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.