Wildcat Weekly
October 29, 2026
Dear Wildcat Families and Crew Members,
The Read-A-Thon was a big success! A whopping 70 students (woohoo!) completed the race track and 106 students (48% of the school) completed (and logged) at least some of the race track. With your support, donations totaled $10,680, which met our fundraising goal! LAST LAP: Though the challenge ended Friday, October 23, the PTA will accept donations through October 30. Every dollar of your donations supports the PTA in supporting our hardworking teachers and students. We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our PTA coordinators who made it all happen!
Calling all WP writers! It is time for the Young Georgia Authors (YGA) writing competition. This competition encourages our Wildcats to showcase their writing skills and style. We look forward to reading poems, short stories, and more. Read more about it in the YGA flyer.
The fall chill is in the air, and many of us are loving it! Whether it is fashion, traditions, or football, we hope you are enjoying this cooler weather. Our students have been working hard in the garden. It is refreshing to see big smiles as they rip out weeds, bag sticks, and plant perennials. Thank you, Ms. Woodley and volunteers for your hard work!
Speaking of cleaning, we could use a little extra help with trash management. WP custodians manage the cans in the back field. The city empties the sidewalk can on Thursdays when they complete the neighborhood service. Please carry trash with you whenever possible, especially dog waste. If you host a playdate/party outside of school hours, please bring a trash bag and take the garbage with you, or place the tied bag in the school dumpster.
Join us for the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 12. The payment period is from Monday, October 19, through Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All meals must be prepaid. See more information below. Please note that families may join regardless of whether they purchase lunch; however, there is a limit of 2 guests per student.
This Friday, Community Circle will be for WP staff and students only. This creates physical and emotional space for students who are still building their confidence and comfort in group settings. We appreciate your cooperation as we honor the needs of all students. Remember to check the WP calendar to know which grade level is hosting families each week.
Reminder: There is a remote digital learning day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Students and staff will not be in the building. The Remote Digital Learning Day allows staff to participate in civic engagement on Election Day. It also provides an opportunity for staff professional development and work time. Chromebooks will not be sent home. Students will complete a tech-free choice board instead.
With gratitude and Wildcat pride,
Meagan Ferguson
Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School
Read-A-Thon Update
Way to go, Winnona! Our Read-a-Thon raised $10,680, meeting our fundraising goal!
106 students (48% of our school!) logged reading challenges, and 70 completed the entire racetrack. Woohoo! All 70 finishers will receive a small prize this week or next.
Winners will be announced at Community Circle on Friday!
Donations remain open through 10/30: https://app.givebacks.gives/wpreading2026/Campaign/Details
Thank you, Winnona Crew!
Important Dates
Tuesday, November 3rd - Remote Digital Learning Day. No students in the building.
Thursday, November 5th - Open Check-Out in the Library for Families begins. 8AM - 8:30AM and 3 PM - 3:30PM. See details below.
Friday, November 6th - Community Circle with Kindergarten families
Monday, November 9th - Thursday, November 12 - Fall Book Fair. See details below.
Monday, November 9th - PTA Meeting at 5:30 PM. Location to be determined due to Book Fair in the library.
Wednesday, November 11th - Walk and Roll to School
Thursday, November 12th - Thanksgiving Lunch including families. See details below.
Friday, November 13th - Community Circle with First Grade families
Saturday, November 14th - Community Gardening Day
Thursday, November 19th - Open Check-Out in the Library for Families begins. 8AM - 8:30AM and 3 PM - 3:30PM. See details below.
Friday, November 20th - Community Circle with Second Grade families
Tuesday, December 1st - Picture Make-Ups
Winnona Park Thanksgiving Luncheon - Thursday 11/12
Please read more about the event details HERE.
Guest Meal Quick Info
Cost: $6 per guest
Guest limit: Two guests per student
Payment period: Monday, October 19, through Tuesday, November 3, 2026
All guest meals must be prepaid. No on-site purchases will be accepted.
COMMUNITY CIRCLE
We will begin Community Circle in September. We invite families of one grade level each week because our cafeteria is not large enough to accommodate everyone at once. Check the WP calendar to know which grade level will host families.
If you are attending Community Circle, please gather by the pond outside the cafeteria after morning drop-off. After students are seated, we will welcome parents into the cafeteria. We will review parent expectations once families enter the cafeteria. Below are some of the highlights:
All parents enter and exit through the cafeteria door near the pond.
Stand along the outside perimeter of the cafeteria. Please spread out.
Younger siblings (if brought) stay with a parent. They may not sit with the WP sibling's class.
Be present, sing along, and participate. Remember, we are modeling Community Circle norms for our students. Please refrain from holding side conversations or using phones. Of course, if you need to take a call, please feel free to step out for a moment.
For everyone's safety and privacy, please do not post school activities on social media. Be especially mindful about taking pictures of students other than your child.
To help teachers keep track of students and get back to learning, please avoid chatting with your child when the class is exiting. Of course, a quick wink or finger wave is always welcome.
Background Check Update
Background checks are conducted at The Wilson Center, 125 Electric Avenue.
This is the link to schedule an appointment. https://calendar.app.google/du9yW1Gg8SV6pjGp8
This is the link to pay for your background check.
CSD Public Store or https://campus.csdecatur.org/campus/store/decatur
Appointments open up 21 days out, meaning on the 1st, you can book as far out as the 21st.
Appointments are generally scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m.-noon.
Appointments take approximately 10 minutes.
Candidates need to bring a driver's license or state ID.
There is a short form to be filled out (linked forms).
Then info is submitted to GBI and results often come back within 24 hours.
Employees need a new background check every 5 years. Parents and volunteers need a new background check every year. Please email Jo Jameson with any further questions at jo.jameson@csdecatur.net
Note: If financial assistance is needed to cover the $38 background check fee, please reach out directly to your school.
Weekly Communication Every Thursday
A schoolwide weekly newsletter will be emailed to families each Thursday afternoon. This newsletter is sent to the email addresses in the Parent Portal. Please ensure all data in your portal account is updated and correct. The WP Website is also a great place to get information about our wonderful school. Here is the link to our school's calendar of events.
Back to Giving: Clean Out Your Closets for DHS!
Clear out room in your closets for the new school year while giving back to Decatur High and keeping clothes out of local landfills!
What to Donate: Used clothes, shoes, old hoodies, jeans, and household items.
Where to Drop Off: The Clothes Bin located in the back lot near the corner of Commerce Dr. and West Howard Ave.
Why: Support our school community and recycle with purpose!
Drop off your items anytime and help us fill the bin this school year!
District News
PTA News
November PTA Meeting
Join us on Monday, 11/9 at 5:30 PM in the library for our November PTA meeting. These meetings are open to everyone!
Book Fair Volunteer Signups
There are still slots available to volunteer for the Fall Book Fair November 9-12! We need a few more folks to help students make wish lists and serve as cashiers. Click HERE to sign up today!
Save the Date: Community Gardening Day
Join us Saturday, 11/14 for a community workday in the WP garden! Look out for more details and a signup sheet next week. This is a great opportunity to get outside with your kiddos and help beautify our school.
About Us
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.