West Oak Lane Charter School PARENT...

On Monday, March 25, 2013,

we caught first glimpses of

our future school and world

leaders during the New En-

rollment Lottery for West

Oak Lane Charter School’s

class of 2022. Over 90 par-

ents and family member

joined WOLCS staff in the

school cafeteria to watch the

live lottery and witness first

hand whether their child was

offered a Kindergarten seat

for the fall.

In addition to discovering

whether a seat was available

for their child, families

gained valuable information

about joining the WOLCS

family and meeting our high

expectations. The steps for

filling a fall Kindergarten

seat are far from over. Fami-

lies must now ensure that

contact information remains

up-to-date, and are required

The lottery for grades 1

through 4 will be held later

in the school year as we ob-

tain more information on

available space in those

grades.

to submit all

requested pa-

perwork in a

timely man-

ner.

While the 120

opening in

Kindergarten

were not

enough to

satisfy the

community’s

demand– over

300 applica-

tions were submitted, we

encourage the families of

students placed on the wait-

ing list to remain optimistic.

As families move and make

different choices, wait-listed

families may receive a call

offering an available space.

In the meantime, we encour-

age all wait-listed families to

submit applications for Kin-

dergarten slots with other

schools.

Week of April 8, 2013 Volume I, Issue 17

Inside this issue:

WOLCS Kindergarten

Lottery 2013

1

From the Nurse’s Desk:

April is National Autistic

Awareness Month

2

National Poetry Month 2

WOLCS Chess Champions 2

WOLCS 2nd Annual

Alumni Day

3

Spotlight on Poetry 4

Reach for the STARS 6

Matching Gift Programs 6

Summer Engineering

Experience (SEEK)

6

WOLCS School Fees 7

Upcoming Events 7

"Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment."

- Ellis Peters

West Oak Lane Charter School

PARENT ALER T

Reading & Math PSSA

APRIL 8 - April 15, 2013! Encourage your child to do his/her best, get plenty of rest, and Be On Time!

New Lottery Welcomes Class of 2022

April is National Autis-

tic Awareness Month.

Since the 1970s, the

United States recogniz-

es April as a special op-

portunity to educate

the public about autism

and issues within the

autism community.

Join the Autism Society

in getting involved with

the autism community

by putting on the Puz-

zle! The Autism Aware-

ness Puzzle Ribbon is

the most recognized

symbol of the autism

community in the

world. Autism preva-

lence is now one in eve-

ry 88 children in Ameri-

ca.

Show your support for

people with autism by

wearing the Autism

Awareness Puzzle Rib-

bon – as a pin on your

shirt, a magnet on your

car, a badge on your

blog, or even your Face-

book profile picture -

and educate folks on

the potential of people

with autism!

To learn more about the

Autism Awareness Puz-

zle Ribbon visit http://

www.autism-

society.org/about-us/

puzzle-ribbon.html.

If your child is experi-

encing signs of autism

or has recently been di-

agnosed, please contact

our Special Education

Coordinator Mrs. Tiffa-

ny Thompson to learn

how West Oak Lane

Charter School can as-

sist with school ser-

vices.

Nurses Corner

PARENT ALERT

National Poetry Month

There are endless benefits in exposing children to a diverse

selection of poetry at an early age. What better time to ex-

plore them than National Poetry Month? Reading poetry

aloud with your children helps them fall in love with words

and gives them the tools they need to become enthusiastic

readers. By emphasizing the sound and rhythm of lan-

guage, poetry builds children’s phonemic awareness, or sen-

sitivity to the smallest sounds of speech, laying a founda-

tion for beginning reading. Also, poets’ inventive, skillful

use of language introduces children to new vocabulary

words and concepts. Visit www.pbs.org for more.

This week, we feature Ms. Barr’s 4th grade homeroom,

who wrote "Pattern Poems" filled with outrageous stunts

and specific phrases such as “I am,” "I can," based on

Shel Silverstein original poem "Who?"

“Who can kick a football here to Iran?

I can!

Who stood longer than the Great Pyramid?

I did!

Who’s gonna find a million dollars on the grill?

I will!

Who can sit and tell lies all night? I might!”

- Written by Elijah Smith

WOLCS Girls Chess Team Wins Big

at the Dr. Sally Solomon Memorial Girls Chess Tournament held at Drexel University on

Wednesday, April 3rd. Students won 3 gold, 3 bronze, and a 1st place trophy now proudly dis-

played in our trophy case. Congrats to the Team & to our Chess

Coach Mr. Williams!

On Monday, March 27, 2013,

WOLCS held its 2nd Annual Alum-

ni Day in collaboration with Fox

Chase Cancer Center. Students from

as far back as the class of 2007

joined WOLCS staff and career

mentors for a focus on Science

and Engineering. The full day

of activities included reflec-

tion and long-term future

planning. Graduates also met

with current WOLCS Middle

Seated below: Robert Stewart, Jason “Jazz” Skipworth, Denise Kirkland, Sherise Crosby & Marijo Bilusic;

Standing: Dr. Lee, Barbara McNeil,

Troy Krall & Theresa Berger

School students to discuss high

school highlights and challenges.

