November 30, 2007
A Message From Mrs. Starr
During this very busy time of year between Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, it is important for students to keep up with their assigned work. Please remember to check your child’s homework assignments nightly and monitor them for accuracy and completion. Review with your students any mistakes that they have made on all work returned to them and check for understanding of the concepts that appeared to confuse them. If your child says that they have completed all their assigned work, it is a great time for them to practice their basic facts, whether it is addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Make up fun word problems so they can use the concepts that they are learning in math. These can be turned into fun games for the entire family. I can not possibly overstate the importance of having your child read to you, as frequently as possible and your continuing to read to them often, whether your child is a kindergarten or a fifth grader. The teachers have been emphasizing writing through out the grade levels so you may want to encourage your child to write holiday letters to their grandparents, cousins or friends out of town. Having your child apply the skills that they are learning daily into their everyday life will foster real learning situations and make learning more meaningful for him/her. If you have any questions regarding your child’s classwork or homework, please communicate that to your teachers.
Congratulations to our fifth grade teachers, Carin Moran, Donna Schwartz, and Carolynn Walsleben, for achieving National Board Certification. This involved a great deal of hard work and dedication. Woodfield is fortunate to have such wonderful teachers.
Cultural Arts at Woodfield
Thanks to the PTA for sharing with us two wonderful and very different cultural arts performances. Chris Fascione, a storyteller from Chicago, made stories come to life from poetry to fables, through sound effects and movement on Tuesday. Thanks to Dee Dauber for arranging this performance and to Mindy Conway, Rebecca Crisafulli, Nives Bidwick and Debbie Thompson for chaperoning this event. On Wednesday, December 5th, the students will see “Kids on the Block”, a disability awareness puppet show. Grades 3-5 will view this performance in the morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. and in the afternoon from 1:45 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., students in grades K- 2 will see this informative and entertaining performance. This performance coincides with National Inclusion Week to foster the inclusion of all students into the life of the school and the community. Ask your child about what they learned from this very different puppet show.
Montgomery County Public School’s All County Chorus
Congratulations to our fifth graders who made the Montgomery County Public School’s All County Chorus:
Aaron Girson, Charlotte Humphrey, and Doris Labaton!!
Please Don’t Forget - PTA meeting – Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center!
Track Landscaped
Today and Thursday had restricted access to the playground because the final touches were being completed on the school’s new track. Landscapers were busy adding the finishing touches. The track is now being frequently used by students and community members daily.
Grandparents Day- Huge Success
I received many compliments from Grandparents regarding their special day on November 20th. There were more grandparents in attendance than ever before. This could not have been possible without the hard work of Holly Walker, school counselor; Tracy Rogers, and Heather Gottfredson who chaired this event. Thank you to Susan Billig, Jennifer Wrona, Mary Ellen Jones, Sue Wood, Susan Wood, Kim McCullagh, Lisa Merdoc, Theresa Bohs, Chris Anderson (Music Café Coffee), Katherine Wells, Sally Merollini, Claire Sladic, Amy Dunham, Lori Slingluff, Joanne Aellen, Elaine Fraser, Kim Garrison, Beth Holt, Leenie Brown, Helen Checkan, Laura Gallahan, Cathy Winffel, Heidi Walker, Pam Pratt, Holly Mullen, Amy Simoncic, Jackie Danna, Audrey Hill, and Cherie Walker for their contributions and time to make this event such a meaningful one for our students.
Students Reap Rewards of Pave the Way Fun Night
Thank you to Tina Atkinson and Sandy McDarby for arranging for the students in Mrs. Smith’s second grade class to celebrate their class having collected the most money as a class for Pave the Way. These students celebrated with an ice cream sundae party.
Thank you to Nives Bidwick for arranging for the students who won the raffle to celebrate with a pizza lunch with their teachers. All of the students and teachers who participated enjoyed sharing this special time together.
