Helping your child succeed in school!
Your WCS News
It's hard to believe that October is just around the corner. As usual, there is a lot going on this fall at WCS.  We've highlighted a few in this newsletter.  Be sure to stay connected to our website and our social media channels for up to date information throughout the school year.

In this Newsletter:
attendance
Attendance Awareness: Helping your child succeed in school 

S eptember may be Attendance Awareness month, but at WCS we work hard to promote good attendance during the entire school year.
  

Did you know:
* Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.
 
* Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other potentially serious difficulty.
 
* By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school. 
 
* By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores. 
 
* Missing 10 percent, or about 18 days, of the school year can drastically affect a student's academic success. 
 
* Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.
 
* Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child graduate from college and keep a job.
How do you encourage good attendance habits and help your child succeed in school?  Read one of our parent handouts below for more information and helpful tips.


Foundation
Oktoberfest Benefits WSF:  September 23/24

The Foundation has been chosen by the Wilmington Knights of Columbus to be the beneficiary this year at Oktoberfest on  September 23rd and 24th.  

The Wilmington Schools Foundation will fund more than 26 Foundation Grants that fund educational endeavors for all schools, will reach all students in each building and is the largest grant investment in the history of the WSF- over $28,000!  

If you get a chance, stop by Oktoberfest and help support your Wilmington Schools Foundation!

homecoming
Join us for Homecoming Weekend 2016!
Nothing says "fall is here" quite like changing leaves, but Homecoming Weekend at WCS comes close!  Join us for our Homecoming 2016 weekend, see the parade, have some chili, listen to the band, cheer on your Hurricane Football Team, visit with friends old and new, and show your Cane Pride.

Thursday 10/6 
6:30pm - Parade
If you aren't in the parade then find a great spot along the route to watch, cheer, and show your Hurricane Pride!   

Friday 10/7
4:30-7pm - 60th Annual Band Boosters Chili Supper at WHS -  The Band Club is proud to host one of the strongest traditions in the community. In addition to great food, there will be items for auction and the marching band will be playing. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door, from a band member, or in the Athletic Office. Proceeds benefit the music program.
                   
7:30pm - WHS vs Washington Court House
  • The game will be sponsored by the US Army 
  • The R&L Hometown Showcase Hauler will be at the game 
  • Hall of Fame Ceremony at Halftime  
    Kurt Blohm (2002)
    Mike Taylor (1988)
    Brent Patton (1988)
    Lisa Arehart (1986)
  • Homecoming Court
  • And of course our Wilmington Marching Band will be performing 

 

Saturday 10/8
8-11pm WHS Homecoming Dance


bus
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Sc hool Bus Safety Week

October 17th through 21st is National School Bus Safety Week.  It takes kids, parents, bus drivers, and the community to keep our kids safe getting to and from school each day.  In September our bus drivers spent extra time at each of our elementary schools teaching and practicing bus safety. 

As drivers we can do our part in a number of ways:
  • Be aware when driving through neighborhoods with school zones. Kids are often focused on talking with friends and getting to school and may not always be aware of traffic.
  • Be alert for school bus stops and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the bus. Kids can get distracted getting on and off the bus and aren't always thinking about their surroundings.
  • Use caution backing out of a driveway during times when kids may be walking to school or a bus stop.
  • Be patient.  School bus drivers are required to follow a number of safety procedures each and every time they stop for a child in order to ensure their safety.
As parents we can help to reinforce safety tips provided by the bus drivers and in the   handout from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). 


For young kids you might like Chuggington's safety tips, online games, and Safety Pledge here. You can find safety tips for riding the bus, walking, bicycling, and car travel, as well as fun online activities for kids with Chuggington .

theater
WHS Theatre 2016-17:
A Celebration of Community and Collaboration 

WHS Theatre is gearing up for another year of fantastic performances. This fall they will be teaming up with Wilmington College in a collaborative production of Hairspray. The production will be at Heiland Theater on Wilmington College's campus November 17-20.  We'll let you know as soon as tickets are available.

They'll be back home at WHS for their spring musical and student-directed One-Act Plays.  Be sure to check out their season brochure below for all the details.

connected
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School News:  
Stay Connected

Follow us on social media, sign up for alerts, subscribe to our news feed, visit our website, and stay in touch with Wilmington City Schools this year.

Be sure to visit your child's school website, too!  Each building has their own website, calendar, and social media channel for your convenience.


D istrict Highlights:
WCS District:  Website  Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter
8/26 - No school for students
10/6, 7, 8 - Homecoming activities 
10/7 - Late arrival day
10/14 - End of first grading period
10/17 - No school for students
  10/17 through 21 - Bus Safety Wee k 

Additional Building Highlights:
Denver:   Website     Like us on Facebook
9/30 Attendance Awareness month movie celebration
10/11 After school tutoring begins 
10/14 Unique Week Carnival 
10/25 & 26 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-7:30pm
10/28 Report Cards go home 

East End:   Website     Like us on Facebook  
10/11 Picture Day
          After school tutoring begins
10/20 Attendance Fun Night
10/25 & 26 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-7:30pm

Holmes:   Website    Like us on Facebook
9/28 Picture Day
10/11 After school tutoring begins
10/25 & 26 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4-7:30pm
10/28 Report Cards go home

WMS:   Website   Like us on Facebook
9/23 ABC Dance
10/11 at 6pm -Choir Concert 6th, 7th, 8th
10/24 Report Cards go home
10/24 - 28 Book Fair 
10/25 at 7:30 Band Concert 7th/8th
10/27 Picture re-take day

WHS:   Website   Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter
9/27 College Night 6:30-8:30
10/11 at 7:30 Choir Concert
10/18 at 7:30 Band Concert
10/19 PSAT
10/20 Report Card Fair 4-7pm
10/24 through 28 - OGT
10/31 through 11/4 OGT make-up

Wilmington City Schools   Website
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