Winship Family News

Winship Wildcat Family,

It's hard to believe that we turned our calendars to November! We had a beautiful fall, but winter is right around the corner which means cold weather. Please make sure your child(ren) have all the necessary winter gear. A jacket, snow pants, hat, mittens/gloves, and boots will all be needed for recess. We ask that you label these items with the student’s name so that they may be returned if they end up in the lost and found. We will go outside unless it is actively raining, lightning, other major weather event, or the "real feel" temp is 0 degrees or below.

As we head into winter, please keep in mind that 6th Ave N will continue to be a very busy place before and after school. Snow will start to build up on the berms before we know it. We ask that you all set the example by using the crosswalks. We need to model this behavior for our students. Thanks for partnering with us to promote pedestrian safety!

We are excited to have Turkey Bingo back at Winship on Thursday, November 13th. Please see the information below from the PTO regarding this event. This is a great opportunity to come together as a school community and have some fun!

Sincerely,

Lori Skattum

Principal

The Winship office uses several modes of communication to keep you updated with what's happening. If you aren't receiving text message updates or emails, please reach out to Laurie Nelson in the Winship office at 701-746-2325.

Notifications - please look in your PowerSchool account to make sure you have notifications checked "yes." If you have previously blocked these notifications, we need your permission to unblock the phone number or email.

We kindly ask that families and students wait until after 4:00 p.m. to use the playground when school is in session. This helps us ensure student safety during dismissal and allows staff to complete supervision duties without extra traffic in the area. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our after-school routines running smoothly!

If you choose to send a snack with your child each day, we kindly ask that you send healthy snacks. We know it’s not always easy to balance convenience and what kids love to eat, but your efforts to encourage nutritious choices help our students stay energized, focused, and ready to learn. Thank you for your support!

A few important notes:

1. Birthday and classroom celebrations: Food items such as cupcakes or other treats are not allowed. Families are welcome to send non-food items (like pencils, stickers, a book or game for the classroom, etc.) if they wish. Please check with your child’s teacher for ideas.

2. Lunches from home: Fast food items (such as McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.) are not permitted.

3. Snack guidelines: All snacks brought to school should follow the nutrition standards outlined in the student handbook.

A great big thank you and appreciation to the third, fourth, and fifth graders for selling candy bars! Also, to the parents who helped with this adventure! There are still about twelve unopened boxes left. We will continue to sell at different school events until they are gone.

Weather Changes:

• Please make sure your students have jackets, hats, and gloves with the weather changing.
• There is a lost and found in the school for misplaced items.
• Winter gear bags will be handed out to the students who need them. These are handed out to students when they start wearing snow gear and boots.

School Delay/Closure:

• Notifications - you must have this marked in your PowerSchool to receive notifications. If you do not have PowerSchool access for your student, please contact the office to received your student's information to set up the Parent Portal.
• Homework books will be sent home at a later date. These books are for weather related school closure days. More information will be shared with families when the books are sent home.

We are excited to welcome Sam Roehrich to Winship as our new Student Support Liaison! Sam is currently completing her master’s degree in School Counseling and will be serving in this role while she finishes her program. She has already begun visiting classrooms and will be teaching Sources of Strength lessons which is the curriculum used by GFPS school counselors. Sam brings great energy and enthusiasm to our school community, and we’re thrilled to have her supporting our students at Winship!

Door 1

• Arriving after 8:20am
• Picking up early
• DO NOT Park directly in front of the office from 8:00AM - 8:15AM, 2:50PM - 3:10PM - reserved for buses

Door 3

• Drop off in the morning from 7:40 - 8:20am
• Students dismissed at 3pm
• ENCORE pick up

Please see the information below regarding the hearing screening for Grades K, 1, 5

Please set up an account for your student(s)! This is used for lunch accounts and Intramurals (age specific).

November 11 - No School

November 13 - PTO Turkey Bingo, 5:30p

November 14 - Picture Retake Day, 9:00am

November 19 - Early Release, 1:30pm

November 21 - RED Event, 2:30pm

November 26 - No School

November 27 - No School

December 5 - Winship Day of Giving - Gift Fair

December 5 - Report Cards are Emailed

December 9 - PTO Mtg, 7:00pm

December 10 - Early Release, 1:30pm

Please take note of the following early release dates.

Students that were missing on October 6 can take their pictures on November 14. If you would like a retake, the original package must be returned and pay the additional fee.

The purpose of the PTO is to enhance and support the educational experience at Winship Elementary School, to develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parental involvement, and to improve the environment at school through volunteer and financial support.

President: April Waters

Vice President: to be filled

Secretary: Betsey McIntyre

Treasurer: Alisha Graham

Everyone is welcome to attend PTO meetings! We encourage participation and sharing your talents! You do not have to attend every meeting, but would appreciate your suggestions and assistance! For questions, please reach contact winshippto1@gmail.com

Upcoming PTO Meetings:

Monday, November 10

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Turkey Bingo - SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, December 9

Tuesday, January 13

Scan the QR code below to join our Winship PTO Facebook page or, Search "Winship PTO-Grand Forks, ND" to stay up to date on current Winship events and happenings.

Download the App and scan your receipts! You can use digital receipts on the App! Funds are used for school supplies.

• Bring in your labels, and the office will do the work for you!
• By buying Our Family brand products – and saving the UPC barcodes from those cans, bags, boxes and bottles you can help purchase school supplies. 500 bar codes = $25.

On your Casey's App, you can donate your points to Winship Elementary.

Under your Account, Select School Donations, add Winship Elementary.

• Medications
• Over the Counter - ALWAYS need the Medication Authorization Form (attached)
• cough drops, sore throat suckers, cough syrup, etc.
• Prescribed Medicine - ALWAYS need the Medication Authorization Form and medical signature (attached)
• Extra Form for Inhalers and Epi Pens (attached)

Winship Elementary School

1412 5th Ave N

Grand Forks ND 58203

Lori Skattum, Principal

Laurie Nelson, Administrative Assistant

Office: 701-746-2325

Attendance Line: 701-746-2321

Fax: 701-746-2374