October 10, 2025
Important Upcoming Dates
October 14: Picture Re-takes
October 31: Halloween Day Parade and Class Parties
Highlights and Happenings from Ms. Smith
Welcome Fall - the air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and the classrooms are full of fun fall activities!
This week, I had the opportunity to share our fall achievement data at the PTIA meeting. Thank you to those who attended! You can view the slide deck here. Teachers used our fall achievement data to make informed decisions about instruction, and they are working hard every day to meet the individual needs of all students. But learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. Families can make a big difference by weaving simple learning moments into daily routines like reading aloud together, talking about new vocabulary words, playing counting or word games, and encouraging curiosity about the world. These small moments build strong skills over time. If you’re ever unsure about how to best support your child’s learning at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your classroom teacher for ideas and resources. It takes all of us working together to reach our goals!
Lunch Volunteers
Thank you to everyone who volunteers for our lunchtime help at Wacousta! You are greatly appreciated during this busy time of the day. If you haven't had a chance to volunteer previously, we are still in great need of support each day. Please consider donating a few hours of your time. You will need to complete a “Volunteer Application”, found on the district website at this link: https://www.glcomets.net/family-and-student-resources/ . When your application has been processed and cleared, you can sign up as a lunch volunteer using this link.
Lego Derby
Our 3rd graders are getting ready for a Lego Derby, and they need your help! See the linked flyer to see how you can contribute to the fun and learning!
Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, and we are excited to celebrate together at Wacousta! As you read through the details below, please know that a few things may look a little different this year. Any changes we’ve made come from our commitment to keeping all students safe and ensuring everyone can enjoy the day. We truly appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work together to create a fun, safe, and memorable celebration for our kids.
Costumes: Costumes should be school-friendly — not too scary, no weapons or blood of any kind, and no full face makeup. Costumes should be easy for students to put on and take off independently, as it will be difficult for staff to assist every student. We also ask that costumes can fit over school clothes so students can easily change in the classroom.
Parties: Class parties will take place from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Your child’s teacher will share specific details about activities and treats for their classroom celebration. To ensure that classrooms have enough space for games and activities, and to help our front office staff check in visitors smoothly and safely, volunteer spots will be limited to four per classroom. All volunteers must have completed the “Volunteer Application” process in order to work with students. The application can be found on the district website under the “Family & Student Resources” tab.
Parade: Our all-school parade will begin at 2:45 p.m. Families are invited to join us outside to watch. In the case of inclement weather, the parade will take place in the gym. Only students and staff will be allowed to enter the building after the parade.
Parking: Please park in the old school lot, by the gym entrance.
Dismissal: If you plan to take your child home after the parade, you must indicate with the office, that they will be parent pick-up by the end of day on Thursday, October 30th. Students identified as pick-up will be dismissed from their classrooms at normal release time to go to parent pick-up. *Special Note: To ensure a safe and efficient end-of-day dismissal, no early releases will take place between the beginning of the parade and the all-school dismissal times.
In an effort to make pick-up go smoothly, please do not park in the pick-up line and get out of your car to get your student. Staff will bring your student to your vehicle. Please be sure to place your student(s) name(s) on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper in your car window.
We’re looking forward to a fun and festive afternoon with our students and families!
Upcoming Events, District News, & Community Information
To review what the school district shares in newsletters about events, news, and community information and supports, please visit http://GLcomets.net/Upcoming.
Allyson Smith
Principal, Wacousta Elementary School
