Wiley World Review

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Supply Lists

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

2016/17 - That's A Wrap (thanks, renovation news, survey, dates)

Wiley Families -

Can you believe we've been out of school for over two weeks, already?! As I "officially" wrap up the 2016/17 school year by checking off my final deadlines, I certainly didn't want to miss the opportunity to close out the year with each of you!

There are a few phrases that I can say in all five of the foreign languages that we offer at Wiley. Fortunately, thanks to the pressures of my informal tutoring by our language teachers, 'thank you' happens to be one of them!

Xie Xie

Your contributions and support of our Wiley PTA have been felt in so many wonderful ways. Teacher grants (from local professional conferences to supporting the summer international travel of a teacher team to the Galapagos Islands), Winter Thanks, Early Release Lunches, school-wide events, emergency cafeteria lunch funds, technology support, after-school & before school clubs, Book Fairs, and seriously, the BEST Teacher Appreciation week EVER ... just to name a few. Wow.

Merci

Your support of our classroom efforts, small & large, help enhance the excitement of learning ... the 'wish list' can appear a bit random every now and then, but trust me, those snacks, novels, noodles, and yes, even those boxes of soft tissues really do rock our world!

Arigatou

Maybe chaperoning the recent field trip wasn't exactly how you envisioned spending a day off work ... but truly, can you imagine our teachers having to do THAT alone? Whether it be sharing your parenting expertise as a Wiley Pal, reading partner, Monday folder filer, class parent, or even sharing a smile as you drive through carpool, we LOVE knowing you're behind the scenes supporting our work.

Gracias

Most importantly, thank you for sharing your precious children with us. We realize they are your greatest treasures, and we appreciate the trust and confidence you place in us each day to provide a loving, meaningful, fun, and worthwhile educational experience for them. They bring us so much joy!

Danke

In a few weeks, our precious (former) fifth graders will enter the doors of seventeen different middle schools, and we wish them well on their journeys! Likewise, we will welcome the high school graduating Class of 2030 to fill their shoes! We can't wait for the adventures that await in 2017/18!

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." I can't sum it up any better than Helen Keller.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Leslie Taylor, Principal

Odd & Ends

Survey: As we close one chapter and look to begin a new one, we want feedback from you! Please take a few minutes to take this SURVEY. Many questions relate to our magnet theme, but the survey also allows you to give constructive feedback in other ways that will guide our work! (survey - https://goo.gl/forms/j9iClfzLzKJ4FzyM2)

International Adventure: Via Twitter, join our Wiley team (Ms. Brandt, Ms. Blum, Ms. Gess, Ms. Murdick, Ms. Womack, and Mr. Perlanski) as they travel to The Galapagos Islands with Teacher2Teacher International. #WileyTravels will allow you to join their adventures in travel and teaching.

Renovation: Last week, the second of a series of meetings with various WCPSS entities (child nutrition, security, transportation, HVAC, media & technology, etc.) was held at Wiley to review the most recent design narrative. You will find the full presentation here -> Wiley Design Narrative. This week, I will meet with the design team to begin reviewing transitions necessary for the Garner School Site in anticipation of our temporary move next school year. And, in July, I will loop back with the WCPSS Transportation team to revisit possible solutions that will hopefully accommodate some of the challenges that you have shared with me; the transportation team has been wonderfully committed to working with us! As more of "the pieces" begin falling into place, we will schedule another parent information session (likely late August) to relay the latest & greatest about this exciting project!

2017/18 Important Dates

Thursday, August 24: Meet the Teacher for 1st-5th Graders from 4:00-6:00pm

Monday, August 28: First Day of School for all 1st-5th Graders

Monday, August 28 - Thursday, August 31: Staggered Entry for K students (come only on assigned day)

Friday, September 1: Kindergarten "Pop In" to 'Meet the Teacher' from 2:00-3:00pm

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

November 12

African American Dance Ensemble: Thanks to the incredible support and coordination of our Wiley PTA, along with the United Arts Council, our students participated in a performance by the African American Dance Ensemble last Friday. It was AMAZING! Ask your student/s all about it! You will see some of our teachers ‘breaking it down’ and having fun with the ensemble in this photo! We look forward to our next Cultural Arts performance – The North Carolina Opera – in April!

