West Kingston Elementary School

Weekly Newsletter for April 9, 2008
IMPORTANT DATES… Apr 9 – 3rd Quarter Ends Apr 10 – Boys Night Out Bowling Apr 14-18 – Spring Recess, NO SCHOOL Apr 21 – Yearbook Mtg, 7:30 pm, in library Apr 22 – School Comm Mtg, HS Libr, 7 pm Apr 23 – PTO Mtg 3:15 pm in library Apr 23 – Report cards go home Apr 25 – Student Recognition Assemblies Apr 30 – Gr. 4 to Providence/State House May 8 – Field Day PHYSICAL EDUCATION… “Myachi Mania” has hit West Kingston School. Have you heard of the “hulk, trampoline, neo, spiderman, lotus or the 360.” Well, if you haven’t, you don’t know about “Myachi Mania.” A myachi is a hand sack. It is very similar to a hackey sack, but it is flat and rectangular. It is great for improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time, coordination, sequencing and concentration, and it is really FUN. We have had such a great time using the Myachi in PE class. Many students asked me about buying their own Myachi. To buy a Myachi in the store or online, it would cost $7…...outrageous. I can buy them from the company in bulk for $2.50 each. I am not making any money. I am selling them for what I buy them for. If your child would like to order a Myachi, they can bring $2.50 to school on Thursday or Friday. (Financial assistance is available if you contact the school.) Please don’t think that if your child doesn’t buy a Myachi that he/she will be without a Myachi in PE class….I have one for everyone to use in PE class. I will be taking orders again after vacation for anyone who is not able to order before the break. Mrs. Shumate PTO NEWS… PTO Meeting The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd at 3:15 in the West Kingston library. Please bring a friend to the meeting as we need new faces to help plan important events for our children. Childcare is available. A GOOD PIZZA DEAL… Pizza cards are still available to support the South Kingstown High School hockey team. This card entitles you to buy any large pizza and get a second large pizza of equal or lesser value at Kingston Pizza. It is good for 6 purchases. Be sure to include your child’s name, teacher’s name, and a check for $10 made out to “South County Crush” in an envelope. Thanks for your support. BROWNIE TROOP 418 NEWS… Girl Scouts of RI and the RI Donation Exchange Program are sponsoring the 13th annual Project Undercover. Brownie Troop 418 of West Kingston Elementary is still collecting packages of new socks, underwear, pjs and diapers until May 3. These items are given to RI families in need when tragedy or difficult times strike. You can help! Please send in your donation via backpack express to be placed in the collection box in the front office. Thank you!! MINISTERIAL ROAD CLEANUP… The Ministerial Road Preservation Association (MRPA) needs volunteers of all ages for our annual roadside litter cleanup of Ministerial Road. Meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 19th in the parking lot of the West Kingston Elementary School. Trash bags and gloves are provided, as well as refreshments for volunteers. Please join us and give as much time as you can to help rid our scenic road of trash. MRPA will arrange with the Town for disposal of the roadside trash collected. Many hands are needed! Students seeking credit for community service hours and local scout troops seeking a worthy project are welcome. If anyone can make connections for this, please do so. If you are unable to participate on 4/19, please consider cleaning up the frontage along your own property prior to Saturday, in order to lessen the load. There are many areas along the road without homes that need the attention of a limited number of volunteers. Thanks for any help you can offer. For information, or to let us know you can help, email us a ministerialroad@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.ministerialroad.com. FROM THE NURSE… Food Allergy Allert Many foods on the school menu contain products that are not listed. Please be aware that numerous items contain soy. For example, meat sauce and items containing beef may contain soy crumbles; mashed potatoes may also contain soy in some form. Please note that there are a number of other menu items found to contain soy that one might not expect. It is also important to note that soy is a legume and is in the same family as peanuts. In addition, some items on the menu may contain milk and eggs in some form. For example, milk powder may not be an obvious additive, as well as whey, which is another milk derivative. Although Chartwells makes every effort to avoid nuts and peanuts, it is possible that there may be some present in the plant where the items are processed. If your child has a food allergy, it is imperative that you check with Chartwells for the ingredients present in each meal your child will purchase. You may call Chartwells at 360-1055. READING ALOUD… Article taken from “Reading Connection” “I always stumble because I read too fast.” “I’m afraid my child won’t listen to me.” “I was laughed at when I read aloud at school.” Do you have worries like these when you read aloud? You’re not alone. Many parents avoid reading aloud to their kids. However, reading aloud is one of the best ways to help your youngster succeed in school. Keep these tips in mind: * Everybody makes mistakes. If you make mistakes when reading aloud, your child will learn that it’s okay for him/her to do so, too. * Practice makes perfect. Find a book that you like and read it aloud by yourself until you feel comfortable. * Involve your youngster in the story. Have her turn the pages, or read one line and let her read the next. * Take your time and don’t rush the story. Your child can tell if you’re in a hurry. Reading slowly will help you read clearly. * As you feel more comfortable, try changing your voice to show the characters’ feelings – joy, sadness, fear. These variations can make the story more exciting for both of you! * Remember that you are helping your child learn to enjoy reading. Try different types of reading materials, such as comic strips and poetry. * Above all, try to relax and enjoy the time you’re spending with your youngster. A WALK A DAY… Article taken from “Nutrition Nuggets” A daily family walk is as great way to get your child – and you – moving. Some families take a walk after dinner. Others plan a morning walk on the weekends. For parents who are home after school, that’s often a great time to walk. Figure out the best time for your family’s schedule, and use the time to walk and talk – you’ll be helping everyone get healthier, and you’ll be spending special time together. Make the walk more fun by mixing it up: walk one block and skip for the next, or alternate walking fast and slow. You can even sneak in some learning time on your walk. For example, have your child count how many trees you pass or read the signs along the way. MUSIC NEWS… Congratulations to the band & orchestra students who represented West Kingston at the South Kingstown Performance Festival 2008. Violin – Sophie B, Tai M., Douglas B., Megan M., Fiona A., River E., Eunjin K., Wynn F., & Isaiah D. Viola – Aviana K. Cello – Cheyenne A. & Marky T. Flute – Kassie J., Jenna C., Katherine F., Tyler N., & Julia S. Clarinet – Cortney D., Christina K., & Kristin K. Saxophone – Jackie K., Matthew M., Emma P., & Adam W. Trumpet – Louis C. & Luke N. Snare Drum – Jake M. & Jake P. PBIS… The following students were recognized for following the West Kingston Hawk’s Expectations. Congratulations to: Rachel C., Seth W., Fiona F., Isabella S., Hossam Z., Lauren R., Isabella M., Christopher D., Tyler G., Sarah L., Tyshon B., Madison P., David D., Jenson T., Alex F., Trevor O., Erich L., Aria J., Sarah L., and T.J. V. Thank you for helping WK School be a respectful school. On Fridays we pull 5 names from all of those students who were recognized for the week and they are then able to pick a prize from our prize box. They were: Aria J., Rachel C., Seth W., Trevor O., and Kyle D.
· West Kingston Elementary School · 3119 Ministerial Rd · West Kingston RI 02892 · (401) 360-1130 ·

