DO YOU HAVE THE APP YET?
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Awareness months
Autism Awareness
April marks a special time in our district as we observe Autism Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects many individuals in our community and across the world. Our focus is to celebrate the unique talents and abilities of individuals with autism while also providing education about the challenges they face. We aim to foster an inclusive environment where students with autism are fully supported and recognized for their potential.
Autism Awareness
April marks a special time in our district as we observe Autism Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects many individuals in our community and across the world. Our focus is to celebrate the unique talents and abilities of individuals with autism while also providing education about the challenges they face. We aim to foster an inclusive environment where students with autism are fully supported and recognized for their potential.
Mental Health Matters
In May, we aim to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues, break down stigmas, and provide support and resources to our school community. We understand that good mental health is fundamental to thriving in school, work, and life. Throughout the month, we will engage in activities and provide resources that highlight the importance of mental health. We invite you to join us in this initiative. Your support and participation can create a nurturing environment where students and staff feel valued, understood, and empowered to take care of their mental health. Let's work together to prioritize mental well-being in our community.
Bus Safety
October is school bus safety month across the nation. Riding on the bus continues to be the safest form of transportation in the nation. It has to be. School bus drivers carry the most precious cargo there is – our children. The best way parents and the community can protect children’s safety is to STOP WHEN THE RED LIGHTS FLASH.
Suicide Prevention
September is suicide prevention month. While Waterford USD offers a multi-tiered system of support, including credentialed mental health counselors, we understand that sometimes other resources are needed. The 988 suicide and crisis line is a great resource . If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Attendance incentives
We want your child to have the best chance possible of academic success. Research continues to reinforce the importance of establishing good attendance habits at an early age. Missing even two days per month means a student is chronically absent, and will likely have difficulty performing at grade level for many years to come. In fact, chronic absenteeism in the 6th-grade year is one of the leading indicators of whether a student will graduate high school or not. We understand that there are many times when absences are unavoidable and may be excused, but whether they're excused or not, all absences have the same negative effects on academic performance. If your child has to miss school for any reason, talk to your child's teacher about how you can support your child's learning at home so they can continue to achieve their learning goals. Every month each school site will be having a perfect attendance drawing, with students at different schools receiving various types of prizes, as well as a $50 Pioneer Market gift card.
Cyber Safety
Digital citizenship and cyber safety week falls in October. If your children are active on social media or online gaming, then they are being exposed to potential dangers, such as cyberbullying, predators, and inappropriate content. To learn what you can do to protect your kids online, download the free gaming and social media parent guides on on our "Cybersafety" webpage.
Red Ribbon Week
Join Waterford USD in celebrating red ribbon week from October 28-November 1. The theme this year is "Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free."
The Great Kindness Challenge
The Great Kindness Challenge is a heartwarming initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of kindness in schools and communities worldwide. This week-long event takes place on January 27-31 and encourages students to engage in various acts of kindness, fostering compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. By participating in The Great Kindness Challenge, children learn the value and joy of being kind to others, which has a ripple effect, spreading positivity and understanding. To families: Your involvement is crucial in nurturing kindness beyond the school gates. Continue these kindness practices at home to reinforce the lessons learned during The Great Kindness Challenge. Engage in simple, everyday acts of kindness with your children, like writing appreciation notes, helping a neighbor, or sharing a smile. Together, let's create a kinder world where empathy and compassion are at the heart of every interaction.
Diversity Month
Diversity is about more than just acknowledging and having various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. It's about understanding, respecting, and valuing these differences. Celebrating diversity in February helps nurture empathy, broaden perspectives, and prepare our children to thrive in a global society. This month, we are also focusing on celebrating the invaluable contributions of African Americans. Their rich history, culture, and achievements are integral to the fabric of our nation and world. Through various activities and learning modules, students will explore the profound impact African Americans have had in shaping our society. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Talk about different cultures, read books, and explore art that reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Together, we can provide a supportive environment where every child feels valued and empowered. Thank you for your support in making our school a place where diversity is celebrated and every individual is respected.
Literacy
Join us in celebrating "Literacy Month" across our district in March, a time dedicated to fostering a love of reading and learning in our students. We're excited to announce a series of engaging activities, including thematic Dress-Up Days from March 3-7, where students can express their favorite literary genres and characters. Don't miss the Reading Expo on March 1, a family-friendly event featuring guest authors, activities, and complimentary food and books for kids. These activities are wonderful opportunities to support and participate in your child's literacy journey, igniting a lifelong passion for reading.
Arts Month
In March, we also celebrate the arts and highlight the diverse and rich arts offerings in our district. The arts play a vital role in education, fostering creativity, emotional expression, and cultural understanding. Our district takes pride in providing a wide array of artistic disciplines, from visual arts to music and theater, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their creative potential. Engaging in arts and music not only enhances students' aesthetic and cultural appreciation but also supports their academic and personal growth. Whether it's attending a school concert, visiting a local art exhibition, or simply creating art together at home, your involvement can make a significant difference in nurturing their artistic journey.
Fentanyl Awareness
In April, our district is dedicating its focus to a critically important and timely theme: Fentanyl Awareness. With the rising concerns regarding the dangers of fentanyl, our community needs to be educated and vigilant. Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, poses significant risks, and its presence in various substances has become a public health concern. Our goal this month is to equip students, families, and staff with the knowledge and resources to understand the dangers of fentanyl and how to prevent its harmful impact. We believe that awareness and education are key in safeguarding our community against the risks associated with this substance.
Mental Health Matters
In May, we aim to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues, break down stigmas, and provide support and resources to our school community. We understand that good mental health is fundamental to thriving in school, work, and life. Throughout the month, we will engage in activities and provide resources that highlight the importance of mental health. We invite you to join us in this initiative. Your support and participation can create a nurturing environment where students and staff feel valued, understood, and empowered to take care of their mental health. Let's work together to prioritize mental well-being in our community.
Bus Safety
October is school bus safety month across the nation. Riding on the bus continues to be the safest form of transportation in the nation. It has to be. School bus drivers carry the most precious cargo there is – our children. The best way parents and the community can protect children’s safety is to STOP WHEN THE RED LIGHTS FLASH.
Suicide Prevention
September is suicide prevention month. While Waterford USD offers a multi-tiered system of support, including credentialed mental health counselors, we understand that sometimes other resources are needed. The 988 suicide and crisis line is a great resource . If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Attendance incentives
We want your child to have the best chance possible of academic success. Research continues to reinforce the importance of establishing good attendance habits at an early age. Missing even two days per month means a student is chronically absent, and will likely have difficulty performing at grade level for many years to come. In fact, chronic absenteeism in the 6th-grade year is one of the leading indicators of whether a student will graduate high school or not. We understand that there are many times when absences are unavoidable and may be excused, but whether they're excused or not, all absences have the same negative effects on academic performance. If your child has to miss school for any reason, talk to your child's teacher about how you can support your child's learning at home so they can continue to achieve their learning goals. Every month each school site will be having a perfect attendance drawing, with students at different schools receiving various types of prizes, as well as a $50 Pioneer Market gift card.