Dear Wildwood Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful winter break and had time to relax and be with your children. I want to thank the families (via the PC) for the generous holiday gift card. That was very kind of you all!

Right before break, I spoke to a parent who said she was looking for my email address to reach out. Yikes! I don’t think I ever shared it with you all, though some of you have found it. If you need to email me, please do so at brhine@piedmont.k12.ca.us.

Hopefully you had a chance to read the WhatNot right before winter break. If you missed it, to summarize, STRS, the State Teacher Retirement System, puts a limit on how much a retiree can make financially beyond their regular retirement salary. This means that there is a limit to the number of days that I can be at Wildwood in 2025. Because I want to ensure the continuity of being your principal until the end of the school year, I will need to stagger my schedule starting in January.

Retired PUSD administrator, Karen Gnusti will be the administrator on the days I am not here at Wildwood, likely Thursdays and/or Fridays. Karen worked in PUSD years ago, comes highly recommended, and has a lot of school experience. She and I will be in regular contact during the week and will work to make sure the school runs smoothly. I will continue with projects and communications that I started this year. I’ve never worked part-time before, so it will be an adjustment for me and a little hard to let go of Wildwood on my days off. If you’re sending an email to me, include Karen on it, too. Her email is kgnusti@piedmont.k12.ca.us.

And I’d like to encourage everyone to save the date for the first DEIB book club meeting. They will be reading and discussing Do the Work!: An Antiracist Activity Book by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz on January 22nd at the Haven’s Library from 7pm-9pm. More details to come, but if interested please get the book and start reading. For questions, reach out to Sean Bartmasser at bartmasser@gmail.com.

Have a good week and thank you for all you do for Wildwood Elementary!

Beth Rhine

10 Mileage Club 7:50am

15 New Student Enrollment

16 TK information night - 7pm at Beach (adults only)

20 MLK Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

February

17-21 February Recess - NO SCHOOL

In honor and in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., all Wildwood students are invited to perform a speech, poem, spoken word, song, or skit written by themselves or someone else.

This is a wonderful opportunity for those students who want to honor Dr. King, and to practice their public speaking skills. Performance selections should relate to Martin Luther King Jr. and the theme of Speak and Inspire. The celebration will be on February 5, 2025 at a school assembly.

Guidelines

• Open to all students, Kindergarten through 5th grade.

• Students can perform alone or with a group.

• Performances are limited to two to four minutes.

• We encourage students to memorize their performance pieces (but not required).

• Whole class performances are also encouraged.

If your child is interested in performing, here is the permission form that needs to be completed and turned in.

It has been a wonderful fall semester being with our community out on the track for Mileage Club on Friday mornings! I am hoping the weather cooperates and we can all be together again this coming Friday. We will continue this program for the rest of the school year and if you haven't joined us yet, you are welcome to start any time. We meet on Friday mornings from 7:50-8:15am. Bring the whole family!

A note about cancellations: Mileage Club will only be cancelled if Ms. Matarazzo is absent (and I will do my best to give plenty of notice as possible so everyone knows) OR if the weather is not cooperating. Often I wait until the last possible moment to make a decision about weather because I always want to go ahead with Mileage Club if possible. Sometimes I have to make a tough call and I appreciate folks understanding that we do sometimes have to cancel for the comfort and safety of everyone. I am working with Principal Rhine to send out a message via Infinite Campus by 7:35am if Mileage Club is cancelled due to weather. I understand you have eager kiddos who want to come run -- even in the rain! -- so I will do my best to communicate as quickly as possible.

New student enrollment opens January 15th, 2025

We are thrilled to announce new student enrollment for the 2025-26 school year will open January 15th, 2025! Families with children not currently attending Piedmont schools - new kindergarteners or a student switching to Piedmont schools - are invited to start the enrollment process then.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Program for 2025-26:

• If your child is four years old by September 1st, 2025, they are eligible for our District’s outstanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. This specially designed program ensures a solid foundation for your child's educational journey. *There is a TK information session on Thursday 1/16 at 7pm at Beach Elementary. This is an adult only event.*

We genuinely look forward to welcoming your children into our school family next year. The journey of education is a collaborative effort, and we are excited to partner with you in nurturing the potential within each child.

