Washington Gifted Academy
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Greetings!
We had a very busy week at Washington. A few of the highlights were; the third graders performed at Peace Plaza, the sixth grade team had an author visit from England, our first graders had apple day, and we finished the week with our first middle school dance.
The students have been wonderful so far this year. Please continue to review with your child our school expectations. We have included below a message about dress code. We have seen a lot of ripped and torn jeans so far this year. Keeping in mind that we want to minimize the distraction to our learning environment, please remind your child that jeans with rips or tears are not allowed to be worn to school.
One more reminder about after school pick-up. Please do not park on the west side of West Street. Also, when waiting in line to pick-up your child, please do not block our neighbors driveways. Thank you so much for arriving on time to pick-up your child. Remember that school ends at 3:15.
Have a wonderful week! Mrs. Faber & Mrs. Hayes |
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Playground Update
Good News! We will start construction on the new playground
equipment this week. We need 7 to 10 volunteers to help this Friday,
October 1 from 9 am until 2 pm. We will be moving mulch, laying cement,
and getting the playground ready for the climbing net. Please contact
Monica or Swav if you can help: krysztopa@comcast.net. Just let us know what time you are free to help us out; we do not expect you to be there the entire time - unless you can.
Thanks so much!
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It's Picture Time (9/29/10)
We are looking for 4 parents to help us on picture day to help assemble students and get them ready for the "Big Cheese". Anyone interested in helping out please call Charity or Chris in the main office 966-3370. |
Dress Code Reminder
Parents and students please remember that there is dress code policy enforced in RPS205. Please remember that shorts and skirts should be no shorter than two inches above the knee. We also do not allow students to wear ripped or torn jeans. As stated in district policy, students should have shirts tucked in and a belt should be worn.
Thank you!
Washington Administration |
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Student Assignment Open House Meeting Dates
October 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Gregory School
October 13th from 4:30-6:30 pm at Guilford and 7:15-9:15 pm at Welsh School
October 14th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Auburn Freshman Campus
October 19th from 3:30-5:30 pm at Eisenhower MS
October 20th from 4:30-6:30 pm at Lincoln MS and 7:15-9:15 pm at King School
October 27th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Riverdahl School (this was originally scheduled for October 21st) |
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Gifted Department News - from Mrs. Beach Where does the Gifted Program stand today?
Where does its future lie?
What are your hopes and dreams for our program?
I hope you have penciled in on your calendar the PTO meeting on October 5, 2010. I will be joining you in the Washington Library at 6:30 pm. to talk about creating a vision for a world-class gifted program. Be ready to share your hopes and dreams for the program. No idea is too great or too small to consider. I'll see you there!
Rock the Air!
Embry Riddle, an extremely prestigious Aeronautical University is considering Rockford as the site for its newest residential campus. What a fantastic opportunity for Rockford. This could also be a wonderful opportunity for students in the Gifted Program. Embry Riddle has extensive engineering offerings along with high school curriculum and internships. Please support this initiative by:
Their decision is coming soon, so please do so by October 1, 2010. |
Golden Apple Nominations
The nomination cards for for the Golden Apple Award are now available in the main office. The nomination process starts on September 16th and runs through October 22nd. You can also vote online at their website. |
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We would like to introduce the new 2nd and 4th grade art teacher, Mrs. Carolyn St. Angel. She has taught art in the Rockford parochial schools along with adults and children at Rock Valley College. If you see Mrs. St Angel with her art cart on the first floor, be sure to welcome her to Washington. The elementary art students are learning how to blend primary colors to make secondary colors, poem illustrations and drawing animals and people out of objects. |
| Greetings from GLO
Hello Wonderful Washington Families,
I would just like to extend an ENORMOUS thank you to all the students and their families that donated items to GLO. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the generosity. It helps so much to conduct class with all the necessary materials readily available. Please know that I feel very well supported by your kindness.
