1st - PTO meeting at 6:30 p.m.

4th - 2nd Grade Field Trip - Arbor Day Farms

9th - 3rd Grade Field Trip - Durham Museum & Luminarium

9th - Preschool Field Trip - Pam Nelson’s Farm

17th - End of 1st Quarter

18th - No School-Teacher In-service

24th - Picture Retakes Preschool-5th

25th - Report Cards will be Mailed Home

25th - Trunk or Treat 6-7:00 PM

30th - Health Screenings All K-4 & New 5th Grade

30th - Family Dinner Night @ Godfather's

31st - Fall Parties at 2:00 p.m. (K-5)

31st - Halloween Parade

• AM Preschool @ 11:10
• PM Preschool & K-5 Parade @ 2:45 p.m.

Blue Sage Year Long Calendar of Events (Subject to Change)

For the most current information subscribe to our online calendar. You'll want to subscribe to both the Blue Sage & District calendars.

Dear Blue Sage Families,

As we enter the second quarter of the 2024-2025 school year this month, it’s a great time to reflect on our strong start and look ahead with excitement. I continue to be impressed by our students' character and academic dedication. Parents, thank you for reinforcing the importance of education and helping your children see themselves as responsible, engaged learners. Your support remains one of the greatest strengths of our Blue Sage community.

It was a joy to watch our students participate in the Fun Run and to see so many families at the Blue Sage Bash. Events like these are made possible by the incredible efforts of our BSE PTO and the ongoing support of our BSE families. We are deeply grateful for your commitment. Your generosity—whether through time, talent, or financial contributions—enables us to offer the many enriching experiences that make Blue Sage such a special place.

We sincerely appreciated your attendance at last week’s Parent-Teacher Conferences. Your partnership is invaluable, and we look forward to working closely with you throughout the year to ensure our students' success. Additionally, we are grateful for your generosity in providing meals for our staff on both evenings—it truly means a lot!

As always, it is my joy and privilege to serve as the Blue Sage principal. I'm thankful to have your students here at Blue Sage. Please do not hesitate to email (achrist@epsne.org) or call me (402-332-0125) with any questions or comments.

Mrs. Christ

Blue Sage Principal

With the beautiful onset of the fall season also comes the unwelcomeness of the cold, flu, and Covid viruses, as well as seasonal allergies. Be sure your student is practicing healthy habits like getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, good hand washing/sanitizing techniques, and staying up-to-date on immunizations.

**Also--please be sure to continue to turn in action plans and medications for your students with asthma and severe allergies if you have not already done so.**

Happy Fall!

Heather Parks MSN, RN

hparks@epsne.org

The State of Nebraska requires that all students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, as well as students new to the district, be screened for height, weight, vision, hearing, and dental health. Parent volunteers are needed!

We are looking for volunteers (parents or grandparents) to help with student health screenings at Blue Sage Elementary.

• Sign up if you can join us Wednesday, October 20 from 8:15 am- to approximately 11:30 am.
• No health background is needed and training will be provided when you arrive.
• Unfortunately, if you have younger children at home, they will not be able to attend this volunteer opportunity along with you.

Here is the Sign-up Genius link to volunteer:

Blue Sage Elementary: Health Screening (signupgenius.com)

Here is a link if you have further questions about health screens:

https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NE-School-Health-Screening-FAQ-Sheet.pdf

Also, please make sure that your student brushes their teeth that morning and that they wear their glasses or contacts that day if they have them. Thank you!

Thank you! You may email Heather Parks, hparks@epsne.org, with any questions.

September Guidance Topic

Our focus in guidance this month was Respect. One way to think about Respect is “seeing value in all people and things & treating them with care.” Many people feel Respected in different ways. We hope this month inspires discussions with your family about what Respect means to you and how you can practice it together! Respect is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.

October Guidance Topic

Our focus in October will be Responsibility. One way we think about Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. Responsibility is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.

Contact the Counselor

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.

Lisa Poe

Blue Sage School Counselor

Lpoe@epsne.org

402-332-0125

Mark your calendars for Trunk or Treat on October 25 from 6-7 PM at the BSE South Parking Lot! Kids can dress up and trick-or-treat at decorated trunks. We had an amazing turnout last year and are excited for this year's event!

We need TRUNKS! Volunteers are needed to decorate trunks to fill the parking lot for our trick or treaters. We will have a contest for the best trunk. Candy will be provided for each trunk. Sign up here!

Our candy monsters are back and HUNGRY. Send your candy donations in by 10/17 and be sure to put your kid's teacher on the outside of the back so their class gets credit toward their popsicle party! You also can donate to the candy drive venmo @BlueSagePTO and include your teacher and grade in the notes. $10 = 100 pieces of candy.

For more info, visit: https://bluesagepto.com/trunkortreat/

Class Parties (K-5)
Our class parties will begin at 2:00 PM. Each classroom will have four designated volunteers. To ensure safety and space, we kindly ask that all other parents and visitors remain outside the building and join us for the parade behind the school.

Parade (K-5 & PM Preschool)
The parade will start at 2:45 PM along the walking path behind the school. Please note that the parade will only take place if weather permits, as we will not be moving it indoors. We encourage everyone to spread out along the route and stand on the edges to allow for plenty of viewing space.

Costumes (Preschool-5th Grade)
Wearing a costume is optional for both the party and the parade. If your child chooses to wear one, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Send only items that your child can put on independently.
• Costumes and accessories that resemble weapons, such as toy knives, swords, guns, spears, or other similar items, are not allowed.
• Face paint is not permitted.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and enjoyable event for everyone!

Research shows that attending school regularly has a direct correlation to higher achievement. All instances of chronic absenteeism will be communicated to families and we will work with you to improve attendance rates. Students are defined as chronically absent when excused and unexcused absences exceed 10% of school days at any point in the year.

As a school community, we know that instructional time is of great importance, and nearly impossible to replicate outside of the classroom. In general, we see a dip in achievement from students who miss class time. Although we can't plan for an illness, we can plan for family trips. Please be thoughtful in planning family vacations and other extended absences from school especially knowing that unplanned events such as a family funeral or a student's illness can't be planned for in advance.

A chronically absent student is defined as any student absent for 10% or more of the days they were enrolled. EPS has 180 student contact days; therefore, any student who misses more than 18 days in the school year is considered chronically absent unless there are chronic health problems or special circumstances. We want our students in attendance, but not if they have a fever or if they are sick with an illness.

In the best interest of students' educational achievement, please plan vacations and family trips around the school calendar whenever possible. You can find the district calendar at elkhornweb.org and click on Calendar at the top right of your screen

Every Friday is a school spirit day at Blue Sage. Wear your Blue Sage gear or our school colors (blue and green) to show your BEAR pride.

Modeling a healthy relationship with technology is one of the best ways to ensure youth have healthy tech relationships too. Muting notifications and creating device-free zones at home is a great starting point!

To ensure the safety and efficiency of our drop-off and pick-up process, please follow these guidelines:

1. Arrival and Departure:

   • Students should begin exiting vehicles once the vehicle has pulled as far forward as possible.
   • Staff will be outside to assist with drop-off and pick-up. Please pay attention to their signals for where to pull up and when to move forward. Staff members are there to direct traffic to help ensure safety for all and to keep things moving in an orderly fashion.
   • Drivers are to stay inside the vehicle at all times in the drop-off/pick-up lane.

2. Student Safety:

   • Students should enter and exit the vehicle curbside.
   • Students should use the crosswalk to cross to the parking lot and should never cross in front of traffic in the drop-off lane.
   • Always use the crosswalk at the main entrance to cross traffic in the drop-off/pick-up lane.

3. Traffic Flow:

   • Left Lane: Traffic should always be moving other than when stopped at the crosswalk by staff or safety patrol and should never stop to let a child out of the car.
   • Right Lane: Pull forward if there is space available. Children can be dropped off anywhere along the sidewalk as long as they get out on the curbside.
   • Graphic: The graphic below will help explain the traffic flow and expectations.

4. Line Etiquette:

   • Please wait your turn in line and do not cut the line to make a drop-off or pick-up. Everyone is here for the same goal and reason; please be mindful and respectful of that.
   • If your child is unable to unbuckle/buckle themselves, please practice this at home. It is important that they can do this independently.

5. General Guidelines:

   • Be patient and a positive role model for our children. These procedures are in place to help maintain a safe and respectful environment.
   • It is unlawful to park in a handicap stall without proper licensing.
   • Drive Slowly
   • Drive distraction free, including staying off your cellphones.

6. Communication:

   • Please make sure to share these procedures with anyone who may be dropping off and/or picking up your children.

Please be patient and be a positive role model for our students. These procedures are in place to help maintain a safe and respectful environment. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and efficient process for all.

• Blue Sage PTO Website
  
• Blue Sage Facebook Page
• PTO email address: bluesagepto@gmail.com
• Our PTO website offers an online directory that families can choose to have their information published in at no cost. This can be a great resource if families are wanting to connect with other families in their class or grade-level.
• Click on the following link to sign up for the PTO online Directory: https://www.runpto.com/pto/login?schoolid=bluesage&app=Student&hash=f899139df5e1059396431415e770c6dd
• Next PTO Meeting Oct. 1st at 6:30 pm in the Blue Sage Media Center.
• We would love to see you in attendance!

Parents are welcome to come to have lunch with their children during their lunchtime.

