Weekly Update
October 9, 2025
Dear Winnona Park Families,
Get ready for some serious reading! Tomorrow, Friday, October 10, we will officially kick off our annual Read-A-Thon! You can find the details below.
This event is far more than a fundraiser; it's a powerful celebration of literacy and an exciting opportunity to get our entire community fired up about books. We strongly encourage all families to participate—it's truly an all-school effort! Reading minutes will be tallied daily, and we'll be awarding prizes to the class in each grade level that clocks the most minutes each day. Remember, students can read on their own or be read to!
The Read-A-Thon also serves as an important reminder of the power of reading aloud to your child. Whether they're learning their letters or bringing home a hefty chapter book, spending just 15–20 minutes each day reading together has a profound impact. It strengthens your bond, expands their vocabulary, improves their listening skills, and helps them develop the critical thinking they'll need for years to come. This Read-A-Thon is a wonderful opportunity to either start this vital habit or strengthen one you already have.
I look forward to seeing our students curled up with great books next week! Let's make this our most successful and well-read year yet.
Sincerely,
Greg Wiseman
Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School
Important Dates
Friday, October 10 - Coffee Truck Kickoff for the Read-a-Thon (7–9 AM); Second grade families at Community Circle; Read-a-Thon Book Swap - See details below.
Saturday, October 11 - Pride Porch at Oakhurst Porchfest
Monday, October 13 - PTA Meeting (5:30 PM) - ALL ARE WELCOME!
Monday, October 13 - Friday, October 17th - Read-A-Thon
Wednesday, October 15 - After school book check-out in the Library
Thursday, October 16 - Picture Day
Friday, October 17 - National Hispanic Awareness Month Celebration at Community Circle; Kindergarten Families at Community Circle
Saturday, October 18 - Diwali Celebration (5-7 PM)Wednesday, October 22 - Early Release Day - 12:50 PM
Friday, October 24 - Community Circle - First Grade Families
Wednesday, October 29 - After school book check-out in the Library
Friday, October 31 - Community Circle - Second Grade Families
Tuesday, November 4 - Remote Learning Day
Wednesday, November 5 - After school book check-out in the Library
Friday, November 7 - Community Circle - Kindergarten Families
November 10 - 13 - Fall Book Fair
Friday, November 14 - Community Circle - First Grade Families
Friday, November 21 - Community Circle - Second Grade Families
Read-A-Thon News
Coffee Truck Kickoff for the Read-a-Thon — Friday, Oct 10 (7–9 AM)
Start your morning (and our Read-a-Thon!) with Free Coffee & Matcha from the Second Cup truck on Friday, Oct 10, 7–9 AM, by the back pond. This event is generously sponsored by our Gold Level Partner, Tara Pesta Real Estate (Keller Knapp Realty)—thank you, Tara!
Read-A-Thon Kickoff: Book Swap on Friday, Oct 10 & Registration Site Live!
We’re kicking off the Read-A-Thon with a community Book Swap! Please bring in a gently used children’s book your family no longer needs. Donations can be dropped now through Oct 10 in the collection box at the school’s front door. On Friday, Oct 10, students and families can choose a “new-to-you” book from the swap selection.
Read-A-Thon registration site is officially live. Visit the PTA Website for more information and to sign up your child! Here are some resources to help make a smooth Read-A-Thon:
Fundraising Guide: How to Set Up Fundraising Campaign
Logging Minutes Guide: How to log minutes online
Printable Reading Log: This optional printable log will help you keep track of reading off line. But be sure to log minutes online for credit.
Reading Bingo Card: If you need a fun way to motivate your little one, this bingo card helps turn reading into a game!
Picture Day is Coming Soon
Thursday, October 16, is Picture Day at Winnona Park. Please check your child’s folder today for more information on the packages offered to families.
From Ms. Zeff in the Library
Overdue Books
For first and second grade families, I sent a reminder from Destiny to let you know what books your student has checked out. If you are having trouble locating a book, I can help your student look for it in the classroom, as well as doing a shelf-check in the library. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Community Member Newsletter Sign-up
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.
District News
From our Fabulous WP PTA
Stay connected with upcoming events: https://www.wpespta.org/
Find us on:
Diwali Celebration — Saturday, October 18, 2025 (5–7 PM)
Save the date for a joyful community celebration at Beacon Hill Middle School featuring food, crafts, henna, and dance. Please RSVP to help us plan. Food for purchase will be supplied by Sankranti, Spice It Up at Nimi’s Kitchen, and Little Jars Bakeshop. This event is sponsored by funds from CSD PTA/PTOs—thank you for supporting our schools!
Support the Wildcats: Join the PTA
Help us kick off a strong year at Winnona Park! The PTA Family Donation Program fuels classroom resources, enrichment opportunities, teacher support, and the community events our families love. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation, every amount makes a difference. Many employers also offer matching gifts—a simple way to double your impact.
Give today: wpespta.org/familydonation. Thank you for supporting our Wildcats! 💜🐾
Dancing Wildcats Tee — Now in New Colors!
Our popular Dancing Wildcats tee (a playful nod to the Grateful Dead) just got a refresh. We now have white shirts for adults and purple shirts for kids—perfect for Friday Community Circles, field trips, and community events. Limited quantities available in youth and adult sizes while supplies last.
Shop now: https://www.wpespta.org/spirit-wear
Proceeds support WP PTA programs—thank you for showing your Wildcat pride!
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.