School Psychologists Awareness Week: School psychologists help to facilitate students’ connections within Wake County Public Schools. In WCPSS, more than 90 school psychologists work directly with students providing educational assessments, leading individual and group skills development sessions, guiding learning strategies and problem solving skills, and helping students develop positive self-concepts by linking efforts to achievement.

School psychologists consult and collaborate with teachers, counselors, aides, administrators, and parents to provide services such as serving on school problem solving and leadership teams, analyzing and explaining educational data, developing classroom accommodations and modifications, and meeting with parents. School psychologists also support academic achievement, positive behavior, and mental wellness of all WCPSS students, especially those who struggle with barriers to learning.

To learn more about Mary Whitehouse, Wiley’s school psychologist, check out her bio on the school’s website. You can also visit her website at http://notesfromtheschoolpsych.weebly.com/

WGNN needs you! Sadie Hoover, Magnet Coordinator, is looking for Magnet Parents who have children currently attending Wiley and children who went through the International Studies program that are now in middle or high school. If you meet the requirements, we'd like to have our Wiley Global News Network (WGNN) students interview you about your passion for Wiley and how it has positively impacted your family. This interview will be shared on the public Wiley Website. If you are interested, please email Sadie at shoover@wcpss.net to make arrangements.

Spelling Bee: Plans for Wiley's 2nd Annual Spelling Bee are under way for grades 3-5! We will have a preliminary round spelling test on Tuesday, December 9. The top students will receive an invitation to the school championship spelling bee to be held on January 22, 2015. Finalists will be recognized for their participation and top performing students will win prizes. The Wiley champion will also represent our school at the PAGE of Wake County Spelling Bee in February, 2015. The winner of the PAGE Spelling Bee receives a trip to Washington, DC for the Scripps National Scholarship Spelling Bee in May 2015!

If your 3rd-5th grader would like to enter, please return the blue commitment form sent home last week. The entry date has been extended to Friday, November 14. All students enrolled will receive a study packet which contains approximately 80% of the words used during the school level bee. Optional practices will be held before school.

If you need another commitment form, would like to enter your student electronically or would like more information, please contact Dr. Cecconi-Roberts, at lcecconi-roberts@wcpss.net.

Wiley Spotlight

This week’s Wiley spotlight shines on Leila Ruedy, Wiley’s Data Manager. Do you remember the sweet smile and friendly laugh that greeted you when you first entered the doors of Wiley to fill out “the paperwork”? If so, you probably encountered Ms. Ruedy!

Ms. Ruedy answered these questions:

What do you like to do during the summer? I enjoy traveling (especially to the beach), gardening, and shopping!

If you could work anywhere, besides Wiley, where would it be, and why? If I had to choose another career I would want to be a designer … clothing, jewelry, accessories, or gardens.

Who is your most memorable teacher? My third grade teacher, Andrea, from my school in the Philippines. She made such an impact on me that I named one of my daughters after her. We still remain in contact, and she lives in California.

Tell us about your family. My high school sweetheart and husband, Tom, and I have three children, Andrea, Matt, and Sara. All three children attended school at Wiley.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 11/12: First grade field trip to Morehead Planetarium

Thursday, 11/13: Third grade field trip to Joel Lane House

Monday, 11/17: Cecilia Rawlins Fund Kickoff at BusyBee to Benefit Backpack Buddies for Wiley Students, 6-9 pm (http://ceciliarawlinsfundkickoff.peatix.com/)

Friday, 11/21: Fourth grade field trip to NC Museum of History

Monday, 11/24: Make-up pictures

Wednesday, 11/26 - Friday, 11/28: Thanksgiving Vacation - no school

News from our Wiley PTA

PTA Membership Reminder: Have you joined the Wiley PTA yet? Membership is only $10! Reach out to vp.waysandmeans@wielypta.org for a form if you haven’t had a chance to join yet.