Wildcat Weekly

Dear Wildcat Families and Crew Members,

Rev up your engines because the Race into Reading Read-A-Thon is here! Join us for the Book Swap and Read-A-Thon Kickoff tomorrow, October 16th, at Pizza on the Playground. More details are below. Speaking of cheese, tomorrow is also picture day!

As fall family conferences wrap up, we hope you gained meaningful insight into your student's academic/behavioral/social strengths and areas of opportunity. We are pleased to share that your child's first Progress Report is now available in the Parent Portal. We encourage you to review the report with your child, celebrate their accomplishments, and discuss any areas where additional support may be helpful. If you have questions or concerns about your child's grades, please don't hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. We are committed to partnering with you to support your child's growth and learning. Directions for accessing grades in the Parent Portal are on page 24 of the Grading and Reporting Handbook.

During Monday's Work Day, teachers participated in collaborative, data-driven instructional planning under the leadership of Ms. Stopp, Instructional Coach. Teachers evaluated multiple assessment sources to pinpoint targeted skills, establish student groupings, and structure What I Need (WIN) rotations. These rotations comprise both teacher-led small group instruction and independent student activities involving hands-on resources and instructional technology platforms, including Freckle, Lalilo, and FUNHub. Additionally, many students receive specialized support services, such as speech-language therapy, special education, targeted intervention, gifted education, and ESOL. These coordinated instructional practices demonstrate the WP Crew's ongoing commitment to addressing the diverse academic needs of every Wildcat.

This Friday, Community Circle will be for First Grade families only. We appreciate your help as we model respectful audience behavior. When families avoid side conversations and limit engagement with their child (beyond blowing kisses, winking, or waving), it helps us keep students focused on Crew activities.

Reminder: There is a remote learning day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Students and staff will not be in the building. We will share the learning choice board (tech-free) once we get closer to that date.

With gratitude and Wildcat pride,

Meagan Ferguson

Principal, Winnona Park Elementary School

Winnona Park’s Read-A-Thon (October 16–23) is the PTA’s biggest fundraiser of the year! Every dollar goes back into our school, supporting student enrichment, teacher appreciation, community events, and MORE.

Please look for the Read-A-Thon “race cards” and instructions in your child's backpack Thursday (today!). From there, follow the instructions provided to get your kiddo registered and share their fundraising page with family and friends. Link to get started: https://app.givebacks.gives/wpreading2026

To kick off Read-A-Thon activities, join us at the book swap at Friday’s (10/16) Pizza on the Playground! Bring a book, take a book, and eat some PIZZA!

RSVP to Pizza on the Playground here (full details below in PTA section): https://forms.gle/Cv3tPVTCq69hfniFA

It takes all of us. Your participation helps make these programs possible and keeps Winnona Park the caring, connected community our children deserve. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to snuggle up with a good book and their favorite little reader?

• Friday, October 16th - School Pictures (individual and group) with Lifetouch AND Community Circle - First grade families AND Pizza on the Playground: Book Swap with Read-A-Thon Kickoff Friday at Pizza on the Playground (5:30 PM).

• Friday, October 16th - Friday, October 23rd - Pizza on the Playground: Book Swap and Read-A-Thon Kickoff Friday at Pizza on the Playground (5:30 PM) followed by the Read-A-Thon. See detailed information about the Read-A-Thon below.

• RSVP for Pizza on the Playground here: https://forms.gle/w1a8pa9mvaFRQTE36

• Thursday, October 22nd - Open Check-Out in the Library for Families begins. 8AM - 8:30AM and 3 PM - 3:30PM. See details below.

• Friday, October 23rd - Community Circle - Second Grade Families AND Read-A-Thon Final Lap Coffee Cart presented by Tara Pesta of Keller Knapp Realty (7-9 AM)

• Wednesday, October 28th - Early release Day. Students dismissed at 12:50 PM AND PTA Spirit Night at Raging Burrito and Jeni's Ice Cream

• Tuesday, November 3rd - Remote Learning Day. No students in the building.

• 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 - Save the Date for Thanksgiving Lunch including families.

• Friday, November 13th - Community Circle with First Grade families

• Friday, November 20th - Community Circle with Second Grade families

Open Check-Out

We love to share our library with our families. Starting Thursday, October 22nd, the library will be open from 8 - 8:30 AM and from 3 - 3:30 PM for adult check-out. Adults can check out up to five books at a time. You may come with your child or on your own although students will still need to be in class at 8:15.

Fall Book Fair

Our fall book fair will take place the week of November 9th and is a great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts! You can find all the details here on our website. If you are interested in volunteering, the sign-up can be accessed here.

Overdue Notices - First and Second grade

I just sent notices of current "check outs" to first and second grade families. If your student has overdue books, please speak to them about returning the books to the library. You can always email me with questions - sometimes books do get misplaced in the classroom and I'm happy to check.

Reading at Home

Please send a photo of your student reading at home. I'm creating a special wall in the library and the students love looking for their classmates.

Thank you !

Ilene Zeff, izeff@csdecatur.net

DHS Acting and Decatur Performs present "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, "a magical story about love, loss, friendship, and finding your way home.

Edward Tulane is a self-important china rabbit whose world changes when he’s separated from the little girl who loves him. As he travels from one home to another, Edward discovers the power of love, friendship, and having a heart. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book, this imaginative stage adaptation brings Edward’s journey to life with humor, heart, and magic. It's a beautiful adventure for audiences of all ages.

Dates: October 15-18

Location: Decatur High School Performing Arts Center
Tickets: On Sale Now! DecaturPerforms.org

For the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 17th, use promo code SAVE5 at checkout for $5 off up to two tickets! Bring the whole family and discover why sometimes the greatest journeys are the ones that change us.

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.

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 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.

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.

• READERS, START YOUR ENGINES

  Reading Racetrack cards are coming home today! Check backpacks for the card, Givebacks QR code and everything your reader needs to reach the finish line and fundraise for our school. The race begins Tomorrow: Book swap and Read-A-Thon Kickoff October 16 at Pizza on the Playground; Race into Reading Read-A-Thon October 16-23.

  Sign up to participate and start soliciting support at https://app.givebacks.gives/wpreading2026 TODAY!

  Read it yourself. Read it together. Listen to a story. It all counts!

  
  

• Pizza on the Playground is BACK!

  Join us for our next Pizza on the Playground event next Friday, October 16th at 5:30 PM! As the official launch party for Read-A-Thon (), we will have a book swap running throughout the event! So, come with some books to share (not required) and an appetite - we’ve got the pizza and drinks! Details below:

• Date & Time: Friday, 10/16 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

• Location: Pavilion and field behind WP

• Food: Pizza (a mix of toppings - veg and non-veg) and sparkling waters provided for purchase (if dietary restrictions, feel free to bring your own food!)

• Additional details: Bring your whole family and a picnic blanket and/or camping chairs to sit on

• LET US KNOW YOU’RE COMING: https://forms.gle/RnAcLDW4yvAFBiiw5

• Questions? Drop them in the link above.

• ​Coffee Cart Next Friday!

  Join us Friday, 10/23 from 7-9 AM near the pond (behind the school) for a complementary coffee cart, presented by Tara Pesta of Keller Knapp Realty. Drop your kiddo off, then come around back to enjoy a cup of your favorite!

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.