This inspiring event would not

have been possible without the

support of our panelists (pictured

below), primarily from Fox Chase.

PARENT ALERT

WOLCS 2nd ANNUAL ALUMNI DAY 2013

SPRING

by Amya Moore

All different colors all over.

The warm air is racing past

your face. People sneezing and

tearing up because of allergies.

The bees sucking up nectar.

Flowers

singing softly.

Animals coming out.

Ice cream trucks coming down

the street children chasing it

like paparazzi.

DANCER

by Stephanie Rouse

She glides across the stage

gracefully. She leaps like a

galloping horse. Her feet

gain a friendship with the

floor.

She twirls like a group of

bees. Her heart speaks

to the music.

the music speaks to her ears

when she finishes,

the flowers that were thrown

applaud her.

DREARY NIGHTS by Shynera Dorin

The trees danced in the wind and rain.

The grass crying up a river of tears. The roofs of houses soaked. The stained glass is sodden

crying its heart out. The moon shines bright.

Even though it’s a dreary night.

CLOUDS OF DEATH

by Brandon Barnes

The day September 9, 2001

I had no feeling inside

no not one.

After that day

how could I,

with clouds of Death all

through the sky.

The stench of fear clashed

with tears.

The screams caved in my

ears. The Twin Towers have

fallen.

THE THEATRE & THE DREAM by Vashiyah Hawes

As we sit in the theatre The music yells in my ear so

softly I cry. The words whisper so softly I

melt, but then I realize it’s all just a fainted

dream

THE TREES

by Khylah Harris

The tress were warmed

happily in the sun

in the Summer.

The trees shivered in the wind as the

leaves painted themselves a different

color in the Fall.

The trees stood there cold and bare

in the Winter.

The trees were beautifully blooming

with fresh leaves and flowers

in the Spring.

National Poetry Month

BEACH DAYS

by Marcus Robinson

The sea is walking and

retreating from the beach

People are happy

singing, dancing, swimming, and

making sand castles

The smell of the salt water

brushes against the noses of the people

But when its time to go

the sandy beach and salty water cry

and wave goodbye

to all to all of the people

and the people wave at them back

saying goodbye

A POEM

by Jason Francois

The stars in the night

are gleaming in the winter.

Shivers.

As the white blankets covers

outside most people stay

indoors

The howling wind makes the

snow covered evergreens

dance

Soon, when the sun comes in

Spring

People will realize the

Joy

Winter brings

THUNDER by Kevin Williams

I sleep in bed

I hear a thunder it bursts my eardrums

I open the window and the breath of the man outside

smacks me in the face

I panic, panic, and panic

But then I remember the trick my grandpa told me

And I went to sleep as my bed hugged me

Ms. Baumgardner’s

6th grade homeroom

continues our

spotlight on poetry

with well-written

prose targeting

personification.

Newsletter Title

New Partnership Helps WOLCS Raise Student Interest in Careers in the Sciences

PARENT ALERT

West Oak Lane Charter

School is pleased to announce

a new partnership with Fox

Chase Cancer Center (FCC).

This partnership will help

raise student interest in the

sciences.

This innovative alliance has

supported a number of excit-

ing projects and events for

WOLCS students.

During the fall, FCC coordi-

nated a visit to Lincoln Univer-

sity for our 8th grade students.

Then, in Winter 2012, FCC rep-

resentatives participated in sup-

porting our students in the

George Washington Carver Sci-

ence Fair. FCC staff helped plan

and prep for the fair, and also

assisted with scoring final stu-

dent projects.

In addition, FCC served as pan-

elist at the 2nd Annual WOLCS

Alumni Day on March 27, 2013.

Panelist shared their career

paths with WOLCS 7th and 8th

grade students, as well as our

alumni.

Future plans between WOLCS

and FCC include developing a

speaker series, helping with

developing science curriculum,

establishing an essay writing

contest, and providing enrich-

ment opportunities for WOLCS

faculty.

&

Above, West Oak Lane Charter School students make the most of the college experience

during a trip to Lincoln University sponsored by Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Left, FCC join panelists during the 2nd Annual WOLCS Alumni Day. Seated below are Robert Stewart, Jason

“Jazz” Skipworth (FCC), Denise Kirkland, Sherise Crosby & Marijo Bilusic (FCC);

While standing panelists include: Dr. Lee, Barbara

McNeil, Troy Krall & Theresa Berger (FCC).

Left and right,

over 115 WOLCS students and staff

recently enjoy the play

“Mr. Malcolm’s Crazy Science

Show” held at the

Baldwin Theatre in

Pittman, NJ.

On weekday mornings, WOLCS students can now be

found in the school’s cafeteria reviewing behavioral

expectations and acknowledging

each other for being STARs. Please be sure your child is on time daily and ask him or her

about the new WOLCS STAR cheer.

