Wildcat News

Happy November! A few reminders to end the week:

~ Conferences are just around the corner!! These will be held on November 16, 17 & 19. Please use this link to sign-up for conferences. ALSO, the PTO generously feeds supper to all of our teachers on the three very long days. The PTO needs YOUR HELP with a few donated items--beverages and desserts mostly, but this year we are also asking for 3 different soup donations for Monday, November 16. Perhaps you have a favorite recipe or a family favorite that you would be willing to share with the Washington staff??? You could bring the soup in a crock pot in the morning that Monday, and we'll make sure it's ready to go by 2:45. If you are interested, willing, and able to help with beverage, dessert, or soup donations, please sign up using this link.

~ Book Fair: We will again be holding a Scholastic Book Fair during conferences. The PTO needs volunteers--this is typically a super fun, super easy volunteer opportunity. Sign up here.

~ Early Release Info: OUR NEXT TWO HOUR EARLY RELEASE DAY WILL BE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2026. The school day ends at 12:30 p.m. Please complete the following REGISTRATION to let us know your plans for your child or children on this day. Please fill out a separate registration for each child. We ask that you fill this form out for EACH Early Release because it is easier for us to track. Thank you for your cooperation.

~ Title I November information: Our school operates under a Schoolwide Plan, which allows us to use Title I funds to improve the educational performance of all students. Through school improvement strategies and initiatives, we aim to address the specific needs of our students and enhance their academic achievement. A copy of Washington's Schoolwide Plan is available upon request.

~ PTO Meeting: Our next PTO meeting will be held on Monday, November 9 at 6:00pm in the Washington Media Center. Child care will be provided. Here is a link to join virtually.

~ No School on Friday, November 13. This is a professional development day for teachers AND some time to prepare for conferences.

Ann

Ann Haggerty

Washington Principal

ahagge1@isd77.org

This year, our school will be highlighting the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice—the essential habits and mindsets that help students become confident, creative problem solvers. Teachers are introducing the practices in the classroom, guiding students as they learn how to think like mathematicians. In upcoming newsletters, we’ll share a brief breakdown of the featured practice along with quick, practical ways you can help reinforce these valuable skills at home. Partnering together, we can build a strong foundation for lifelong mathematical success!

This week, our math focus is "I never give up on a problem and do my best to get it right!" (SMP 1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them). Math isn't about speed—it's about building confidence, trying different strategies, and learning through productive struggle.

How to help at home:

• Praise the Effort, Not Just the Answer: Frame progress around hard work. Phrases like "I love how many different strategies you tried on this problem" reinforce persistence over speed.

• Ask Guiding Questions: When your child gets stuck, avoid giving the answer. Instead, ask: "What do you already know about this problem?", "What could you try next?", or "Can you draw a picture of what's happening?"

• Normalize the Struggle: Remind your child that feeling confused is a normal part of learning. Share examples of times you had to work through a tough challenge yourself.

Mankato Area Public Schools is proud to offer personalized learning paths through our Neighborhood, Neighborhood+, and Community Elementary Focus Schools. Whether you're exploring options for neighborhood enrollment, sibling preference, or applying through our focus school lottery, we invite you to learn more about our options, enrollment guidelines, key timeline dates, and application process.

Find more information here: Focus School Informational Letter

Information and Tour Sessions:

Monday, Nov. 16 - Rosa Parks @ 5:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 17 - Jefferson @ 5:30 pm

Thursday, Nov. 19 - Bridges @ 5:30 pm

Snow season is just around the corner! In preparation, here is an important resource that is available on the ISD77 website for your review: Weather Related Information. The letter includes details on where to find out about weather related closings and late starts. Please note the MAPS Notification Line: 507-387-6046.

As the weather changes, please note the temperature chart (see below) when helping your child come prepared for outdoor play. Start planning now for colder weather, making sure your child has a warm coat, snowpants, boots, a hat, and gloves. These things are all needed!

At Mankato Area Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. To ensure our preparedness for various emergency situations, we will be conducting safety drills known as "Lockdown" starting in November.

Purpose of the Drill: “Lockdown” is designed to prepare students and staff for an exceedingly rare circumstance - when an intruder enters the school premises. During this drill, teachers will follow specific safety protocols, including locking classroom doors, turning off lights, moving individuals away from windows and doors, not opening doors, instructing students to remain quiet, and that students remain out of sight.

Opt-Out Option: Per Minnesota Statute 121A.038, parents have the option to opt their student(s) out of this required safety drill. If you choose to opt your student out, please notify the school office, and we will provide you with specific dates when these will be occurring. You will be able to pick up your student(s) 30 minutes before the drill begins and return them 30 minutes after it is completed.

Special Considerations: If your student has experienced violence or trauma that participating in this drill might reactivate, we kindly request that you notify the school office. We are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodations to ensure the emotional well-being of our students.

Our Commitment to Safety: That these drills are conducted with the care and attention to safety. Our staff is well-trained to oversee the process, and our primary goal is to equip both students and staff with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.

We sincerely hope that we never have to put this training into practice, but preparedness is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety of our school community.

Goal #1: Washington Elementary will increase our consistent student attendance from 89.64% to 91% by the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Goal #2: By the end of the 2026-27 school year, Washington Elementary will decrease the number of students who are chronically absent from 29 students to 25 or fewer students.

While we did make some good progress last year, there is still work to do. Your help in this is vital, so thank you in advance! If tardies or absences are happening, expect to hear from our attendance team earlier this year as we hope to be proactive in our supports to families.

Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every student, Every day.

Email: ahagge1@isd77.org
Website: https://we.isd77.org/
Location: 1100 Anderson Drive
Phone: 507-345-3059