Volume 20 Issue 7 May 2014
The Wilson Word A publication of The Wilson School, Founded 1913
Expressing Gratitude
Now In Our Second Century of Excellence!
By Head of School, Thad Falkner n this final week of May, I consider the success of Wilson’s 101st school year and am immensely grateful to the entire school community. The partnership we have with parents, faculty and staff, board members, alumni, family and friends is what makes Wilson so special, and I truly believe it is what sets Wilson students apart as they graduate and move on to their secondary schools. We simply couldn’t have the school that we do without you participating in the life of this very special place, volunteering your time and giving of your financial resources.
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Second only to the first day of school, graduation is one of my favorite times in an academic year. Graduation represents the culmination of every experience our sixth grade students have had at Wilson, which for many represents nine years. As a full faculty, we often discuss the characteristics of a Wilson graduate as a benchmark for our success. The annual graduation ceremony allows us to see these aspirations come through in a very real manner for each member of the graduating class. These impressive students absolutely show traits of character, scholarship and individuality. They certainly demonstrate what a strong home/school/community partnership can realize for our youth. For this particular graduation day, I have the honor of experiencing this from two perspectives, both as the head of school and as a parent of a child in Wilson’s Class of 2014. With humility and astonishment, Amy and I have seen – directly – the Wilson Way in partnering with families. For this, I am forever grateful.
In This Issue! Head of School 1 Spring Events 2 Awards 4 Writing Contest 8 Talent Show 10 Alumni Spotlight 12 Alumni Reunion 14
2014-2015 Preview 15 Thank You to PA 16 Summer Camp 16 Scene Around Town 17 Wall of Fame 17 Calendar 18
While I will miss them here in the halls, I am confident we are graduating the class of 2014 ready to meet their next challenge. I wish them luck as they enter secondary school, and hope each of them will return to share their adventures and be leaders in their new role as Wilson alumna or alumnus in our community. In the spirit of this year’s MYMAGO (Make Your Mark a Good One) by Showing Gratitude theme, I would like to thank everyone in the Wilson community for your support. It is a privilege to be in our 101st year, in a newly renovated facility with even more improvements to our outdoor environment commencing this summer. Even more so, it is an honor to work together with all of you and with our students in providing an educational foundation that will serve them well in what lies ahead in the immediacy, and in life. 1
Spring Events
After a fun morning, students were treated to a barbecue, movie, and ice cream.
School Picnic
Thank you to the Parents’ Association for hosting this schoolwide picnic. Our current and newly enrolled families came together for a potluck barbecue and fun with inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides and balloon animals.
Buddy Picnics
Each week during the school year, older Wilson students paired with younger students come together to share in play and activities. The 4th grade and pre-kindergarten, 5th grade and junior kindergarten and 6th grade and senior kindergarten pairs celebrated a year of fun during picnic outings.
Mother’s Day Events
he spring has been non-stop fun for The Wilson School students! Our final month of school started with a chilly May Day, but we enjoyed the warmer weather concluding our academic year.
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May Day
We celebrated the rite of spring during May Day with a Maypole dance, musical performances and traditional folk dances.
Field Day
All grades participate in Field Day, engaging in a variety of fun activities, non-competitive relays and water games.
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Mother’s Day is more than just a one-time occurrence at The Wilson School! During the month of May, each class held an event celebrating mom.
Student Council Events
The Student Council hosted many fun days this spring including a PJs and Read-In Day, as well as Cardinals and Blues spirit days. Want to see more photos from these and other events held throughout this school year? Parents can check the Media Gallery at my.wilsonschool.com. These albums will be live and available for downloading through July.
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Greater St. Louis Science Fair
Student Achievement Awards
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Twelve students worked on 10 different projects to answer various scientific questions. All 10 projects from The Wilson School Science fair went on to compete at the Greater St. Louis Science fair. The following colors are used by the Greater St. Louis Science Fair to give awards & are defined as: blue = bravo, red = rock’n, green = great, white = wow. Greta (Blue) – Blue Celery: Water Temperature and Water Movement Sebastian (Blue) – Lizard Feeder Charlie (Blue) – An Apple a Day: Keeping Apples Fresh Adythia (Blue) – Improving the Mentos-soda fountain Sophia (Blue) – The Northern Lights: Magic or Space Dust? Zoe and Lillian (Blue) – The Tooth Experiment Sophie and Kate (Blue) – Leave it on! Can I do my homework with the TV on? Joey (Red) – The Color of Things Danny (Green) – Can You Sniff Out a Treat? Batu (Green) – The Color of Light
ongratulations to the following students who received recognition at the Student Achievement Awards on May 14.
Read, Right & Run
The following students participated in Read, Right & Run Marathon this year by reading 26 books, “righting” the community with 26 good deeds and running 26.2 miles over a six-month period. Batu Isabel Harper Brandon Hallie Caden Christopher William Sophie Mallory Abby
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Ryder Jalanna Chandler Lily Gerard Shawn Nicholas Eleanor Stuart Aoife Hudson
Austin Tristan Coleman Sebastian Charlie Theodore Asha Sophia Cohen Kate Will
Emily Lauren Mia Nina Oscar Deven Sofia Greta Sebastian Celia
Marilyn Ackerman Award
The Marilyn Ackerman Award is given to a sixth grade student who consistently demonstrates the characteristics of sportsmanship, fair play and participation in PE, as well as at recess and other game play. This year there were two recipients. Congratulations to Peter and Jaclyn!
Excellence Award
The Award for Excellence celebrates extraordinary teaching and recognizes efforts that significantly contribute to the success of The Wilson School. Sixth grade teachers Mrs. Charla Gray and Mr. Joe Thomas are the recipients. They are recognized for their work teaching the Civil Rights era, which culminates on a field trip to the South for the class to visit historic sites in Little Rock, Birmingham and Memphis. Congratulations Mrs. Gray and Mr. Thomas!
Destination Imagination
For the first time, this school year The Wilson School offered Destination Imagination® (DI) as an after school activity to third and fourth grade students. The Destination Imagination program encourages teams of learners to have fun, take risks, focus and frame challenges while incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), the arts and service learning. The following students participated: Matt Theodore Sophie Olivia Miles
Sebastian Will Charlie Ryder Kate
MCTM
The Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) sponsors a selective competition for fourth-, fifth- and sixthgrade students. Only five students from each grade are allowed to participate in the regional contest that consists of two written tests: concepts and problem solving. Much of the training takes place outside of the school day and over the course of three months. The following students participated: Fourth grade: Benjamin Yun Ethan Thomas Sophia Fifth grade: Caleb John Devon Zoe Madeline Isa Sixth grade: Madeline Andrew Adam Joe Alexis
Missouri Math League
Each year the fifth and sixth grade classes compete in the Missouri Math League competition. The fifth grade is a classroom contest. The top five scores in each grade are recognized with a certificate for their outstanding achievement. The top scorer receives a math book award. Certificate recipients: John Phoebe Isa Caleb Madeline
Top Scorer: Zoe
The top five scores made up the sixth grade team and were judged at the state level. A tie allowed six students to make up the sixth grade team. The sixth grade team of top scorers are: Jaclyn Adam Amelia Alexis Andrew
Top Scorer: Joe
The Wilson sixth grade finished sixth in the state!
Anthology of Poetry
The following third graders will have work in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans: Julian Olivia Reagan Ryder Stella Colin Charlie
Adrienne Tyler Gray Whitney Theodore Stuart Moxie
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Student Achievement Awards (cont.)
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd - 8th grade. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The following students participated this spring: Whitney Estelle Olivia Moxie Olivia Eleanor Nicole
Hallie Sophie Catherine Madeline Hallie Phoebe
Mia Zoe Jaclyn Camden Alexis Brooke
Math Olympiad
Math Olympiad is a national contest that consists of taking five tests throughout the year with five problem-solving questions on each test. The student’s score is the sum of his/her correct responses. In fifth grade, this contest recognizes good and exceptional achievement with a certificate of achievement. The following students received a certificate: Fifth Grade Caleb Zoe Landis Madeleine Isa
Excellence In Math
Sixth Grade Alexis Sophia Lindsey Madeleine Joe Andrew Adam
For the first time, The Wilson School entered the 36th Annual Excellence in Mathematics contest. Eight sixth graders participated. They are: Jaclyn Joe Kenneth Amelia Adam Andrew George Dias
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Let Me Run
Let Me Run inspires boys through the power of running to be courageous enough to be themselves, to build healthy relationships, and to live an active lifestyle. Let Me Run culminated when the boys ran a 5k road race. The following students participated: Peter Adam Chris Owen Michael Yun Caleb
National Mythology Exam
Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students studied before school for the National Mythology Exam offered by Excellence Through Classics. Here’s how they placed Fourth grade: Gold Medal Reid Matt Zoe Hallie Katie Benjamin Lillian Miles
Sarah Ethan Yun Thomas Sophia Josie Immanuel Kate
Silver Medal Sophie Sebastian Gared Mia Michael Kai
Fifth grade: Gold Medal Phoebe Madeline Matthew Isa
