1

In this issue: Principal’s Message 1

Assistant Principal’s Message 2

Students of the Month 3-4

Nurse and Social Worker News 5

RtI Coaches ’ Corner 6-7

Classroom Happenings 7-13

NJHS 14

Safety Facilitators ’ Message 15

Calendar 16

Dear Parents of Washington School:

It is truly had to believe we are almost at the end of the school

year. I want to thank the teachers, staff and parents for all they

have done during the school year to make Washington School the nurtur-

ing, caring, and intellectually challenging school that it is. The students

have worked extremely hard. I couldn’t be more proud!

The end of the school year always seems to arrive too quickly. The

thoughts of end-of-the year festivities, summer, and outside activities

sometimes can distract us from what is most important. Please continue to

encourage your child to finish the year strong by putting forth their best ef-

fort every day.

I finally received information from the State Board regarding the Science

State Assessments for Grades 5 and 8. All 5th and 8th Grade Students will

take the Science State Assessments on Thursday, May 12th. Please

make every effort to make sure your child is present on May 12th and on

time. Fifth Grade Students will start testing at 9:30a.m to 11:00a.m.

Eighth Grade Students will start testing at 9:30a.m to 2:00p.m. If you

have any questions about the test, feel free to call me at the school.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Graduating 8th Graders! I will miss them

as they start a new chapter in their lives.

With Much Thanks and Love,

Mrs. Dot Jeter, Principal

F r o m t h e P r i n c i p a l ’ s d e s k

Special dates to remember: 5-2 Star Testing Week

5-2 to 5-4 Fine Arts Festival 7:00p.m. at Park School

5-13 School Improvement Day: Student Dismissal at 12 Noon

5-16 6:15p.m. Music Awards Night at Lincoln School

5-17 7:00p.m. Parent Advisory Meeting at District Office

5-17 8th Grade Class Trip

5-18 8th Grade Luncheon; K-7th Grade Field Day

5-24 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony

5-25 Last Day of School: Student Dismissal at 12 Noon

WA

SH

ING

TO

N G

AZ

ET

TE

W

ashin

gto

n S

chool

–M

AY

2016

2

A Message from the Assistant Principal:

Washington School Vision Statement

The vision of Washington School is to provide each student a diverse education in a safe, sup-

portive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation, and excellence in learning.

Washington Staff Promise

The Washington School Family promises to join the parents and the community to assist the stu-

dents in developing skills to become independent and self-sufficient adults who will succeed and

contribute responsibly in a global society.

The end of the 2015-2016 school year is fast approaching! We have truly appre-

ciated all that you have done for the students to make this school year a great

success! Our students have grown academically and socially all year. We have a

number of end of the year activities planned to celebrate all their successes. Thank you parents,

staff members and volunteers for all your dedication. As the African proverb states, it indeed

takes a village to raise a child.

As the year ends and warmer weather begins, it is imperative that we continue to have your sup-

port in encouraging students to follow all our expectations– academic and behavioral. Students

are still expected to be in uniform and on time, prepared for class each day. We have many end of

the year celebrations and activities for the students; they have worked so hard this year. Thank

you for continuously reminding them that hard work pays off. Learning continues until the last

day of school, May 25th.

Thank you eighth grade parents that attended the Mandatory Eighth Grade Student/Parent Meet-

ing on April 28th. Please note that the eighth graders have mandatory graduation practices in the

Junior High Gym as well as at St. Mark’s Church. Students must be in attendance at all rehearsals

to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. We appreciate all your input and questions regarding

graduation procedures and expectations of our future high school freshmen, the class of 2020!

Congratulations to all our graduates! They have been strong student leaders and role models for

the younger students. We will miss them as they continue to be the best and the brightest!

Our Athletic Season is coming to a close. Our Track and Field Team represented Washington

School phenomenally at their meets. Thank you parents for attending our games, meets, and mak-

ing sure students had everything that was required to participate in athletics. Studies show that

those that participate in team sports develop strong character, good sportsmanship skills, gain

self-confidence and enhance their intrinsic motivation to excel. If your child is interested in

sports, please have a doctor complete a sports physical over the summer so they will be ready for

try-outs next year. We always look forward to cheering our student athletes!

