Growing Readers and Writers
We are a few weeks away from completing the first half of this school year! Teachers are busy planning for various reading and writing activities and students are putting those literacy skills to work every day!
Throughout K-5 classrooms, students are using various forms of expository/informative, narrative, persuasive, and letter writing. Ask your child/children what genres of writing have been happening in their classroom.
In addition to all of our literacy learning experiences, this month our 1st-5th grade students will take the second round MAP (Measuring Academic Progress) Growth tests. These tests measure achievement and growth in both math and reading. Because they are taken in Fall, Winter, and Spring (with the exception of Kindergarten students who take them in late Fall/early Winter and Spring only), results can measure growth throughout the school year and from year to year. These computer tests are adaptive, meaning the questions get harder if the student is answering correctly and easier if they’re answering incorrectly. The results provide teachers with data to help inform instruction regardless of how far students are above or below grade level. In grades K-2, questions are read to students by the computer with an option to have the computer repeat as many times as necessary. At this time of year, these tests give teachers additional information about student progress in comparison to the Fall’s MAP scores.
Going Home Plans
Please make sure your child knows their going-home plans before the school day starts.
We understand that plans for going home may change during the day. When this happens we can write a note to be delivered to your child. Please be aware that notes are delivered at 2:15 pm, and Wednesdays at 1:10 pm. Please let us know your plans before this time, thank you!
Thank you for setting your child up for success by ensuring they know their going-home plan before the start of the school day.
Hello from the Health Room!
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday Break and I hope this message finds you well. As Winter moves along Covid, RSV, Influenza and a smattering of other common cold viruses will continue to make their presence known in our community. We started to see Influenza at our schools prior to the break in early December and expect those numbers to continue to rise. We have also seen unprecedented numbers of community-acquired pneumonia. Keep those in mind should your student experience prolonged cough or fever. Antivirals for influenza and antibiotics for pneumonia can be quite helpful when started early in illness.
Thank you for doing your part by keeping your students home when they show symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Each of our schools will continue to offer free Covid testing by request, and students will continue to have access to hand hygiene stations. Masks, while not required, are also available. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Nurse Erin
(360)627-1266
The right side of the front door of the building will now be automatically unlocked from 8:00 AM to 8:35 AM. This adjustment eliminates the need for students to ring the bell during these times, especially on colder mornings.
A staff member will still be stationed at the front entrance to greet students and monitor who is entering the building during this period.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we strive to make mornings more convenient while prioritizing safety.
Supporting Kids with Healthy Snacks
We all know how important it is for children to stay fueled throughout the day to support their learning, play, and growth. As kids return to school after the holiday season, we encourage families to pack nutritious, filling snacks to keep hunger at bay and energy levels high.
Why Healthy Snacks Matter
- Boost Focus: Snacks rich in nutrients help kids stay alert and ready to learn.
- Sustain Energy: Whole grains, proteins, and fruits or veggies provide long-lasting energy without the sugar crash.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Early exposure to healthy foods helps kids develop good habits for life.
Snack Ideas
Here are some easy, nutritious snacks perfect for school:
- Fruits and Veggies: Apple slices, grapes, or carrot sticks with hummus.
- Protein Boost: String cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or yogurt cups.
- Whole Grains: Popcorn, whole-grain crackers, or granola bars.
- Fun Combos: Celery sticks with sunflower seed butter and raisins ("ants on a log").
Tips for Snack Success
- Keep It Simple: Pack snacks in easy-to-open containers.
- Portion It Right: Snacks should be satisfying but not so big they spoil lunch.
What to Watch For
Sometimes kids don’t realize how hungry they are until it’s time to focus! Packing an extra snack or checking in with your child about their appetite can help prevent mid-morning or afternoon hunger.
Thank you for helping us ensure every student has the fuel they need to thrive! If you have any questions or need more snack ideas, please let us know.
Food For Thought Program
- The salad bar is open every day at lunch, with fresh salad greens, caesar salad, fruit, and vegetables.
- A vegetarian option is available upon request.
- Breakfast is served every morning starting at 8 am. If your child would like breakfast, please have them come through the front doors upon arrival.
Safety Reminder
As the days slowly grow longer, daylight is still limited during the early morning hours, especially while students wait for the bus or walk to school. To ensure their safety, please keep the following in mind:
Enhance visibility: If your child waits for the bus near the road, make sure they are as visible as possible by having them wear bright or reflective clothing or accessories.
Stick to safe paths: If your child walks to school, remind them to use the provided sidewalks and paths. This helps keep them safely away from traffic.
Supervise younger children: Younger students benefit from walking with an older sibling or an adult, especially on darker mornings.
We appreciate your help in making sure all students arrive at school safely.
ATTENDANCE COUNTS
If your child has to miss a day of class, please remember to excuse the absence by emailing jeannarheinberger@sjisd.org or calling 360-378-5209. If your child has unexcused absences that need to be excused, please reach out to Jeanna.
It is important that this information, regarding absences, or change of pickup or drop off plans, comes to us from parents and/or primary caregivers not through a friend, grandparent, neighbor etc.
Thank you!
Zoom Lunch with Mrs. Wehner
Join FHES principal over Zoom for a chat or a listen.
- Thursday, January 16 11:20-12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 834 8500 2911
Passcode: 106501
Bring your questions, concerns, gratitude, and thoughts.
PTO Meetings
Click on the links below to connect with PTO:
The Next Meeting date will be:
Monday, January 13 at 5:30 pm in the Elementary School Library.
It's ok to bring your students to the meeting.
Friday Harbor Elementary School
Email: roslynbutcher@sjisd.org
Website: sjisd.wednet.edu
Location: 95 Grover Street, Friday Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: 360.378.5209