IMPORTANT DATES…

Nov 23, 24 – NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving
Dec 1 –  Vendor Night, 6-9 pm
Dec 12 – PTO meeting, 3:15 pm
Dec 13 – K-5 Dental Screening
Dec 22 – Student Recognition Assemblies
Dec 25-Jan 1 – Holiday Break, NO SCHOOL

SALT SURVEYS…
Be on the lookout for the Salt Surveys which will be going home on December 4th and will need to be returned to the school by December 22nd.   It is more important than ever that people complete the survey and return it this year as this is the information that will be used in preparing for our West Kingston SALT visit by the state in April 2008.

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS…
Thanks to a new network system from the RI Broadcasters Association, all radio and TV stations will immediately broadcast any school related change to the school day.  The pre-approved district staff will make one call or e-mail and every station will receive it instantly. 

SNOW DAYS…
Please be advised that parking will be prohibited on school grounds during snow removal.  Cars parked at the school will have to be removed in order to plow the parking lots.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

C.A.R.E.S…
    CARES has your Christmas shopping dilemma solved!
    Classical 95.5 WCRI Greatest Hits Volume II is on sale at the CARES office.  This wonderful classical music CD’s net proceeds will benefit CARES.  How better to spread the cheer of the holiday season than through classical music while helping to continue all the programs of South Kingstown CARES. . . helping student’s one child at a time!  CDs are $12.00.  Please call the CARES office at 360-1304 or stop by 307 Curtis Corner Road.

Other CARES News:
    E-mentoring will begin in December at the High School, as well as after-school help one on one with high school students.  Anyone interested in helping high school students, please contact CARES.  Homework Club in the Middle and Elementary School will end for the semester on December 11th and begin again January 22, 2007.
    The third annual CARES Adult Celebrity Spelling BEE will be held on February 9th in the High School Cafeteria.  Please join the fun and field a team!  Teams are $150.00.  Call the CARES office for more information.

PTO NEWS…
Vendor Night
    Our Vendor Night is just a week and a half away!  MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Friday, December 1st 6-9 pm.  This is sure to be a fun night to shop for holiday gifts or something special for yourself.  We have a great line up of 26 vendors which include handmade cards, specialty chocolates, a wonderful selection of handmade unique jewelry, Wild Tree Herbs, Pampered Chef, pocketbooks, hand painted art work and much more!  PTO will also have a raffle of items donated by our vendors and some additional treats including a painting valued at $400.  HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
    We’ll also have a sale of basked goods and apple cider for you to enjoy at Vendor Night.  Have a treat there or take something home for the family.  If you’d like to donate a baked good, please drop it off at the school Friday, Dec. 1st during school hours.

Mascot
Our sincerest thanks to Lisa DeMaria (WKES 1st grade mom) for designing our new school mascot.  Our sneaker wearing, smiling hawk made his first appearance on our Hawk-a-thon bulletin board.  He is a fun addition to our school.

Hawk Gear
Our Fall Hawk Gear sale is underway.  The Gear will feature our new mascot.  Hawk Gear orders were due Tuesday, Nov. 21st.  We have extended the deadline to Tuesday, Nov. 28th to give everyone interested a chance to return their orders.  Don’t miss out!  Delivery is expected in early December.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Fogarty at 782-1919 or Deb Sprague at 792-9131.

Afterschool Art Club
Sign up forms for our December Art Club are going home today.  The December session will be held on Wednesdays, Dec. 6 & 13 with Laurie Andrews.  This month’s theme is decorating a treasure box or frame and a professional quality card that may be used for holiday gift giving or just a treat for yourself.  Registration forms and a check payable to WKES PTO in the amount of $18 must be returned by Thursday, Nov. 30th.  Please contact Mrs. Nettik if you are interested in financial assistance.

Shopping/Gift Cards
Our shopping card order has been submitted.  Delivery is expected in early December.  Watch backpacks for a schedule of pick up times.  Please remember that the person who writes the check to pay for the cards must pick them up (with ID) on the distribution date.  Thanks to so many for participating in this project.  Please contact Trisha Angeli at 783-7889 or Patty Reardon at 789-5111 with any questions.

PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 12th, 3:15-4:15 pm.  Babysitting will be provided in the gym.  If you have an older child who would like to babysit at this meeting to earn community service hours, pleased contact Nancy Santucci at nasanta@cox.net.

Cultural Arts
The PTO will sponsor a cultural arts performance for all students on December 12th.  The Whompers ensemble from the RI Philharmonic will present a lively and colorful educational program that illustrates the history and development of folk music in the United States and Europe.  This performance is made possible by your donations to PTO fundraisers.  Thank you!!!

Celebration Book Club
The Celebration Book Club is an on-going book fundraiser for our school library.  It is a great way to celebrate a special birthday, holiday or special achievement or event in your child’s life.  Flyers were distributed via backpack.  Be sure to send yours in if you would like to participate.

Hawk-a-Thon News
Once again a big thanks to all who donated. 
Hawk-A-Thon Fun Facts

• Raised approximately $6,500 for our school!
• 336 children participated
• Over 50 parent volunteers came to help and cheer on our children
• A total of 5,777 laps were completed totaling over 960 miles!
• The average number of laps completed by a child was 17, equaling over 2 ¾ miles
• The most laps completed by a boy were 34
• The most laps completed by a girl were 27
• The class bringing in the most money totaled $598!!!

CHARACTER ED…
Tips for Developing Children with Good Character
It is essential that parents, caregivers, and teachers work together to promote children’s ethical values as the basis of good character.  Children follow by example.  Make sure you are a good role model for the children in your care.  Here are a few ideas:

1. Trustworthiness – Be honest and truthful around children.  Make choices that are honorable even when it is difficult.  Show that you are dependable by doing what you say you will do.
2. Responsibility – Carry through with your duties and obligations.  Show that you are reliable in both your words and actions.  Take care of your own belongings and the belongings of others.  Be accountable for the things you say and do.
3. Fairness – Value others regardless of their differences.  Treat everyone equally.  Listen to the ideas and opinions of others.  Demonstrate good sportsmanship.  Work to change things in your community that are unfair.
4. Caring – Be considerate and kind to others.  Don’t gossip.  Develop a happy, friendly attitude.  Eliminate profanity from your language.  Help others when needed.  Find ways to give praise and compliments often.
5. Respect – Show that you have high regard for those in positions of authority.  Value the opinions and ideas of others.  Find ways to resolve disagreements in peaceful ways.  Demonstrate ways to be polite and have good manners.  Show your appreciation.
6. Good Citizenship – Be lawful in all that you do.  Volunteer to help family, neighbors, and worthy causes.  Work to keep your school and community safe, clean, and free from litter and graffiti.  Demonstrate your love for your country.