Silver Medal Zoe
Sixth grade: Gold Medal Madeleine
Silver Medal Andrew Amarah Gwendolyn
Bronze Medal Adam Hayden Caleb Owen Meg Devon Bronze Medal Camden Sophia Jaclyn Alexis Sophia Adam George
Fitness Awards
The President’s Challenge is the premier program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition administered through a co-sponsorship agreement with the Amateur Athletic Union. The President’s Challenge helps people of all ages and abilities increase their physical activity and improve their fitness through research-based information, easy-to-use tools, and friendly motivation. The following students received recognition: First Grade National Ben Caden Jasira Shawn Danny Emily Charlie Chandler Presidential Lauren 4th Grade National Matt Zoe Hallie Sophie Katie Benjamin Lillian Miles Sarah Ethan Thomas Sophia Josie
Second Grade National Clay JT Nicholas Cohen Monet Connor Sophia
3rd Grade National Olivia Moxie Eleanor Stuart Ryder Charlie Tyler
Presidential Tristan
Presidential Estelle Theodore
5th Grade National Avery Landis Zoe Phoebe Madeline Presidential John Meg
6th Grade National Jaclyn Kenneth Alexis Amarah Amelia Madeline Lindsey Gwen
Presidential Reid
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Celebrate America Writing Contest
This year, 17 fifth graders chose to enter the American Immigration Council’s Creative Writing Contest. Three students took the top three places in Missouri/Kansas chapter and one student went on to place third in the national competition. Their submissions follow.
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3rd Place (regional) By Avery A picture With many colors. New artists come, And add color to Our painting. Painting a colorful Garland, And making it More and More Beautiful. With bright, and new Colors. Teaching us Their ways of Art. Then the old artists Return the favor. To create the ultimate Painting. The ultimate painting Shall outlive all the others For the rest of time. Other paintings Are brown and dull or only have One color that they are forced To paint. Why do the searching artists come to America? They are done With being told What to paint.
Three Wilson fifth grade students received the top three places in the Missouri/Kansas chapter. One student placed third out of 5,000 entries in the national level. 8
Second Place (regional) By Madeline The Lock of America A colorful lock That has been opened By different people. They may have a different hue to their skin They may speak a different language They may eat strange-seeming food. But they are people. And they are beautiful, Just as you may be. The new people Pour out their charming contrasts Into the lock to fill out the code. It clicks With the lovely sound of freedom When it is opened. That beautiful lock Will be discovered By varying faces All admiring America’s work. And the locks of other places, Are dull, And only be able to be filled out by plain, Ordinary, People. The cultural people Filling out the America’s code Are grateful For our Beautiful, Welcoming, Marvelous, America.
First Place (regional) Third Place (national) By Zoe I hold it in my hand. The shell. I run my fingers over the ridges. Keeping it in my hand, I rest my other in the sand. Think. My mind is blank. I sit, staring at the waves coming in... Out... In... Out. When it splashes up onto my legs again, I drop the shell in the water before the waves can run back to the ocean. The waves carry it away. Back to where it originated. Running my hands over the sand, a tiny thought creeps into the empty, blank, darkness of my mind. I let it grow thinking of only that and nothing else. I wonder how many different people have walked these beaches. I answer myself in a mumbled voice. “Dad.” I remember the people my dad had once told me the story of... “They came,” he had said, “In ships taller than mountains! One after another. Each pursuing what they believe in.” “They came,” he had said, “Mixing each culture into one family of peace. Learning from each other and developing their customs to include how the others do things.” They came,” he had said, “And created America.” We walked the same roads We sailed the same seas. We love the same home. These are the reasons we are together, together as one. Each of these things are one thread of the big rope hanging over the side of the ships all those people sailed in. Each a string entwined, forming the rope. The rope we use to pull each other out of the pits we throw ourselves into. My mind is now busy. I think of what it would be like if the different cultures had not been there. What if everyone was the same, and no one knew anything different from what they had first learned? Then the rope wouldn’t even be a rope. It would just be individual strands, not strong enough to be used to help each other out of these situations. And at that moment I know, I know because I can feel it, that we are together. Together as one. And We Are America. Not the shell. Never the shell. We will always have the place where we originated. But we will not go back because this is our home, and this will always be our home. 9 We Are America.
