The Winn Word

Greetings Winn Families!

At Winn Elementary, we continue to grow not only as learners but as leaders of character. This month, our Capturing Kids' Hearts theme is Integrity, a core value that helps shape our students into trustworthy, responsible individuals both inside and outside the classroom.

What Is Integrity?

Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. It involves being honest, keeping promises, and owning our actions. For children, it can be as simple as turning in homework they completed themselves, telling the truth even when it's hard, or standing up for what's right.

Why It Matters

Teaching children integrity helps build a strong foundation for lifelong decision-making. When students practice integrity, they gain confidence, earn respect, and contribute to a positive school environment. It’s also essential in building healthy friendships and resolving conflicts peacefully.

How We’re Supporting Integrity at School

• Modeling: Staff model integrity through daily interactions and classroom expectations.

• Social Contracts: Each class refers to their Social Contract to reinforce respectful and honest behavior.

• Celebrations: We recognize students who show integrity during announcements and in classroom shout-outs.

• Morning Meetings: Discussions and role-plays help students understand and practice what integrity looks like in real life.

How You Can Support Integrity at Home

• Talk About It: Share real-life examples when someone (even you!) showed integrity.

• Praise It: Acknowledge your child when they tell the truth or take responsibility for their actions.

• Set Expectations: Encourage them to follow through on promises, even the small ones.

• Be a Role Model: Let your child see you making honest, responsible choices.

Together, we are building a community where character counts, and integrity leads the way. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s social and emotional growth.

Highlights this week:

• MSTEP and NWEA testing continues this week. Check your teacher's newsletter for more information on day/time
• Mrs. R is out Wednesday-Friday & Mr. Farley (assistant principal at SMS) is subbing
• Friday; 3rd grade is taking a field trip to Forest Hill Nature Center

Birthday's this week:

• Tuesday: Rylie (3rd), Tate (4th)
• Thursday: Lola (K)
• Friday: Hudson(K), Tyler (1st)

With Gratitude,

Laurie Richards

Winn Elementary Principal

Thank you to Mrs. Dusenbery & Mrs. Grove for hosting our 2nd annual Poetry Slam! The fourth and fifth graders presented some wonderful poetry that they have been working so hard on. Thank you to the families that were able to attend as well! It's always fun to see everybody here enjoying all of the talented students that attend Winn!

Take a minute to read the Winn Parents' Club newsletter for April. The WPC is looking for parent volunteers to help at Field Day. There is a link on the newsletter to sign up to help. Click the newsletter below to open up the links to "click"

• 5/5-5/9 Teacher Appreciation Week
• 5/12-5/16 BOGO Scholastic Book Fair
• 5/21 Music Concert 1st 6:00pm, 2nd 7:00pm SHS Auditorium
• 5/22 Music Concert 3rd 6:00pm, 4th 7:00pm SHS Auditorium
• 5/26 No School Memorial Day
• 5/28 Music Concert K 6:00pm, 5th 7:00pm SHS Auditorium
• 6/2 Field Day!!
• 6/5 Last Day of School (1/2 Day) Dismissal at 11:00

Here is our Winn Elementary Parent and Student Handbook for 24-25. It is filled with lots of useful information about our school.

Each day, we do a "launch" with our lessons. Capturing Kids Hearts taught us that it is important to leave our learners with something to think about as they move through their day. Today, I am offering you this launch. Watch these with your kids and talk about integrity together!

Thank you for sharing your child with our family here at Winn. Our motto at Winn is "Everything a Kid Needs." We focus on both academic excellence and creating good humans! I am here to serve you. If you have questions/concerns or need help in any way, please feel free to reach out to me.

Email: lrichards@shepherdschools.net
Location: 418 West Blanchard Road, Shepherd, MI, USA
Phone: (989) 866-2250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnelementary