Volume 20 Issue 2 October 18, 2013
The Wilson Word A publication of The Wilson School, Founded 1913
Why Wilson?
Now In Our Second Century of Excellence!
In This Issue!
By Head of School, Thad Falkner n less than a month we will hold our annual Open House for prospective families. As the School readies for this event, it causes me to reflect on the question, “Why Wilson?” This, I believe, is a wonderful topic for our current families as well. The heart of the answer begins in one simple word from our mission, Nurturing.
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The Wilson experience starts with each student feeling known, a dynamic even more impactful than only knowing one another’s name. Truly understanding and appreciating each child allows our exceptional educators to direct our team-teaching model toward a tailored learning experience that both challenges students toward ever-higher levels of excellence and strongly supports them in areas for growth. Our students respond to Wilson’s nurturing environment with joy and self-assurance. We see this every day, from the first children to greet Mr. Jerry with an enthusiastic “good morning!” at the door each morning. We see it when,
Why Wilson? 1 PA Message 2 Admissions 4 Auction News 5 Fire Prevention 6 Music 7 SK Explorations 8
3rd Grade Art 6th Grade New Staff Wilson “Wall” Calendar
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for example, a sixth grade student stops in the hall to help a pre-kindergartner tie his shoe. Or, that great moment when two buddies exchange a big wave across the gym in assembly. We also see countless examples for our nurturing environment in the acts of kindness and generosity of our Wilson community. From the newly renovated facilities from the Capital Campaign to our most recent and beloved cushion on our front foyer bench, hand-sewn by PA President, Mary McKown. These and many more are the reasons why your child comes to school smiling and leaves each day having learned something meaningful. And this is “Why Wilson” provides the experiences that shape a foundation for happiness and success in life. 1
GRATITUDE
If your child’s birthday is honored on the Birthday Bulletin Board, it is because Tiwi Rush organizes an army of people to get it done. If your child attended Cosmic Bowl, scored some (many) glow in the dark “jewelry” pieces, and consumed untold quantities of pizza, it was because Sally Gelfman and Lysa Sayad took the lead. If your birthday party gifts look fabulous, it is because Heather Akred and Renee Dufner provided you the opportunity to support your school through the Innisbrook wrapping paper sales. If your family enjoys a day with the Rams, Blues or Cardinals, it is because Keith Fuller takes the lead.
By PA President, Mary McKown f you were able to attend the Fall Parents’ Association meeting, you were privileged to witness an adorable troupe of Student Council Representatives enter the gym and articulate this year’s MYMAGO theme: GRATITUDE.
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Within our Wilson community, you don’t have to look far and wide to find something for be grateful for. So many dedicated parents work tirelessly in so many different ways as they support the children, staff and administration of the school. If your child attended a back to school class function, it was because a parent organized it and made it happen. Reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends, and celebrating a new school year were possible because of parents’ efforts. If you received a yearbook chronicling last school year, it was because Shelly Edwards, Abby Goldberg and Wilson staff members worked together to create a treasured document. If your child went “shopping” at the Scholastic Book Fair, it was because Rachel Rose and Angela Zeng led the effort.
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If you are easily able to communicate with your child’s class via e-mail, it is because Christine Moody organizes the Yahoo e-mail groups. If your child started the school year with supplies delivered to the classroom, it was because Monica Witherspoon organized the process. If your child will soon sport their Wilson pride by wearing new Wilson Wear items, it is because Melinda Bierman and Megan Philip lead the process. If you able to unload some unwanted books and go shopping for some bargains, it is because Sarah Griesbach and Jim Gueck are heading up the Used Book Sale. If our beloved Wilson staff is showered with expressions of appreciation, it is because that effort is lead by Shelly Edwards and Rachel Rose. If you get to be enlightened at a Speaker Series event, it is because K.C. Merce and Monica Gunther take a leadership role. If your family enjoys a good bounce house and freshly grilled burger at the School Picnic, it is because Clare Brady organizes it. If your child’s art is forever captured on a mug, t-shirt or mousepad, it is because Christine Moody leads the effort.