In preparation for enrollment opening, check out the resources on our website https://www.piedmont.k12.ca.us/about/enrolling/enrolling-info, gather the required documents, and mark your calendars for January 15th. Families will be notified of their successfully processed application on a rolling basis. Families can enroll at any time after January 15th, but please note that priority for neighborhood schools is determined by the date of the complete application. We encourage you to complete the application promptly to secure your preferred school placement.

Looking forward to a fantastic 2025-26 school year together!

*Currently enrolled students will receive registration information before the start of school.*

Welcome to the second half of the school year! WPC does not slow down in the winter, and we are excited to share in the coming weeks some activities in the works.

In the meantime, we encourage you to mark your calendars for the WPC Board Meeting from 7-8p Tuesday, Jan. 28. The board will host PUSD Superintendent Jennifer Hawn, who is seeking any additional feedback parents may have regarding their ideal qualities and experience in Wildwood’s next Principal, who will join the school in the 2025-26 school year.

This board meeting had been scheduled as virtual but due to the nature of the conversation, it has been converted to in-person. More details to come. All are welcome to join!

2025 is here, and we’re kicking it off with Tropical Vibes and plenty of fun! Mark your calendars for a night you won’t want to miss:

Set sail on Saturday, February 8th for an unforgettable evening of flavor, fun, and island adventure!

🎫 Early Bird Special:

Grab your tickets now! The Crab Feed is only a month away!

Click here for tickets

What’s on deck?
🌊 A feast of mouthwatering crab, fresh salmon, and delectable sides
🌴 Signature island cocktails & endless good vibes
🎉 Costume fun: Dress as a pirate, sailor, crab, or just channel your inner island adventurer!

Don’t wait – tickets are moving fast!
Grab yours now and get ready to shake your claws, ride the wave, and make it the best night of the year!

👉 Check out the full Wildwood Dads’ Club event calendar here

Here’s to unforgettable memories in 2025. We can’t wait to see you there—costumes, claws, and all!

Calling all artists and writers! The Piedmont Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee (PADC) invites all K-12 students to share personal art or writing inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The art and writing will be showcased at Piedmont’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20. (Check out last year’s amazing work!). All participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of 10 gift cards to Mulberry’s. The deadline is Wednesday, January 15.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Separate is Never Equal: Fight Injustice!” Students are asked to create a piece of art or writing in response to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quote:

In a speech in March 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called on people to never feel comfortable with any form of segregation, tyranny, or supremacy: “I never intend to adjust myself to segregation and discrimination. I never intend to become adjusted to religious bigotry. I never intend to adjust myself to economic conditions that will take necessities from the many to give luxuries to the few.”

What does this message mean to you?

Art should be made on 8.5. X 11 paper; writing should be limited to one page. It can be dropped off at the front office of your school or uploaded to PADC’s website. Please include your name somewhere on your work. If you are dropping it off, please fill out and attach this form.

Questions? Please reach out to Ellen Lee at hiellenlee@gmail.com.

Want to learn, engage and connect with others to understand systemic racism and how to dismantle it?

Please join us for an interactive evening to discuss, "Do the Work! An Antiracist Activity Book" by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Havens Library, 323 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611

WHAT TO EXPECT

Respectful listening, open-mindedness, confidentiality, and active participation.

HOW TO PREPARE

Please read the book in advance and be ready to discuss key themes, share personal insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue about anti-racism and actionable steps. If you'd like learn more before reading the book: Watch this Commonwealth Club interview with the authors

Questions? Please contact Sean Bartmasser (bartmasser@gmail.com), Carrice McKenna (carrice@gmail.com), or Jean Takazawa (jtakazawa@piedmont.k12.ca.us)

Open House Sat 1/25 10-12 Havens- Oakland ave gate

Now Enrolling Preschoolers for 2025-2026 School Year!

Please check out our webpage!

• Where: Havens Elementary School

• Who:

• For 3 and 4 year olds, who are not yet TK-age eligible

• Open to residents and non-residents!

