Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

Happy almost May Day!

Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MON

Audiologist to screen hearing in Rm 22. Shaina to support

Dr. K offsite

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Violin in the Library 2:30

TUE

Dismissal 1:35

Staff Mtg in Rm 24: Cultural Arts Passport $ at 2 followed by the Matrix one at a time in Dr. K's office

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

WED

SSPT 2:45

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

THU

May the Fourth Be With You Day!

Prospective Parent Tour 8:30 in the Auditorium

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

FRI

Principal for a Day: Alejandra Woodhams-Roberts

Assembly in the Quad 8:05-8:20

    Ms. Webster's class to lead the Pledge

    Performer(s) Maren, Lucy and Co. "Old Town Road"

Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal in the Wildlands 8:25

Fire Drill 10:30

Greenspace Tour 1:00-1:45. LAUSD shows off our Greenspace to 15 visitors

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Violin in the Library 2:30

Walgrove Yearly Calendar

Assessment Calendar

PD Calendar

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

Thank you to all those who made the 6th Annual Monarch Fest such a beautiful experience -- and on the 10th anniversary of the Wildlands! Food truck, picnicking, face-painting, scavenger hunt, garden tasting tour, lemonade stand, farmers market, craft tables, Ms. Zeena, four UCLA Gluck Fellows who performed opera and musical theater, the Walgrove Dad Band, open-mic and so much more!

For more photos (and videos), visit the Friends of Walgrove! Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/103083729731928

Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

TUE

Pajama Day

State Testing 8:30-12

ELPAC Testing make-ups

Staff Meeting/PD 2-3:00 in Rm 24 

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

WED

State Testing 8:30-12

ELPAC Testing make-ups

SSPT 2:45

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

THU

State Testing 8:30-12

ELPAC Testing make-ups

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Discipline Do's and Dont's Workshop for Parents 7pm

FRI

Assembly 8:05-8:20  Chin and Mazariegos' classes to lead the Pledge; Ivy and Zoey to perform

Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal 8:30 in Dr. K's office. Topic: Cultural Arts Passport program (plus any other topics brought up)

Ms. Danielle's class on a Field Trip

State Testing 8:30-12

ELPAC Testing make-ups

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

Violin in the Library 2:30-3:15pm

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Walgrove Yearly Calendar

Assessment Calendar

PD Calendar

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Tentative Matrix 2023-2024

 

Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Thank you to all those who have so far come to volunteer this weekend, as we work to rein in a bit of the rain-soaked wild in the Wildlands and prepare campus for next weekend's Monarch Fest.

There is still time to volunteer this weekend!

We welcome volunteers tomorrow from 9-2.

Come and weed, then at 11:00, head on over to the Book Jewel in Westchester for Zeena and Mr. G's event where some of their kiddos will read aloud poetry around the themes of Earth-Day and climate-activism. That event starts at 11:30. Afterward, if there is still time, come back and weed some more or otherwise move the Earth!

Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MON

5th Grade Field Trip to Mark Twain

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

Violin in the Library 2:30-3:15pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

TUE

State Testing 8:30-12

Staff Meeting/PD 2-3:30 in Rm 24

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Ms. Zeena's book and photo exhibit (photos of Eqypt) at the Venice Library 4pm. 

This is the official launch date of Zeena's book! Woot!

WED

State Testing 8:30-12

Dr. K at Principal Meeting at Pio Pico

SSPT 2:45

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

THU

State Testing 8:30-12

LAUSD Gardeners at Walgrove

LSLC and SSC 3:00 and 3:30 in Dr. K's Zoom Room. 

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

FRI

Assembly and Prospective Parent Tour 8:05-8:20 

Ms. Luis' class to lead the Pledge; Mia, Alejandra, Grace and Parker to perform

Prospective Parent Tour 8:00-10:00 (tour will only visit classes that are not testing)

State Testing 8:30-12

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

Violin in the Library 2:30-3:15pm

Musical Theater Schedule in the Auditorium per Mr. Donzell

Walgrove Yearly Calendar

Assessment Calendar

PD Calendar

SAT

The Walgrove Monarch Fest 11:30am - 3pm

Performances by UCLA's Gluck Fellows, The Walgrove Dad Band, and an Open Mic! If interested in performing at the Open Mic, sign-up here!