I sincerely hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful summer full of exciting things to do, re-

laxation, and quality family time.

Mrs. Williams,

Assistant Principal

3

SCHOOL DISTRICT 148 MISSION:

THE MISSION OF THE DISTRICT IS TO CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS

TO REACH THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 148

Washington School

13900 School St.

Riverdale, Il. 60827

Phone: (708) 201-2078

Kindergarten

MRS. BELANGER Joshua Jones MRS. JOHNSON Emmanuel Tinner

1st Grade

MS. DAVIS Jada Hart MS. NICKS Jaylen Gross

2nd Grade

MS. SCOTT Alisia Parr MRS. JETER Jeyden Gilbert

3rd Grade

MRS. WILSON Nevaeh Smith MS. BRUSH Jaden Burnett

4th Grade

MRS. GARRETT Jamiyah Bommon MR. JAMES Taliyah Thomas

5th Grade

MS. GENCO Akela Ray MS. LAMPKIN JaKya Norwood

MS. REED Jamila Maggitt MRS. VASSER Jeremiah Davenport

Physical Education Music Art Art

MS. EAKER MR. CHENEY MR. JONES MR. JONES

K- Jada Grant

1st- Trinity Madden

2nd- Devonta Harris

3rd- Cireyah Walker

4th- Damarion Murray

5th- Tariq Thomas

K - Trinity Smith

1st - Treavon Minnion

2nd - Anaria Markham

3rd - Keondre Foster

Mims

4th - Damarion Murray

5th - Izaiah Garner

K-London Atkins

1st -Jaylen Gross

2nd -Alijah Lewis

3rd -Gabrielle Miller

4th - Jeremiah Lawler

5th -Sueyen Smith

6th -Ameena Harris

7th -Kevana Green

8th -Amelia Hand

4

6th Grade

MR. WRIGHT Jason Cooley MR. FLORES Briyanna Washington

MS. MARTIN Sasha Marshall

7th Grade

MS. JARMON Kevana Green MRS. RHEIN Farran Moore

MR. WALSH Jailyn Passmore-DeLashment MR. WELLS Jaylin Simon

8th Grade

MR. KIFFMEYER Robert Muhammad MR. ELIAS Amir Kilgore

MS. LOVEJOY Imani Bruce

MRS. MADDOX Shaunti McGuire

Male Student of the Month

Robert Muhammad

Female Student of the Month

Dariana Brown

COMPUTERS

MR. MCCARTHY

Marshaya Evans READING

ACCELERATION

MS. COBB

Jada Moore

PHYSICAL EDUCATION MRS. BLACKFUL, MR. ROBERSON

5

From the Desk of M. Konczal,

The final days of the 2015-2016 school year are fast approaching. I have enjoyed meeting and caring for your children. If your child has medication at school, it will need to be picked up. A letter will be sent home with your child with the needed information. Medications that

are not picked up will be discarded on the last day of school. If you have a child entering kindergarten, sixth grade or their freshman year in high school, they have state mandated health requirements that must be met. Letters were sent to all fifth grade students in January with needed forms for the physicals. It is not too early to schedule the doctor appointments; scheduling now can beat the summer rush at your doctor’s office. I have the needed forms available in the health office. If you are need of any forms, please contact me at 708-201-2078 extension 2397. I have noticed students not wearing their glasses as prescribed. Clear vision is an important part of

the learning process. Please make sure your child wears their glasses as prescribed. Students who

need glasses and do not wear them can develop headaches from straining their eyes to see. This

can lead to visits to the health office and time away from their studies. I have limited allowable re-

sources to help your child feel better from their headaches. If your child’s glasses are lost or broken,

please contact me. I have a limited number of vision assistance vouchers to help with the cost.

Please contact me with any questions.

Have a Happy and Healthy Summer, Nurse K

Self-discipline is the ability to be in control of your actions so you can make

positive choices that benefit you and others. To be successful, students need to

learn from their experiences and develop self-discipline, which will help them

keep their impulses and feelings from controlling them. Self-discipline is a prac-

tical skill that gives students tangible benefits in their lives and in their relation-

ships with others. Self-control is a fundamental life skill that helps students succeed, as they

learn to keep their impulses and feelings from controlling them.

