Winnona Park Weekly Update

May 21, 2026

Dear Winnona Park Community,

We’ve almost made it!

On behalf of the entire Winnona Park Crew, I’d like to say thank you for your support throughout this school year. The parents of WPES are a giving and supportive group that we do not take for granted. So many of you have volunteered in classrooms for various things, and have worked through the PTA to support so many of our instructional and cultural initiatives. It truly takes a village to keep this school going every year. A special shout-out to the PTA board led by Celina Beaver. The WP PTA puts so much time, effort, and thought into enhancing everything we do at school.

On a personal note, it’s been a pleasure serving this neighborhood and this school as principal for 15 years. When I’m on the back playground, looking across the field to the gardens and old schoolhouse smack in the middle of this lovely neighborhood, I feel so fortunate and bewildered that folks put me in charge of this place. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this community.

Winnona Park is in good hands. Meagan Ferguson and I have been working closely for the last month to set her and the school up for success next year. We will work together for a few weeks in June as well to tie up any loose ends so this place is ready in August. Meagan is incredibly smart and passionate, and I’m confident Winnona Park is in good hands.

Have a great summer. I look forward to seeing you around town.

Sincerely,

Gregory Wiseman

Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School

Friday, May 22 - Final Community Circle (staff and students only); Last day of school

Here’s the menu for the last day of school:

Friday - turkey sandwich or PBJ

In your child’s book bags on the last day of school, you will find End of Year assessment information, including STAR Student Reports for Math and Reading or Early Literacy. Parents will be able to access student final report cards in the Parent Portal on Thursday, May 28.

1. I have a few additional signed copies of the book from our illustrator visit last week. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing one. Payment can be made online through Infinite Campus.

2. I will continue sending reminders regarding overdue library books. A $10 lost book fee will be assessed in Infinite Campus after the last day of school for any unreturned books.

3. Click here for information about Summer Reading. We will be hosting librarians from the Dekalb County Library next week. They will be speaking to the students about the summer reading program.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

As required by O.C.G.A. 20-14-37 and State Board Rule 160-7-1-.01, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) recognizes schools for high academic performance and growth through the Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS).

For the 2025 SSAS awards, CCRPI data from the three most recent school years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25) were used to identify Winnona Park Elementary as a Silver Award winner in the Highest Performing Schools category. Way to go Winnona Park Crew!!

The WP PTA is streamlining the purchase of school supplies again this year by partnering with 1st Day School Supplies. To purchase what your child needs for next year, point your arrow here, click a few buttons, and you are done! No multiple runs to Target and Walmart the week before school. Mark this off your list now - the deadline to order is June 15th! The WP PTA even receives a percentage of sales to help fund ALL. THE. THINGS.

Orchestra classes begin in the fall! Open to all rising 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Please fill out this form. This is the interest form and not registration. Registration will begin in August. Have a great summer.

Parents will automatically receive CSD Weekly, which includes their child's school newsletter, via the email address they registered in the CSD parent portal. Interested community members, or extended family, may sign up for the CSD Weekly by clicking here.

Please note that when you sign up as a 'community member,' even though the form below asks for your phone number, you will not receive text messages or phone calls.

Read the May 21, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

Please pick up your child's medication from the school clinic by the last day of school, Friday, May 22. To adhere to safety guidelines, schools are unable to store any medications during the summer break. Therefore, any medication left behind will be discarded. Kindly remember that students are not permitted to carry their own medication home.

Stay connected with upcoming events: https://www.wpespta.org/

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SCHOOL SUPPLIES: START PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR!

We know, it’s hard to believe we are already talking about next year. But, skip the back-to-school supply scramble this fall! The Winnona Park PTA has partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to offer pre-packaged supply kits for next school year -- teacher-approved, stress-free, and delivered right to school! A portion of every purchase supports the PTA, so you'll be checking two boxes at once: fully stocked student AND fully funded Crew. Order online at http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/29444 by June 15th and enjoy one less thing on your summer to-do list.

JOIN THE PTA BOARD -- WE NEED YOU!

As we look ahead to next year, our PTA still has openings for VP and Secretary, along with several committee roles. If you've ever thought about getting more involved, this is your moment. It takes a full Crew to run this ship, and your time and talent matter. No experience necessary -- just enthusiasm and a love for this community. Interested? Fill out the board interest form.

Decatur Soccer invites youth ages 5-13 (rising K-8th grade) to register for its 3v3 Soccer Tournament, powered by Decatur WatchFest 26, a fun, flexible, and community-focused event led by DHS soccer players and coaches. Join us Saturday, June 20, 8:30-noon at the Decatur High School Stadium with plenty of parking and just a short walk from the Decatur MARTA Station and Decatur WatchFest.

Kids can form a team of up to five players and sign up at the link below for just $75 per team (payable separately via GoFan). With no uniforms required (pennies provided) and small-sided 3v3 match play run by our DHS players, this format keeps things simple while maximizing touches, engagement, and fun for every player.

The tournament is open to girls, boys, and co-ed teams (co-ed teams will play in the boys bracket), with divisions based on rising school year: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8. This is a great way to celebrate Decatur WatchFest and FIFA World Cup 26™ while supporting the Decatur Soccer program, and giving your child a fun soccer experience without a big time commitment. Just gather a group, register here, and show up ready to play!

Email: csikes@csdecatur.net
Website: https://winnonapark.csdecatur.net/
Location: 510 Avery Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4490

Newsletter Archives: Read older issues of the Wildcat Weekly by visiting our school website. Click on the link in the top photo or on the "Newsletter" button in the middle of the page. Older issues of CSD Weekly may be found on CSD's district newsletter webpage.