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Important Gifted and Talented Info and Deadlines

Dear Walgrove Families, 

While teachers, parents and administrators can refer students to Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) ALL YEAR LONG, in the Spring, there are deadlines to ensure students will be considered THIS YEAR in time for next year. 

Tomorrow is the deadline to refer students in the category of Intellectual Ability (IA). If you think your child is in the top 1% of intellectual ability, please complete Attachments C and E of this document and return to me FRIDAY, APRIL 14. Please return by email (not hard copy) so it is easy to track as it progresses through the system. andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net

Wednesday is the deadline to refer students in the category of the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). However, Wednesday is a hard deadline for a packet I have to add to the referral. Therefore, if you would like your child to be designated Gifted in one of the Visual and Performing Arts this year, please complete the appropriate attachment of this document depending on area of special skill and return to me by MONDAY, APRIL 17. Please return by email (not hard copy) so it is easy to track as it progresses through the system. andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net

If you choose one of the Visual or Performing arts, then the District will invite your child to audition or draw live on May 20 or thereabouts. Details to be included in the invite. 

If you choose Creativity or Leadership, then your child will need to submit a portfolio. Once you submit your referral to me, the District and/or I will share info regarding the portfolio. 

Remember, you can refer your child (and teachers and administrators can also refer your child) all year long, every year, throughout your child's K-12 experience. You need not heed this single call. 

This particular plea is intended for those in grade 5 or others for whom time is of the essence in terms of qualifying for next year's school if that school is an SAS, magnet, gifted or similar school. (Though, to qualify for most of these schools, one need not be formally designated "Gifted." There are ways for me to vouch for your child's problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills and overall capacity to perform above grade level.)

Questions? Come to the next Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal or call, text or email. 

Also, read more about the various GATE categories and the ramifications of being designated GATE. 

Dr. K: (323) 363-1934 andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net 

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Zeena's New Book!

Our very own TK-K teacher magnifique, Zeena Pliska, has a second children's book coming out! 

That's right, and it is called "Egyptian Lullaby."

Ms. Zeena has two exciting events related to this new book and to her work:

Sunday, April 16 11:30am - "Celebrate the Earth with Poetry." Ms. Zeena's and Mr. G's classes, which have been collaborating all year on a climate activism project, will be represented there. 

Sunday, April 30, 11:30am - Author's reading and celebration of the book's release.

Both events are at the Book Jewel in Westchester 6259 W 87th Street, LA, CA 90045

Ms. Zeena's book "Egyptian Lullaby" sprang from her experiences as a child in Egypt.

Ms. Zeena's first book called "Hello, Little One" emerged from Ms. Zeena's imagination during her work with students (and other monarchs!) at Walgrove!

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Safety and Behavior Expectation Reminders

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

So that we are all on the same page, here are a few reminders of routines and behavior expectations:

Pick-up and Drop-off gates are not assigned (were during previous years but not this year) but are recommended: K-1 and Alt  Curriculum on Morningside; Grades 2-3 on Walgrove; and Grades 4-5 on Appleton. I recommend the same pick-up and drop-off gates. The STAR Gate is on Walgrove by the Auditorium and Cafeteria. We display our Lost and Found there daily from 2:30-6. 

In the morning, I supervise students who arrive between 7:30 and 8:02 in the Quad. All students who are not being watched by their parents (or teachers) should be in the center of the Quad under or very near the comforting protection of the canopy. That way, I can keep my eyes on all and more greatly ensure everyone's safety. Please remember to refrain from standing or sitting on tables, climbing the trees, benches (or buildings!), or playing tag or soccer (or other ball games) in the Quad. Many students have PE right after breakfast so that is a great time to get out all wiggles. 

Teachers manage Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) because that is State policy. Currently, most teachers bring their students to the Cafeteria where teachers are technically legally required to also add instructional components, since the State rule is that BIC happen during instructional minutes. Schools where 20% or more of the students qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch must have a BIC program. Teachers and their parent volunteers are responsible for teaching students to clean up after themselves and, when that is only somewhat successful, to clean up after the students. We work hard to not instead teach or model for students how to make a mess and then just walk away :)

During Lunch, K-1 eats in the Quad, and 2-3 and 4-5 eat in the Cafeteria. Once kids get their lunch, whether brought or sought, they sit and eat for the duration. They don't get up to fill water bottles in one location, toss trash in another and/or pick up forgotten things in yet another. If they need to use the restroom, Ms. Socorro or other supervising adult will escort them. This mindful practice prevents kids from getting up and running around (and getting up again and running around again), which becomes both a safety hazard and puncture of the calm. As you know, we have a large number of students with sensory challenges. Keeping things orderly and calm helps so many kids in many invisible ways. Also, we strive to develop skills, such as planning ahead, deferring gratification, socializing, and more.