• Must be age 3

• Must be potty-trained

• Must be fully vaccinated for age

• When: PIP follows the 2024-2025 PUSD School Year Calendar

• 5 mornings per week Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Cost: $800 per month (billed over 10 months, August through May)

PUSD has expanded its esteemed Early Intervention Preschool Program at Havens by offering children who are 3 or 4 but who do not meet TK-age eligibility an opportunity to attend PUSD as a preschooler.

PIP is a nurturing, play-based, sensory-enriched preschool that fosters inclusivity and promotes the holistic development of all children. First and foremost, our classroom is play-based. We structure each week’s art, music, storytimes, and circle-time activities around a theme (e.g., “dinosaurs,” “outer space,” “rainbows,” “families,” “seasons,” “bugs,” and “alphabet.”).

Our program is designed to build children’s:

• Language and vocabulary

• Social-emotional development

• Social and play skills

• Self-care and school readiness skills

• Gross and fine motor development

• Pre-academic skills

• Self-regulation skills

[SUBMIT INTEREST HERE]

Benefits of attending an inclusive preschool:

• Excellent adult to student ratios (1:4)

• Exceptionally qualified and trained staff and specialists in the classroom

• Through meaningful interactions and shared experiences, children will learn the value of acceptance, empathy, and respect for diversity in others

For parents who are already making plans for summer, we have good news for you! We are also making plans for an exciting Summer Adventures expanded learning program, with two sessions: June 10-20 and June 23-July 3. Look for registration information in February. New this year, we will also have a Spring Adventures program during Spring Break, April 7-11.

Despite the passage of Measure P, rising costs have left the Piedmont Unified School District facing difficult financial decisions. Last year’s budget reductions—resulting in larger class sizes and reduced library hours—are already being felt. Without community support through the Giving Campaign, further cuts may jeopardize vital programs and the quality of education. To date, 50% of PUSD parents have contributed to the Giving Campaign, and these donations, added to those of the broader community, total $3 million for our schools.

The need for immediate community action is urgent. The Giving Campaign is working toward a goal of $4 million to continue to help PUSD meet its obligations. Every contribution helps bridge the gap and preserve PUSD’s excellence. Together, we can ensure Piedmont schools thrive for future generations.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.piedmontedfoundation.org/donate.

• Sports Basement at Berkeley Math Festival

• When: January 11th, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

• Where: 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94703

• Fun, hands-on math puzzles and games for all ages

• Free and open-to-the-public

• Free snacks provided

• Register at https://jrmf.org/events/berkeley-math-festival/

Do you know a student who might benefit from a fun challenge in math? Math Kangaroo is a low-stakes, international math competition for students in grades 1-12 that takes place on the third Thursday in March. Kids are given 75 minutes to solve interesting problems involving math and logic. All participants receive a t-shirt and prize to reward their efforts. Responses are scored after the event so students can track their progress from year to year. High scorers receive additional recognition later in the Spring.

Regular Deadline: December 31, 2024

Late deadline: February 1, 2025

Try out some sample questions from last year’s test.

Piedmont ALPS is excited to host our local Math Kangaroo testing site.

When: Thursday, March 20, 2025, 4 - 5:15PM

Where: Havens Elementary, 323 Highland Ave, Piedmont

Register at this link: https://mathkangaroo.oasis-lms.com/Users/LearningActivityInformation.aspx?LearningActivityID=LdNW4r5uklGMGTEuIlhpSA%3d%3d

Enter this invitation code: PIEDMONT94611@25MK

Cost: $18 by December 31 (late registration is $35 by February 1)

Questions? piedmontalps@gmail.com

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

1. Please report your student's absence or tardiness - and include the reason.
2. You are welcome to email your teacher, but you must also report by either calling

(510) 594-2719 or emailing: wwdattendance@piedmont.k12.ca.us

INVITATIONAL: DONATE FOR ABSENCES

1. Parents, please remember that if your child needs to be out of school, you can submit
   donations for the lost revenue.
2. Each day that a student is out of school (for any reason, including illness) means a loss of
   revenue in the following amounts per day:

K-3rd Grade = $61.32 - 4th-5th Grade = $56.39

• Wildwood School Calendar
• Hot Lunch Order (pw: Wildwood)
• Attendance Reporting

WHATNOT submission requests must be received by Tuesday at 12:00 PM,
whatnot@piedmont.k12.ca.us