Dear Wildwood Community,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support I have received from many of you. Your kind emails and handwritten notes, filled with gratitude and shared memories, have touched my heart. These personal messages are something I will carry with me for a lifetime, a reminder of the deep connections we’ve built together during my time here.

This past year has been an incredible journey filled with remarkable events and accomplishments. One highlight was the return of the Halloween Parade to Wildwood Avenue after many years. It was a beautiful moment of joy and togetherness as families, students, and staff celebrated this beloved tradition, showcasing the essence of Wildwood’s community spirit.

We also celebrated a truly significant milestone last year, marking Wildwood School's 100th anniversary. The centennial celebrations not only honored our rich history but also reminded us of the enduring strength of this special place—a place where generations of students have flourished and where the tradition of excellence continues to thrive.

A wonderful new tradition, the Mileage Club on Friday mornings at Witter Field, has also taken root. Families gather to walk, jog, or run together, led by our new PE teacher, Amy Matarazzo. What started as a simple vision to unite people through physical activity has become a weekly tradition that draws families from across generations. From toddlers to parents, students—current, past, and future—and everyone in between, it has become a beautiful way to connect and build community. This shared activity has strengthened the bonds between us, reminding us that Wildwood is not just a school but a place where community thrives.

At the heart of this school are the incredible families that make Wildwood so special. Your involvement, support, and dedication are the foundation of our success. Whether volunteering, cheering at events, or simply being part of our daily life, Wildwood families make this community strong. Together, we create an environment where our children are nurtured and encouraged to grow.

One of the greatest reassurances for me has been witnessing our teachers and staff's extraordinary leadership, dedication, and professionalism. Their commitment to the well-being and success of every student is unwavering. They are not just educators; they are mentors, supporters, and champions of our children. The collaboration among staff, their passion for innovative teaching, and their relentless focus on student success will continue to guide Wildwood forward.

I have full confidence that under their expert leadership, Wildwood’s legacy of excellence will not only continue but flourish. The strength of our teachers, staff, and families ensures that our students will continue to grow and thrive, supported by a community dedicated to their success.

As I prepare to move on, I would like to ask something of you as a community. Please offer the new principal your support, trust, and patience as they step into this important role. Transitions can be challenging, and listening to the expertise and vision that the new leader will bring to guide Wildwood will be important. I encourage you to know when to step in and offer help and when to step back and allow them the space to lead effectively. Your support will be essential in ensuring the continued success of Wildwood during this next chapter.

I leave Wildwood with a heart full of gratitude and confidence in its bright future. This Friday will be my final day at Wildwood, and I know that you are in good hands with district leadership during this transition. Thank you for welcoming me into this remarkable community. I will always carry the spirit of Wildwood with me, knowing that its future is in the best of hands.

Melissa Daymond
Principal, Wildwood School

11 Run Club at 7:50am - Witter Field

14 Indigenous Peoples' Day - NO SCHOOL

17 Great CA Shakeout

21-25 Scholastic Book Fair

24 School Site Council Meeting

28-11/1 Conference Week - NOON DISMISSAL ALL WEEK

31 Halloween Parade at 9:15

The 2024 Wildwood Book Fair kicks off on October 21st! Remember that 50% of all sales goes back to support the Wildwood library!

Monday October 21 3-5 PM

Tuesday October 22 3-5 PM

Wednesday October 23 5:30-7:30 PM

with Mister Softee Truck and Read-Aloud with Ms. Ludmer!

Thursday October 24 3-6:30 PM

Friday October 25 3-4:30 PM

1. Sign up to Volunteer! We need help setting up the actual fair, operating the register during book fair hours, and packing up at the end. We rely heavily on volunteers to make this happen, so please sign up if you can! This year we’re also asking if you can’t volunteer your time, to please consider donating money to help fund the raffle prizes, treats, and decorations. Sign up here.

2. Remember our teachers: At the fair, there will be each teacher’s wish list set out. While you’re at the fair picking out books for your child, please purchase a book from your teacher’s wish list! There will be labeled teachers’ bins to place the paid books inside.

3. eWallet: If you’d like to not worry about cash or credit cards at the fair, a great option is to set up an e-wallet online. You simply add funds and/or invite family to contribute. Grandparents love to donate towards books! This is a great option if you want your child to stop by the fair on their own after school. At the time of checkout, the eWallet account can be looked up on the register and used towards one’s purchase. Set it up through the book fair webpage.

4. Catch a "read aloud" with Ms. Ludmer on Wednesday 10/23 at 6:00 pm! Our Head Librarian, Ms. Ludmer, will be reading a lively piece for all to enjoy. The reading will most likely be outside in the courtyard so please dress accordingly! Cookies and milk will be passed around!