Ian Osterman - Principal for the Day
Ian Osterman won the raffle at Pave the Way for Family Fun Night. One of his duties was to write a letter about this special day for the parent newsletter. Ian, a second grader, really took his job seriously. He wrote, “I hade a wonderful time woching some of the classies. I got a thing that said principal. I hade to make a disishen for indoor or outdoor recess and I have to sopervis lunch and recess. Most of the classies were good some of the classies were great. Thank you, Mrs. Starr. Sincerely Ian Osterman” Great job, Ian. On December 21st, Samantha Dembo will be our Principal for the Day. She won the raffle from grades 3-5.
Winter Concert – December 11th
Winter Concert - December 11th 7:00 p.m. in the school gym. Please join us to see our talented students perform!!
Friday is always School Spirit Day. Wear your Woodfield clothes or blue and white.
Subject: A Thrilling Talent Show announcement!
Do you, a friend, a neighbor, or family member have a business or venture that could benefit from some community exposure at a reasonable cost? Please spread the word that the PTA is selling advertising space in the Talent Show program book. DHS seats 800 and we fill most of those seats. Mark your calendar for the show on Friday, January 18, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Damascus High School. Since this is the first year the program book will feature business ads, you can be sure that everyone’s eyes will be checking out who is participating!
The sponsorship levels are full page (5 ½” x 8 ½”) for $75; half page (4” x 4 ½”) for $40; and quarter page/business card (2” x 4 ½”) for $25. To participate, enclose in an envelope labeled “Talent Show Program Ad” a check payable to “Woodfield PTA” and ad copy (with plain white or light background). Ad copy should be received by Dec. 21.
If you know a potential business sponsor, you can help by providing them a verification letter (available in the office) and an envelope with the school’s address (24200 Woodfield Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20882). Call Dee Dauber at (301) 540-3552 with questions or leads. Please help us raise money for the talent show.
Reflections Program “I Can Make A Difference By….”
Thank you to Karen Love for coordinating this creative arts program and to the students who submitted entries. Good luck!
Winter is Here
Winter is here!! Please remember to have your child dress warmly for outdoor recess. During recess, all students are reminded to tuck their scarves into their jackets to prevent a serious injury during recess!
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found basket, located in the cafeteria, is full! Please remind your child that during lunch they may check for lost items. There are jackets, sweat shirts and shirts, gloves, mittens and even winter coats! Over winter break the basket will be emptied and items donated.
Curriculum Night at Woodfield – January 30 and January 31
Please place on your home calendar’s now! – Curriculum Night at Woodfield:
Grades K-2- Wednesday, January 30th and Grades 3- 5 Wednesday, January 31st -7:00 p.m.
This special night was scheduled as a result of the parent survey taken on Back To School Night in September. Parents stated that they wanted more time to learn about the curriculum. On the nights listed above, teachers on each grade level will be sharing important information about the Reading Language Arts curriculum in a forty-five minute session and the math curriculum for that grade level in another 45 minute presentation. They will be giving you important ideas and strategies as to how you can support your children at home and answer all questions. As the event date approaches, RSVPs will be sent home to prepare for the number of parents who plan to attend. Let’s make this night as important as Back To School Night!
Time to Nominate Teachers for Marian Greenblatt Awards
Nominations are being sought for the annual Marian Greenblatt Teacher of the Year Awards. Information is available at www.greenblatteducationfund.org. Nominations are due by January 11, 2008. Winners will be announced in March and honored at MCBRE’s Champions for Children Gala on April 15, 2008.
2007-2008 Important Dates
Sunday, December 2 National Inclusion Week
Tuesday, December 4 PTA Meeting 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 5 Cultural Arts – Kids on the Block - Puppet Show
AM 3 – 5 PM K - 2
Tuesday, December 11 Woodfield Concert 7 p.m.
Friday, December 14 Winter Concert – A.M. for students
Monday, December 17 5th Grade to Baker MS Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 18 Talent Show Auditions – Room 2
Wednesday, December 19 Talent Show Auditions – Room 2
Friday, December 21 Damascus High School band visits
Monday, December 24- Tuesday, Dec. 25 Holidays – Christmas – No School
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Friday, Dec. 29 Winter Break – No School
Tuesday, January 1 Holiday – New Year’s Day – No School
Thursday, January 3 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 7 – Tuesday, Jan. 8 Hearing and Vision Screening (K, 4, and new students)
Wednesday, January 9 Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Thursday, January 10 Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Thursday, January 10 Class and Group Picture Day
Thursday, January 17 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal @ Damascus High School
Friday, January 18 Talent Show @ Damascus High School
Friday, January 18 2nd Marking period ends
Monday, January 21 Holiday – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 22 Professional Day for teachers – No school for students
Wednesday, January 23 Flyer Distribution Day
Wed., January 23 – Friday, Feb. 15 MAP R Winter Window for grades 3, 4, 5
Tuesday, January 29 – Friday, Feb. 1 PTA Book Exchange
Wednesday, January 30 Report cards distributed
Wednesday, January 30 K – 2 Curriculum Night
Thursday, January 31 3 – 5 Curriculum Night
Friday, February 1 African American Heritage Month
Tuesday, February 5 2nd Grade in School Field Trip – Mad Science
Tuesday, February 5 PTA Meeting
Friday, February 8 A.M. Cultural Arts – Billy B. - Song and Dance Man
Monday, February 11 Hearing and Vision Rescreening (K, 4, and new students)
Tuesday, February 12 Holiday – Presidential primary election
Wednesday, February 13 Hilary Hyland – Author Visit
Thursday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 18 Holiday – Presidents Day
Tuesday, February 19 DHS and ES choral concert @ DHS
Thursday, February 21 Science Expo
Wednesday, February 27 Early Release Day – 12:35 p.m.
Tuesday, March 4 Spring Portraits
Tuesday, March 4 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 13 Donuts for Dads
Friday, March 14 Donuts for Dads
Monday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Friday, March 21 – Monday, March 24 Holidays – Easter (Note: Passover begins at sundown 4/19)
Tuesday, March 25 – Friday, March 28 Spring break – No school for students and teachers
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Autism Awareness Month
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Arab American Heritage Month
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Month of the Young Child Celebration
Tuesday, April 1 PTA Meeting
Tuesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 11 MSA Testing Window grades 3, 4, 5 (Math & Reading)
Friday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 16 MSA Make-up Window grades 3, 4, 5 (Math & Reading)
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, April 17 Kindergarten Orientation – No School for Kindergarten
Friday, April 18 Kindergarten Orientation – No School for Kindergarten
Monday, April 28 – Friday, May 2 Terra Nova testing – Grade 2
Monday, April 21 – Friday, May 16 LAS Links (ESOL Testing) Grades K- 5
Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, May 16 MAP R Spring Window for grades 3, 4, 5
Thursday, April 24 Take Your Child to Work Day
Friday, April 25 PTA International Night
Friday, April 25 A.M. Cultural Arts – Nada Brahma – World Music
Monday, April 28 – Friday, May 2 Terra Nova testing – Grade 2
Tuesday, April 29 4th Grade In School Field Trip – In Space
Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 31 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Thursday, May 1 5th Grade Picture – 1:45 p.m.
Friday, May 2 Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5
Tuesday, May 6 3rd Grade Field Trip - Baltimore Museum
Tuesday, May 6 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7 – Tuesday, May 13 MSA Testing grades 3, 4, 5 (Science)
Thursday, May 8 Muffins for Moms
Friday, May 9 Muffins for Moms
Friday, May 9 Field Day Grades K, 1, 2
Friday, May 16 Rain date for Field Day K, 1, 2
Saturday, May 17 School Beautification Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, May 19 – Friday, May 23 Spring Book Fair
Thursday, May 22 Woodfield Art Show
Friday, May 23 Rain date for Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5
Monday, May 26 Holiday – Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27 4th & 5th Gr. Band, Strings, & Chorus Concert
Wednesday, June 11 5th Grade Promotion
Thursday, June 12 Last day of school for students – Dismissal 12:35 p.m.
Friday, June 13 Professional day for teachers
Saturday, June 14 Flag Day
Thursday, June 19 Report cards mailed
Note: Dates that have been added this week are in bold.