Parent Table Guidelines:

• Students are not allowed to have classmates join them at the parent table. This rule helps us maintain order and allows you to have quality time with your child during lunch.
• Siblings from other grade levels may also not join the parent table during your child's lunch period. Parents will need to return for the sibling's lunch time if they wish to have lunch with them as well.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for your continued support!

To ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, all school doors will remain locked during the school day. Visitors can gain access through the main entrance using the security camera/access panel. Please follow these steps:

1. Request Access:

• Push the button on the security panel.
• Wait for the office staff to request your identification

2. Provide Identification:

• State your name and purpose for entering the school.
  

3. Enter the School:

• Once you hear the door unlatch, enter the school.
• Proceed directly to the office.

4. Enchanced Security with Sallyport System (NEW THIS YEAR): To further enhance our security measures, Blue Sage has installed a sallyport system in the main office. This controlled entry system ensures that visitors must pass through an additional layer of security before gaining access to the school. Please do not allow other individuals to follow you into the building. Piggybacking is a security breach that occurs when an unauthorized person gains access to a restricted area by following an authorized person.

5. Sign In:

• Sign in on the visitor sheet.
• Then you will be provided with a visitor badge.

6. Sign Out:

• When leaving the building, return to the office.
• Sign out and return your visitor badge.

Dropping Off Items:

If you need to drop off something that your child has forgotten, please bring it to the office, we will be happy to take it to your child. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to minimize classroom interruptions.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a secure and efficient environment at Blue Sage.

Invitations to birthday parties and other events must be distributed away from the school grounds to students for out of school parties according to District policy.

Birthdays are important milestones in each child’s life. At Blue Sage Elementary, we look forward to sharing in the student’s excitement over his/her own special day. Each morning birthdays will be read over the announcements and students will be invited to come to select a book from the office to keep. Summer birthdays will be announced on the student’s ½ birthday to ensure each student enjoys this special recognition during the school year.

If you would like to send a special treat or token for your child to pass out to classmates, please send only NON-EDIBLE tokens or treats to school. For example, your child could provide each student with a pencil. Classroom teachers may also offer other suggestions. This decision has been made with considerable thought given to healthy eating habits, food allergies, and convenience for parents. I appreciate your support as we create a healthy and welcoming environment for every student at Blue Sage.

If you walk to drop off or pick up your child please do not bring along your dog. We appreciate you being cognizant of those with allergies or fears. District Policy States: For safety purposes, pets are not allowed to be brought at the beginning or ending of the school day. Even the most well-mannered dogs, when surrounded by little hands and loud voices of children, may react in a way that we would not expect. Pets, even when on a leash, can become excited and frighten students.

Thanks for helping to keep our students safe.

Please have an understanding with your child before he/she leaves home in the morning about what he/she is to do after school. It can be disruptive when classes are interrupted with the delivery of telephone messages or the need for them to call home to find out what is going on after school. We realize that there are times when the unexpected happens, and in those times, we will be happy to let your child know if your plans changed.

Parents wishing to confer with teachers are asked to call the school or email the teacher. If the teacher is unable to take your call, we are able to forward your call to his/her voicemail, so you can leave the teacher a message to return your call at his/her earliest convenience.

If wishing to meet in person with a teacher, please schedule an appointment in advance. Often, teachers feel bad when a parent arrives at school to confer with them and they cannot meet with that parent due to other demands and responsibilities. By scheduling an appointment, they will be prepared to meet with you to address your questions and/or concerns.

• If you are taking photos or video during school hours (including class trips and events), please note these are allowed for personal use only. Videos and images should not be shared in any form without appropriate consent from the student's parent/guardian. Obtaining consent is the sole responsibility of the person taking the photos and video.
• Elkhorn Public School is not responsible for obtaining consent for controlling how such images are shared.
• Please be respectful of all students and families in our school community by not taking or sharing photos or videos of students other than your own.

• Visit the website TAGG.today from your phone.
• Save the website as a button (like an app) for future access and to stay logged in:
  • iPhone/iPad (Safari): Tap the Share icon (square with arrow in bottom center of screen) > Scroll down and select Add to Home Screen
  • Android device (Chrome): Tap menu icon (3 dots) > select Add to Home Screen
• Visit TAGG.today from the button you just created and click ‘Signup/Login’ in the upper right.
• Enter your mobile phone # then tap ‘Send’. TAGG will text you a code to enter for verification.
• Once logged in, tap ‘TAGGer####’ in the upper right to complete your profile.

Email: achrist@epsne.org (Amy Christ, Principal)
Website: https://www.elkhornweb.org/bluesage/
Location: 3600 South 215th Street, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Phone: 402-332-0125
Facebook: facebook.com/ElkhornPSBS/