As we conclude the school year, we encourage the students to be safe and practice self-

control. Remember when you are tempted to do something you shouldn't, you can: Walk

away, remind yourself why you should NOT do it, and remember and think about the conse-

quences.

Melanie Dickerson, Elementary Social Worker

Millicent Griffin, Junior High Social Worker

6

RTI Coach’s Corner

You’ve noticed that your son or daughter – or maybe all of your children – need more guidance than what

they are getting in school. Maybe their grades don’t reflect just how bright they are. Perhaps your child strug-

gles to remember all that they are supposed to do in school and at home. Or simply, you know that your child

could just do better.

They can do better! They will. You’ve come to the right place. Take a deep breath; it will be okay, really.

We have the right tools for you to guide and support your child. Make reading an important part of your

child's life. Read aloud to your child engaging books, magazines, comics. Ask your child questions about

what has just been read. (The Who, What, Where, When and Why of a story.)

* Set aside a regular time for reading with your child every day.

* Find a fairly quiet, well lit place for your child to read.

* Surround your children with reading material.

* Encourage a wide variety of reading activities. Help your child read menus, grocery lists, road signs, game

directions, the comics, or movie time listings.

* Make regular visits to your local library. Ask your librarian for engaging children's books.

* Leave notes in a lunch bag or on the refrigerator for your child to discover and read.

* Set a positive example for your child by reading and writing yourself.

Word Attack Strategies

* Use picture clues.

* Look at the picture.

* Are there people, objects, or actions in the picture that might make sense in the sentence?

Sound Out the Word

* Start with the first letter, and say each letter-sound out loud.

* Blend the sounds together and try to say the word. Does the word make sense in the sentence?

Look for Chunks in the Word

* Look for familiar letter chunks. They may be sounds/symbols, prefixes, suffixes, endings, whole words, or

base words.

* Read each chunk by itself. Then blend the chunks together and sound out the word. Does that word make

sense in the sentence?

7

In Kindergarten, we are trying to pack it all in before they become first graders! In Math, we

are working on identifying shapes that are 2D and 3D. We are also working on adding and

subtracting facts up to 5. In Reading, we are working on our sight words and practicing fluent

reading. We continue to write sentences with a capital letter and an ending mark (period, ques-

tion mark or exclamation mark). Our stories this month are Making Music and Clothes in

Many Cultures. We are continuing to study different cultures. Don’t forget to study our sight

words. This month’s words are: here, go, and from. There are some things you can work on

over the summer with your child: It is important to read everyday. You can get a library card and make it a

weekly outing to go to the library. Also, read using the sight word lists that have been sent home. Please

download any free math apps for your smartphone or tablet for your student to practice matching numbers,

adding and subtracting. Our end of the year program is Friday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m. Please join us.

Mrs. Belanger and Mrs. Johnson

RTI Coach’s Corner Continued...

Connect to a Word You Know

* Think of a word that looks like the unfamiliar word.

* Compare the familiar word to the unfamiliar word. Decide if the familiar word is a chunk or form of the un-

familiar word.

* Use the known word in the sentence to see if it makes sense. If so, the meanings of the two words are close

enough for understanding.

Reread the Sentence

* Read the sentence more than once.

* Think about what word might make sense in the sentence. Try the word and see if the sentence makes sense.

Keep Reading

* Read past the unfamiliar word and look for clues.

* If the word is repeated, compare the second sentence to the first. What word might make sense in both?

Use Prior Knowledge

* Think about what you know about the subject of the book, paragraph, or sentence.

* Do you know anything that might make sense in the sentence? Read the sentence with the word to see if it

makes sense.

Mrs. Morris, Elementary RtI/MTSS Instructional Coach

Ms. D. Wilson, Junior High RtI/MTSS Instructional Coach

8

Second Grade News We have planned a field trip to the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum for May 12, 2016; a field trip permission slip has been sent home. We will observe inverte-brates in their natural habitats and discover how rivers work. We have completed our unit on money and how people make decisions; our students have worked very hard to write opinions and give reasons to support their opinions. Next, we

will begin comparing same texts by different authors and continue opinion writing. During the summer, please reinforce writing at home everyday with proper capitalization, correct punctu-ation, and spacing. During our Math time, we will use our fact knowledge for addition and sub-traction while working on 3-digit place value. We will continue regrouping with addition and borrowing with subtraction up to 3-digits. We are always working on telling time and multipli-cation facts. Over the summer, continue to review multiplication facts with your child and practice Math problems everyday. This month in Social Studies, our focus is on studying re-gions of the United States with state projects. Congratulations to Alisia Parr and Jeydin Gilbert for being our May students of the month! Have a safe, enjoyable summer! Thank you for making sure your child is on time and at school everyday! Attendance is a key ingredient to learning in 3rd grade, too! Please have children read at least 15 to 30 minutes every night, write about everyday life, and always practice their Math. Mrs. Jeter and Ms. Scott

Third Grade News

Wow, how this year has flown by!! The progress the students have made is amazing. As the

third grade students prepare for their transition to fourth grade, our instructional focus is now on

fourth grade concepts in Reading and Math. In Reading, we are still reviewing basic concepts

such as compare/contrast, main idea, and fact/opinion, but we are adding content which is richer

and requires more in-depth analysis. In Math, we have begun 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication

and Geometry.

We are also very excited about our May 5th field trip. Permission slips have been sent home with your child. We

appreciate all of the assistance, advice and cooperation we have received from you during this school year.

Third Grade Team,

Ms. Brush and Mrs. Wilson

First Grade News

In first grade, we are very busy preparing for second grade! In Language Arts, we are learning to

read and write about informational text. Ask your child about the text features that are found in

most non-fiction books. Please remember that your child should read EVERY night. We know you

are very busy, but we can’t stress the importance of reading enough. Children learn to read by be-

ing read to. They imitate what we do when we read to them. It is critical that our children are read-

ing books that are at their reading level DAILY!!!! Be sure to take a moment to sign your child’s

Reading Log daily. This is a part of their Reading Grade. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

We are also looking forward to our Mother's Day Spa! This is the time for our children to pamper all our moms

with a massage and makeover. The spa will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 1:30pm in the elementary gym.

Please plan to attend because we don't want to disappoint the students.

Ms. Davis and Ms. Nicks

9

Fifth Grade News

As the school year comes to an end, we are exposing the fifth grade students to the sixth

grade curriculum. During this time, you may notice that your child may have homework

that appears more challenging than before. If any of these assignments prove too challeng-

ing, have your child take an educated guess and bring it back to school for clarity. The stu-

dents will be accountable for their effort only.

Fifth grade students are scheduled to be tested in Science for another PARCC Assessment before the end of

this school year. We also want to thank our parents and family members for all your support and hard

work. We appreciate your commitment this year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Genco, Ms. Lampkin, Ms. Reed and Mrs. Vasser

Fourth Grade News Fourth grade is preparing for the Big 5; Fifth Grade! We are reviewing and mastering

multiplication, fractions and adding/subtracting of multi-digit numbers. We are writ-

ing about all kinds of things. Ask your child about their opinion writing (Should a

fourth grader have a cell phone and why?) It was a great discussion.

In Reading and Social Studies, we are referring to details in stories and also forming our opinions based

on what the author says. We are learning about Native American cultures. We have also compared and

contrasted the different Native American cultures to the African Cultures and rites of passage.

Please encourage your child to read every night. Ask them questions about what they read. Each of you

have a fantastic child. It’s been a wonderful year!

Mrs. Garrett and Mr. James

Elementary Physical Education

During May Elementary Physical Education classes, students are completing all Physical

Fitness tests, as well as learning 5-a-Day Kickball and Tic-Tac-Toe Relays. The kickball

activity has all students participating: either retrieving soft kickballs, kicking and running

the bases or rolling the ball. Tic-Tac-Toe Relays involve two teams of students that attempt

to score a Tic-Tac-Toe in hula hoops placed at the opposite end of the gym. Also, Field Day for K-7 students

will take place on Wednesday, May 18th. More information will follow, but we have great activities planned

for that day as well as our awesome concession stand.

