Turtle Talk 11/22/2024
Watershed's Newsletter
Keep up the AWESOME attendance Turtles!
REMINDER - Wednesday November 27 is a noon dismissal. Schools and offices close at 12:00 pm and the YMCA is also closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Unit 1 Showcase: Thank you for attending our Unit 1 showcase on Wednesday November 20. We had an amazing number of students and families attend with over 350 people coming to see the incredible accomplishments of our students! Some highlights included:
🎶Sing aLong with our 6th and 7th graders
🌱Planting Milkweed with Ms. Guelcher
đź“·Photobooth with masks made from recycled materials
It was lovely to see so many people able to attend at the earlier time. We are looking for input on the time of the showcase. We have had it at a number of different times throughout the existence of the showcases and we want to hear from you. What time do you want the showcase to happen? Answer the poll below!
Cell phones: Did you know that the impact cell phones have on students is endangering them more than it is protecting them? Adolescents having cell phones may provide adults with a false sense of security around being able to contact their children as needed but the data, security, and brain impact of cell phones on the developing brain is a continued concern for psychologists and psychiatrists. Please read this article to learn more about the impact of cell phones on students and their developing brains. Be on the lookout for a change in the expectation for cell phones on school grounds for our 4th through 7th graders in the next Turtle Talk.
The first round of Pokémon Club will be for 2nd and 3rd-grade students. The club will take place on Mondays (December 2, 9, 16, and January 6) from 3:15-4:30 PM. The Pokémon club will run in 4-week cycles, alternating between 2nd and 3rd-grade groups, 4th and 5th-grade groups, and 6th and 7th-grade groups. The purpose of Pokémon Club is to learn how to play the card game using math, reading, and problem-solving skills. Students do not need Pokémon cards to participate. The club will be open to the first 10 students using the signup genius link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C49AAAB2EA3FC1-46594247-4th6th
Science Club
In the Science Club we will be using the scientific method to explore phenomena and create things. This year science club will be separated by grade level; 3rd-5th grade will be held November 12th-February 11th and 6th-7th will be February 18th-May13th. The times will be Tuesdays 3:15-4:15 pm. 3rd-5th will focus on things such as creating slime, making volcanoes and egg drops using parachutes. While 6th-7th grade will be exploring the science disciplines such as biology, physics, etc. and designing their own experiments. If you are interested in signing your student up for Science Club please use this Sign-Up Genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AAA82EA7F9C52-52628656-science#/
Environmental Club
Students are invited to join the Watershed Environmental Club. There will be three sessions (fall, winter, and spring) that take place Saturdays from 8:30-10:30am here at school. The Fall Session (11/16, 11/23, 12/7, 12/14) is open to Middle School students and will focus on identifying environmental needs of our campus and community and becoming stewards of our environment. Every session will begin with a CleanGreen15 and end with a community circle. Follow the link to sign up! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4CA5AA23A3F49-52708143-environmental
Happy Thanksgiving!
This year has been off to a strong start, even as we’ve navigated facilities projects and other challenges. The Unit 1 Showcase was a shining example of what makes Watershed extraordinary. From the creative and thoughtful projects presented by our Turtles to the hands-on, inspired teaching by our educators, it’s clear that our shared commitment to excellence is making an impact. We’re so proud of all that’s been accomplished so far and look forward to the rest of this school year. We hope everyone in the Watershed community has a joyful, peaceful, and restorative Thanksgiving holiday!
Elevator Repairs
Progress on Watershed’s elevator repairs is steadily moving forward. Last week, electrical updates and finish work were completed, bringing us closer to the finish line. Currently, we are awaiting approval of a variance from the Maryland State Elevator and Escalator Safety Office regarding the height of a beam above the elevator shaft. Once this approval is secured, the final repairs can be completed. We remain optimistic that the elevator will be fully operational upon our return from the Thanksgiving break. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to restore this important facility.
Don’t Forget to Join Us!
Don't miss out on all the latest PTO updates and news! Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm for our December PTO Meeting. This will be our first in-person meeting of the year, and we're kicking things off with a fun Family Game Night starting at 5:30 pm in the Watershed Gym. We can't wait to see you there! More details below.
Can’t make it? No worries, you can still join us virtually at 7:00 pm.
