News from Washington Gifted Academy

We hope that everyone is enjoying their summer and had a wonderful Fourth of July! We also want to welcome the newest members of our Washington family. New students were sent a copy of our summer reading expectations and an invitation to sign up for the Washington e-newsletter.

Right now, the office is officially closed until the end of the month. However, we will be in periodically. If you need to get ahold of us, please do so by email or leave a message on our voicemail. Then we can get back to you when we are in.

Of course, even when school is out, things continue to happen at Washington. Our custodial staff is busy cleaning and making repairs so we can start school in the fall with our building at its best. Teachers are attending workshops on Technology, Reading, Gifted Best Practices, Math, Social Studies and more. This week, teachers will have our second book club meetings focusing on Choice Words: How Language Affects Student Learning.

Fall registration will take place on August 16 & 17. Some time early in August, you will receive a packet of registration materials in the mail. This will afford you a chance to complete some of our paperwork at your leisure at home before coming to school. When you arrive at school, you will receive Elementary class assignments and Middle School student schedules.

Our annual back-to-school picnic will be held on Monday, August 23 from 4:00 - 6:00. We will be having a special presentation for new students to Washington and Student Ambassadors at 5:30 in the Auditorium that evening. Hope to see you there!

Mrs. Faber & Mrs. Beach

Summer Reading

Don't forget to encourage your child to read over the summer. They might want to use our website (under Summer Reading) as a reminder of the required and suggested titles. We have alerted local bookstores and the libraries that there might be a high demand for our titles.

PTO News

PTO Executive Board

We are still in need of President for 2010-2011 school year. If you are interested in serving in one of these positions, please contact, Carrie Adamany.

We need your help!

To prepare for school registration, we are looking for volunteers. On August 3 at 9:00 am, we would like help preparing the mailings that will go out to our 800 families. Included in this mailing will be welcome back to school information and a number of forms for parents to complete prior to coming in for registration. It's a big job, but many hands make light work! We hope to see you there. If you can help, please contact Carrie Adamany.

School Kits

If you didn't remember to order a school supply kit for the 2010-2011 school year, it's not too late!!! We have a limited amount of school kits still available. If you would like to reserve one for your child, please contact Stephanie DiBenedetto.

All PTO activities are posted on the Washington's web site Calendar.

Athletics & Activities

Sports Physicals

It's not too early to think about getting your sports physicals for the 2010-2011 school year. You must have a physical on file with the athletic director prior to being able to try out for a sport. We have been a little relaxed with this policy in the past, but it will be a priority this upcoming year. At Washington, the athletic director is Mr. Smith. Freshman at Auburn (or any other high school) will have the same requirement.

Chess

Several members of our chess team have been attending tournaments over the summer. Kirkland Shun came in third place at the McHenry Blitz and Bughouse Tournament. At the Freeport Open Junior Chess Tournament, Kirkland finished in first place and McKinley Torre came in third. Players are also looking forward to the 3rd Annual Chicago Class Open in Oak Brook on July 17-18. For more tournament information, see the Illinois Chess Association website.

MS Football

If you are planning to play football in the fall on the West/Washington team, think about attending football camp this summer. It will be held on July 19-22 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. You can contact coach Kenny Horton at 815-969-0393 for more information.

Fall Sports

Middle School Soccer and Cross Country begin on August 26. Be sure to have a sports physical on file before then.

High School Football, Golf, Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Boys Soccer, Girls Cheerleading & Poms and Girls Swimming begin on August 11. Be sure to have a physical on file before then.