During the summer break, it is important that students are still active and exercising. Take time to go to the

park, walk, take hikes, and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

Have a Safe Summer,

Ms. Eaker

10

ART NEWS

As we approach the end of the school year, many of our Art Students are

completing projects that may be on display in the District Fine Arts

Festival. Many Junior High students are in the process of painting a

watercolor rendering of a springtime bird. Students had to select either a robin,

blue jay or cardinal to depict in a natural setting during the season of Spring. The

fourth and fifth graders are producing the same project. Grades kindergarten thru

third enjoyed celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss by creating their version of The

Cat in the Hat in watercolors. With the weather getting warmer, our Intermediate and

Primary classes have also begun designing Symmetrical Butterflies (the left set of

wings have to match the right set in colors and design). With summer approaching, I

encourage all students to enjoy and improve their Art skills by purchasing the new

breed of coloring books available at most stores. These books come in a variety of

themes and levels for every age. Using markers or colored pencils with these coloring

books can be relaxing and challenging for everyone! Have a great summer!

Mr. Milton Jones

Music News

Greetings, Washington Families!

In May, Music classes in grades Kdg.-2nd will continue learning new songs, exploring ele-

ments of music such as form, harmony, and loudness through activities that include singing,

reading, listening to music, playing instruments, and game songs. Third and fourth grade stu-

dents will continue developing their note reading skills through instrumental performance of written music,

as well as doing listening activities to learn about types of musical ensembles. Fifth grade classes will review

note reading skills using bell kits, moving toward a composition project, and learning about drum circles.

The District 148 Fine Arts Festival is the week of May 2nd at Park School.

The schedule for this year’s festival is as follows:

Monday, May 2nd —Artists’ Reception—7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3rd — District 148 Beginning Vocal Ensembles & Bands—7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4th—District 148 Advanced Vocal Ensembles & Bands—7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 5th— Various Performances from District Schools—7:00 p.m.

Did you know?

According to the Children’s Music Workshop, the effect of Music Education on language development can

be seen in the brain. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part

of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s

circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on

young minds.

Mr. Cheney

11

Sixth Grade News

In the last half of the fourth quarter, our sixth grade Social Studies class is learning about

the Civilizations of the Americas. The students will learn about the Civilizations of the Az-

tec, Maya, Inca, and a few others. The students will have a better understanding of what

the continents of the Americas were like before Europeans colonized. They are also learning about how the

culture of the Native people still has an effect in many of the parts of the Americas today.

Mr. Flores

This month your scholar will take a VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP to Peru with their teacher as their guide. They will

explore How Nature Works in Coastal Peru and it's Amazing Biodiversity of a Coastal Ecosystem.

We will join an expert scientist named Matias Caillaux, a fisheries specialist for The Nature Conservancy,

on a virtual field trip to explore the Humboldt Current Ecosystem off the coast of Peru while learning about

the area’s amazing diversity and productivity. While Peru is most frequently recognized for its rainforests,

mountains, and ancient Inca civilizations, it is also home to one of the most productive ocean ecosystems.

During this virtual field trip to the western coast of South America, scholars will learn about the Humboldt

Current—a cold water current that pushes nutrients from the deepest ocean toward the surface, forming the

basis of a unique and abundant ecosystem in which we will find a variety of sea birds, flamingos, and even

penguins!

Matias will travel by boat through an arid landscape with ancient carvings to an island that is home to

more than 30,000 sea lions at a time! Scholars will learn that the productivity of this ecosystem is not only

important to its animal inhabitants, but to the success of the region’s fishing industry as well. They will also

discover what’s being done to protect this vulnerable ecosystem—so that both people and animals can con-

tinue to thrive.

This virtual trip will be exciting and educational! Ask your scholar daily, "what have your learned so far

about Peru?" Encourage them to open their minds and explore all that they can while taking this virtual field

trip.

The summer is coming and I will send home other links that your scholar can use to take other virtual field

trips. You ARE WELCOME to join them on these learning adventures. This will serve as another way to learn

something knew in an exciting way.

Mrs. Martin

During the month of May, our sixth grade students will study Geometry. Students will build upon their prior knowledge of shapes to represent three-dimensional figures using nets to find the surface. We will also prepare for next year by studying circles and the concept of Pi. During the summer please encourage your student to visit websites like Khan Academy, or IXL math to continue working to improve their math skills.

