Wildcat Weekly

Dear Wildcat Families and Crew Members,

We want to extend a BIG THANK YOU to Westbrook's and Davis’ class for yesterday's lunch. It was delicious and very much appreciated.

This year is going well, and we have accomplished so much! Students are settled into routines and friendships, teachers are celebrating student growth during PLCs, and I have learned even more student names. Yesterday, when I mentioned that I am working to learn even more names, a kindergartener said, "You still don't know everyone's name?! We have been in school for seven weeks!" We can celebrate that our kindergarteners know more about time too!

Today we hosted a Coffee Chat to learn more about the Gifted identification process. First-grade CogAT scores will come home in communication folders. See the info below about the Gifted Review process due by September 30th.

This Friday, we will welcome our second-grade parents to Community Circle. Please read more about the Community Circle agreements below. Space is limited (and we are on the honor system) so please plan to attend on the week your grade level is assigned. The PTA will have spirit wear for sale before the event in case you're looking to stock up on WP swag!

Friday, 9/18, is also the last day to complete the BASC-BESS Universal Screener Opt-Out Form. See details below.

Fall break is next week (September 21-25). Whether you are going on vacation or enjoying a staycation, we hope you find it gives you exactly what you need. In the spirit of National Literacy Month, please take a photo of your child reading in their favorite or a fun place. You can email the photo to Ms. Zeff (izeff@csdecatur.net) with "reading@home" in the subject line. We will use the photos in our lobby digital display.

With gratitude and Wildcat pride,

Meagan Ferguson

Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School

• Friday, September 18th - Community Circle with second grade families

• Monday, September 21 - 25th - Fall break. No school for students
• Tuesday, September 29th - Special Education Parent Overview Night at 5:30 p.m. at BHMS
• Friday, October 2nd - Community Circle - Staff Only
• Friday, October 9th - Community Circle - Kindergarten Families
• Monday, October 12th - Teacher Work Day; No School for students
• Wednesday, October 14th - Walk and Roll to School

• Friday, October 16th - School Pictures (individual and group) with Lifetouch AND Community Circle - First grade families

• Monday, October 19th - Friday, October 23rd - Winnona Park Read-a-Thon

• Friday, October 23rd - Community Circle - Second Grade Families

• Wednesday, October 28th - Early release Day. Students dismissed at 12:50 PM

Each fall semester, the gifted review team reviews existing student data to discuss students’ needs and to determine whether further evaluation for gifted identification is needed. If you are interested in having the team discuss your child’s needs, please complete a Recommendation for Review Form by Wednesday, September 30. No additional information is needed. For more detailed information about the review process, please contact the Gifted & Talented Specialist for your school, Martina Baerman, at mbaerman@csdecatur.net, and Alex Eason at aeason@csdecatur.net or visit our website’s FAQ page.

First Grade Families:

CogAT scores are coming home today in your student's Communication Folder. These scores serve as one element in the Gifted Identification Process.

Looking for easy, fun ways to support your child’s reading journey at home? Check out the Raising a Reader video series! Discover practical tips and strategies for grades K-3 from making library visits exciting to building reading comprehension through daily activities, word games, and cozy story times.

Watch the Raising a Reader Videos: Raising a Reader (K-3)

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. We will begin with kindergarten parents on September 4th. 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.

The City Schools of Decatur will administer the BASC-BESS Universal Screener from October 1–30, 2026. This brief screener helps schools identify students who may benefit from additional behavioral, social-emotional, or wellness support. The BASC- BESS is not a diagnostic assessment; it is one tool used to help us identify needs early and provide appropriate support. Families who do not want their child to participate may complete an Opt-Out Form by Friday, September 18, 2026.

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 10am-12pm.

• 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.

Special Education Parent Overview Night will be on September 29, 5:30 p.m., at BHMS.

Families must complete a new Student Meal Application each school year. Students approved last

year may continue receiving benefits during the USDA grace period, which ends September 11,

2026. After that date, students without a current application on file will be charged the paid price

for meals.

Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day on Friday, September 18th in the cafeteria.

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.

Clear out room in your closets for the new school year while giving back to Decatur High and keeping textiles 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!

Read this week's CSD Weekly for district-wide news and information.

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.