our Trek for Tech fundraiser. We need people who are available to visit local area businesses to collect prize donations and gift certificates for our Trek for Tech student prize drawing. If youre interested, please contact Mrs. Cook at Seminole County Public Schools www.scps.k12.fl.us or www.wekivaelementary.com 407-746-3151 or through email at karyn_cook@scps.k12.fl.us RECYCLING PROGRAM Did you get new electronic gadgets for the holidays? If so, dont forget to bring in those old cell phones, digital cameras, mp3 players, PDAs, as well as laptops, GPS devices and of course laser and ink cartridges. We recycle all year long! PTA Wekiva's Family Dinner Night & Art Show is on Tuesday, March 12th 5:00 to 8:00 pm. We would like to remind you that dinner tickets are on sale now for $6.00ea! Please come out and enjoy this great family evening and see your child's masterpiece! This fun family night will include the Book Fair, Wekiva's Bake Off, Minute To Win It Games, Mega Slide, Student Dances, and much, much more!! Bring your grandparents, Aunts and Uncles too! Always a great family evening! If you can volunteer please call Trisha Tamm at 407-383-8395. Lisa Romine Wekiva PTA President Community Support Needed If you are a business or know a business that would like to contribute a prize for out annual Trek for Tech, please contact, Karyn Cook, at 407746-3151. Donations are tax deductible. Clip, Cut, and Collect!!! Please continue to clip and send in the following product codes: Campbell's Soup UPC, Box Tops for Education; Tyson Chicken A+ Labels and My Coke Rewards codes from Coca-cola products. If you have any questions on what should be sent in, contact the school.

Wekiva Whispers
Wekiva Elementary School Where Koality Education Happens Every Day! 1450 East Wekiva Trail Longwood, Florida 32779 Phone: 746-3150 Fax: 746-3163 March 2013 Principal: Marjorie Adamczyk Assistant Principal: Kyle Hughes Mrs. Kranzs webpage for rehearsal Seminole County Rezoning portion. Please read and do math facts dates and times. The play will be Information over the Spring Break. presented at the last PTA meeting of West Phase Zone recommendations the year on Tuesday, May 14th. Fifth Grade Information from Superintendent, Mr. Griffin go Koala MusicKidz submitted an During the month of March, students before the School Board on March 13, audition DVD to Disney and was in fifth grade will be practicing for the 2013 at the Education Support Center again accepted to perform at the online FCAT 2.0 math test. Our at 5:30. It is open to the public. Some Waterside Stage at Downtown Disney. second grade students helped get of our PTA and SAC members will be The children earned this honor for the ready for the FCAT online test. They at this meeting. third year in a row! Congratulations to were part of an Infrastructure Test to all of the students who participated. Student Council News make sure all of the computer can We are beginning rehearsals on Student Council President Claire handle the transfer of information at Wednesday mornings from 7:50 Wisth was nominated by her teachers one time. Student saw fifth grade 8:35 a.m. in the music room. This is for the SASA (Seminole Association curriculum and reported that it looked always a wonderful and fun of School Administrators) Leadership like, pretty hard stuff! The opportunity, with a free day at Epcot Award. technology part they reported as included in the deal. Thanks as always Easy! to Disney for their generosity in Third Grade Information supporting the arts. Science News FCAT is fast approaching! Thank McDonalds Feature Teacher for you to the parents who came to the KOALA MUSICKIDZ ADVANCED the month of March is our very own FCAT Parent Night. Information from INSTRUMENTAL Mrs. Gabrovic, or Ms. Gab! A short our informational evening went home Castro- Isabella Bilow, Kristen video will be posted to the Seminole with the students, so please look for it Kealing, Fiona Natal, Kiara Padilla, County Publics Website for everyone in their backpacks. David Redick, Reyna Sawyer to watch. Thank you to Ethan Huyck, We have been preparing for the Sydney Krider, and Chelsea Drake for reading and mathematics portion of Colwell- Casey Knight, Sadie Knight, participating in the video too. the FCAT. We have been using the Mila Mascenik, Peter Munyon, Math and Reading FCAT practice Ysabella Ortiz Reading books, focusing on reading During Spring Break, there should comprehension, taking FCAT practice Crenshaw- Ulani Carmona, Isabelle NOT be a break from reading. tests, and covering the Next Denham, Leilani Nichols, Teachers really hope you can set aside Generation Sunshine State Standards. Mariana Rivera a time each day to read, read with FCAT 2.0 is scheduled for third grade them, or read to them. On March 1, on the following dates: Hewitt- Charlotte Hartley 2013 our school participated in Read April 15 FCAT Reading Across America. All the minutes read April 16 FCAT Reading Raby- Johanna Donnelly, Elijah will be counted toward this National April 17 FCAT Math (3,4) Garmon, Stephen MacKenzie, th Contest. FCAT Science (5 ) Alex Nguyen, Claudeja Pierre, April 18 FCAT Math (3,4) Koala Music Kidz th FCAT Science (5 ) Koala MusicKidz is off and running Harrington- Alyssa Coutts April 22 FCAT Math (5th) for the spring season. The spring th April 23 FCAT Math (5 ) musical play, Once Upon a Time, Hull- Ryleigh Graber, Blade Karlsen, No Dividends April 15 23rd. has started rehearsals. Mrs. Harrington Molly Kucharski, leads the rehearsals for speaking parts Fourth Grade Information as well as contributing to the Lofton- Alexandra George, FCAT Writes 2.0 is over. Teachers choreography. Mrs. Kranz orchestrates Samarys Morales-Melendez, observed students using the entire time the music rehearsals. If your child is period to work on it. Students are now involved, please check the calendar on Rachel Orensky, Andrew Pikalow, preparing for the Reading and Math Sean Weathers Seminole County Public Schools www.scps.k12.fl.us or www.wekivaelementary.com