Mr. Wright

12

Eighth Grade News

Our 8th Grade students remain busy in class preparing to enter high school in the fall. Additionally,

students are preparing for the last phase of PARCC testing, which will be the Science portion of the

test. This testing will take place early May. Please watch for further information. There are some im-

portant dates to keep in mind. Our Class Trip to Dave & Buster's will be on Tuesday, May 17th, fol-

lowed by the Luncheon & Ribbon Ceremony on Wednesday, May 18th. There will be graduation ceremony rehearsals

on Thursday, May 19th, and on Monday, May 23rd at St. Mark's Missionary Church. These rehearsals are mandatory.

Finally, our Graduation Ceremony will be at St. Mark's Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey on Tuesday, May 24th, at

11:00. Students must arrive by 10:00 and guests may enter at 10:30. Thank you for your continued support.

Ms. Lovejoy, Mrs. Maddox, Mr. Elias, and Mr. Kiffmeyer

Seventh Grade News

Seventh grade students are practicing their Language Arts skills ardently! Writing is performed daily in

their homework assignments, which entails figurative language. In the classroom, critical thinking is uti-

lized from the Literature/Grammar textbook and is intertwined with various literary and complex text.

Manuals and workbooks that emphasize different components, like vocabulary, punctuation, spelling and parts of speech are

implemented everyday. Smart Board access to higher level instruction includes videos on sentence configurations, transi-

tive/intransitive verbs, direct/indirect objects and independent/dependent clauses. Laptops are incorporated to connect Lan-

guage Arts to Social Studies by zeroing in on African American history. This has been a great year!

Mr. Wells

Welcome to May! It's hard to believe we are wrapping up yet another school year. It seems like just last week we were

working on Science Fair projects and now we are getting ready for summer vacation. Over the summer months I would like

to encourage our students to dedicate some time to exercise their brains. In addition to reading a few books over the sum-

mer, please check out this free website: www.khanacademy.org. It is a great resource for students to continue practicing all

of their subjects including Science!

Mrs. Rhein

In Social Studies, the seventh grade is learning about the many factors that led to the division of the country and, ultimately,

the Civil War. While we are covering these topics, we are incorporating comparing and contrasting, persuasive writing and

geography/map skills. We continue to follow the primary election closely as well as other current events.

Mr. Walsh

Congratulations to Kevana Green. She is my Student of the Month and a pleasant addition to the Washington Junior High

student body.

As we approach the close of the school year, please ensure that your students are completing any missing assignments and or

homework. Students need to continue writing and studying their multiplication and division facts daily. Also, they should

read at least 20 minutes every night.

Parents, please know that I have enjoyed instructing your child. Have a save and wonderful summer break.

Ms. Jarmon

13

Junior High Physical Education

The Physical Education Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Summer

Break. May all the Washington Junior High students and their families take this time to

appreciate one another and spend quality time together. Next year, please be prepared

to purchase gym uniforms. All 7th and 8th grade students are required to wear gym

uniforms. They will be available for purchase at registration in August. Also, 6th, 7th

and 8th grade students will need physicals on file if they plan to participate in sports.

Mrs. Blackful and Mr. Roberson

Reading Acceleration

Happy May! We have worked tirelessly throughout the year to make sure that our mid-

dle school students are prepared to successfully transition to the next grade level. In

class this month, we are completing a vision board. The goal of the vision board is to

serve as a visual aid in helping students to see and reach their personal goals for the

next school year! Please make sure that your 6th-8th grade student has a poster board (not a tri-fold) to be able

to complete the project.

Sincerely,

Ms. Cobb

Summer Reading Tips:

1. Read aloud together with your child everyday.

2. Set a good example.

3. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it.

4. Let kids choose what they want to read.

5. Buy books on tape, especially for a child with a learning disability.

6. Take your child to the library regularly.

7. Subscribe, in your child's name, to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights for Children, or

National Geographic World.

8. Ease disappointment over summer separation from a favorite school friend by encouraging them to become

pen pals.

