During the month of November, we reflect and give thanks. I would like to show appreciation for our entire School Community starting with our three School Board Members, Ana Martinez (Board President), Maria Felix (Board Member) and Mario Martinez (Board Member), It is because of their dedication to the Wilson Community that we are able to provide a highly effective educational program for ALL students.

In an ever-shifting global economy, preparing high school graduates for college and careers is not the same as it was decades ago.

Instead of teachers lecturing to students sitting in rows of desks, youth engage in collaborative discussions, projects, and labs with individual and teamwork. Learning core academics is not enough. The traditional three Rs – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic – have expanded to add the four Cs – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

How is the Wilson Elementary School District keeping up with this changing world? The district continually evaluates its PreK-8 curricular alignment and adds new courses and opportunities for positive student and staff growth. Being ‘college and career ready’ ultimately means that students are prepared for their next steps and that all doors remain open to them as they continue to pursue their education and their careers.

In closing, I would like to thank all our partners and community stakeholders; because without your constant support of our educational programs it would not be possible for us to positively touch the lives of so many young people. In keeping with the spirit of being Thankful, we will be hosting our annual neighborhood clean-up on November 18, 2023, from 8:00am - 11:30am. Please come out and join us as we continue to take pride in our community by keeping it beautiful.

In Honor of Native American Heritage Month, we would like to highlight Quannah Chasinghorse (Diné/Lakota).

Quannah Rose Chasinghorse Born in 2002 in the Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Arizona, Chasinghorse is Hän Gwich'in of Eagle Village, Alaska, on her mother's side and her biological father is Nathan Chasing Horse (Sicangu-Oglala Lakota from South Dakota). Chasinghorse spent her early childhood in Arizona, Mongolia, and New Mexico before returning to her maternal homelands in Alaska at the age of six. She was raised with her two brothers, hunting, fishing, dog mushing, and living a subsistence lifestyle by their single mother. She lived in Kenny Lake and then Fairbanks and attended Effie Kokrine Charter School.

She is a fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as part of the Alaska Wilderness League. She said she does not want future generations to have to keep fighting. At age 17, she sat on the International Gwich’in Youth Council, traveling to Washington, D.C., New York, and Colorado. She lobbied against oil leasing that would damage the refuge and supported HR 11-46, a bill that would permanently protect the land. She participated in climate rallies both locally and in Denver. She has spoken on climate action and Indigenous rights at several events and panels.

She is an American model and actress. She appeared on the 2020 Teen Vogue list of Top 21 under 21. She was interested in modeling and fashion from an early age but, due to the lack of Indigenous representation she found in magazines and fashion shows, did not think it was feasible as a career. In 2020, she landed a gig with Calvin Klein for their one future #ckone youth campaign. She then signed with IMG Models. She has since featured on the covers of Vogue Mexico, Vogue Japan, V Magazine, Elle, and Porter. She became recognized for her traditional face tattoos called Yidįįłtoo.

She makes a point of celebrating indigenous fashion and promoting sustainable indigenous brands. Her red carpet look at the Gilded Age themed Met Gala in May 2022 went viral on social media. The Navajo-inspired outfit was put together by Peter Dundas, Tabitha Simmons, Gucci Westman, and 2006 Miss Navajo Nation Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw, a family friend. Refinery29 called her the "breakout star" of the event. That same week, she walked her first runway at New York Fashion Week.

In March 2023, Chasinghorse was also named one of USA TODAY's Women of the Year honorees for her advocacy of "issues of environmentalism, sustainability, women's rights and Native American rights."

Additionally, in 2023, she appeared in an episode of season 3 of Reservation Dogs, playing the younger version of the character Irene.

One of our goals this year has been to increase family engagement activities within our community. The last several weeks have been a great example of that goal. We had several of our annual events as well as started new memorable events. As we reflect on the events, we are grateful for the community support and family involvement. We had an amazing turn out at the costume parade and parent picnic. Having the families get involved in their children's education is extremely important because it expresses to the students that we are partners in their educational success.

We are continuing to plan more family engagement events in the coming weeks. Events include Thanksgiving Dinner, winter recital, and the Holiday Party, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Our incredible teachers and staff are always thinking of creative ways to involve our families and community in their instruction. We encourage you to "Like" our page on Facebook and visit our District website to be informed on our upcoming events.

We are Wilson!

Mrs. Wojcicki

November is one of my favorite months of the year as it reminds us to take a moment and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. With all that we have experienced over the past three years, it is important to be thankful for all that we have and to appreciate what we once took for granted.

