Principal Message 3-21-25
Read this PTA newsletter here: https://www.wileypta.org/pta-newsletter
Walker Families
As a friendly reminder, I ask our walker families and those who stay after school to socialize to please be mindful of where you park. A homeowner on Valley View has expressed concerns about cars parking on both sides of the street, leading to traffic congestion, blocked driveways, and even minor accidents.
Wiley is part of a larger community, and it’s important that we show kindness, empathy, and respect to our neighbors. To help keep our students safe and traffic flowing smoothly, please park on only one side of Valley View moving forward.
Thank you for your cooperation and for being a wonderful part of our Wiley community!
Science Night is Back at Wiley!
We are thrilled to announce the return of Science Night on April 24th from 5:00-6:30 PM! A huge thank you to the Wiley PTA for making this event possible.
To make Science Night a success, we need volunteers to help run ten hands-on activities for students. Volunteers will be provided with all supplies and instructions and should plan to be at Wiley from 4:15-7:00 PM for setup and cleanup.
If you're interested in volunteering, please [sign up here]. For questions, contact Hadley Cairns-Heath at hcairns-heath@wcpss.net. Thank you!
Wiley Preschool Applications for the 2025-2026 School Year
Thank you for your interest in Wiley's preschool program! Our inclusive preschool serves children ages 3-5, including both students with and without hearing impairments. For the upcoming school year, we have three spots available for students without hearing impairments.
An online presentation about our program for families interested in applying is linked below. The presentation will cover our curriculum, classroom environment, and application process. After viewing, families can request an application.
The application window closed March 14th at 3:30 PM. Applications will be processed based on a rubric outlined in the presentation. Families will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status by March 21st.
For more details email Cara King at cking3@wcpss.net,.
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:
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Children must be 4 years old by August 31
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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!
Quarterly Review Recording
Thank you to everyone who attended our Second Quarterly Review on Wednesday, February 26! This virtual event provided an opportunity for Wiley parents and staff to stay informed about our school's progress.
For those who couldn’t attend, a recording is linked above. During the review, we discussed school data, quarter three and four action steps, and goals for our four committees: Literacy, Math, Global, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). We also highlighted our progress toward our schoolwide proficiency goal of 70% in all areas. Thank you for your engagement and support!
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:
We encourage families to attend to learn more about the process and how SSA might support their child's learning journey!
Promotion Letters
Throughout February, each grade level participated in Promotion Meetings with administration to discuss students who are performing below expectations. These letters are now in the mail and have possibly been delivered.
During Promotion meetings, the team carefully reviewed all relevant data to determine whether a letter would be sent home for students performing below grade level. Teachers wee also encouraged to communicate with parents if they anticipated that a child being discussed would receive a letter.
Please note that at this time no decisions regarding retention have been made regarding any students. Our primary goal is to partner with parents to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we will do everything we can to promote our students with confidence and a shared commitment to their success.
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! 🌎♻️
Staffing Updates: Music Position
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 has 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 are 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.
Upcoming Softball & Baseball Clinic at DRMS
We’re excited to share that Durant Road Middle School will be hosting a Softball & Baseball Clinic on Saturday, March 15, led by the Carolina Vipers! This is a great opportunity for students to sharpen their skills while supporting a great cause.
All donations from the event will go toward purchasing new football and softball scoreboards. Donations can be made via cash or check, with checks payable to the DRMS Athletic Booster Club.
To ensure a smooth start to the event, we kindly ask that parents and athletes complete the Google Form linked in the attached flyer.
Thank you for your continued support of the DRMS community—we hope to see you there!
Wiley PTA
Raise Craze Family Service Event + Kindness Week
We’ve surpassed our school-wide goal of 1,000 Acts of Kindness - amazing work, Wiley students! We’re reached 50% of our $24,000 goal with one week to go. Let’s keep the kindness and support going strong - every act and donation makes a difference! There’s still time to get involved, spread kindness, and help support Wiley. You can register your student here.
Family Service Event with The Great Raleigh Cleanup
We’re excited to host a Family Service Event tomorrow from 2-4pm at Walnut Creek Wetland Center! This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community together and a perfect way to log those Acts of Kindness (AOKs)! Sign up here to join us and make a difference!
Next Week is Kindness Week!
Let’s keep the kindness going! Here’s the schedule for Kindness Week – encourage your student(s) to participate each day:
Monday – PJ day
Tuesday – Show off your favorite sports team apparel
Wednesday – Wear a fun hat
Thursday – Dress like your teacher or a staff member
Friday – Celebration Day! Families are invited to join their students for lunch on the Wiley cafeteria lawn. There will be a DJ, and every student will get one free Kona Ice!
Celebration Day Schedule
10:30–11:30 – Pre-K/K/1st grade
11:40–12:40 – 4th/5th grades
12:50–1:50 – 2nd/3rd grades (families, please send a snack since this is a later lunch)
Afterschool Clubs Registration is Open
Clubs will run on Tuesdays from 4/15 to 5/20, from 4:15-5:30pm. For club topics and to register click here. Registration closes on 3/28. Questions? Reach out to duval@teachingenrichmentkids.com.
International Carnival
Our annual International Carnival will be held on Thursday, 4/17 at 5pm on the Wiley soccer field. Enjoy performances by our foreign language classes, music groups, and community performance groups. Dang Good Dogs, Las Gringas, Kona Ice, and pay-what-you-can pizza will be available. Volunteers are needed throughout the event, please sign up here.
Order Your Yearbook Today
Don't miss out - order your Wiley yearbook today! 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!
PTA Board Nominations
Nominations are open for the 2025-2026 PTA Board. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please send nominations to nominations@wileypta.org. The slate of nominees will be announced at the April PTA meeting and the board will be voted in at the May PTA meeting.
Wiley Foundation
Save the Date: 4/26 Shopping Party at Flourish Market
Join us to shop with meaning at The Flourish Market! Treat yourself to a complimentary seasonal cocktail or LaCroix while you shop for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, and yourself. Spread the word and bring your friends, all are welcome!
Clothes, jewelry, and home goods at Flourish all have a “give back” component. Check out their on-trend and impact-driven products on Instagram. PLUS 10% of your purchase at our shopping party will be donated to the Wiley Elementary Foundation!
When: Saturday, 4/26, 2-4pm
Where: 2201 Iron Works Drive, Suite 101 (@E. Whitaker Mill and Atlantic)
Pro Tip: Iron Works is filled with great shops, restaurants, ice cream, and a slide (!!!), so bring the whole family.
Questions: Email kimjokisch@gmail.comation. Questions? Contact us at wileyelementaryfoundation@gmail.com.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, March 22 |
Raise Craze Family Service Day at Walnut Creek Wetland Center |
March 24 -28 |
Raise Craze Kindness Week |
Friday, March 28 |
Raise Craze Celebration Day |
Friday, March 28 |
Afterschool Clubs Registration Closes |
March 31 - April 4 |
Spring Break - NO SCHOOL |
Monday, April 7 |
Snow Make Up - Return from Break |
Monday, April 14 |
Report Cards Go Home |