SIERRA SCOOP
February 16, 2024
FROM FOERSTER'S DESK
February is Black History Month. Black History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to come together and honor the rich contributions, achievements, and experiences of African Americans throughout history. The 2024 national theme for Black History Month is titled “African Americans and the Arts,” which gives us all the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression used to preserve history, celebrate community memory, and as a form of social commentary and empowerment.
During the month of February our classrooms have the opportunity to participate in a variety of choices of activities ranging from read alouds to full on lessons (pictured above is Mrs. Cassady's 5th grade class after completing a research project on influential African Americans). Thank you to Sierra's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) subcommittee for all of their dedication and work to ensure that Sierra grows to recognize, celebrate, and establish a culture of belonging for our entire community.
Have a marvelous extended weekend 😄
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra
Self-Soothing - Involving our Senses to Bring Calm
The past couple of weeks we have explored some strategies to help manage anxiety through our physical BODY and MIND. This week, we will look at how we might involve one or more of the five SENSES as a way of calming our anxiety. The strategies available are as diverse as the people who rely on them. However, here are some ideas to try out and see how they feel:
- Touch objects - look for something that feels good to you - a stuffed animal, a soft fabric, or even a pet
- Music - try listening to some relaxing music or sing to yourself
- Lotions - gently massage your hands, arms, or temples with lotion
- Scents - consider a deep breath of fresh air or explore some scents that are shown to reduce stress, such as lavender, vanilla, or bergamot
- Cold water - have a cool drink or splash some cool water on your face
- Removal of senses - spend time in a quiet and/or dark space
Click HERE to explore additional calming activities using each of the senses. Find time to try some of these out. Make it fun, pay attention to how it makes you and/or your child feel, and take note of the strategies that help you to feel calm. With practice, these can become powerful tools for your toolbox around managing anxiety.
OFFICE INFORMATION
Grub Club Food Drive (Click on upper right corner of picture to enlarge).
VOLUNTEERS FOR USED BOOK FAIR NEEDED!
See Library Information below.
(There are still slots available to sign up)
THE USED BOOK FAIR RUNS NEXT WEEK
Thank you to everyone who donated books for our Used Book Fair! We now have over 3,000 books for sale next week! Here are the dates and times for the fair:
Tuesday, Feb 20: Morning will be open for prize winners, everyone can shop 12:30 - 3:00
Wednesday, Feb 21: Open 8:00 - 3:00
Thursday, Feb 22: Open 8:00 - 6:00
Friday, Feb 23: Open 8:00 - 11:30
Paperback books cost 50 cents each, and hard cover books cost $1. Cash or check only.
We could still use some help selling books next week! Please see the Sign Up Genius to sign up to help.
A HUGE Thank you to the volunteers who helped set up the books this week! Especially Jenny Logan, who led the charge!
All proceeds and donations will support our Sierra Library! If you have any questions, please reach out to Kaela Lazek at kaela.lazek@jeffco.k12.co.us
CMAS Testing
Grades 3 - 5 will participate in the annual state assessment between April 1st and April 26. Specific times will be shared by classroom teachers closer to testing days. We ask that you do not schedule appointments or vacations during these testing dates:
3rd Grade: 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/10, 4/11, and 4/12 (AM testing only)
4th Grade: 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/10, 4/11, and 4/12 (AM testing only)
5th Grade: 4/5, 4/8, 4/9 (AM testing); 4/15, 4/16, 4/17 (AM and PM testing sessions)
February 19 - No School, President's Day
February 20-23 - Used Book Fair
February 22 - Conferences 3:00 - 7:00
February 23 - ROAR Day (Tropical Day) and End of 2nd Trimester
February 29 - Read Across America Day
March 1 - Report Cards Go Home
March 11- PTA Budget Meeting
March 15- ROAR Day (Outer Space)
March 18-22- No School, Spring Break
March 25- No School, Teacher Work Day
March 26- Students Return
March 29- Read-a-Thon Kickoff
DID YOU KNOW?
Jeffco Panorama Family Survey
Please read district communication and information regarding the Family Survey in the communication letter. You will/should have received the survey via email or the letter provides the link and a QR code. The survey closes on 2/23/2024. I hope we hear from all of our families as this data and your feedback is important to help us continue to grow our systems. We will only get to see our results if we have at least 50% completion. As of today, we have 14% completed (58 total surveys). Thank you for taking the time to complete the Family Survey!
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
YEARBOOK
The yearbook needs your pictures...first day, Field Day, Halloween, concerts, etc. To be included, photos need to be submitted by March 1st.
https://community.lifetouch.com/login
Lifetouch Invitation code is: sierraelementaryarvadaco-24
PTA PARTICULARS
The PTA Budget Committee Meeting is scheduled for Mar 11, 2024 at 6pm in the school library. Please join to help plan how the PTA will spend funds for the 24-25 school year. Open to all current PTA members.
School Gift Proposals are open for application! Due Apr 22, 2024 and presented and voted on at the Apr 29, 2024 General PTA meeting. Application forms with more information can be found in the treasurer’s box in the school office or online here: https://www.sierraptaarvada.org/_files/ugd/78602c_a5131731f47d4dfe8bc69dcab15d10f7.pdf
Thank you to the Licher Real Estate Group for graciously sponsoring a Sierra Sabertooth Mascot!! This is a fun way for parents to get involved at key Sierra events.
If you are interested in suiting up for Sierra, you can sign up here!
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