Read the PTA newsletter here:  https://www.wileypta.org/pta-newsletter

Welcome, Ms. Pattie Martin!

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Pattie Martin to the Wiley community! Ms. Martin joined us last week as a part-time Intervention Teacher and will be supporting math interventions and instruction across 1st through 5th grade.

A Wake County native and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, Ms. Martin brings a strong commitment to student development and academic success. Her strengths include multisensory and project-based learning, small group and individualized instruction, and a collaborative, flexible approach to teaching.

We are thrilled to have her on board—be sure to say hello and give her a warm Wiley welcome!. 

Quarterly Review – February 26

Join us for our second Quarterly Review on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:50 a.m. (please note the time change to accommodate student arrival). This virtual event is open to all Wiley parents and staff.

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26
⏰ Time: 7:50 a.m.
🔗 Link: Join the video call

During the Quarterly Review, we will share relevant data, action steps, and goals from our four committees: Literacy, Math, Global, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). We will also highlight our progress toward achieving our school wide proficiency goal of 70% in all areas, with time for participants to reflect and ask questions.

We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation!

Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) Information

Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) allows students in grades K-7 to advance to a higher grade level in math or reading to ensure they receive appropriately challenging instruction. Parents can request SSA testing during the March 10-28 request window, with the form available on the county's website. Testing will take place April 11-25.

If you're interested in learning more about SSA, please join one of our Wiley SSA Information Sessions:
📅 February 26th at 10:00 AM → Join Here
📅 March 6th at 12:00 PM → Join Here

We encourage families to attend to learn more about the process and how SSA might support their child's learning journey!

Wiley’s Zero Food Waste Initiative

Exciting news! Wiley has been selected as a pilot school for the Toward Zero Waste SHARE Program and was recently featured in the News & Observer! 🎉

Toward Zero Waste is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting waste-conscious living across North Carolina through inspiration, education, and action. This program aims to:

✅ Reduce the amount of wholesome, prepackaged, unopened food thrown away at schools.
✅ Establish a food recovery program that prioritizes redistribution to students first.
✅ Ensure food is available to all students, eliminating stigma.
✅ Increase student awareness of hunger and environmental responsibility.

We’re excited to be part of this important initiative and to take meaningful steps toward reducing food waste while supporting our students and community! 🌎♻️

In-Person Application Events for Free, High-Quality Pre-K

Families interested in free, high-quality Pre-K can apply in person at one of four events this spring. These events also offer free developmental and academic screenings for children.

📌 Eligibility:

• Children must be 4 years old by August 31

• Must live in Wake County

The full schedule and details are available on our website. Families can also apply online anytime at wakesmartstart.org. Don't miss this opportunity to give your child a great start!

Oberlin Magnet Middle School Welcome Event

To our newest Trailblazers—you're invited to Oberlin Magnet Middle School’s Welcome Event on February 26th! Join us in the Oberlin auditorium to experience student performances, interact with staff and students, and explore club and elective offerings.

📅 Date: February 26th
📍 Location: Oberlin Magnet Middle School Auditorium
🕔 Two Identical Sessions:

• Session 1: 5:45 - 6:30 PM

• Session 2: 6:45 - 7:30 PM

Choose the session that works best for your family—we can’t wait to see you! Oberlin Today, the World Tomorrow!

Happy Black History Month!  

While February is a dedicated time to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to our country and culture, our commitment to recognizing and honoring these contributions extends throughout the year.

Our teachers strive to instill in students a year-round appreciation of the rich history, achievements, and impact of Black people. This month serves as a meaningful opportunity to deepen our understanding, spark important conversations, and reflect on the resilience and influence of Black leaders, past and present.

Beyond celebration, Black History Month inspires ongoing dialogue, education, and action as we work together to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

Wiley has been named a 2025 School of Excellence! 

This prestigious honor is part of Magnet Schools of America’s (MSA) National Merit Awards program, which highlights the top magnet schools in the nation. The award celebrates schools that exemplify:

• A commitment to high academic standards,

• Curriculum innovation,

• Successful desegregation and diversity efforts, and

• Consistent delivery of high-quality educational services to all stakeholders.