ECO Club Returns-Fourth and fifth graders are invited to join ECO Club. ECO Club is a club run by students that want to enact change, both around our school area and in our environment. Our members want to make a difference and help the Earth. We will do this through meetings, brainstorming sessions, fundraising, and meeting on an occasional Saturday to help "spruce-up" our school grounds. Our meetings will be held on the first and third Mondays of the month during the student's recess time. The meetings are held in the auditorium. Kathryn Miller and Faith Hughes, fifth graders, are our club's co-presidents. Please sign up by returning the "intent to join" sheet given out this week.
We have started out the year with a new Science curriculum text book, Pearson (formerly known as Scott Foresman) and an inquiry based science enhancement, entitled, FOSS. Grade levels still study basically the same topics as before, but with newer and more up to date information. Foss challenges the students to approach science with a "let's question and figure it out" attitude. It is an exciting time for our students in the subject area of science. Grade levels have started out with these topics:
First-Animal Classification: Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, moving to insects
Second-Plants and Trees: Identification and adaptations
Third-Scientific method: parts and experiment write-ups
Fourth-Review of the scientific method, Cells: microscope intro and use
Fifth-Weather: air pressure, instrument making
Please come and see me during our Open House in October. Conversation starters will be out so your student can tell you what has been going on in GLO.
Also, if you have any questions please call at school or my email is:
kim.woodin@rps205.com
Thank you again.
Mrs. Woodin |
BAND AND ORCHESTRA NEWS
Everything is off to a wonderful start for all of the band and orchestra classes. All of the beginners have instruments and are learning their first few notes. Thank-you parents for getting their instruments for them and understanding that not everyone can get their first choice of instrument. Also a big thank-you to Auburn, Eisenhower and West for letting us borrow instruments for those who are using school instruments. We do not have very many school instruments. If you happen to have an instrument that is in good shape and just sitting around collecting dust that you would like to donate that would be appreciated.
The 7th and 8th grade classes are progressing well. In the next week or so will be starting on music for our Winter Concert.
We are having Jazz Band auditions next week during class and Jazz Band will begin Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8:15 beginning on October 5th.
Don't forget to put the Winter Concert which is Tuesday, December 7th on your calendar. The Orchestra students will need to be at school at 6:00 with the concert starting at 6:30 and the Band students will need to be at school at 7:00 with the concert beginning at 7:30. Remember that all students are required to stay for the entire concert.
If you ever have any questions feel free to contact me. The best way to contact me is by e-mail. My e-mail address is doug.hoffman@rps205.com. |
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Mrs. Christensen's 6th grade art students are beginning a social studies arts integration unit on Early Man. Be sure to check out the "cave" paintings that were painted by using a small twig. The 7th graders are enjoying a group activity in art where they are creating a storyboard for a cartoon that will teach elementary students about fire and bus safety and not talking to strangers. The colorful Rainforest animal pictures that the 8th graders completed will be adorning the hallways in the near future. The painted black lines were applied with tools students made with found objects. It was a fun, but challenging project! |
Middle School Career Exploration Middle School Career Exploration Program... Day # 1 - Got Wheels? WashingtonAcademyis excited to announce this year's Middle School Career Exploration Program. Did you know Career Education is included in the Illinois State Standards? Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will each have their own day during the 2010-2011 academic year to explore different career opportunities. We kick off the year with the sixth graders' "Careers On Wheels" Day. What is a Career on Wheels? A heavy equipment operator, fireman, policeman, mobile veterinarian, postal service worker, truck driver...the list is endless! Are you a Washington parent who has a "Career On Wheels" ? Please consider volunteering 2 hours of your time - plan for mid-October- to visit Washington and provide a brief glimpse into your career. Please e-mail Mary Makulec (muckymuck@juno.com) for more details - and thank you for helping make our Career Exploration Program a success. |
Athletics
All students attending after school activities need to be picked up by 4:30. Anyone not picked up by 4:40 will need to take the activity bus to the school nearest your home.
The athletic department is looking for someone to help put doors on a refrigerator. If you can help please contact Matt Smith. |
Parents we need your help at the meet on Thursday the 30th, please check in at
the concession stand before the race to get your assignment or email Deanne
Brown at brown3761@comcast.net. Thanks! |
Soccer
The game vs. Kennedy will be made up on Monday 9/27.