Stay updated through the Book Fair webpage.

Any questions, please email Morgan Driskill morgan.driskill@gmail.com

There are still a few spots left for ASE's Conference Week Camp - Jumpin' Gymsters (Grades K-2). Check out our October Conference Week Camp details HERE for more information on programming for your child the week of October 28th from 12pm-3pm Monday-Friday (including lunch supervision).

ASE is run by the Wildwood Parent Club (WPC) and all funds raised go directly to Wildwood Elementary School. ASE is the WPC's biggest fundraiser! Contact us at wwafterschoolenrichment@gmail.com with any questions.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations are available!

The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get the 2024-25 COVID-19 and flu vaccines for better protection against potentially serious illness. Check with your healthcare provider for appointments and Flu/COVID-19 clinic opportunities! Unfortunately, the Alameda County Shoo the Flu program is no longer offered so we can't bring the flu vaccine to the school sites as had been done in the past.

Need COVID-19 Tests?

If you need COVID-19 Rapid Antigen tests, households can order them NOW! Here is the link to order your free tests!

If you have any questions, please email us at: nurses@piedmont.k12.ca.us

The PUSD School Board Candidates Forum is coming up on October 22nd, from 6:30-8pm in the Wildwood Library. This event, hosted by the TriSchool parent clubs, is an opportunity to hear from candidates about elementary-specific matters. Please send along your questions in advance to WPC. The candidates are:

Michael Malione

Max Roman

Susy Struble

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WE (STILL) NEED YOU!

SPEAKER SERIES! We have a NEW Piedmont Parent Education Speaker Series initiative for the elementary schools and we need 1-2 reps from Wildwood! You will help choose and coordinate speaking events covering topics meaningful to parents/guardians of elementary school students. You get to help shape what you want to learn about! Please email wildwoodparentsclub@gmail.com with interest.

S.E.R.V.E.S.! Help to teach our students the importance of serving our greater community. Meet and work with representatives from Beach and Havens to craft community service opportunities. Host booths at events to share info about SERVES with the WW community. Please email saraheisemon@gmail.com with interest.

In gratitude,

Victoria Manley Thompson & Amy Griffith

WPC Co-presidents

Meeting Info:

This Thursday, Oct 10, 7:30pm at Cato’s Ale House, 3891 Piedmont Ave, Oakland

Despite the heat the Pumpkin Patch is off to a great start! This upcoming weekend will be a busy one, and we have vacant shifts, click here to volunteer.

Giant Jack continues to be a crowd pleaser, bringing in guesses ranging from 200 pounds to just over a ton. The costume exchange has been getting some traction, so bring in your gently used costumes and browse our selection of donations. Last but not least, back by popular demand, this Sunday, October 13 from 5-6 pm Carolyn Pan will be at the patch taking family and group photos. This time of day has amazing lighting - so bring out the family and get some professional-quality photos at no cost.

Full year calendar of events: https://www.wildwooddadsclub.org/

Curriculum and Training Update

There have been a number of steps taken with respect to identifying anti-bias and anti-racist resources and practices. We have an active DEIB subcommittee that meets regularly and is currently working to identify anti-bias practices and resources staff use in all of our schools order to build out a comprehensive plan of action specific to grade-levels. District leadership has partnered with the Chief of Whole Child Programs at Alameda County Office of Education who specializes in anti-bias practices and resources and will provide elementary and middle school training at upcoming CCT meetings. Lastly, the district has a contract with National Equity Project who will be leading training for leaders and staff to align practices related to topics such as implicit bias and cultural competency.

Behavior and Support Matrix

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Ariel Dolowich, has been working closely with site leaders on the development of PUSD's Behavior & Support Matrix. This is a comprehensive living document for administrative purposes related to behavior incidents that occur on PUSD campuses and will be presented with context at a Community Meeting on October 22nd (location: in-person @ Havens Elementary library, 4pm, and a virtual link is forthcoming). Community feedback is welcome.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

1. Please report your student's absence or tardiness - and include the reason.
2. You are welcome to email your teacher, but you must also report by either calling

(510) 594-2719 or emailing: wwdattendance@piedmont.k12.ca.us

INVITATIONAL: DONATE FOR ABSENCES

1. Parents, please remember that if your child needs to be out of school, you can submit
   donations for the lost revenue.
2. Each day that a student is out of school (for any reason, including illness) means a loss of
   revenue in the following amounts per day:

K-3rd Grade = $61.32 - 4th-5th Grade = $56.39

• Wildwood School Calendar
• Hot Lunch Order (pw: Wildwood)
• Attendance Reporting

WHATNOT submission requests must be received by Tuesday at 12:00 PM,
whatnot@piedmont.k12.ca.us