News from Washington Gifted Academy

We're back in the office and beginning to prepare for the upcoming school year. It's a year of changes again. We are introducing our new staff members below.

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 continuing workshops on Technology and Reading, We also have staff members volunteering their time to work on Science curriculum and the transition between Washington and Auburn.

You will be receiving a letter within the next week with information about Registration and the beginning of school. If you would like to help our PTO members prepare this mailing, meet us at Washington at 9:00 am tomorrow (Tuesday, August 3). We can also use help preparing folders on August 12.

Getting the packet of registration materials in the mail gives you the chance to complete some of our paperwork at your leisure at home. When you arrive at school, you will receive Elementary class assignments and Middle School student schedules. The word is that we will be using our new computer Student Management system at Registration. So, please be patient with us as we learn a new skill set!

Fall registration will take place on August 16 & 17. 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. Hayes

New Faces at Washington

Welcome!

In addition to the many new students we welcome this fall, we also have new staff members. We are excited to have these truly outstanding educators join our Washington family and we'd like to get you started on knowing them a little better.

First, we'd like to inform you of a staff change you may have been unaware of. Lisa Borchmann, our secretary, has left Washington to take on a year-round position. She is now the "voice of RPS", answering the main district telephone lines. When you call 966-3000 for information or to connect with a department, her warm voice and attitude will be welcoming and helpful.

Christine Goddard

Christine replaces Lisa as our front-line secretary. She will greet you when you arrive at Washington and will usually be the one answering the phones. She comes to us from Belvidere North High School, where we're sure she will be sorely missed. We believe she is going to be a wonderful addition to the Washington family.

Mrs. Morton

Hello everyone! My name is MariAnn Morton and I am thrilled to be the new first grade teacher here at Washington. The 2010/2011 school year will be my seventh year teaching. My first four years were completed in Freeport, IL as a second grade teacher. The past two years I was at King Elementary here in Rockford. During my first year at King I taught third grade, and this past year, I was a 'Reading Academic Achievement Specialist.' Currently, I am back to school pursuing my Reading Specialist Certification. Teaching children to read is something I thoroughly enjoy! I am very excited and gracious to be a part of the Washington staff and look forward to an exciting school year!

Mrs. Rodriguez

I am excited to join your team this fall as a Special Education resource teacher. I bring 10+ years of combined teaching experience from Chicago, Puerto Rico, and Rockford. I earned my B.A. in Psychology at
St. Mary's of Notre Dame and my Masters Degree in Special Education from Chicago State. I earned my National Board Certification in 2007. Currently, I am earning my Reading Specialist Degree from Rockford College. When I am not working I love to exercise, play with my lab "Stitch", and try new restaurants with my husband Pedro. This summer we celebrated two years of marriage at Brio in downtown Rockford. We also hosted family from Puerto Rico and spent time at my parents' cottage in Beverly Shores, Indiana. I look forward to meeting you and hearing how you spent your summer vacation!

Mrs. Hayes

I am very excited to be joining the Washington team as the new Assistant Principal. For the past two years, I have been an administrator at Guilford High school. Prior to administration, I was a Kindergarten and first grade teacher for 8 years. I currently reside in Rockford with my husband Scott, a Rockford Firefighter, and our daughter Ava (4). We are looking forward to welcoming a new addition to our family in December.

Free and Reduced Lunch

Check it out at Registration

Each year, families have the opportunity to apply for Free or Reduced Lunch. At Registration, our cafeteria manager, Ann Orlandi, will be available to discuss the details with you. Qualification is based on family income.

If you think you may qualify, even if you're not sure, we urge you to apply. First, your family is entitled to this support. If you qualify, you are not required to take advantage of it. Your child can still enjoy homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if that's what they like. However, you may find that this little extra boost makes a difference in your family's budget.

Second, it may ultimately help our school. Over the summer, you may have been reading about the district's Title 1 dispersements. These government dollars become available to schools based on their Free and Reduced Lunch enrollments. If we have students in need, we want to do everything we can to help them at Washington.

Transportation

Postcards from the Transportation Department were mailed on Friday, July 30, 2010 with your child's initial route information. All of this information is subject to change since many changes of address and assignments may occur between now and the start of school. This information is temporary and a second mailing will be sent out on August 11, 2010. The second postcards will have the permanent information.

The deadline for receiving a sitter stop anywhere in the district is August 6, 2010. Sitter stops requested after that date will be approved if there is an existing bus stop for that location or the bus goes past the proposed stop without rerouting the bus.

Back to School Bonuses!

Health and Safety Fair

The Winnebago County Health Department will be holding its first annual Health & Safety Fair on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at the Millennium Center (220 South Madison Street) from 3-7 pm. The event will provide immunizations and dental exams required for entrance into certain grades along with educational exhibits and entertainment. The focus will be on activity and nutrition.

Tax Breaks

Despite its budget crisis, the state of Illinois is offering you some help with fall expenses. There will be a sales tax holiday from August 6 - 15 on qualifying items such as school supplies, clothes and shoes. All retailers are required to participate in the sales tax holiday.

Haircuts - Giving Back

Getting a back-to-school haircut? Between August 1 and 15, every time a child under the age of 18 gets his/her hair cut at Hair Cuttery, they will give a free haircut to a child in need in our community. They partner with local social service and nonprofit organizations. They have donated more than 500,000 haircuts since 1999 and hope to add thousands more this year.

Summer Reading

The next few weeks are your last chance to complete our required reading. Don't forget, teachers will be planning classroom activities so children can share their thoughts and feelings about the books they've read. What a wonderful way to start a new school year - getting to know new friends through literature. If you have misplaced your letter, you can always access it at our website (under Summer Reading). This is a good place to find other suggestions as well.

Athletics & Activities

Sports Physicals

If you plan to participate in a fall sport at Washington, you should be getting a sports physical as soon as possible. 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. Immediate care clinics will perform physicals without an appointment. For students who are entering 6th grade, your physical for school also counts as your sports physical.

Fall Sports

Middle School Football begins at West on August 9. Soccer and Cross Country at Washington 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.

Athletic Director

Any questions about sports should be directed to Matt Smith.

PTO News

PTO Executive Board

We have a new PTO President for 2010-2011 school year. Welcome to Cindy Karnitz! A note from Cindy:

Welcome from your 2010-2011 PTO Committee. Stop by the PTO table at Registration to say hello. You can reach Cindy with your PTO concerns by text or 815-670-2426 or email. For all your PTO info, see us on the Washington PTO site.

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.

Registration - We Need Your Help!

On August 12, the office will be preparing student folders for Registration. With lots of important information and over 800 students, it's a big job! If you can help, please contact Michelle Anderson.

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