Wekiva Whispers
Wekiva Elementary School Where Koality Education Happens Every Day! 1450 East Wekiva Trail Longwood, Florida 32779 Phone: 746-3150 Fax: 746-3163 March 2013 Principal: Marjorie Adamczyk Assistant Principal: Kyle Hughes Perdomo- Dante Ardene, Arianna Gryl, Nathan Lach, Zarria Jackson, Tiffani Jimenez, , Kristina Roa
KOALA MUSICKIDZ ADVANCED CHORUS

Seminole County Sheriff Office Crossing Guard Corner Did You Know Children think if they see a moving vehicle, it obviously sees them. As we all know, this gives them a false sense of security. When the crossing guards are present, they will make sure to secure the intersection prior to allowing the students to advance. Advise your child when they walk up to a School Crossing Guard, that there is a white safety line for them to stay behind. The School Crossing Guard verbally tells them when it is safe to cross. If you are with your student, please lead by example and wait for the guard to tell you to advance. Let your child know that it is very important to wait until all traffic has stopped and stays stopped before they cross the street. Always look left, right and left again to make sure it is clear. This is a simple safety skill that we all need to teach all our kids. Stay Safe out there! Hear Ye, Share Thee! Mrs. Vicki Dingee (previously known as Mrs. Francis) is retiring at the end of this school year. If your child had Mrs. Dingee for Pre-K, the ESE team is asking that former students and/or their parents write her a note of thanks and let her know how her former students are doing. All notes can be sent to the front office with ATTENTION: Mary DeBonville. They will be compiled into a retirement book for her. There will be a celebration of many years of service to our school and community in May.

Castro Fiona Natal, Isabelle Santiago, Mirelys Torres Colwell Casey Knight, Sadie Knight Crenshaw Ulani Carmona, Lily Confusione, Isabelle Denham Hewitt Chelsea Drake, Emily Pitzer, Raby Caitlyn BrandonJohanna Donnelly Laura Fischer, Elijah Garmon, Erin Huguenin, Lorenzo Martinez, Alex Nguyen, Claudeja Pierre Harrington Ben Orensky Hull Jared Anderson, Ben Evelev, Ryleigh Graber, Molly Kucharski, Amy Laurie, Victoria Moltzan, Samantha Tenney, Emma Vick Lofton Carlee Crocker, Jack Kurtz, Lindsey Latorre, Samarys MoralesMelendez, Rachel Orensky, Serra Sowers, Claire Wisth Perdomo Dante Ardene, Megan Geluso, Nathan Lach, Allen Wagner Powers Brianna Cullari, Emerson Holley

