Message from the ES Principal: Earth Day was an opportunity for us to come together as a whole school to focus on our school-wide goal of sustainability and build our buddy relationships. Below are a few comments that were heard around school on Monday:

• "Day X was amazing because I have such a cool buddy." -G9 student
• "I'm the best Bee on the field."-SG1 student
• "I never realized how many people might want to buy my stuff." -G2 student
• "The farm was SOOO cool. I hope we can make a partnership with them." -G4 Teacher
• "They are learning to sort trash in Chinese." -Chinese teacher
• "Nature makes really pretty things." -JG1 student
• "The kids are so much more excited than High School Students. It's kind of fun." -G11 student
• "The 5th graders know more than I thought."-G10 student
• "My marble tunnel rocks."-G5 student
• "I'm making some earth, nature, pretty art." -SG1 student
• "I'm jumping and recycling trash."-G2 student in PE

Class Placements: This is the final week for parent input in our class placement surveys. We offer parents the opportunity to have input into class placement via the survey below. This is an opportunity for parents to inform the school of any specific needs/concerns/requests they have for their child that they would like taken into consideration during the placement process. All WAB teachers are highly qualified and are experienced educators. Therefore, requests for students to be placed with specific teachers are not considered. You can find the class placement survey for parents here. Factors relating to class composition include:

• Gender    
• Learning needs  
• EAL needs    
• Attitude and effort    
• Friendship requests (parents and students)    
• First language/home language   
• Social and emotional needs   
• Behavior    
• Historical separations  
• Teacher/student disposition matching  
• Academics 

Counseling Newsletter: See the April Newsletter from our counselors.

PYP Exhibition Registration: If you have a child in Grade 5 and are planning to join us for the PYP Exhibition evening on Tuesday, April 29 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm, please check WAB Mobile Connect to register for this event.

WS PALS | Transition Session for Families for Leavers & Stayers | Wednesday, April 30, 8:30am – 10am at Lotus Lounge: As we approach a key transition period at WAB, we invite you to a special session focused on ensuring smooth transitions, whether you and your family will be staying with us or moving on to new opportunities. This session is designed to provide valuable insights and resources to help navigate the changes your child may face. We will discuss topics such as emotional readiness, academic adjustments, and building connections, all aimed at supporting our students during this pivotal time. Scan the QR code in the poster, or register on WAB Mobile Connect, and join us for an engaging conversation where you can share your experiences, ask questions, and learn how we can work together to create a positive transition experience for yourself and your family.

Grade 5-6 Transition process started in April with teaching teams from Grades 5 and 6 connecting with each other to help the middle school learn more about the students. We will kick off the parent presentations on Wednesday, May 7 at 8:45am in the ES Lotus Lounge: From PYP to MYP.

During this session, Middle sSchool leadership team will help parents learn what is the same and what is different in middle school as compared to Elementary School. The following presentations focus on using devices, language learning, and mathematics learning in middle school. Please check out the poster to see the dates for the parent presentations and you can register via WAB Mobile Connect. 

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth Testing: WAB ES uses the MAP Growth Test to provide additional information about where students are in their learning. It is a computerized adaptive test that helps teachers inform decisions about ways to improve learning for all students. The Spring dates for MAP testing in the ES are May 5-9 for SG1-G5. JG1 does not take the MAP test. 

There is no need to study for this assessment. Please make sure your children have a good night's sleep and are well-rested and fed for these days. If your child is unable to take the assessment on the designated dates, there will be a make-up day the following week.

Upcoming Events for Your Calendar:

• April 29: G5 Parent PYP Exhibition 
• April 30: WS PALS Transition Session for Families for Leavers & Stayers
• May 1-2: Labor Day Holiday
• May 7: PALs From PYP to MYP
• May 8: SG1 Field Trip
• May 8-9: G4 Sleepover
• May 9: G4 Field Trip
• May 14: PALS Grade 5-6 Transition on Managing Devices Parent Presentation
• May 29: ASA Season 3 concludes