🚨🚨Immediate School Request🚨🚨
Food Drive - Thank You!
A huge thank you to all that participated in our annual food drive. We were able to collect 316 lbs of food! A special shout out to our wonderful middle schoolers who volunteered and assisted with this endeavor. St. Gabriel Church and the community send a special thanks for your donations!
Family Game Night
Dancing Dancing Dancing!
Get your dancing shoes off of the shelf! Our annual dance is coming back this year bigger & better than ever. We are in the beginning stages for the event that you do not want to miss! If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please complete the sign up genius! We are looking for committee chairs & volunteers to make this event great! More information will be provided at our PTO meeting on 12/3 and our first meeting will take place via google meet December 5th at 6pm. Dance Committee Sign-Up
Middle Schooler Volunteer Opportunity
PTO Meeting/Family Game Night:
Here’s a fantastic opportunity for your middle school student to earn service learning hours while having fun! They can sign up to play games with younger students during the PTO meeting. They must be present from 6:30-8:00 pm on December 3. To sign them up for this rewarding experience, fill out the permission slip here https://form.jotform.com/243198506020047, or return the paper copy sent home with your student to school by November 27!
December Middle School Event
Mark your calendars for December 19th! 6th & 7th graders are invited to join us at Pikesville Bowlero for a middle school meet up. More information to be provided at the December 3rd, PTO meeting. Purchase your $20 ticket & RSVP here through December 13th to strike out!
Middle School Committee
The middle school committee continues to meet and are planning some exciting things for our 6th & 7th graders. It’s not too late to sign up and get involved. Sign up here to join the fun! Our next meeting will be held on November 26th at 6pm. Join using the meeting code
meet.google.com/nct-wdsx-qkz
Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser
It’s almost time for the PTO’s annual Double Good popcorn fundraiser! The fun kicks off at 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 4th and runs through 5:00pm on December 8th. Last year, the Watershed community was able to raise $1,500 to help support the amazing events and activities organized by the PTO, and we think we can do even better this year!
Participating in the fundraiser is easy! Simply download the Double Good app (or visit the Double Good website). Enter our unique fundraising code (VQYACX), answer a few easy questions and you are all set! You may even want to have your Turtle create a short video to help promote their storefront.
You will find that sharing the link to your storefront via social media, email, and text is easy and a great way to allow friends and family far and wide to support the Watershed PTO. The PTO will earn 50% of all sales!
To add more fun to an exciting event, we are offering prizes to our top sellers.
The top-selling storefront will receive a $100 Amazon e-gift card, the second place will receive a $75 Amazon e-gift card, and the third place will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card.
ALL storefronts that sell at least $150 worth of popcorn will be entered into a raffle to win one of three $25 Amazon e-gift cards.
✌🏻-A-Pizza Restaurant Fundraising Event
Thank you to everyone who was able to support our Chipotle fundraising event on Saturday 11/16, we raised $83.95! Next month, we are holding our fundraising event at Peace A Pizza in Catonsville on December 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. When you pay, mention you are with the Watershed PTO and we will earn 20% of your purchase!
Parent/Caregiver-Led Clubs
The PTO is excited to share that we have the opportunity to provide Parent/Caregiver Led Clubs for Watershed students! If you are interested in running an after-school club please view the information here. Reach out to president@watershedpto.org with any questions.
Attention All Families - School Volunteer Opportunities
Watershed needs YOU! Whether you have a little time to give or want to get more involved, there are plenty of school volunteer opportunities to support both our students and the school campus. Your support will have a meaningful impact on our school community and help create a positive environment for everyone.
Let’s come together and make a difference—sign up today!
👉 https://tinyurl.com/Watershed-School-Volunteer
Sign up for a school volunteer opportunity through the SignUp Genius link above, and you'll be entered into a monthly raffle for a chance to win a gift card! The winner will be drawn at each PTO meeting, starting with December's winner, who will be announced at the January PTO meeting. Each month's raffle is separate, so the more you sign up, the more chances you have to win! December entries are open now!
LinkTree: One link for all our links!
Did you know that the Watershed PTO has a linktree? Visit https://linktr.ee/watershedpto to find an up to date list of all our links including the Fall Fest RSVP, Room Rep Contact Information, volunteer sign-ups, our Mabel’s Labels fundraiser, and more!