If your family gets to experience a fun-filled and multifaceted book sale at Barnes and Noble, it is because Kerri Hartmann and Elaine Moss get it organized. If you get to attend and support the school at a lovely and festive event called the Thistle Auction, it is because Lisa Christenson, Melissa Greene, Devon Fischer work tirelessly with staff throughout the year to make it happen. And supporting all the leadership efforts mentioned above, are the MANY people who volunteer to assist those leaders and answer the call to do what they can and provide so much for our community.
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Welcoming Our Prospective Families
By Director of Admission, Laura Hartung
his is such a great year for The Wilson School, and our public Open House is going to be the best ever. With new students added to almost every class and a strong opening day enrollment, interest continues to grow among prospective Wilson families and the public at large.
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On Saturday, November 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wilson will open its doors for all to see the exciting improvements that have been made, which support Wilson’s longstanding educational excellence! Some new and fresh changes will be made to the format for our visitors as well as our volunteers. Support and assistance is needed from current Wilson parents, trustees, sixth grade volunteers and recent alumni. The public Open House is a very important event for recruiting new families, and the assistance of current Wilson families is invaluable. Prospective parents are also invited to call in advance; however, an RSVP is not required. Please call, stop by the Admission Office or email Laura Hartung (lhartung@wilsonschool.com) if you would like to participate.
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Ski School
hether you frequent the bunny slope or the black diamond run (or maybe you never make it out of the lodge!), here are a couple pointers for the upcoming Après Ski Thistle Auction on January 25 at Palladium St. Louis:
Don’t be left out in the cold! Join us for the fun (and fundraising) of Après Ski!
Watch for your mail for information and creative ideas on donating items and placing advertisements in the auction program. Procurement and advertising forms will also be available on Wilson’s website. You don’t have to be Lindsay Vonn to be an Après Ski star: Help make the auction a giantslalom success by underwriting, donating or advertising! Deadline: November 15
Linda Noel Lisa Christenson Melissa Greene Devon Fischer
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Questions? Contact any member of the Ski Patrol through the auction email (auction@wilsonschool.com).
Did you think “classic and innovative” was limited to your child’s classroom experience? Think again! This year’s Thistle Auction will embrace both, with traditional favorites -- like class baskets to bid on and live music to dance to – as well as the brand new: the introduction of Bidpal, which offers electronic bidding from a mobile device or smartphone. Think of Bidpal as your new, cutting-edge pair of skis!
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Fire Prevention Week Presentation
ctober 7th-11th was Fire Prevention Week, and the friendly firefighters from the Clayton Fire Department stopped by to give our students a presentation on Fire Safety. PK, JK, 1st and 2nd Grade enjoyed learning about the different tools the firefighters use, exploring the fire truck and checking out the protective gear the firefighters wear. Many thanks to the Clayton Fire Department for coming to Wilson!
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Music
By Music Teacher Rebecca Donaldson
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ll students at Wilson are involved in the music program and have been very busy so far this year.
Fifth and Sixth Grade students are working on a musical entitled Soup for the King featuring music by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. Students have been learning instrument parts, rehearsing songs and scenes during music class. Upcoming will be set and costume projects, dress rehearsals and final production touches. Fourth Grade students are continuing their recorder work and building music reading skills. They are singing ballads this year and are already familiar with the traditional ballads Johnny Appleseed and The Ballad of the Fox. Fourth Grade Drum Ensemble is off to a strong start. All fourth grade students participate in this percussion ensemble. The students are learning new instrument techniques and are developing the ability to play well in a complex ensemble setting. Third Grade students are beginning their recorder studies with vigor and enthusiasm. We are working on tone production and reading music while playing an instrument! Third and Second grade students comprise the Junior Choir and have really enjoyed learning new songs thus far! Second Grade students are reviewing xylophone technique and learning to play simple accompaniments to some songs. We have reviewed rhythm and melodic concepts from first grade and are beginning to add new concepts to their music reading vocabulary. First Grade music is full of activity! Ear training, rhythm and beat exercises, pre-reading activities, movement and song keeps the class busy each time. Last week, first grade students were introduced to the xylophones. They are learning mallet technique and the many possibilities for making music on these instruments. They are writing their own compositions to demonstrate their newfound knowledge.