9. Make trips a way to encourage reading by reading aloud traffic signs, billboards, and notices.

10. Encourage children to keep a summer scrapbook.

14

Support News!!!

Do you believe summer is upon us? We have had a very successful year. Most of our stu-

dents have shown growth in Reading and/or Math. We are so proud of their efforts they

put forth every day! In order to help them continue to make strides, we need your help.

Please have your child read every day, for at least 30 minutes. They can read books, magazines or articles in

the newspaper. Below you will find an excerpt from Reading Rockets on "Summer Reading Tips for Parents."

Have a great summer and enjoy reading with your children!

Parents should remember that children need free time in the summer to relax and enjoy the pleasures of child-

hood. So summer reading should be fun. Following are a few tips to make reading enjoyable for your children

this summer:

1. Read aloud together with your child every day. Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps,

patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship

between words and sounds.

2. Set a good example! Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of read-

ing material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his or her book, including mom and

dad.

3. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it. This is the way to develop habits of the mind

and build capacity for thought and insight.

4. Let kids choose what they want to read, and don't turn your nose up at popular fiction. It will only

discourage the reading habit.

5. Buy books on tape, especially for a child with a learning disability. Listen to them in the car , or turn

off the TV and have the family listen to them together.

6. Take your children to the library regularly.

Most libraries sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for preschool and school-age children.

Check the library calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age appro-

priate lists for summer reading.

Our last day of school is May 25th. Please encourage your children to stay focused in class and give 100% ef-

fort every day. Each school day counts and we want to take advantage of every learning moment possible!

K-3rd Grade Special Education: Ms. Huff 6th -7th Grade Special Education: Mrs. Snedden

4th-5th Grade Special Education: Ms. Weber 8th Grade Special Education: Mr. Schaub

Elementary Paraprofessional: Mrs. Boles Junior High Paraprofessional: Mrs. Ragland

Thursday, April 14, 2016 Washington Junior High inducted eight new students to their National Junior

Honor Society Chapter.

The following eight students are true examples of great Character, Citizenship, Service, Scholarship and

Leadership:

7th Grade: Bakari Clay, Lamonae Oliphant and Marcus Omar

6th Grade: Jayera Griffin, Kaitlin Robinson, Jeaniyah Rowan, Najah Terrell Walker and Amya Usher

Congratulations!! Ms. D. Wilson and Mrs. Maddox

15

Safety Tips for Social Networking

As a social medium, the Internet enables young people to stay in touch with friends when

they are physically separated from them and sometimes to meet new people who share their

interests. Social networking sites, chat rooms, message boards, and blogs are some of the

many ways this is possible on the Internet.

If a young person is socially active on the Internet, he or she is very likely managing at least

one personal profile on one or more social-networking sites which require or allow them to publicly divulge something

about themselves. While this ability is not inherently bad, there may be people familiar or unfamiliar to them who could

take advantage of this.

Parents, teachers, and others who care for young people who are socially active online should first set reasonable expecta-

tions. Forbidding young people to use social networking sites may force them to go "underground" and find other avenues

(e.g. library, computers, mobile phones, friends' computers) to continue their social life online. A positive alternative is to

teach them how to think critically about what they are seeing, reading, hearing and sharing online.

Below are some guidelines for young people to follow when they are using social networking sites, chat rooms, blogs, or

message boards:

1. Use a nick name or code name

2. Set your profiles to private

3. Keep personal information to yourself.

4. Think about what you post.

5. Keep your security software up-to-date.

6. Read between the "lines."

7. Avoid in-person meetings.

8. Be nice online.

9. Think about how you respond.

10. Be smart when using a cell phone.

Ms. McMillian, Elementary Safety Facilitator

PBIS

It is the end of the school year and we need to be mindful of how to practice the 4 B’s over summer break.

Be Respectful- There are times you are not always going to be watched by an adult. You have learned

many behaviors; some good and some bad. You never know who will be watching you. So always do what

you would do if an adult was watching. Represent yourself well at all times!

Be Responsible- Do things that make you a good student, son and/or daughter. Listen to all adults and

practice the many life skills taught to you by your teacher during the Cool Tool lessons. These are excellent

ways to practice good choice and decision making.

