There will be no eNews on Thursday, November 28th.

Wildwood Elementary lays the foundational pathway for lifelong learning. As students embark on their educational journey, we believe in cultivating environments that foster curiosity, resilience, and community. We are dedicated to developing lifelong learners by being intentional with Morning Meetings, our social and emotional resources like Second Step, and the fundamental role of teaching students to read.

The Morning Meeting is a powerful ritual at Wildwood that sets the tone for the day. During this time, students gather to greet one another, share news, and engage in collaborative activities. This practice not only promotes a sense of belonging but also encourages students to express themselves, listen to their peers, and develop interpersonal skills.

Through structured activities such as sharing personal experiences or participating in group games, students build relationships and establish a supportive classroom community. The Morning Meeting cultivates an atmosphere of trust and respect, essential for fostering a love of learning. As students feel more connected to their peers and teachers, they become more engaged and motivated to participate in their educational journey.

Integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into our curriculum is vital for developing well-rounded Zephyrs. The Second Step program provides educators with tools to teach essential social and emotional skills. Second Step empowers students to navigate their emotions and relationships effectively by focusing on skills like empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving.

Wildwood teachers play a pivotal role in establishing a community by modeling inclusive behavior and encouraging collaboration. By emphasizing the value of each student's contribution, our teachers can create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to learn.  

If you are going to be a lifelong learner, reading is the cornerstone. It opens doors to new knowledge, ideas, and cultures. Teaching students to read effectively is essential, as it lays the groundwork for their future academic success and personal growth.

Incorporating a variety of reading strategies, such as phonics through our UFLI curriculum, and comprehension exercises with our new Wit and Wisdom resource helps students develop strong literacy skills. When students learn to read confidently, they gain access to a wealth of information and resources that fuel their curiosity and passion for learning. 

Nurturing a lifelong love of learning in elementary students requires intentional practices that promote connection, social-emotional skills, collaboration, and literacy. Our Morning Meetings, teaching Second Step, and effective reading instruction are essential components in this journey. By prioritizing these elements, Wildwood teachers can inspire students to embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit, empowering them to navigate their future with confidence and curiosity.

Mr. Scott Briske
Wildwood Principal
scott.briske@isd832.net

Mahtomedi on the Move is an afterschool program at Wildwood that promotes wellness and joy by being together and enjoying physical activities. It brings Wildwood and Mahtomedi High School students together, building and enhancing confidence, physical activity, mentorship, and inter-school/community relationships. Mr. Joe, Mrs. Mahmood, Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Hawkinson and Mrs. Torborg teamed up with the Girls of Active Leadership (GOAL) at Mahtomedi High School to start the program at Wildwood. GOAL students volunteer their time and are mentors to the participants. The next session will be in December with over 60 participants! On November 20, Mahtomedi on the Move club had their last November session and celebrated with a run around the school. As a group, the students ran a combined 262 miles in six short sessions. During the sessions, students have the opportunity to run, do the climbing wall, obstacle courses, or other fun movement activities. Click here to see the Mahtomedi on the Run program in action.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Friday for MPTO Movie Night to watch Despicable Me 4! It was a fan favorite, and we loved seeing so many families come together. Your support made the night a success—thank you!

Last Friday, second grade took a trip to see the Gopher Marching Band perform their stage show!  Second grade said they loved getting to hear music they recognized, see the different instruments, and watch the colorguard twirl their flags and batons.  Goldie the gopher even tried to steal one of the instruments from a band member!  The kids had a blast learning about music opportunities they might be able to be part of in the future.  Thank you PTO for supporting music education and sponsoring special field trips like this one!

For the last month, teachers and staff gave out tickets to classes who were spotted being safe, helpful and kind. The tickets went into a big bucket for a drawing. The winning classes were able to have lunch with the firefighters. The winning classes were: Haveman, Goff, Brunner, Tumbleson, Q. Anderson and Stockton. Way to go everyone!