Mark Your Calendar!
The Fifth & Sixth Grade Musical will be Wednesday, November 20 at 9 a.m. and again Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m.
SK students have been learning many new songs and are beginning to learn simple folk dances as well. They are learning longer songs and continue to sing songs that allow for students to make up new verses! JK is singing songs that can be personalized as well as songs with sequences, or several verses. Movement games and rhymes help keep us very busy! PK students are learning about speech, song and movement in a group setting. Students listen to and sing songs that talk about everyday things like sounds, toys, people, transportation and imagination... some of the songs are just silly!
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Senior Kindergarten Explores Their Neighborhood By SK Teachers Michael Hinkebein and Mary Jaeger enior Kindergarten started off the year exploring habitats and neighborhoods. In September, we focused on animal habitats and how something as simple as a tree can be a habitat for a variety of different animals. First, we made a tree out of cardboard boxes that we used as a springboard to talk about how different animals might use it to fulfill some of the requirements for a good habitat: water, food, and shelter. For example, a bear might use a large tree with a hole in it to hibernate during the cold months, and it also might provide a warm and safe place to raise their cubs. The bear may also eat some of the fruits or nuts that the tree may bear (ha ha).
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Raccoons may use a smaller hole in the tree to shelter them from the cold and from predators. We learned that these nocturnal animals are omnivores that will eat just about anything they can catch or find, on in or around the tree: nuts, fruits, insects, small mammals or reptiles. Owls were the third animal we studied with the tree habitat. An owl uses the tree as a home but also as a launching pad for an aerial attack on unsuspecting prey that they feed on. They may also use the tree as a place to lay their eggs We also learned that a tree provides a lot for us: food, wood to make shelter, clean air or just a comfortable spot to read. We concluded our study of habitats with a field trip to JFK Memorial Forest in Forest Park to see how a rotting log can provide a habitat for some of the smallest creatures such as worms, pill bugs, centipedes, spider and a variety of other decomposers. 8
Our study of decomposers continues with a Science Challenge that looks at how fruit decomposes or rots. Our Science Challenges, “Something Rotten,� were hung in the hallway outside the SK room. Students brought in sealed bags with pieces of fruit that has been cut and left out in the air for at least an hour then placed in a sealed bag. Students will be making observations of the fruit for 14 days and taking notice of changes in color, shape, moisture and any other change than might occur.
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3rd Grade
By 3rd Grade Teachers Carolyn Cady and Mara Goldschmidt hat a great start we’ve had in third grade! Students have been busy reading, writing, exploring, interviewing, and more. We are beginning new units in many subject areas.
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In literature, we have begun our first novels unit. Students chose between The Whipping Boy, No Flying in the House, Dexter the Tough, and Clementine. Students meet twice a week in their literature groups to discuss how the book is progressing and make predictions of what is to come. In addition to discussing content and literary elements such as setting, characters, and theme, students also learn new vocabulary. Using their dictionary skills, third graders look up new words and also practice writing creative sentences containing the word. At the end of the unit, all vocabulary from the book is practiced, reviewed, and discussed. It’s always fun to come across literature vocabulary words in other types of text throughout the year. So far, third graders are really enjoying their books and have a plethora of great ideas to share!
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Students are also starting a new unit in science. We have just finished covering the process skills that are necessary to plan and complete a fair test experiment. Everyone has enjoyed making predictions and seeing if they come true! Next up in science is our plant unit. Third graders have begun exploring the trees that border our campus and are becoming experts on identifying the trees in our neighborhood. We are in the midst of our communities unit in social studies. Third graders have been interviewing a primary source about a community that is outside of St. Louis. In technology, students are putting together a visual presentation that will be shared with their classmates at the end of the unit. We’re all looking forward to learning new information about places all around our world! At long last, third graders are getting ready to begin cursive! We have finished reviewing the D’Nealian printing letters. Students have looked forward to this moment all year!