Be Safe- Don’t put yourself in harm’s way by doing things that you normally would not be a part of.

Follow all rules set by your parents.

Be Prepared- During the summer visit the library and pick up a good book or read the newspaper. It is

always an awesome idea to stay abreast of current events and what’s going on in your neighborhood, com-

munity and nation.

Have a Safe Summer!

Mr. McKnight, Junior High Safety Facilitator

16

Ma

y 2

016

S

un

M

on

T

ue

W

ed

T

hu

F

ri

Sa

t

1

2 S

tar

Tes

tin

g;

7:0

0p

.m.

Fin

e A

rts

Fes

tiv

al

at

Pa

rk

Sch

oo

l G

ym

3 S

tar

Tes

tin

g;

7:0

0p

.m.

Fin

e A

rts

Fes

tiv

al

at

Pa

rk S

cho

ol

Gy

m

4 S

tar

Tes

tin

g;

7:0

0p

.m.

Fin

e

Art

s F

esti

va

l a

t P

ark

Sch

oo

l G

ym

5 S

tar

Tes

tin

g;

7:0

0p

.m.

Fin

e A

rts

Fes

tiv

al

at

Pa

rk S

cho

ol

Gy

m

6 S

tar

Tes

tin

g

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 S

cho

ol

Im-

pro

vem

ent

Da

y-

12:0

0p

.m.

No

on

S

tud

ent

Dis

mis

sal

14

15

16 6

:15

p.m

. M

u-

sic

Aw

ard

s N

igh

t a

t L

inco

ln J

r. H

igh

G

ym

17 8

th G

rad

e

Cla

ss T

rip

;

7:0

0p

.m.

Pa

ren

t A

dv

iso

ry M

eeti

ng

a

t D

istr

ict

Off

ice

18 8

th G

rad

e

Lu

nch

eon

; K

dg

.-7

th G

rad

e F

ield

D

ay

;

EC

C S

cree

nin

g

9a

m -

3 p

m

19 8

th G

rad

e

Gra

du

ati

on

Pra

ctic

e;

EC

C S

cree

nin

g

9a

m –

3p

m

20

10:0

0a

.m.

Kd

g.

Cel

ebra

tio

n

in W

ash

ing

ton

J

un

ior

Hig

h G

ym

;

EC

C S

cree

nin

g

9a

m—

3p

m

21

22

2

3 8

th G

rad

e

Gra

du

ati

on

Pra

c-ti

ce

24

11:0

0a

.m.

8th

Gra

de

Gra

du

a-

tio

n C

erem

on

y

25

La

st D

ay

of

Sch

oo

l– S

cho

ol

Imp

rov

em

ent

Da

y:

12:0

0p

.m.

No

on

S

tud

ent

Dis

mis

sal

26

2

7

28

29

3

0 M

emo

ria

l

Da

y

31

17

BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 148

DOLTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

May, 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian:

If you have moved or are planning to move this summer, please fill out the bottom portion of this letter and return to the

school office by noon, Friday, May 13, 2016

All transfers will then be ready for pick up in the office on Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19– ONLY from

9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Your child may still attend until the last day of school.

* If you do not pick up your student’s transfer by these dates, the next dates to pick up transfers will be Wednesday,

June 1 and Thursday, June 2 - ONLY by appointment from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions or

concerns please contact Washington School at (708) 201-2078.

* After these dates, the next date to order and pick up transfers will not be until August. Please call the school to make

an appointment. It takes 48 hours to process a student transfer.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Dot Jeter

Washington School Principal

________________________________________________________________________________________________

BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 148

DOLTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PARENTAL PERMISSION TO RELEASE STUDENT RECORDS

Student Name _____________________________________________________ Grade _________________

I, the undersigned parent/guardian, do hereby authorize School District #148 to release my child’s records. I understand

this may include psychological, social, medical and educational information. I also understand that I can request an ap-

pointment to view my child’s records within ten days of his/her transfer.

Parent/Guardian Signature______________________________________________________

Date _______________________________________________________________________

District Personnel Signature______________________________________________________

Receiving School Name_________________________________________________________

School Address________________________________________________________________

City_______________________ State_________________________ Zip Code ____________

18