Weekly Newsletter for April 9, 2008

IMPORTANT DATES…
Apr 9 – 3rd Quarter Ends
Apr 10 – Boys Night Out Bowling
Apr 14-18 – Spring Recess, NO SCHOOL
Apr 21 – Yearbook Mtg, 7:30 pm, in library
Apr 22 – School Comm Mtg, HS Libr, 7 pm
Apr 23 – PTO Mtg 3:15 pm in library
Apr 23 – Report cards go home
Apr 25 – Student Recognition Assemblies
Apr 30 – Gr. 4 to Providence/State House
May 8 – Field Day

PHYSICAL EDUCATION…
    “Myachi Mania” has hit West Kingston School. Have you heard of the “hulk, trampoline, neo, spiderman, lotus or the 360.” Well, if you haven’t, you don’t know about “Myachi Mania.” A myachi is a hand sack. It is very similar to a hackey sack, but it is flat and rectangular. It is great for improving eye-hand coordination, reaction time, coordination, sequencing and concentration, and it is really FUN. We have had such a great time using the Myachi in PE class. Many students asked me about buying their own Myachi. To buy a Myachi in the store or online, it would cost $7…...outrageous. I can buy them from the company in bulk for $2.50 each. I am not making any money. I am selling them for what I buy them for.
    If your child would like to order a Myachi, they can bring $2.50 to school on Thursday or Friday. (Financial assistance is available if you contact the school.) Please don’t think that if your child doesn’t buy a Myachi that he/she will be without a Myachi in PE class….I have one for everyone to use in PE class.
    I will be taking orders again after vacation for anyone who is not able to order before the break. Mrs. Shumate

PTO NEWS…
PTO Meeting
The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd at 3:15 in the West Kingston library. Please bring a friend to the meeting as we need new faces to help plan important events for our children. Childcare is available.

A GOOD PIZZA DEAL…
Pizza cards are still available to support the South Kingstown High School hockey team. This card entitles you to buy any large pizza and get a second large pizza of equal or lesser value at Kingston Pizza. It is good for 6 purchases. Be sure to include your child’s name, teacher’s name, and a check for $10 made out to “South County Crush” in an envelope. Thanks for your support.

BROWNIE TROOP 418 NEWS…
Girl Scouts of RI and the RI Donation Exchange Program are sponsoring the 13th annual Project Undercover. Brownie Troop 418 of West Kingston Elementary is still collecting packages of new socks, underwear, pjs and diapers until May 3. These items are given to RI families in need when tragedy or difficult times strike. You can help! Please send in your donation via backpack express to be placed in the collection box in the front office. Thank you!!