Please refrain from running, skating, biking, scooting, engaging in martial arts, and/or ball games in the Quad or Cafeteria for safety reasons. Please save the running and ball games for the yard, and the biking and scooting for the yard on weekend Volunteer Days. 

All students who are in the Wildlands or Garden should be with their teacher. The Wildlands and Edible Garden are learning environments. In the past (and this year) students have tried to catch lizards or bugs or to otherwise interfere. It is important that students explore alongside adult stewards of nature so they may also become stewards of nature. 

All teachers teach lessons in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) each and every day. Most do Council daily, as well. We use Council as a way to resolve conflict. All staff have either been officially trained in Council by Joe Provisor of Circleways or provided a primer in Council by Joe's partner Mark Rosner. 

Tech devices, such as phones, iPads, laptops and more are welcome at school but not to be used at school except at the teacher's invitation. They may not be used for recreation at any time during school, recess, lunch or the after school program. They are for emergencies and schoolwork (at least while at the school). 

Our official Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (SW-PBIS) documents are here: https://principalkittelson.blogspot.com/2022/08/schoolwide-positive-behavioral.html

I hope this all makes sense. If anything does not, please feel free to come to any LSLC meeting. The LSLC is the official body that oversees student behavior.

Thank you!

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

Happy Passover, Easter and Spring cleaning and rejuvenation!

I am eggcited for this upcoming week. 

Here is some of what is in store:

MON

AWESOME INSTRUCTION

Dr. K administering the ELPAC to English Learners

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

Violin in the Library 2:30-3:15pm

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule per Mr. Donzell

TUE

AWESOME INSTRUCTION

Dr. K administering the ELPAC to English Learners

Dismissal at 1:35 

PD in Rm 25 at 2pm. Kathy Elkins to lead inclusion activity. Jackie Robnett to lead PD

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule per Mr. Donzell

WED

AWESOME INSTRUCTION

Dr. K administering the ELPAC to English Learners

5th Grade Photos

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

SSPT 2:45

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule per Mr. Donzell

THU

AWESOME INSTRUCTION

Dr. K administering the ELPAC to English Learners

High School Tutors in the Library, schedule per LaV

Musical Theater Schedule per Mr. Donzell

FRI

Assembly 8:05 in the Quad, Ms. Elkins' class to lead the Pledge, performer(s) TBD

FOW Board Meeting 8:20 in the Parent Center

Dr. K administering the ELPAC to English Learners

Violin in the Library 2:30-3:15pm

Amplify Tutoring for Well-Below Benchmark invitees Rms 20, 25 et all 2:30-3pm

ADDTIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Volunteer Days Saturday and Sunday, April 15th and 16th 9am-2pm
• Ms. Zeena's and Mr. G's classes participate in Celebrating the Earth with Poetry April 16 11:30am
• LSLC and SSC meetings April 20 at 3 and 3:30 respectively in Dr. K's Zoom room
• Mid-Point Notices Due April 21
• Prospective Parent Tour April 21
• ELPAC Testing now through April 21
• CAASPP and CAST Testing April 18-May 5
• MONARCH FEST! Saturday, April 22 11:30am-3pm 
• No School, Monday, April 24 in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
• Ms. Zeena's reading and new-release celebration at the Book Jewel April 30 11:30am

For additional dates, please visit the Walgrove Yearly Calendar

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

> Please test for COVID before returning tomorrow, and, if positive, upload results to the Parent Portal and of course stay home for five days. Here is the updated COVID guidance. The gist: testing and masking are recommended but optional. Staying home for 5 days if positive is mandatory. 

> Please check the Lost and Found at the STAR Gate daily 2:30-6pm and also the Quad during the Friday assembly. All items left after April 21 will be washed and donated. 

> On Fridays when there are Menchie's after school, ALL students, not just STAR students should line up inside the STAR Gate. Please do not walk around the block and go in front of the line. Parents who wish to accompany kiddos, please enter any gate and meet your kiddos at (or walk with them to) the Menchie's line. Thank you for your kindness and cooperation. And thank you, Amber, for making this happen week after week!

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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