Parents and Kids Working Together Day
We had a terrific turn-out last Wednesday, with about 85% of our kids being able to share their work with their parents. Thank you for making the effort to juggle your schedules. Knowing what your children are doing during their school days is helpful to you, them, and the teachers.
Conferences
Turn-out for conferences, too, was stellar. We so appreciate it when both parents are able to adjust their schedules to meet with us.
Alumni Update Ryan Day is the stage manager for Wilmington Friends School’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” this weekend. Ryan is a senior at the school. Ian Scott, an eighth grader at St. Edmond’s Academy, recently performed in the Kurt Weill opera, “Down in the Valley,” produced by OperaDelaware and starring teenagers. Ian played the villain, Thomas Bouché. He will sing a duet from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at his school’s talent show on Friday.
Maintenance Day Anyone interested in working in the schoolyard or making small repairs around the school is invited to the Maintenance Day on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 8:00 until noon. For further information, please contact Larry Carson.
Field Trips
Last month, EII went to Ashland Nature Center for an overnight adventure. Tomorrow, the EI kids, their teachers and some parents will head to Ashland, in Hockessin. They will have several nature programs, including hikes, will enjoy some free time in the great outdoors, and will have the opportunity to practice their practical life skills as they take care of their own needs, help others, and participate in meal preparation and maintenance of the dorm area. We thank our parent helpers in advance!
The kids in EC will be going to the Franklin Institute on Friday, November 14, 2008. For many of the kids, this will be a first visit to this premier interactive science and technology museum.
YouthCaN News
YouthCaN clubs from around the country submitted suggestions for this year’s theme. Our own Olivia Kirkpatrick, a club member for the last four years, who is now a seventh-grader at Cab Calloway, submitted the winning theme, REFACE: Renewable Energy for a Cleaner Earth. Congratulations, Olivia!
Speak Up I am most interested in getting your input on our Net Day Speak Up Survey. Staff, students, and parents are all asked to participate; I have made it possible for the children to complete the survey
here at school; some of the EII kids helped out
with first years in EI, for example. Speak Up, a national online research project facilitated by Project TomorrowSM, gives individuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues. Each year, findings are summarized and shared with national and state policy makers.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. –Amy Dwyer, Technology Coordinator
Fundraising News
Our Annual Fund letter was sent out this week. As you know, EWMS must raise unrestricted money to meet our budget. We have set the goal of $65,000. To meet this goal, we will need support from all of our constituencies. We are counting on you to help us by sending us any amount you can. Thank you in advance for supporting your children’s school.
There are 14 people out there who have linked their Target cards to EWMS. If you have a Target card and it is not linked to our school, you are missing out on an easy fundraising tool. All purchases made at Target using a linked card earn us 10% of the purchase amount. Purchases made elsewhere earn us 3%. Signing up is easy online or via telephone. Our school ID number is 4683.
Yearbook
The Yearbook Staff (fifth and sixth graders from EII) is looking for some expertise. If you were on your high school yearbook staff, have copywriting, editing or layout experience, or could otherwise contribute your time and talents to our annual yearbook, we would love to have you meet with us. Please contact Amy to volunteer.
There are still a couple of copies of the 2007 - 2008 yearbook for sale ($20.00). If you are interested, contact Emma.
Montessori Videos
As you can no doubt imagine, there are loads of wonderful Montessori resources available on line. Here is a great link to nearly a dozen informative Montessori-related videos.
Election Day at EWMS
To give the kids an experience in voting, EWMS conducted its own election last week. Rather than casting votes for presidential candidates, the students voted for their favorite secular holidays. The primary vote narrowed down 13 choices to two: Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving. The general election had a very close victory for Valentine’s Day. EC proved to be the battleground group whose vote really put it over the top for hearts over turkeys!
Hours Opportunity
EC1 is looking for a parent to do individual lessons with children in the EC1 classroom. You’ll get a lesson on what to do, and all the materials you need. If you are interested or have questions, contact Keenya.
Victoria is looking for help with a computer-based job. If you have some time to do some on-line sleuthing, we would welcome the help. Please contact Victoria for more information or to volunteer.
Math Tips
From time to time, parents ask teachers what they can do to help their children at home. Here are a few math-related ideas:
Have your child use a calculator at the market to add up costs as you shop.
Have your children estimate the weight of and then weigh produce.
Have older children help you determine the better cereal buy or how much milk the family will need for the week.
Use road signs to discuss and work out distances.
Mental math problems can be a fun diversion in the car.
Young children can count cutlery and other table needs when setting the table.
Children can learn a lot about fractions by helping when cooking from a recipe.
Point out that math is used in sports, woodworking, sewing, and many other leisure time activities.
The Market at the Food Bank of Delaware
The Food Bank of Delaware has a store that everyone is welcome to visit. “From cereal to canned goods and cosmetics, we offer low prices on salvage items that are still useable.”
Images from
Animationfactory.com
Gifanimations.com
Calendar
Thursday, 11/13
EI Overnight Field Trip to Ashland Nature Center
Friday, 11/14
EC Field Trip to Philly
Saturday, 11/15
Maintenance Day, 8:00 AM – Noon
Wednesday, 11/26 – Friday, 11/28
Thanksgiving Break: No School
Tuesday, 12/02 – Friday, 12/05
Accreditation Team Visit
THURSDAY, 12/04
Youth CaN Café – meet the visiting team members over coffee – note that this is on Thursday this month, please.
Anyone interested in working in the schoolyard or making small repairs around the school is invited to the Maintenance Day on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 8:00 until noon. For further information, please contact Larry Carson.
I am most interested in getting your input on our Net Day Speak Up 
Calendar