In this season of gratitude, we want to specifically express how much we appreciate our teachers and all the Wilson Elementary Staff who work each day to support scholars in their learning.

I was especially excited to see all the scholars that received academic achievement awards at our 1st Quarter Awards Assembly. I was even more excited to see all the family members that were able to attend and see the fruits of their labor. We are challenging our scholars and our staff to work hard and ensure that even more scholars will be recognized for academic achievement at our 2nd Quarter Awards Assembly.

With the Thanksgiving break coming soon, we hope that you have the opportunity to give thanks and bring renewed optimism and positive energy to your lives. We also wish to extend our thanks to you for entrusting your children to us and offering us your ongoing support.

In November we will be acknowledge our scholars during the 1st Quarter Awards Program and we will provide some training and information for our families during AVID Family Night.

As we head into December, we will have a Holiday Stuff the Bus at Wal-Mart on Thomas Street and we are asking all that can and will to come out and support us in our efforts to ensure that all WES scholars have a gift during our Winter/Holiday Celebration. Later in December will be Breakfast with Families and Santa. And lastly, we ask that you come out and support our Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, and Flag Football Teams.

Blessings,

Dr. Demetra Baxter-Oliver

5 Things To Be Thankful For At Work!

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Debbie Chand

1. The problems that create your job.

The only reason a job—any job—exists is to solve a set of problems.

No problems, no job.

The problem of getting information to your friends and relatives around the world goes away when you have Facebook, email, and Skype—and so go thousands of postal service jobs, too. The problem of making it easier for customers to withdraw money from their account fades when you introduce the ATM—and reduce teller roles.

And when the problems are not clearly defined and measured, such as in the value of leading and managing people, those jobs disappear, too.

So be grateful for the problems that create your job. You can still wish them away, but their presence is your present.

1. Your colleagues.

It’s great to have friends at work. Studies have shown that having someone you care about at work is a key contributor to your satisfaction and engagement in the organization.

Well, duh.

Human beings are social animals, needing some level of connection with others.

Be thankful for the colleagues around you that really make your days bright.

1. Your emotions.

Emotions puts us in motion.

So, rather than hating your emotions at work, being embarrassed by them, or apologizing for them, recognize and appreciate them for what they are—big, flashing, body-shaped signs sending out signals about what’s really going on for you.

It’s outdated advice to believe that we should bypass our emotions in the workplace.

In fact, our hearts, guts and bodies are often trying to tell us what we’re feeling long before our brains register anything that our mouths can put into words.

Paying attention to your emotions can be a huge source of practical, real-life data about what you need to do next. Say thanks to your emotions for being your powerful information station.

1. Your competitors.

Yes, even though there may be days when you just wish they’d go away, your competitors can push you, challenge you, and scare you to try new things—things you may not have done otherwise.

Competitors are a great source of data about other ways to do things and different choices to make.

Plus, they continue to create a new set of problems that reinforce the need for your job (see #1).

Be thankful for them, often and always.

(Plus, you never know when a competitor will someday become a coworker or friend.)

1. Yourself.

Don’t sit down at the holiday table without first saying thanks to the person who can do the most for you at work.

https://www.scp-jobs.com/2019/11/27/thankful/

Child Find, a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), enables states to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth through 21, who need early intervention or special education services. Special education services are available for children of any age (birth through 21 years). Wilson School District is responsible for locating, identifying, evaluating, and serving all children with disabilities (ages 3-21) and referring children ages 0-3 to AzEIP for evaluation and appropriate services. AzEIP is the Arizona Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers. Wilson provides free and appropriate public education that includes special education and related services to children at public expense, under public supervision and direction without charge to parents. For all school-age students who are new to the district, the classroom teacher will complete screening activities within 45 days of enrollment. If any concerns are noted, the child will be referred for help. Parents who have concerns regarding their child’s education may contact the Special Education Department at Wilson, (602) 683-2400, ext. 4205.

Are you currently experiencing temporary living arrangements due to eviction, job loss or a traumatic event? Wilson School District offers services to families through the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act. Services such as enrollment and immunization assistance, uniforms or school supplies, community referrals and in some cases, transportation can be available. Your family may qualify due to living with another family or friend due to financial hardship or living in a shelter, transitional housing, or motel. Please contact your school office or Mariana Melendrez at 602-683-2515, ext 6002 for more information about this program.

Excellence in education

Website: https://www.wsd.k12.az.us/
Location: 3025 East Fillmore Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Phone: (602) 681-2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilsonSchoolDistrictNo7