IMPORTANT DATES…

Jan 24 – Orchestra Concert, 7 pm
Jan 26 – Spirit Day
Jan 26 – 2nd Quarter Ends
Jan 26 – Student Recognition Assemblies
Jan 30 – SIT Meeting, 3:30
Jan 31 – Roller Skating Party, 6-8 pm
Feb 5 – Report Cards Go Home
Feb 8 – NAEP Tests for 4th grades
Feb 13 – PTO Meeting, 3:15 pm
Feb 16 – Student Recognition Assemblies
Feb 19-23 – Winter Break, NO SCHOOL

READING LAB COORDINATOR HONORED…
    Carol Reppucci, district reading lab coordinator, and long-time West Kingston School reading teacher, was honored at Tuesday evening’s school committee meeting.  Mrs. Reppucci and two other South Kingstown teachers were recently notified that they have qualified for National Board Certification.
    National Board Certification is earned through rigorous study of a selected subject area following a well-defined national plan.  Mrs. Reppucci earned her certification in Literacy:  Reading and Language Arts.
    We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Reppucci working with teachers and students here at West Kingston School.  We all benefit through the expertise she gained earning this National Certification.
    Thank you, Mrs. Reppucci, for sharing your knowledge with the West Kingston School Community.  You model “Life Long Learning” for us all.

GEOGRAPHY BEE WINNER…
A school-wide geography bee competition was held at West Kingston School on Friday, January 19th at 1:45 pm   The following finalists competed:
Grade 4
Mrs. Whaley’s class - Nathan S. & Matthew S.
Mrs. Behr’s class – James C. & Byoungnam L.
Mrs. Carr’s class – Christina K. & Carly L.
Grade 5
Mrs. Nolan’s class -  Blake D. & Katherine M.
Mrs. McGrath’s class – John H. & Maab M.
Mr. Kelly’s class – Donnie B. & Omar Z.
The winner of the bee was Nathan S. and the runner-up was Blake D.  Congratulations!!  The next step will be the State Bee at Rhode Island College in April.

PTO NEWS…
Roller Skating Party
Join in for a fun night of skating with friends and family.  Mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 31st, 6-8 pm!  The PTO will sponsor a WKES family skating party at the Ocean Club in Narragansett.  Students and their parents are invited to an all-school roller skating party.  Bring your roller blades (helmets are encouraged).  There is no admission fee.  Families are asked to bring canned goods or cleaning products which will be donated to the Welcome House.  Skate rentals will be provided for those who need them.  Parents/adults are required to remain at the rink to supervise their children.  Please contact Mrs. Nettik if you are in need of transportation.  Thanks to Mrs. DeMaria for our new skating bulletin board! 

After School Art Club
The January session will continue on Wednesdays, January 24 and 31.  Look for next month’s registration form going home soon.

Spanish Classes
This session continues on Tuesdays, January 30 and February 6 & 13.

Yearbook
Our yearbook is being assembled and your photos are needed.  The deadline for photo submission is approaching, so get yours in soon.  Digital photos can be e-mailed to Deb Sprague at michaelsprague@cox.net. 
Please note:  Those who had previously sent digital photos to Deb Sprague, could you please re-send them.  There was a computer crash and she can’t retrieve the ones you previously sent.  Thank you!

Volunteers Needed for New Science Club!
The PTO would like to offer an introductory electricity/electronics after-school activity, but needs at least one additional volunteer to help our coordinator.  If you could help, please contact Dave Brown at 284-2557
(e-mail: dave@davidhbrown.us).  Volunteers will be needed to help with the class which may be held on Tues., Wed., or Thurs. from dismissal until 4:30 pm.  Volunteers will help determine the target grade level and schedule.  You do not need previous experience.  Your time and energy will help make this program happen!

Friday is Spirit Day!!!
This Friday is West Kingston Elementary Spirit Day!  Let’s all wear our school colors – red and/or black to show your West Kingston pride.  Wear a lot or a little of these colors or even your West Kingston shirt.  Go Hawks!!!

PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 13th, 3:15-4:15 pm in the Library.  Babysitting will be provided in the gym.  Hope you can join in and hear what is planned for our upcoming events.  Come share your ideas.  If you have a middle or high school student who would like to assist with the babysitting for volunteer service hours, please contact Nancy Santucci @ nasanta@cox.net by Friday, February 9th.

CHARACTER ED…
Congratulations to the following students who received the “Bee Respectful” award this past week:  Thomas C., Tim J., Justin P., Thomas C., Kelsey S., and Warren O. Keep up the good work!