Wheeler Avenue PTA

Dear Wheeler Avenue Families,
Welcome back to what I know will be a wonderful and exciting school year! It is a pleasure to have our students and staff back in classrooms and seeing the hallways filled with positive energy and an enthusiasm for learning. We work hard to create a caring and nurturing environment where students can strive to reach their greatest potential.
Staff
I would like to give a special welcome back to our art teacher, Mrs. Christine Di Dio. She is delighted to return and anxious to fill our school with students’ art work and designs.
A warm welcome to our new staff, Mrs. Jennifer Lio in fourth grade and Mr. Alexander Ras in third grade. They both bring experience in their fields and a desire to provide our students with the quality instruction they deserve.
Facilities
Over the summer, four of our bathrooms were renovated – two on the first floor and two on the second floor. In addition, the gym floor was upgraded and new exterior doors were installed in the rear of the building. We are looking forward to future changes, which will include a new cafeteria extension and an auditorium renovation. I thank you for your support and patience through all of the changes planned for our school.
Curriculum
We are pleased to inform you that Chromebooks have arrived for third grade! All students in grade 3 through 6 have received a Chromebook and are now able to use them as part of their everyday learning experience.
I am happy to share we have implemented a new literacy program in grades 3 through 6. The Wonders Program will enhance our approach to literacy instruction and provide students with differentiated opportunities that will strengthen their literacy skills. We are continuing with Superkids in grades 1 and 2, as well as Math in Focus in all grades.
Arrival/Dismissal
The school day begins at 8:50 am. Please do not bring your children to school any earlier than 8:35 am unless they are part of a morning program or have been invited to extra help. There is no supervision for students arriving to school early.

I would also like to thank the PTA for their support with getting our school year off to a smooth start. The “Welcome Back to School” lawn sign gave our students a warm welcome and allowed for some wonderful photo opportunities. Picture Day and the Book Fair also went very smoothly. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make these events successful.
Some things to look forward to for October:
 Afterschool Sports begins October 10th (Flyers are being sent home this week)
 The Pumpkin Patch for grades 1-3 will be on October 20th
 The Fall Festival Parade will be on Tuesday, October 31st
As always, we appreciate your dedication to our school and value your input. As a staff, we are here to support you and your family through your child’s educational journey. Let’s continue to work together to make Wheeler a wonderful place for students and families!
Sincerely,
Gayle Steele, Ed.D