“We certainly are grateful for the memories we’ve made so far, and are looking forward to many more to come!”
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Cardboard Creations in Art Classes
By Art Teachers Diane Signor (PK-1st) and Mary Beth Tipton (2nd -6th)
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n art, students are exploring using recycled materials in their artwork. As seen below, the artwork ranges from props for the Fifth and Sixth Grade musical to arcades for our recent Wilson Cardboard Challenge. Throughout the school year students, will revisit the endless creative possibilities of recycled materials and learn about various artists who use recycled materials and found objects. Stay tuned for the next installment of amazing student projects, including sculptures and collages!
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6th Grade
By 6th Grade Teachers Charla Gray and Joe Thomas
he Class of 2014 is off to a productive and exciting sixth grade year. They are working hard in all subject areas. In social studies, soon they will be concluding their study of archaeology. This course of study has included an overnight trip to the Center of American Archaeology in Kampsville, Illinois. Here they experienced a variety of outdoor activities including a creek walk, pottery making, fire starting, flintknapping and a camp fire. Stopping at the Finn Inn for lunch on the return to school was a fun experience for all – each table had a freshwater aquarium in which they could view some of the fish who swim in the Mississippi River!
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Currently students are presenting reports about different archaeological sites around the world. How we wouldn’t like to visit these sites in person, but learning about them from their peers has been both informative and interesting. Once the archaeology unit is complete, students will study Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece before the holiday break. Sixth graders are not only enjoy field trips but have worked to contribute to the cost of their Civil Rights trip in March. During the Cardboard Challenge on the 5th of October, student sold doughnuts, juice, coffee, water and pizza. They worked in shifts manning the money box as well as serving their guests. When not selling, they volunteered their time and effort to helping in the Imagination Station and Arcade areas. Sixth graders are also busy preparing for their musical, Soup for the King, which they will perform on November 20th and 21st. They are learning their lines, practicing their musical instruments, and they all are conscientious in their efforts to make this production successful! Upcoming date to remember: Morning Math begins Tuesday, October 22 at 7:35 am.
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Wilson Welcomes New Staff! Elizabeth Macanufo Development Coordinator
Wilson “Wall” of Fame s seen here in some of our most popular Facebook photos this month, Cardinals Fever has taken over at The Wilson School! If you haven’t already, visit our Facebook page to get a daily glimpse of life at Wilson and share with your friends and family.
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lizabeth Macanufo joins us as our new development coordinator. Elizabeth has more than a decade of experience in development, event planning, alumni relations and communications. Most recently, Elizabeth held the role of communications manager for The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, the country’s leading organization for promoting diversity and inclusion in American business. Prior to joining The Consortium, Elizabeth filled the roles of alumni relations coordinator at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and community awareness coordinator at St. Patrick Center, a social services agency. Elizabeth lives in Maplewood with her husband, James, four year-old son Jonah, and one year-old daughter Ada. Together they enjoy exploring playgrounds and hiking trails in the St. Louis area and cooking adventurous meals. Occasionally she still finds time to read a good book.
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Calendar of Events
The Wilson Word Check the Wilson School website for more dates and details:
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Oct. 19
Trivia Night
Oct. 23
Assembly - BBC
Oct. 31
Morning Coffee for Parents
Oct. 31
Halloween Assembly & Parade
Nov. 3
Wilson Day at the Rams
Nov. 7 &8
No School – Faculty Professional Days
Nov. 9
Public Open House
Nov. 13
Assembly - BBC
Nov. 19
Board of Trustees Meeting
Nov. 20 & 21
5th & 6th Grade Musical
Nov. 22
Fall Festival
Nov. 27
Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Nov. 27
Noon Dismissal
Nov. 28 & 29
No School - Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 11
Morning Coffee for Parents
Dec. 11
Assembly - BBC
Dec. 12
Wilson Night at the Blues
Dec. 13
No School - Progress Report Writing Day
Dec. 13
Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Dec. 20
Noon Dismissal
Dec. 21
Winter Break Begins