The Magnet School of Excellence designation is reserved for a select group of schools that achieve the highest level of excellence across all areas of the merit award application.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our entire Wiley community -students, staff, and families. Congratulations to everyone who made this achievement possible!

Promotion Meetings February Promotion Meetings

Throughout February, each grade level will participate in Promotion Meetings with administration to discuss students who are performing below expectations. These discussions will focus on students who: 

• Are receiving 1s and 2s in reading and math,

• Are struggling with grade-level assessments,

• Have excessive tardies or absences, and/or

• Exhibit significant behavior concerns with limited to no academic growth.

During these meetings, the team will carefully review all relevant data to determine whether a letter will be sent home for students performing below grade level. Teachers are encouraged to communicate with parents if they anticipate that a child will be discussed during these meetings. Letters will be sent home no later than the last week of February.

Please note that no decisions regarding retention will be made at this time.Our primary goal is to partner with parents to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. With two quarters remaining, there is ample time to support student growth and progress. Together, we will do everything we can to promote our students with confidence and a shared commitment to their success.

Staffing Updates: German and Music Positions

At this time, we are experiencing a vacancy in our German position, which has been open since we returned from Winter Break. We are working closely with the German department at UNC-Chapel Hill and have secured a German student to assist with filling in as a substitute teacher as much as possible. 

Our music teacher has also  accepted an exciting position with the North Carolina Symphony. We have already begun the search for a candidate who can continue the legacy of excellence Ms. Hemedinger provided during her time at Wiley.

Until permanent hires are made, substitutes will be in place for both positions. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining the Wiley team, please feel free to share this information with them. However, please be assured that we have a plan in place to guarantee that there is no lapse in instruction while we search for the best candidates to fill these positions.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these transitions. 

Teacher Shout Out  

This year we want to share and shout out all the amazing things that Wiley teachers are doing for your students. If you have an amazing story to share or just want to tell a teacher how much you appreciate all they do, use this link:  Comments will be shared with the teacher and the Wiley staff.

Wiley PTA 

Garden & Grounds Family Workday

Family volunteering opportunity – all ages welcome! *WEATHER DEPENDENT* Saturday, February 22, 9am-12pm with possible reschedule or additional date Saturday, March 1

 

Please RSVP here to let us know you’re coming and receive up-to-date messages in case of reschedule:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084AA4AC2DABF49-55023102-wiley

 

We will be sprucing up the Wiley campus for spring and can use all the help available. Mulching, transplanting shrubs, litter sweep, and more. Enjoy the fresh air (and provided snacks!) while making an impact on our campus and getting to know others in the Wiley community! If you have tools to bring (digging shovels, wheelbarrows, hand tools, mulching rakes) it would also be much appreciated.

Help Our 3rd Graders Master Multiplication!

Wiley Mathletes is boosting multiplication fluency, and we need your help! No special math skills needed, just 30 minutes before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to play games with our 3rd graders. Sign up to volunteer here. Thank you!

Wiley Talent Show: Volunteers Needed & Save the Date!

Do you love seeing students shine on stage? The Talent Show committee is looking for volunteers to help plan this year’s show on Friday, 4/11, and to take the lead on organizing next year’s event!

This is a fun and rewarding opportunity to bring our school community together and celebrate the amazing talents of our students. No experience is necessary - just enthusiasm and a willingness to help coordinate this exciting event.

Look for more details soon and start encouraging your kids to think about their acts!

If you’re interested in volunteering or have any questions, please reach out to Traci at traciraerowe@gmail.com. 

Raise Craze is Coming Back for its 2nd Year!

We’re excited to announce that Raise Craze is returning on Monday, 3/10! Flyers with registration information will go home in a few weeks, so be on the lookout.

