December

Penny Wars: December 4 - December 15th (info below)

Friday, December 8th: Middle School "Snow Ball" Dance, 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the gym

Friday, December 15th: American Girl Holiday Party

Monday, December 18-Wednesday, December 20th: Holiday Spirit Week

Tuesday, December 19th: Holiday Programs This is a change of date.

Winter Break: December 21 - January 9, 2024

It’s hard to believe that we’re already preparing for the second i-Ready® Diagnostic. The second Diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your student’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their goals for the year. Students in first through eighth grades will begin the second diagnostic for math and reading tomorrow.

The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.

Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:

• Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the Diagnostic!
• Talk to your student about why the second Diagnostic is important. You can say things like:
• The second Diagnostic helps you find out how much progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year.
• It allows your teachers and I to celebrate your accomplishments!
• Try your best, and do not rush—but don’t spend too much time on a question either.
• Remember, questions on the Diagnostic change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.
• Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress.
  
  We will be celebrating and rewarding all students that reach their Growth or Stretch Goals when we return from winter break.
  
  

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning.

All middle school students are invited to attend the first dance of the year. The dance will be held on Friday evening in the gym. The attire is winter sweaters and jeans. If students are staying on campus until the dance, they may bring a change of clothes for the dance.

Tickets will be on sale at lunch this Wednesday and at the door the night of the event. Parents are welcome in to take pictures for the first 30 minutes.

As the colder months approach, it's essential for us to join forces in ensuring the well-being of our students. Cold and flu season is upon us, and while we can't completely shield our children from every germ, there are proactive measures we can take to minimize the risk of illnesses.

Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

1. Hand Hygiene: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

2. Healthy Habits: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. This simple habit can significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets.

3. Proper Nutrition: A well-balanced diet helps strengthen the immune system. Encourage your child to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Hydration is also key, so remind them to drink plenty of water.

4. Adequate Rest: Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight off infections.

5. Open Communication: If your child is feeling unwell, it's important to communicate with the school and keep them at home until they're fully recovered. This not only helps their own recovery but also prevents the potential spread of illness to classmates.

By working together and implementing these precautions, we can create a healthier environment for our children. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the well-being of our school community.

Please drop students off at the gymnasium between 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. After 7:30 a.m., students should be dropped at the gate closest to their classroom. Pick-up after 4:30 p.m. will also be in the GYMNASIUM.

Our annual shows will take place on Tuesday, December 19th.

8:00 a.m.: Middle School

9:00 a.m.: Fifth Grade

10:00 a.m.: Fourth Grade

11:00 a.m.: Third Grade

12:00 p.m.: Second Grade

2:00 p.m.: Kindergarten

3:00 p.m.: First Grade

-Empty and clean 2 liter soda bottles with lids

-Empty and clean plastic milk or juice containers that have built-in handles

-Empty and unbroken planting pots: nursery style, terra cotta, plain, pretty, or anything you have that you aren't using.

*If anyone is a wood worker or interested in donating a bench in your family's name, we are looking for at least three long, sturdy benches.

Please contact Miss Dolly at missdolly@vapeagles.com or 951-234-1940.

The faculty directory is up-to-date on our website.

Our eighth grade will be traveling to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. in April. For more information please visit Worldstrides for more details. Our trip ID# is: 207925.