Wilson’s Got Talent
n the final Friday of the academic year, we enjoyed 60 student acts during the Annual Talent Show. At least one student from each grade performed in front of the entire student body. The impressive Wilson School talents included vocals, violin, piano, harp, guitar, dance, skits and gymnastics.
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Alumni Spotlight: Mali Gartin
he Wilson School is pleased to have two alumni back to the school this spring. Whitfield School students Mali Gartin and Billy Gardner returned to complete their Senior Quest experience, a six-week long internship. At the completion of the project, Whitfield seniors reflect upon their experience by addressing the essential question, “What does it mean to be an educated person.” Mali and Billy will present their observations to their parents, teachers and peers at an evening exhibition. Fifth grade teacher Laurie Finkenkeller influenced Mali to return to Wilson for her Senior Quest. Describing her former teacher as “profound,” Mali hoped Mrs. Finkenkeller would help her continue forming a strong basis for language arts. “I think a lot of messages you learn in studying literature are part of what makes you an educated person.”
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During her time at Wilson, Mali helped the fourth grade produce a video for their Gratitude Assembly presentation and assisted the sixth graders in writing their graduation speeches. Spending time at Wilson allowed for Mali to reflect on her years here, and her transition to Whitfield. “Wilson stressed research and presentation skills at an early age. The lessons I learned at Wilson truly helped me be prepared for secondary school.” She has enjoyed comparing the current curriculum to that of the past. Returning to the school allowed her to remember the wooden shield she created for the fourth grade Viking project and the dolls she made for the sixth grade Egyptian unit. Mali is headed to Knox College in the fall where she will concentrate in creative writing and film studies. She plans to pursue a career in television writing.
“The lessons I learned at Wilson truly helped me be prepared for secondary school.” 12
Alumni Spotlight: Billy Gardner
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illy chose to complete his Quest at Wilson to “give back to the school which prepared me so well for secondary school.”
A strong mathematician, Billy spent time assisting the sixth graders with that subject. Working with students individually and in small groups, he concentrated on building basic skills and offering tutoring to those advancing into algebra. Seeing academics from a teacher’s perspective helped form his opinion on what it means to be an educated person. “A lot of being an educated person is presentation. In teaching it’s how you present the material and make it so that each person can understand it.” Billy found good role models in sixth grade teachers Charla Gray and Joe Thomas. He observed, “The teachers foster a community in the classroom that encourages learning in every single student and pushes them forward to excel. Every student at Wilson is a good student.”
Back in a sixth grade class room, Billy also realized that being an educated person involves a certain level of knowledge. “I haven’t looked at some of this material in seven years,” he says. “The ability to draw back and be familiar with the material was a eureka moment.” He recognized that his academic abilities have indeed expanded throughout his secondary school education. Billy will attend Hendricks College in the fall where he will concentrate in chemistry or physics with an eye towards a career as a medical professional or engineer. In the meantime, returning to his elementary school renewed his connection to Wilson. He looks forward to becoming more interested in what is going on at Wilson and staying involved. “This is a great place to be.”
“Every student at Wilson is a good student.” 13
Alumni Reunion
n Saturday, May 17, The Wilson School classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 came back for an Alumni Reunion. The current high school students reunited with old friends, reminisced about their days at Wilson and offered good wishes to retiring fourth grade teacher Roberta Goldfeder.
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Want to get involved in the Alumni Society? Email us at:
emacanufo@wilsonschool.com 14
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Looking Forward to the 2014-2015 Academic Year
hile we are busy wrapping up the year well, we also put good attention to planning for next year. We are fortunate to be in a strong position to not only retain incredibly talented professionals from year-toyear, and, when the time comes, recruit some of the best and brightest to add new capacity to our faculty and staff. Following is a preview of staffing changes we have planned for the 2014-2015 academic year.
