Principal Minden King introduces Wilson Elementary School faculty and discusses school programs during Back-to-School Night. Photo by Seti Long

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Wilson Elementary School in Gridley invited parents and guardians to Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, Sept. 23, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Principal Minden King and Vice Principal Sarah Moore welcomed the large group that squeezed into the cafeteria before formally introducing faculty members for second, third, fourth and fifth grades.

The large campus underwent a major reorganization effort over the summer. Multiple portable classrooms that lined the north side of the school near the Magnolia Street fence were moved to the southern side of the campus. In addition, sycamore trees in the area were removed to create space for planned development.

“This area that is fenced off is going to be the site of our new multi-purpose room slash cafeteria,” King said, inviting those with questions to speak with Superintendent Justin Kern.

“It’s going to be so exciting!” King said regarding construction of the future facility.

Kern and Gridley Unified School District Board President Eric Waterbury were present and made themselves available to audience members for questions.

Before dismissing the group for the next phase of the evening, King spoke about opportunities available to families through recent grants.

“We here at Wilson School are a Title I school,” King said. “Title I was created to allow all students equal opportunity to an education. It was designed to remove factors such as low income and poverty and make sure that all kids have the same access to curriculum, to school facilities and to highly qualified teachers.”

King outlined the plan for the year, including how Title I funding would benefit children through reading intervention programs, paraprofessional support and classroom materials.

In addition, the PBIS Superstore will continue to promote social well-being and positivity within the student body, rewarding students with points for demonstrating positive behavior.

Students can redeem their points at the store for “bucket fillers,” small toys or games that can be chosen from the store “bucket.” Donations for bucket fillers were requested, along with parental involvement with their children, school activities and the Parent Teacher Association.

The group then dispersed to their children’s classrooms to meet their teachers for a more detailed review of students’ academic expectations for the year. Teachers also collected various parental releases.

Upcoming events include Family Literacy Night for kindergarten through fifth grade, scheduled for Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Books for Breakfast on Oct. 15 at 7:45 a.m. in the Wilson School cafeteria.

Those interested in donating bucket fillers can contact the Wilson School administration at 530-846-3675 to coordinate delivery. Wilson Elementary School is located at 409 Magnolia St. in Gridley.