Teacher Appreciation Week - May 6-10

Check out the Staff Favorites List to get ideas!

Not only do your child's classroom teachers deserve to be recognized, but others do as well! That is why we have paired each teacher with another staff member, so you can be sure to show them your thanks as well. (Names in bold are updated from the holiday pairings list.)

• PTA Teacher Pairings Spring 2024

We also have a few staff members who are not paired with a teacher, so if your child benefits from their roles (or even if they don't personally!) feel free to thank them during Teacher Appreciation Week also, in order to make sure they know how valuable they are:

• Michelle Bevil (Physical Therapy)
• Aaron Russell (Occupational Therapy)
• Catherine Preston (Speech)
• Jill Herbst (Enrichment)
• Aimee Bryce (Media Assistant)
• Varsha Audut (Building Sub)

Thank you for showing our wonderful White Oak staff your kindness and generosity!

Stories from Specialists

AIG with Ms. Joyce

3rd Grade Reading: 

Third graders are reading about growth mindset and creating responses to non-fiction text by inferring and using the main idea of the text.  Students use the information to analyze their mindset.

4th Grade Math:

The students undertook a multistep challenge involving combining algebraic thinking and fraction knowledge to solve emoji puzzles with fractions.  They are also completing a real world fraction computation challenge with Mountain Dew soda, involving the amount of sugar in a case of soda.  Students will use their math calculations to design the “perfect” soda.

4th Grade Reading:

We have continued our adventure novel studies.  Students read and created metacognitive responses with questioning, reactions, inferences, and analyzing the author’s vocabulary.   We have explored writing responses from different perspectives such as the character, author, animal, object, or setting as well.  We have some very creative thinkers!  Students have also held Book Club meetings to discuss their responses and the author’s use of vocabulary.

AIG with Ms. Su

3rd Grade Math:

We will continue to use the Math Stars program to push students beyond traditional classroom boundaries. This program aims to spark curiosity about number relationships and geometric properties through engaging problems. By embracing the challenge of mathematical problem-solving, students are encouraged to explore new horizons in mathematics, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject. In addition to this, we will also use the Singapore Math Challenge resources, which incorporate problems, puzzles, and brainteasers that strengthen mathematical thinking. 

5th Grade Math:

In addition to completing Enrichment Investigations to expand understanding of math concepts, students will engage in the Quadrilateral Hierarchy project. This project immerses students in the realm of quadrilaterals, encouraging them to scrutinize the similarities and differences among these geometric shapes. By drawing parallels between quadrilaterals and living organisms, students will investigate how these shapes can be grouped based on various characteristics. They will analyze individual quadrilaterals, taking into account factors like right angles, parallel sides, and congruent sides. With this knowledge, students will construct a hierarchical framework to classify quadrilaterals, utilizing the criteria they have learned as the basis for their classification system. This process not only deepens their comprehension of geometric concepts but also fosters critical thinking and classification skills.  

5th Grade Reading:

We're nearing the conclusion of our cosmic expedition to Mars. Currently, we're in the final phase of our project, where students will be crafting Mars Infographics to illustrate their newfound knowledge. Subsequently, we'll transition to reviewing for EOG testing, all while delving into the exciting world of meteorology with our Wacky Weather project. As part of this endeavor, students will be immersed in the role of behind-the-scenes meteorologists for WRAL News, stationed in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their ultimate aspiration? To become the next TV weather personality. Rumor has it that there are openings for frontline meteorologists at the station, and our students are eager to seize this opportunity. This entails undergoing an interview process, where they'll be tasked with preparing a comprehensive weather forecast and report for an area of their choosing. This forecast will include maps, climate graphs, predictions, and perhaps even a sprinkle of corny weather jokes to lighten the atmosphere (pun intended).

Spirit Night at BB's Crispy Chicken

Please join us on Wednesday, May 1st, from 5-9pm for our final spirit night of the year for an evening of fun at BB's, located at 1147 Parkside Main Street in Cary! We will have our popular student and teacher raffles, so come out for your chance to win! We hope to see you there!

Yearbook Pictures Needed

Did you capture some fun moments at the Spring Carnival? Do you have any great photos you would like to share for the yearbook? If so, please send the pictures to woesyearbook2023@gmail.com as soon as you can to help with our wonderful yearbook!

Yearbook Orders - Order Deadline Today!

It's time to order yearbooks for the 2023-24 school year! If you would like to order a yearbook, please go to this link:

2023-2024 Yearbook Strawbridge Studios

PTA Board Nominations for 2024-25

Are you interested in serving on the PTA Board next year? Or do you know someone you would like to nominate for the PTA Board? If so, please email woesptanominations@gmail.com to let us know or if you have any questions! Elections will take place on May 9th at our General PTA Meeting. In addition to PTA Board elections, we will present the PTA budget and vote for its approval as well. This meeting will be brief, from about 5:45 until the concert begins.

Attention Rising 6th Grade Families

From the MPMS PTA President: The Mills Park Middle School PTSA needs you! PTSA is a great way to get involved! Many working parents are able to contribute their time and help their students thrive. Many of the positions are filled by working parents. The rumors are just that, it does not take all of your time!

We have openings on our Staff Appreciation Committee, Spirit Nights, Mills Madness Committee, Newsletter/Webpage, BAC, PBIS/SPOTS, and Member-at-Large. For more information, email president@mpmsptsa.org.

Save the Date

• Thursday, June 6th - 5th grade Promotion

• Friday, June 7th - 5th grade parent/child ice cream event

• June 10th & 11th - Field Day

Upcoming Dates

WCPSS Calendar

THANK YOU for all of your support! 

Robin Swaim, Principal

Kevin Boynton, Assistant Principal 

& all the Explorer Staff 

Follow Us!

www.wcpss.net/whiteoakes

919-694-0202

Facebook: @WhiteOakES

Twitter: @WhiteOakElem