Welcome to Wheatland Elementary School

Principal's Corner

     The month of November seems to be a time of reflection for many. As I think about daily school events, there are many things that make me appreciate having the opportunity to work with an outstanding staff and hard working students. I appreciate the on-going support that you have given us as we continually discuss and fine-tune our instruction. This semester both fourth and fifth grades have been focusing on student writing and reading skills. We are constantly discussing strategies to enhance students’ strategic reading skills and finding ways to improve their written communication. I am thankful for the flexibility of our staff and eagerness to find ways to instruct all of our students in the ways they best learn. Thank you for your support of our efforts. Having strong home-school communications is important to the individual successes of our students.

     The second marking period has started off strong as evidenced by students focused and working hard in the classrooms. Conversations with students about what they are learning reflect the instruction that is happening. Many of our students have remarked how they enjoy science and mathematics. There are lots of readers too. Visitations to classrooms show teachers are posting “Must Do/May Do” lists on the boards so students know what they are expected to do during a particular subject and then they have a choice of options to select from once they complete their assigned tasks. Frequently students will select to read from their library books or novels picked from the library and classroom shelves.

Keeping Healthy

     There have been a large number of students absent from school due to illness in recent weeks. We encourage students to wash their hands with warm water and soap frequently as well as discourage them from sharing school supplies, snacks, or lunch items. Students are encouraged to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. You can help us by reminding your child not to share school items or food items during the cold and flu season. If your child is showing flu-like symptoms and you are unsure whether or not to send your child to school, you are welcome to contact Mrs. Banning, School Nurse, or your child’s pediatrician for direction. Children with fevers are discouraged from attending school until they are free of fever for twenty-four hours. Please contact the school if you child will be absent. The school number is (316) 755-7220.  Informing the nurse of your child’s symptoms is helpful when you call. 

Lost and Found

     It is amazing to see how quickly our lost and found table expands with “lost items”. While we make every effort to return items to their rightful owners, there are still numerous coats, hoodies, gloves, and lunchboxes that are added to the collection daily. Students are encouraged almost on a daily basis to check out the lost and found for any articles that may belong to them. After an extended period of time, unclaimed items are donated to a local charity. If your child is missing one (or more) of these items, please check out the lost and found. Unclaimed items will be donated during the Thanksgiving break and again at the winter break. You can help by marking your child’s name or initials in clothing articles and lunch boxes.

Late Starts in November
     The November  late start Wednesdays are scheduled for the 4th, the 11th, and the 18th.

Wheatland's November School Spirit Day

     November 20th is our pajama school spirit day. Students are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item or toiletry that can be donated to a local charity this month.  Items will be collected in each classroom and then counted to see the total contribution. For safety reasons we ask that students wear regular shoes that day so they can still enjoy outdoor recess and walk through the building without tripping.

Immunizations Requirements for 2009-2010

        The Kansas State Department of Education has updated the required immunizations that students will need before the start of school in August 2009. These are posted on the district website as well as Wheatland’s website. Please see that your child has received the required immunizations as described. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Joyce Banning at 755-7220. You can have the physician’s office fax a copy of your child’s immunization using 755-7225. Ask for the fax to be addressed to Mrs. Banning’s attention.

Fall Fundraiser
     Wheatland students who participated in the fall fundraiser will receive their prizes on November 10th.