 

Why Raise Craze and not Fun Run?
We’ve chosen to stick with Raise Craze for two key reasons:

More funds stay at Wiley – With Fun Run, 50% of donations go to the fundraising company. But with Raise Craze, we keep at least 90% of the funds raised!

 

Aligns with the Wiley Way – Raise Craze encourages students to give back to the community by completing acts of kindness (AOK), reinforcing the values we uphold at Wiley. Plus, it creates less interruption to instructional time.

We’re excited to see our community come together again for this meaningful and impactful fundraiser. Thank you for your continued support!

Order Your Wiley Yearbook

Don't miss out - order your Wiley yearbook today and save! Early bird pricing is just $15 through Friday, 3/14. After that, the price increases to $20.

You can also make a difference by donating a yearbook through the Donate-A-Book option at checkout, helping ensure every student gets one this year.

We also need your photos! We’re looking for grade-level photos and pictures from events, clubs, and classroom activities. Please send them with students’ names and grade level to yearbook@wileypta.org.

Lost and Found 

Please check out the current Lost and Found inventory. You may claim your item in the cafeteria. Please remember to label your child's belongings to help us return them to their rightful owners. Let’s keep our Lost and Found clear! Thank you for your cooperation.

Wiley Foundation

Beat the Cold! Climb at the NEW Triangle Rock Club: Sunday 4-6 pm

Tired of being cooped up? Come join your Wiley friends at the new Triangle Rock Club at Salvage Yard for climbing fun this weekend! Get some exercise while supporting the Wiley Elementary Foundation – 50% of proceeds will benefit our school. Youth, adults and non-Wiley friends are invited to climb. 

 

When: Sunday 2/23 at 4-6 pm
Where: Triangle Rock Club-Salvage Yard (1249 Wicker Drive, Raleigh)

To register and complete your waiver: Sign Up Here!

 

Details: Admission is $15/participant (all ages); includes harness rental & access to auto-belay & bouldering areas. Shoe rental is available for an additional $5; you can wear closed-toe sneakers if you don’t rent shoes. TRC staff will be on-site to assist climbers; an adult must remain on-site for youth participants.

 

Registration tips: 1) When you sign up, the “participant” is the climber. 2) After you fill out the waiver, go to your email! You must click on a “Please confirm your e-signature” link that comes via email to complete registration. Questions? Email Allison Gray at wileyelementaryfoundation@gmail.com.

Leave Your Child's Mark with a Legacy Brick

Personalized brick pavers line the walkway to Wiley's main entrance, reflecting decades of school history and capturing memories. To join this celebration of students and teachers, just click here! Orders are due by 3/7 and will be installed in May. Each brick is $150 and benefits our school via the Wiley Foundation. Questions? Contact us at wileyelementaryfoundation@gmail.com.

Calling All 5th Grade Families: Join the Bricks Campaign before Graduation!

Please help support a new Wiley tradition of honoring our 5th grade class with a set of engraved bricks lining the walkway to the main school entrance. These bricks will list the first names of all 5th graders and be installed before June graduation. We only need 14 more donations of $20 to reach our goal of paying for this!

 

Click here to see an example and participate by 3/7. Give what you can! Last year's 5th grade class loved being recognized in this way. This is also a great way for grandparents, relatives and friends to congratulate a student. Thank you to all the families who have already donated!

March Madness: Wiley Basketball Skills Night on 3/7

Don't just watch basketball in March - get on the court to build skills! Bring your students and their friends for a 90-minute "Wiley Night" training session at Separation Gym, an innovative youth basketball facility founded by NBA/WNBA skills coach Marcus Hodges. Several Wiley students train here and love it!

 

When: Friday 3/7 at 6-7:30 pm. Cost $25. Location: 3319 Anvil Place, Raleigh 27603 (just 10 minutes from Wiley). All skill levels are welcome. Separation Gym will donate 50% of each payment to the Wiley Foundation!

 

The night includes 1 hour of instruction and a 1/2 hour of free play. Sign up here: Separation Team x Wiley Foundation skills night.

Upcoming Dates