Cross Country Koala Run Cross Country Club is coming to an end on March 8th. We had a very successful season, thank you to all who participated, volunteered and attended Saturday meets. Our last meet was March 2nd at Hamilton Elementary. Thanks to Mr. Caban for representing Wekiva in Coach Proses absence. Lake Orienta 6 and Under Girls Hannah Hill 1st Place 6 and Under Boys Arnaud Babb 3rd Place Jonathan Fitzgerald 4th Place 7-Year-Old Girls Kiley Strott 1st Place 7-Year-Old Boys Jacob Clifton 13th 8-Year-Old Girls Sierra Higgins 10th Place 10-Year-Old Boys Andrew Pikalow 1st Place County Meet 6 and Under Girls Lily Chase 11th Place 6 and Under Boys Hudson Woods - 2nd Place Arnaud Babb 4th Place 8 Year Old Girls Sierra Higgins 9th Place 8-Year-Old Boys Adam Jimenez 10th Place Hamilton 7-Year-Old Girls Lily Chase 2nd Place 8-Year-Old Girls Sierra Higgins 9th Place 8-Year-Old Boys Adam Jimenez 10th Place Field Day is Thursday, March 21st, if you have time to volunteer and help with the activities Coach Prose and your child will greatly appreciate it. Please return your volunteer slip to Coach Prose by March 15th.

Seminole County Public Schools www.scps.k12.fl.us or www.wekivaelementary.com

Wekiva Whispers
Wekiva Elementary School Where Koality Education Happens Every Day! 1450 East Wekiva Trail Longwood, Florida 32779 Phone: 746-3150 Fax: 746-3163 March 2013 Principal: Marjorie Adamczyk Assistant Principal: Kyle Hughes Fuel Up to Play 60 March is National Nutrition Month, and we're excited to put the national spotlight on childhood health and wellness throughout the month. We know that healthy students are better students, and our Fuel Up to Play 60 teammates are critical in supporting school wellness initiatives that lead to fitter, more nourished children. A new report, The Wellness Impact: Enhancing Academic Success Through Healthy School Environments, reinforces the "learning connection" - the crucial link between quality nutrition, physical activity and academic performance in children. The GENYOUth Foundation, National Dairy Council (NDC), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American School Health Association (ASHA) released the report. The bad news is that poor nutrition, inactivity and unhealthy weight lead not only to poor academic achievement in children but also hard costs for schools, including reduced funding due to absenteeism, lower standardized test scores and higher healthcare expenses. The good news is research shows that good nutrition, including breakfast, and increased physical activity can improve students' performance in the classroom. In fact, students who eat breakfast have better attention and memory than those who skip breakfast, and students who are more active during school perform better on standardized tests for reading, math and spelling. We know schools are an ideal place to promote childhood health and wellness, but they cannot act alone. Together we can create environments that help students make healthier choices. Everyone from community leaders to parents can work together to champion improved child health and wellness in schools. For more information, check out the FaceBook page at www.facebook.com/FuelUptoPlay 60 March Calendar 3/6 Report Cards Home KMK Rehearsals 5:00 pm SAC Meeting 6:15 pm PTA Meeting 3/ 11 15 Wekiva Book Fair 3/ 12 Gr 3 Practice FCAT FAMILY DINNER 5 8 pm 3/13 Honor Roll Breakfast Gr 5 7:45 am Media Center 3/14 Honor Roll Breakfast Gr 4 7:45 am 3/15 Koala Lunch 9:00 am Gr 3 Checker Day Honor Roll Breakfast Gr 3 7:45 am 3/18 Honor Roll Breakfast Gr 2 7:45 am 3/19 Pre-K Field Trip to Zoo Spring Picture Day 3/20 Class Pictures 3/21 8:00 am Dads Day Breakfast Field Day 3/22 NO SCHOOL 3/25 29 SPRING BREAK April 4/3 SAC Meeting PTA Meeting 4/5 TREK for TECH 4/12 Koala Lunch 4/15 24 FCAT Testing NO DIVIDENDS and No Lunch Visitors 4/18 Gr 1 Field Trip to Zoo 4/19 Gr 1 Field Trip to Zoo 4/23 Progress Reports Home 4/ 25 Gr 2 Field Trip

Daylight Savings Begins Sunday March 10th! Dont Forget to Set Your Clocks Ahead One Hour SPRING FORWARD

Seminole County Public Schools www.scps.k12.fl.us or www.wekivaelementary.com