DONATIONS WELCOME!

Family contributions increase the

opportunity for WOLCS students to

have access to summer and after

school programming, including

academics to support retained stu-

dents, tutoring and homework

clubs, test preparation and exciting

extracurricular programs and ac-

tivities. Your donation could go

further with

company match programs!

Find out whether your employer

has a matching gift program

today. You could increase the

value of any contribution that you

make to WOLCS -

at no cost to you!

The Summer Engineering Experience for Kids’ program, (SEEK), is a National Society of Black Engineers’ (NSBE)

solution to the underrepresen-tation of African American students in the Science,

Technology, Engineering, and

Math (STEM) fields.

SEEK offers a FREE, three week program designed to expose African American

children in grades 3-5 to STEM fields. You can access an

application and more SEEK information by visiting: <https://www.nsbe.org/

seek.aspx>.

PARENT ALERT

AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY FOR

GIRLS AGES 8 to 14

Philly Girls in Motion and Simons Recreation Center have partnered with the

Department of Parks and Recreation to deliver 8 week fitness programs to girls ages

8-14. Groups will include exercise like Zumba, yoga, cardio kickboxing,

martial arts, and boot camp and we also offer Crossfit Kids which is a fun strength

program developed for kids, Tweens, and teens. Classes will also teach

girls about nutrition and making healthy choices.

FUN. FITNESS. FREE!

JUST FOR 7TH GRADERS!

The Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA

is offering a Free One Year Membership

To Every 7th Grader!

SIGN UP TODAY!

Here’s how:

Stop by any of the Philadelphia Freedom Valley

YMCA branch locations and bring:

1. Proof of 7th grade status - a student ID card, class

roster, class schedule, or report card.

2. A parent or guardian

All 7th Graders are encouraged to sign up today!

PSSA

MATH & READING

April 8-19, 2013

WOLCS Spring Book Fair April 15-19, 2013

This is our BUY ONE, GET ONE event!!!

Come and visit the Fair during Parent Teacher Conferences

on Wednesday, April 17th from 12:30pm - 7:00pm.

Parent-Teacher Conferences - 3rd Quarter Wednesday, April 17, 2013

1-4PM & 5-7PM

Kindergarten Earth Day Parent Session

“Respect The Earth” Friday, April 19, 2013

2:00-3:15PM

PSSA SCIENCE

Grades 5 & 8

April 22 - 26, 2013

FBI Parent Organization Meeting

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 6:00 - 7:30PM

WOLCS Parent Center

3rd Quarter Honors Pinning Ceremony

Thursday, May 2, 2013 Grades K-2

Friday, May 3, 2013 Grades 3-8

More info. TBA

We’re on the web: www.wolcs.org

Upcoming Events

EARLY DISMISSAL Students will not be

released for early dismissal after 2:30PM on Mondays,

Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. On Wednesdays,

students will not be released for early dismissal

after 11:00AM!

PRETZEL DAY Tuesdays & Fridays

are WOLCS Pretzel Day. During the lunch period,

pretzels are available

for purchase for $1.00.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS

Before you can

chaperone a trip or

help in a classroom,

you MUST complete

and submit a

2012-2013 Volunteer

& Visitor Application,

along with picture

ID. Applications are

available in the main

office or on the

school’s website.

Have you updated your

Student Emergency Contact Form for the 2012-2013 school year?

If not, please pick up a Contact Form

in the main office. The information in the

Contact Form allows us to contact you in

cases of emergency, and updates those to

whom we can release your child.

Be sure to fill one out today!

In order to ensure a sound

educational program and

full access to a variety of

resources, WOLCS has

implemented a system of

costs and associated fees.

Your adherence to these

requirements is appreciat-

ed.

Late Fees: WOLCS will

assess parents/guardians a

fee of five dollars for each

15 minutes they are late

picking up their child(ren)

(beginning at 12:15 PM on

Wednesdays and 3:45 PM

on regular dismissal days.)

The fee is payable at the

time of pick -up and must

be received no later than 5

days of the late pick-up.

School records will not be

released until all other fi-

nancial obligations de-

scribed in the Student

Handbook are met.

Book Fees: These fees vary

based on cost of book.

Restitution: Costs vary de-

pending on cost of damage

repair to school property.

Breakfast & Lunch Fees:

Full Breakfast: $5.00 per

week/$1.00 per day; Re-

duced: $1.50 per week/$.30

per day

Full Lunch: $8.50 per week/

$1.70 per day; Reduced:

$2.00 per week/$.40 per day

School reports cards, in-

cluding transcripts for high

school will not be released

and students will not be

permitted to participate in

school activities such as

field trips until all financial

obligations are satisfied.

School Fees

Effective immediately, all visitors (including volunteers) must be prepared to present photo ID at the security desk. School visitors must also sign-in at the security desk once they arrive in the

building, and affix the provided badge/pass to your clothing so that it is visible for the entire time that you are present

in the school building.

PARENT ALERT

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