Principal Message 2-16-24
Read this week’s PTA newsletter here: https://www.wileypta.org/pta-newsletter
No School on Monday (2/19) and Tuesday (2/20)
There will be no school on Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20. February 19 is President’s Day and Tuesday is a Teacher Workday. Students will return to school on Wednesday, February 21.
Wiley Mascot, Cupcakes, and water!
Thank you to everyone who donated water and cupcakes to our 100th celebration. In honor of the the 100th day of school and more than 100 years on St. Mary’s Street, had an amazing day of movement, music, and memories. Your donations made our celebration of Wiley fun and memorable. We announced our new mascot. The votes were counted, students have spoken, and our new mascot will be Wiley the Wildcat!
Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) Information:
If you are considering nominating your child for the SSA program, we will be holding a meeting at 9:15 on Wednesday, March 13th. This meeting will be held via Google Meet, and recorded. You are welcome to attend virtually, in person at Wiley, OR watch a recorded meeting at your convenience. We ask that any family considering SSA nomination for their child, speak with your child's classroom teacher, as well as review the information we will provide.
Happy Black History Month
While February serves as a dedicated time to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to our country and culture, I find it equally important to recognize that our commitment to acknowledging these contributions extends beyond this month.
Throughout the year, teachers are encouraged to instill in our students a year-round understanding and appreciation of the rich history and invaluable contributions of Black people. This month provides us with a focused opportunity to delve deeper into the stories, achievements, and struggles that have shaped our society.
We use this month not only to acknowledge, celebrate, and honor the achievements of Black individuals but also as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, education, and action as we work to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
2024 School of Distinction
Wiley has been, again, named a National Merit School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.
We will be recognized and receive a National Merit School of Distinction Award on behalf of the school during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s National Conference hosted by New York City Schools, April 16-20, 2024.
Schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.
To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu
24-25 Inclusive Preschool Open House Announcement
Open House occurring Friday, March 9th at 9:30 am
Wiley’s inclusive preschool program is looking for students for the 2024-2025 school year.
Did you know that Wiley Elementary has a preschool program? Our inclusive program is designed to support the language development of preschoolers with and without hearing impairments while learning and developing social skills through play and developmentally appropriate practices. Our program offers 5 full days of preschool per week and follows the traditional school schedule of Wiley. Due to the type of program we have, we are limited in availability for the 2024-2025 school year. Our program serves children ages 3-5 who do not meet the birthdate requirements to enter Kindergarten this fall. Please attend our open house to learn more about our unique preschool learning opportunity. After our open house, we will begin to accept applications. Since we have limited availability, the application process will close on Friday, March 15th at 3:30 pm. Families will be notified on Friday, March 22nd if their child has been offered a spot or if their child is on the waiting list. We look forward to sharing more details about our inclusive preschool at our open house!
Office hours for families will resume next month. If you would like to meet to discuss a question or concern or an urgent matter please reach out via email (tavery@wcpss.net) and request an appointment. For specific questions, comments, or concerns that do not require a meeting feel free to complete this link.
Dreambox Usage
Students are expected to complete at least 5 lessons a week in Dreambox. A Harvard University study has shown that just 60 minutes of DreamBox lessons per week can fast-track your students up to two grade levels in a year. We recommend that students complete five or more lessons per week with DreamBox Learning because students who complete five lessons each week show more math growth than those who complete fewer lessons. One lesson takes about 15 minutes. Dreambox is adaptive and constantly responding to the skills and understanding of your child. Having your child complete at least one Dreambox lesson a week can help your child’s teacher better understand their need, extend their learning, and/or address learning gaps.
Wiley PTA Meeting
Our February PTA meeting will be held virtually on 2/21 at 6 pm. Click here to join via Google Meet. Plan ahead! See this year’s full PTA meeting schedule here. If you are not already a member of Wiley PTA, please consider joining!
An Evening with Tift Merritt to Benefit Wiley PTA
Saturday, 3/16 at 7pm
Purchase your tickets today to secure your seat at this exclusive event. Fifty lucky members of our Wiley community will have the opportunity to attend an in-home benefit concert featuring Grammy-nominated musician Tift Merritt, while providing crucial support for our school. All proceeds raised will go directly to the Wiley PTA Annual Fund, which is facing a critical funding gap this year. Can’t attend? Consider making a ticket donation to a Wiley staff member.
Student Refresh Drive
Wiley's Main Office needs boys’ and girls’ pants and shorts in sizes 4 - 10 or XS - L. Items may be new or gently used. Please deliver all donations to the Main Office at any time, or order from Amazon/Target and have them delivered to the Main Office. Thank you for your generosity! Your support helps our students in ways you can’t imagine.
Wiley Yearbook Sale
Order your Wiley yearbook now and save! $15 early bird pricing ends on Friday, 3/15. The price will increase to $20 thereafter. Please also consider donating a yearbook with the Donate-A-Book option at checkout to ensure each student receives a yearbook this year.
Keep sending your photos to yearbook@wileypta.org. Please include the grade level of the students pictured and the events associated if applicable. Have a 5th grader? Consider sending a "throwback" photo for us to include along with the student's name.
Lost and Found
Here is the current Lost and Found inventory. Items that have been in the Lost and Found longer than a month will be donated. You may claim your item(s) in the Lost and Found Room in the cafeteria.
Wiley Elementary Foundation
Legacy Brick Fundraiser: Support teacher and staff salaries while making a lasting mark on the school you love!
Join the collection of special names and encouraging messages on Wiley’s Legacy Bricks, which line the school’s main entrance walkway! The engraved Legacy Bricks are $150 each and allow up to three lines of 17 characters. The Legacy Brick campaign benefits the Wiley Elementary Foundation, which is separate from Wiley PTA and which specifically supports teacher and staff salaries. To order a brick, please email us at wileyelementaryfoundation@gmail.com.
Monday, Feb 19 |
President’s Day NO SCHOOL |
Tuesday, February 20 |
Teacher Workday |
Wednesday, Feb 21 |
PTA Meeting (Virtual) |
Tuesday, March 5 |
School Closed - Election Day |
Monday, March 4 |
Raise Craze Fundraiser Kickoff |
Friday, March 8 |
Mix 101.5 FM’s Carpool Casanova visit (Morning) |