A quick guide to "what's what" at Walnut Springs Elementary
WSES 101
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APEX FUN RUN -- A leadership program that culminates in a fun run where students are sponsored by friends and family. The funds earned go towards classroom and school-wide events and initiatives. Happens in the spring.
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ORIENTATION NIGHT -- An informative evening event in September for PARENTS only. Your child’s teacher will review a typical school day and the academic expectations for the year. It is a great time to sit at your child’s desk, ask questions and take in the classroom from your child’s perspective. This event is scheduled by grade so please check the website/ email blast for your day and time.
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BOOK EXCHANGE -- A family event scheduled for a Thursday evening in March. For two weeks prior to the event, students will be asked to donate used books in good condition. For each donated book, the student will be able to select one book to take home the night of the event. This giant book swap is a great opportunity to stock up on new summer reads. This event takes place in the school’s cafeteria. All ages are welcome! Parent volunteers organize and run this event.
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BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION -- Box Tops is one of America’s largest school earnings loyalty programs. Each Box Top turned in is worth 10¢ for our school. Box Tops can be found on many of your normal grocery store purchases.
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CAMP CHAMPIONS -- A unique three day adventure for our 5th graders where they have school along the shores of Lake LBJ. Camp Champions is a place where they can learn about themselves, their natural environment and their peers while participating in fun and educational outdoor activities.
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CENTER FOR LEARNING & INNOVATION (C,L&I)-- Also called “The Center”, this space houses the library, production studio, and support areas for fostering innovation and learning. It is designed so teachers and students can come create, brainstorm, collaborate, reflect and use their imagination. Learn more about the CL&I at WSES.
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COOKIE EXCHANGE -- Happy Holidays to our amazing staff! On this day, parents provide cookies for all of the WSES employees. The cookies are sorted and teachers assemble a goodie box full of their favorite treats! This is the most wonderful time of the year for our staff!
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FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT -- A fun family event scheduled for a Thursday evening in October. Families are encouraged to explore and investigate a selected science topic through games and activities. This event takes place in the school’s cafeteria. All ages are welcome! Parent volunteers organize and run this event.
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LEADER IN ME -- This amazing program is built around Stephen Covey’s whole school transformation process. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. You can learn more about Leader in Me at www.leaderinme.org.
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MEET THE TEACHER -- An exciting evening event in August where parents and students can visit their new classroom and meet their teacher prior to the first day of school. Important paperwork, classroom volunteer opportunities and other school information are given out on this night. The event is scheduled by grade so please check the website/ email blast for your child’s day and time.
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PRINCIPAL/PARENT COFFEE --This informal gathering is hosted one Friday morning a month at 8 am in the Center. Over coffee and donuts, our principal speaks about events or topics occurring within the school and or school district and parents can ask questions, learn more about what occurs at WSES and to get to know the school’s leadership.
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ROOM PARENT -- A parent volunteer position within each classroom. Parents who are interested will need to sign up with their child’s teacher on Meet the Teacher or Back to School Night. The role of room parent is to be the liaison between the teacher and room parents for specific classroom events, needs and distribution of the classroom directory.
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RUNNING CLUB -- Our tigers can run like the wind. Running Club is held in both in the fall and spring semester. On designated Fridays each semester, students arrive early to run laps around the school track. Parents are encouraged to join their children for this event. Parent volunteers are needed to help track student progress and hand out goodies.
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SPIRIT STICKS -- Embroidery themed sticks are purchased and or earned as rewards from teachers during the school year. The purpose is to enhance the self-esteem and help recognize student achievements within their learning environment. Spirit sticks are a huge hit with the kids and are sold throughout the year. Students typically put the sticks on "key rings" and attach them to thier backpacks.
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TALENT SHOW -- Lights, camera, action!! Designed to be student run, this highly anticipated event is for 3rd-5th graders. Students share their talents in some unique ways including musical performances, dance (hip hop, ballet, jazz, tap), creating and performing comedy sketches, and reading a story or poem they have written.
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TIGER BUCKS -- Tiger bucks are a behavior based reward system that is to be used like money. Teachers, administrators or other staff members award Tiger Bucks to students for any behavior activity that deserves an award. Tiger Bucks are used to purchase small toys and other items in the very popular Tiger Store.
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TIGER DEN - Area at the north-west corner of the school where designated students wait for their parents to "walk up" and get them.
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TIGER READERS -- Volunteers work with small groups of Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade students to improve phonics and reading skills using fun innovative games.
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TIGER STORE -- Students will have an opportunity to “shop” at the Tiger Store during school hours using their hard earned “Tiger Buck” reward money. The store offers small toys and other fun items for purchase. Students have to count their tiger money, figure out what they can purchase and then checkout. This event is organized and staffed by parent volunteers.
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WALNUT PALOOZA -- The most awesome Fall Carnival known to man (or kid)! Come enjoy games, food, bounce castles, slides, gaga ball and more!! This is also our school's largest fundraiser and the best night of the year!
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WATCH D.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) -- Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve when they can in a variety of school activities supporting our students and their growth and development.
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YAHOO BOOHOO BREAKFAST - Meet other parents for cheers or tears as a new school year begins!
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YEARBOOK – Remember this year in your child’s life always by purchasing a WSES yearbook. The yearbook is a full-color, hardcover book that includes photos of each class and event that happened throughout the year. Click HERE to contribute photos or purchase a yearbook.