MINISTERIAL ROAD CLEANUP…
    The Ministerial Road Preservation Association (MRPA) needs volunteers of all ages for our annual roadside litter cleanup of Ministerial Road. Meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 19th in the parking lot of the West Kingston Elementary School.
    Trash bags and gloves are provided, as well as refreshments for volunteers. Please join us and give as much time as you can to help rid our scenic road of trash. MRPA will arrange with the Town for disposal of the roadside trash collected. Many hands are needed!
    Students seeking credit for community service hours and local scout troops seeking a worthy project are welcome. If anyone can make connections for this, please do so.
    If you are unable to participate on 4/19, please consider cleaning up the frontage along your own property prior to Saturday, in order to lessen the load. There are many areas along the road without homes that need the attention of a limited number of volunteers.
    Thanks for any help you can offer. For information, or to let us know you can help, email us a ministerialroad@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.ministerialroad.com.
FROM THE NURSE…
Food Allergy Allert
    Many foods on the school menu contain products that are not listed. Please be aware that numerous items contain soy. For example, meat sauce and items containing beef may contain soy crumbles; mashed potatoes may also contain soy in some form. Please note that there are a number of other menu items found to contain soy that one might not expect. It is also important to note that soy is a legume and is in the same family as peanuts.
    In addition, some items on the menu may contain milk and eggs in some form. For example, milk powder may not be an obvious additive, as well as whey, which is another milk derivative. Although Chartwells makes every effort to avoid nuts and peanuts, it is possible that there may be some present in the plant where the items are processed.
    If your child has a food allergy, it is imperative that you check with Chartwells for the ingredients present in each meal your child will purchase. You may call Chartwells at 360-1055.

READING ALOUD…
Article taken from “Reading Connection”
    “I always stumble because I read too fast.” “I’m afraid my child won’t listen to me.” “I was laughed at when I read aloud at school.”
    Do you have worries like these when you read aloud? You’re not alone. Many parents avoid reading aloud to their kids. However, reading aloud is one of the best ways to help your youngster succeed in school. Keep these tips in mind:
* Everybody makes mistakes. If you make mistakes when reading aloud, your child will learn that it’s okay for him/her to do so, too.
* Practice makes perfect. Find a book that you like and read it aloud by yourself until you feel comfortable.
* Involve your youngster in the story. Have her turn the pages, or read one line and let her read the next.
* Take your time and don’t rush the story. Your child can tell if you’re in a hurry. Reading slowly will help you read clearly.
* As you feel more comfortable, try changing your voice to show the characters’ feelings – joy, sadness, fear. These variations can make the story more exciting for both of you!
* Remember that you are helping your child learn to enjoy reading. Try different types of reading materials, such as comic strips and poetry.
* Above all, try to relax and enjoy the time you’re spending with your youngster.

A WALK A DAY…
Article taken from “Nutrition Nuggets”
    A daily family walk is as great way to get your child – and you – moving. Some families take a walk after dinner. Others plan a morning walk on the weekends. For parents who are home after school, that’s often a great time to walk.
    Figure out the best time for your family’s schedule, and use the time to walk and talk – you’ll be helping everyone get healthier, and you’ll be spending special time together. Make the walk more fun by mixing it up: walk one block and skip for the next, or alternate walking fast and slow.
    You can even sneak in some learning time on your walk. For example, have your child count how many trees you pass or read the signs along the way.

MUSIC NEWS…
Congratulations to the band & orchestra students who represented West Kingston at the South Kingstown Performance Festival 2008.
Violin – Sophie B, Tai M., Douglas B., Megan M., Fiona A., River E., Eunjin K., Wynn F., & Isaiah D.
Viola – Aviana K.
Cello – Cheyenne A. & Marky T.
Flute – Kassie J., Jenna C., Katherine F., Tyler N., & Julia S.
Clarinet – Cortney D., Christina K., & Kristin K.
Saxophone – Jackie K., Matthew M., Emma P., & Adam W.
Trumpet – Louis C. & Luke N.
Snare Drum – Jake M. & Jake P.

PBIS…
    The following students were recognized for following the West Kingston Hawk’s Expectations. Congratulations to: Rachel C., Seth W., Fiona F., Isabella S., Hossam Z., Lauren R., Isabella M., Christopher D., Tyler G., Sarah L., Tyshon B., Madison P., David D., Jenson T., Alex F., Trevor O., Erich L., Aria J., Sarah L., and T.J. V. Thank you for helping WK School be a respectful school.
    On Fridays we pull 5 names from all of those students who were recognized for the week and they are then able to pick a prize from our prize box. They were: Aria J., Rachel C., Seth W., Trevor O., and Kyle D.

· West Kingston Elementary School · 3119 Ministerial Rd · West Kingston RI 02892 · (401) 360-1130 ·