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Cheerleading
We will have an organizational meeting for middle school students on Thursday 9/30 from 3:30-4:30 in room 201. This is for students only. We will have a parent meeting at a later date.
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Activity Bus Information Middle school students who are participating in after school activities can ride the activity bus home. Below is a list of the drop of locations.
East Side Stops: West Side Stops:
Nelson Lathrop
Jackson Barbour
Johnson Dennis
Bloom Stiles
Marsh Winnebago Highway Dept.
Carlson Auburn
Lutheran St. Patrick School
Midway Village Lewis Lemon
White Swan Ellis
Gregory Summerdale
Fairview Conklin
Rock Valley College Kennedy
Spring Creek Boylan
Brookview WestView
Argyle (dance studio) Welsh
Rockford Christian West
Rolling Green Walker
Haskel
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Chess Club Starts - September 28
If your child is interested in being a part of chess club, please fill out a registration form. Additional forms are available on the chess club bulletin board outside the library. If you signed up on a list at Registration, you will still need to complete this registration form. These should be returned to the office for Mrs. Beach no later than September 22. That's Wednesday!
Chess Club will begin on September 28 for all players. For players new to chess, we will provide instruction. New First Graders will receive those lessons during the school day. Beginners in all other grades will receive lessons at Chess Club.
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Beach. We can't wait for our new year!
Fall Chess Challenge
Washington Academy will once again be hosting the Fall Scholastic Chess Challenge. The tournament will be held on October 16, 2010. Registration forms can be accessed at the Rockford Scholastic Chess website or located on the Chess Club bulletin board.
We will need several volunteers to help make this another successful tournament. If you can help, we will have sign-up sheets available at Chess Club meetings or you can contact Souk Shun. We will need help on Friday, October 15 to set up the gym and on October 16 for the actual tournament. |
| Middle School Talent Show
This year the drama club will be sponsoring that MIddle School Talent Show that will be held in November. Auditions fot this will be Tuesday, September 28 and Thursday, Spetember 30 from 3:30 - 5:00. Students can sign up for an audition time and day in room 209. If you like to sing, dance, act, play an instrument, or have any special talent - come and audition. Please have something in mind or something prepared. Any questions - see Mrs. Short in room 209. |
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Come Explore With Us
YMCA
High Ropes Adventure Day - October 23
Member Fee: $40
Limited Member Fee: $55
For more information please call Brad Cripe at 815-489-3375 |
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PTO Meeting
Please plan on attending our next PTO meeting on Tuesday, October 5th. Our guest speaker will be Mrs. Beach. The topic will be the goals and direction of Gifted Education in Rockford.
We need your help!
We are
still looking for a chair for Family Fun Night to be held in May. This event
is for families to have a chance to get together and have fun while meeting
other Washington families. Activities will be determined by the
committee. If you are interested, please contact Michelle.r.anderson@jci.com
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T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Polo Shirts, Jackets, Tote Bags or Window Decals for your car!
Washington Academy Spirit Wear is always on sale! Go to the PTO page on the school's web site (here is the link: http://webs.rps205.com/schools/washington/pto.html ).
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and download the pdf file: PTO
Spirit Wear Catalog and Order Form. Send your order forms (with
payment) to school with your student. Show off your School Spirit!!
Market Day Market Day orders came home this week. Orders can be returned to school by Friday, October 1st or online by Tuesday, October 5. Pick up will be Friday, October 8th from 3:30-4:30. Boxtops
Don't forget to send in your boxtops, Swiss Valley caps, and Campbell's Soup labels. It's a quick and easy way to support our schools!
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Find us on Facebook
For all your PTO info, see us on the Washington PTO site. |
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Upcoming Events
September 29 School Picture Day |
Contact Information
| Washington Academy
1421 West Street
Rockford, IL 61102
815-966-3370
Web Site
Jill Faber, Principal
Amanda Hayes, Assistant Principal
School Hours:
9:15 - 3:15
Gifted Office:
Michele Beach Department of Academics - Gifted Curriculum
201 S. Madison St.
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 966-3182
School Motto:
We are the Washington family who accept and respect each other while striving for success with integrity.
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