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Upper Grades Staffing, Departmentalized Approach – For many years, Wilson has demonstrated a commitment to subject area expertise through a departmentalized approach. Next year, our staffing in the upper grades will support this at an even stronger level by adding a teaching position for social studies. Adding this position opens up a few additional spots, and we are pleased to announce the following changes:
two teachers together in preparing our students well with exceptional skills in the language arts. Fourth Grade Teaching Team – As announced earlier this spring, Roberta Goldfeder (fourth grade) is retiring after what has been nothing short of a spectacular career. In our commitment to attract an amazing teacher to team with Lisa Leuther, the school received inquiries from almost two hundred interested educators. From that pool, a robust interview process brought forth an experienced and energetic teacher. The candidate we selected is Mrs. Darla Hart, who is a former Wilson teacher moving back to St. Louis after living in Texas for five years. She has experience teaching fourth grade, fifth grade and third grade as well as being a technology coordinator. Darla’s teaching style fits perfectly with Wilson’s emphasis on classic and innovative methods, and she is quite skilled at maintaining strong rapport with students and parents. As part of the interview process, our finalist candidates came and taught a lesson to our fourthgraders. Darla was a wonderful teacher five years ago, and she has continued a trajectory of being exceptional. First Grade Teaching Team – Ms. Lauren McDonell, who was hired on a short-term basis this year for first grade, has proven to be a magnificent teacher, and one who fits so well with the Wilson Way. We are honored that she has agreed to join the School as the team teacher in first grade with Mrs. Penny Lyles. Wilson’s mission emphasizes the importance of our exceptional educators in preparing children for success in an ever-changing world. We are privileged to have the opportunity to fulfill this charge by continuing to build upon our unique staffing model and talent of our team.
Departmentalized Social Studies – Similar to when Wilson added an upper grades science specialist, we are adding a dedicated social studies specialist for the fourth through sixth grades. One of Wilson’s tremendous fifth grade teachers, Mr. Kevin McGinnis, will be in this position. Kevin is trained as a social studies teacher, and clearly demonstrates his passion and unique talent for this subject. Departmentalized Language Arts – With Kevin transitioning to his new role as the social studies specialist, this creates an opening in the fifth grade teaching team and fifth/sixth grade language arts. A Wilson teacher who has been on maternity leave, Mrs. Rachel Dixon, will return to us and team with Laurie Finkenkeller for this position. Rachel’s impressive credentials include a distinct focus on writing and reading instruction. It is exciting to have these
KEVIN MCGINNIS WILL TEACH SOCIAL STUDIES AS A DEDICATED SPECIALIST FOR THE 15 UPPER GRADES
A Huge Thank You to the Parents’ Association
Redbirds Rule!
uring early May, the Parents’ Association held Staff Appreciation Week. The Wilson School staff wishes to express our gratitude for five days of treats and fun surprises, including a golf umbrella!
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he Wilson School Summer Camp fun begins June 9th. It’s not too late to sign up!
Our youngest campers, the Redbirds, participate every day in story time, singing, creative movement, dramatic play, art and crafts and outdoor play. During the hot summer days, they’ll frolic with water games, one of our most popular outdoor activities, Bi-weekly sessions include ageappropriate themes the little ones will love, such as “Dr. Seuss,” “Bugs and Butterflies,” “Bears, Bears, Bears” and “The Farm.” For more information, visit www.wilsonschool.com. Questions? Contact mhinkebein@wilsonschool.com.
By Summer Camp Coordinator, Michael Hinkebein
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Wilson Students “Scene” Around Town
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udos the following Wilson students who, in addition to their many other activities, perform in professional St. Louis productions.
Hayden (5th grade) Dramatic License Productions’ “The Nerd” by Larry Shue May, 2014
Wilson “Wall” of Fame
s seen here in some of our most popular Facebook posts, Wilson students have been busy on field trips this spring. 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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Rexford (6th grade) The Muny’s “Seussical” July 22 - 28 The Muny’s “Hello, Dolly” August 11 - 17 Zoe (4th grade) St. Louis Children’s Choir Quarterly performances throughout the year
Is your child in an upcoming performance? Let us know! Email us at: jthompson@wilsonschool.com
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Calendar of Events
June 9
Summer Camp Begins
July 4
No Camp - Offices Closed
July 25
2014-2015 Online School Supply Order Deadline (Grades 1 - 6)
July 25
Permission Form Due
July 25
Student Data Form Due
Aug.11
Hot Lunch Deadline and Milk Orders Due
Aug. 15
Back to School Open House
Aug. 19
First Day of School
Aug. 19
Student Health Forms Due
Aug. 19
Climbing Wall Permission Due (Grades 2 - 6)
Aug. 28
Curriculum Night
Sept. 1
No School - Labor Day
Oct. 10
Parent Teacher Conferences
Nov. 7
No School - Professional Day
Nov. 26
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
The Wilson Word
Dec. 12
No School - Progress Report Writing Day
Check the Wilson School website for more dates and details:
Dec. 20 - Jan. 4
www.wilsonschool.com
Winter Break
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