WhatNot!
May 7, 2025
Message From the Principal
Dear Wildwood Families,
The warm weather is here, at least for a few days, and we see a change in student behavior. And unfortunately, it’s not always for the better. This is fairly typical, as students get a feeling of summer, they’ve worked hard all year, and some get anxious about changes in their school life next year. We are trying hard to keep things the same at Wildwood to help reduce the anxiety, same schedules, same expectations, etc. Anything you can do to help us would be great. Remind them of school expectations and that they need to stay on track through June 5. We want the last weeks of school to go smoothly and to be good for everyone. I hope the cool foggy weather returns as then it will feel like February again!
3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes are doing state testing this week. I’ve already heard some students worry that if they don’t do well, they won’t pass their current grade level. Please reassure them that this is not the case. These kids have enough to worry about; we just want them to focus and to do their best.
Karen Gnusti and I will be here at Wildwood through the end of the school year. I had someone ask recently how long we’re around, so I wanted to let you know that we will wrap things up at Wildwood before we hand it over to Amy Fry. There’s lots to do before then, but we’ll be around!
Thank you for all your support.
Beth Rhine
Calendar
May
5-9 Staff Appreciation Week
9 Mileage Club - 7:50am @ Witter
5-16 CAASPP Testing
16 Parent Coffee with Principal Amy Fry @ 8:30
20 WPC Meeting @ 6:40 in Library
Another Reminder - Driving around the school
I appreciate that most people are driving slowly around the school, especially during drop off and pick up time. One spot that has come to my attention from a neighbor and one of our families is the intersection of Wildwood and Requa. It’s not a great spot for a U-turn, even though it’s a convenient one. I was out there as students were using the crosswalk and cars made turns. The tough part is that there are some blindspots, and sometimes our kids are short (like me) and/or run across the street. It’s super dangerous. Please be careful out there and if you can avoid the U-turn in that spot, it would be helpful. I’m not sure of the solution yet but it’s on our radar and hopefully something constructive will happen to keep our kids safe!
Class placement for 2025-2026
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about class placements for next year. I sent this link out in an earlier Whatnot but will share it again. If you want to give input into what type of classroom environment is best for your child, please feel free to use this survey to share the information. We ask that you not ask for a specific teacher as grade level assignments may change over the summer. I think the staff here is amazing and I’ve been at a lot of schools over my many years in education. If I had a child at Wildwood, I would be happy with whatever teacher they were assigned. The teachers may have different styles, but they all offer a good learning and school experience. And I don’t say that lightly, trust me.
Library
Library Volunteers and Book Fair Volunteers:
Please join us for tea and treats
11 am on Wednesday, May 14th on the Wildwood Front Patio
You all are the important people who help us share themagic of books and joys of reading with our community of readers.
Please join us to celebrate and to be appreciated!
Robin and Liz
RSVP if you can attend by Friday, May 9th.Parents Club Update
We’re rolling out the red carpet for Wildwood staff this week for Staff Appreciation! Thanks to parent volunteers, there will be a steady stream of snacks, treats and surprises, all as part of our cinematic theme, “Hooray for Wildwood!” On Thursday, staff will be treated to a lunch catered by Comal Next Door, hosted by Kindergarten families!
This is our biggest schoolwide show of gratitude for our wonderful Wildwood staff.
If you haven’t already, you and your student can take part by writing a note or drawing a picture of appreciation for your teacher or other Wildwood staff and bring it in any day. Paraeducators and special teachers include P.E., Music, Library, and Tech.
On Friday, wear Wildwood gear or purple and white, the school colors.
++++
Big THANKS to all who came to the Spring Festival, what a fun time it was!
Special thanks to Doug Jeffries and Scott Zengel for lending their custom-made reverse dunk tank; Festival Team members Jen Anzenberg, Morgan Driskill, Carolyn Pan and Marielle Hayes for coordinating the day’s many activities; to all who donated treats for the popular Cake Hop; parent volunteers who led activities including crafts, rock painting, gardening and the drawing, and to Principal Rhine for supporting the event!
+++++++
Attention 1st and 2nd grades: Time is running out to purchase a ticket to a sweet tea party with Principal Rhine! There will be a flower bar from which you can make your own petite vase arrangement, and lots of delicious treats!
The event, from 3-4pm Monday, 5/19, raises money for Piedmont elementary schools via PEF.
Book Fair
means we got a nice gift card worth $1600 to spend on new library books! AMAZING!!
We were also able to fulfill most all of our teachers’ wish lists, and donated almost 20 new
books to Bridges Academy! So thank you again for coming out and buying books!!
Thank you SO MUCH to the parents and teens who volunteered their time and labor to making
this whole thing run! And to Ms. Ludmer – who managed all the teachers’ wish lists,
supplemented the donations with her own library funds, and did an amazing read-aloud on Wednesday night!
Tri-School Dad's Circle 5/21
Summer Adventures 2025 – Registration Now Open!
There’s still room to be part of the adventure—make this summer one to remember!
Summer Adventures is Coming!
Looking for a fun, enriching way to keep your child engaged this summer? PUSD’s Summer Adventures Program has something for everyone—and it’s also a great way to support our dedicated teachers who will be leading the fun.
Welcome to Kindergarten – A playful, confidence-building full-day program designed to help incoming kinders ease into school routines.
Summer Adventures (1st–5th grades) – Students rotate through multiple fun, hands-on activities each day led by teachers from all three elementary schools.
Welcome to 6th Grade – A unique program just for incoming 6th graders to build community, independence, and middle school readiness.
Junior CIT Program – A leadership experience for rising 7th–9th graders interested in helping younger campers and developing youth work skills.
Highlander Sports Camps – High-energy athletic programs led by PHS coaches and athletes for sports-loving students.
Session Dates:
Session 1: June 10–28 (1-week option available)
Session 2: July 8–26
Time Options:
Half-day: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Full-day: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Extended day: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit the Summer Programs page to register! Summer Adventures 2025
Piedmont Makers
Free Maker Faire Tickets, and Volunteers needed
Get your free tickets for the Piedmont School Maker Faire at the Piedmont High School campus on Sunday, May 18 11am - 3pm. We will feature STEAM projects from Beach, Havens, Wildwood, Piedmont Middle School, Millennium High School, and Piedmont High School students along with hands-on projects from community makers, live music from student musicians & bands!
We need volunteers to help make the School Maker Faire a success. Adults and older students can help run the Nerdy Derby, Rockets, or Maker River, or other logistics. Sign up to help make this the best School Maker Faire yet!
====
Fall 2025 LEGO Robotics Registration Now Open: Registration for the Fall 2025 Robotics season for rising K-8th graders is now open. Robotics helps children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while having fun and learning about engineering, writing code, and thriving on a non-athletic team. Learn more and sign up today!
Attendance
ATTENDANCE REPORTING
- Please report your student's absence or tardiness - and include the reason.
- 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
- Parents, please remember that if your child needs to be out of school, you can submit
donations for the lost revenue. - 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
Important Links
- 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