SIERRA SCOOP
October 13, 2023
FROM FOERSTER'S DESK
THANK YOU to everybody that supported Sierra Strides! A special thank you to Mary Zimbleman for heading up the event, along with all of our other volunteers and sponsors. Thank you to those of you that participated, donated, and cheered on our racers. Thank you to all of our staff members who ran, walked, volunteered, and marshalled. This has become such an amazing community event that we could not do without all of you!
We fell a little short of our $20,000 goal, but it is not too late to donate if you would like...we could meet our goal by Fall Break. Funds raised go towards covering PTA's budget for the year and a school gift, which is voted on in April-ish by PTA general membership. If you would like to donate, https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/CO/Arvada/StridesforSierra5K. We will have another fundraiser in the spring, Read-a-Thon, where we will need volunteers, prizes, donations, and of course lots of participation. Thanks again for all you do supporting Sierra!
Have a fantastic weekend 😃
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. This is a month-long observance to educate and raise awareness about bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Addressing and preventing bullying is something that everyone can do, every day.
Bullying is a behavior that happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person that is the target of the behavior has a hard time defending their self. Usually, bullying happens over and over and can be done in person or utilizing technology.
Punching, shoving and other acts that hurt people physically
Spreading bad rumors about people
Keeping certain people out of a “group”
Teasing people in a mean way
Getting certain people to “gang up” on others
At Sierra, we use Second Step's supplemental Bullying Prevention Unit to help teach students the 3 R's of bullying prevention: how to Recognize when bullying is happening; how to Report bullying behaviors; and how to Refuse bullying and not join in.
For more information about bullying prevention and how to approach bullying situations, read Bullying Prevention 101, a quick guide for adults published by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.
OFFICE INFORMATION
Parent reminder - Please remember if your student(s) are going to be absent or tardy, call the attendance line 303-982-0821 before 8:00 a.m. the day of. The attendance line is available 24/7.
Fees - If you haven't already done so, please remember to pay your fees through Infinite Campus. If you have any questions, contact Nicole Leinz at 303-982-0821 or nicole.leinz@jeffco.k12.co.us
October 13 -18 - Book Fair
October 17 and 18 - Conferences (more information and signups will be sent next week)
October 19 - No School (teacher work day)
October 20 - No School
October 24 - Coffee With T n B- Jenny Frederickson (GT Resource Teacher) will join us in the cafeteria at 7:50am
October 31 - Monster Mash ROAR Day and Halloween parade and parties (more info below)
November 7 - Accountability at 4:45 and General PTA Meeting at 5:30 in the library (virtual link and agendas coming soon)
November 8 - Ralston Valley Area Vocal Festival at RVHS 7:00pm
November 10 - Student Picture Retakes
November 10 - End of 1st Trimester
HALLOWEEN INFO
The Halloween parade and classroom parties are Tuesday, 10/31. The parade starts at 1:15, and will be outside around the large playgroup courtyard (weather pending). Parties start in the classrooms directly afterward. ALL VISITORS, please sign in the hallway (in front of the office) if you decide to join us.
Students should not wear their costumes to school. They will have a chance to get dressed around 12:45. Please know that toys or props that resemble weapons are not allowed at school. Also, try to avoid the “blood and guts” look. Please encourage your child to dress up. If your child needs a costume, please notify the office so we can assist. Please make every effort to make Halloween fun and safe for all kids.
Decorating classrooms- please make arrangements with classroom teachers to decorate after school on 10/30 (arrive 2:35-3:30) or anytime on 10/31 after 11:30am.
LIBRARY NEWS
Scholastic Book Fair
Next week, the Scholastic Book Fair will be open on:
Monday, October 16th, 8:00 - 3:30
Tuesday, October 17th, 8:00 - 6:30
Wednesday, October 18th, 8:00 - 6:30
We still need volunteers! The biggest need is for after school, during conferences, on Wednesday, October 18th. Please use this Sign Up Genius to sign up as a volunteer.
It's not too late to set up an eWallet. This can be done through our Book Fair Website.
If you have any questions, reach out to Kaela Lazek at kaela.lazek@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
The Sierra Library is getting into the fall spirit! Join our favorite book characters pumpkin/gourd decorating contest.
Entries may be dropped off at the library on Monday, October 23rd
by 9am to be included in our voting.
(Preschool families can bring pumpkins to your classroom.)
Contest Rules
You may use pumpkins or gourds to create your project. Fake pumpkins/gourds are okay.
Absolutely NO CARVED entries on ANY pumpkins. All pumpkins/gourds that have carved skin will be disqualified and sent home that day. Real pumpkins with punctured skin will also be disqualified and sent home. This decision will be up to the discretion of the judges.
Pumpkins should be no larger than 36 inches in circumference.
To decorate, you can use paper, glue, paint, or any other craft items on the pumpkin. Be creative!
Projects must represent a character from a book appropriate for elementary school students (no TV or movie characters that haven’t been in a book!).
An entry form must be turned in with the pumpkin (these can be picked up in the library or found here to print at home).
Participation is voluntary. The project can be done independently by the student or as a family project.
Pumpkins will be displayed in the library from October 23 to October 31. All pumpkins must be taken home by October 31.
Students and staff will vote for their favorite pumpkin throughout the week.
DID YOU KNOW?
School Start Time
We have a lot of late students this year! We know moving our start time to 7:45am has been an adjustment for our families. Please know that it is very important for students to arrive to school on time, as instruction starts at 7:45am. When students arrive late, it can throw them off emotionally, they can miss information, directions for a task, etc. Thank you for your continued partnership setting students up for success having them to school on time.
Parking Lot Reminders!
- Please partner with us to keep kids safe!
- Has everyone who drops off and picks up watched our Parking Lot video? Consider asking Grandma, Grandpa or anyone else who may be helping your family with drop-off and pick-up
- Use the crosswalk
- Pull all the way forward
- Don't drop off at a metal gate
- Thank you for your support!
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
PTA PARTICULARS
The PTA Reflections Arts Competition is back this year, with the theme of “I feel hopeful because…” The Reflections Arts Program is a national arts competition. The winners in each category from Sierra will have an opportunity to advance to the district, regional, state and national competition. All Sierra students, Pre-K through 5th grade, are invited to submit their take on the theme in one of the six categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Film, Dance Composition, Music Composition, and Literature. **New this year, the PTA will be offering two Arts Workshops for any students who’d like to enter the competition but would like a little more guidance or supplies (See dates and times below). Volunteers to help run the Arts workshops and coordinate judging gratefully accepted! Contact the committee chair with any questions or to volunteer: amywardbailey@gmail.com
If you’re interested in participating in the competition you MUST complete this Interest form!
Reflections Arts Competition Important Dates:
Arts Workshop #1: Tuesday, October 24th, 2:30-4pm in the Art Room
Arts Workshop #2: Thursday, November 2nd 2:30-4pm in the Art Room
All submissions Due: Friday 11/10
Judging: Wednesday 11/15
Winners announced: Friday 11/17
Celebration: Friday 12/1
Join us for our first Sierra Parent Networking event! October 25 from 4-6pm at Jacks in Five Park's. This is a social event that is designed to help parents get to know one other for both personal and professional networking.
SIERRA ELEMENTRY
Email: tennille.foerster@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: sierraelementary.net
Location: 7771 Oak Street, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: (303)982-0821
Facebook: facebook.com/sierraelementary