Willow Wind Community Learning Center

We celebrated Pi Day today at Willow Wind - Lots of math, circles and PIE!

ASD Elementary Parenting Series: Spring 2023 Building Capable, Confident and Resilient Children In-person, snacks and childcare provided RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/asd-elementary-parent-workshop-series-spring-2023-1730729 Parenting Tips and Tools: Building Household Harmony and Family Connection Wednesday, March 22, 6:00-7:30 pm Bellview Elementary School, Gym Understanding the basics of brain science and emotional self-regulation helps us guide and teach our children with more confidence and connection. During this time of post-pandemic adjustment, many of our children are experiencing increased levels of worry and upset. Understanding the basics of brain science and emotional self-regulation helps us guide and teach our children with more confidence and connection. During this presentation we will: • Learn about the basics of interpersonal neurobiology. • Take part in a "Mind-Up" lesson (similar to what our children experience at school) that addresses three parts of the brain that regulate emotion, learning and memory • Understand how using a 5-point scale can help children understand and regulate the size of challenging feelings • Learn more about basic routines and habits that help or children feel safer, more focused and learn better • Have the opportunity to make a "Calm Down" bottle, create a "Morning Routine" and gather resources. Our talented and dedicated elementary CDS (Child Development Specialist) team will be leading this workshop. They are Michelle Bolinger (Bellview), Amber Langer (TRAILS), Brooke Johnson-Thygeson (Walker), Kat Smith (Helman) and Britt Humphrey (Willow Wind).

Please join Diane Berry to learn more about how we can understand, support, and confidently guide our middle school students with ADHD. Kids with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) struggle with self-regulation, organization, and emotional management. When you add the challenges of puberty, rapid brain development, and tween angst —including hormones, lagging communication skills, and a heightened attention to peers — parents can experience some especially turbulent and yes, frustrating parenting adventures. At this workshop, we will cover: -Goals for your child -Definitions of ADHD -Understanding Executive Functions -Possible challenges during middle school years -Supports and Strategies -Materials and Resources -Exceptional qualities and talents This event will NOT be streamed via zoom. A power point presentation will be made available on our district website here: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/parent-seminars If you have questions about this event, please reach out to rebecca.gyarmathy@ashland.k12.or.us

“Say Peas” First graders celebrating taking home their Dwarf Grey Sugar Peas that they started from seed and have been watering every week.

Due to the recent snow days in February, we will be using two of our make-up days. Please take note of the updated school calendar that shows a full day of classes on April 17th and June 14th, and a half day on June 15th (the last day of school) The link below will take you to the web page where the new calendar can be viewed and downloaded. https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/school-day-calendars

Get On Board! The Ashland School Board has announced two vacancies to be filled in a special election on May 16, 2023. Positions #2 and #5 will be vacant. The 4-year terms will run July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. Learn more: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/school-board/page/candidate-resources

The snowmen on the playground have melted but the hills are still snowy. If you are interested in joining Willow Wind for Fall 2023, please complete the Inquiry Form: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/wwclc/page/inquiry-forms We are currently scheduling appointments for tours and meetings regarding enrollment for Fall 2023.

Today was Community Friday celebrating Black History. Month. We learned about an artist named Reggie Laurent and then worked together to create art using his colorful techniques.

Shadow monsters! Fun in the sun after a snowy day.

The bulletin board at Willow Wind highlights the contributions of many people for Black History Month - entertainers, authors, athletes, musicians and activists.

At Willow Wind , students in grades K-2 read a story about famous Black inventors and were inspired to make their own inventions using random materials. Inventions included a kite for extra windy days, a classroom vacuum robot, and a indestructible dog toy. We were grateful for all the contributions of Black inventors! Learn more about Black inventors: Book: Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? By Patrice McLauren

At Willow Wind we are celebrating Black History Month. Grades 6-8 are researching African Americans who have made historically significant contributions to our country. We also learned about some ways to celebrate Black History Month at home. Students made a hoecake recipe from chef Marcus Samuelson, author of The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food. Check out his recipes- they look delicious! https://marcussamuelsson.com/recipe

Today Willow Wind students had the opportunity to watch a Taiko Drumming concert featuring Takumi Kato and his children - Sogen, Kato and Yamato. They are traveling across the United States with the goal of playing 1000 free concerts to spread the message of PEACE. So much fun! Thank you Takumi!

Inquiry Forms for enrollment at Willow Wind for 2023-24 are now available on our website. https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/wwclc/page/inquiry-forms We will begin meeting with interested families in mid- February. The lottery for fall enrollment will be held on May 6, 2023.

Willow Wind First Graders have been busy writing letters to their pen pals at the Manor.

Willow Wind students created inspiring posters to decorate the Barn for our Day of Service Community Friday.

Yesterday was the last day of January Focus Workshops. One group of students spent two weeks cooking from the garden and creating a cookbook. So much learning and fun!

The Winter Welcome Board at Willow Wind. Thanks Erika!

A cold morning in the Willow Wind Greenhouse learning about decomposition!

Compost Puppets! Using the garden compost to have fun and be entertained.