Discovery Primary Update

Wow it has only been a month since school started and school is running much smoother. Teachers commented about how ready first grade students were at the start of school. Their model of responsible behavior helped the kindergarten students and new students learn to navigate the school safely. Students are becoming more independent and have learned the routines for their classrooms. It is so much fun watching the transition from the first day of school until now. Our kindergartners have learned to wait for turns, walk in line and find their classroom. We are also learning academic skills, social skills and behavioral skills.

Our first family fun night was a great success. Thank you to all who participated. These events are so valuable. They create positive memories of school and are a wonderful time to meet friends. While it is sometimes hard to get out in the evening after a long day it is so meaningful to the students. Thank you PTO and teachers for working hard to make these events happen. Thank you parents for getting involved.

We practiced our first evacuation/fire drill this month and it was practically perfect. We exited the building safely and quickly, but we had a few tears because the alarm is loud. It is important that children know what to do in case of an emergency. The East Pierce County Firefighters will be here to do a safety assembly later in the month. We practice safety drills monthly.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful month of October enjoying all the changes Fall has to offer. Speaking of October, we do not celebrate Halloween at Discovery. Young students have a difficult time putting on costumes independently and some get scared during this time. Classrooms do plan special seasonal art activities around the things that are happening in the environment, fall leaves, apples, harvest, etc... Stay tuned for information about this from your child's teacher.

I am looking forward to seeing you at conferences!

Julie Bartlett

***Note: The calendar you received from your teacher during orientation may be incorrect. All Mondays have been changed to Late Start Mondays. October Events include:

October 1 - PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30

October 1 - PTO Skate Night 6:00 - 8:00 at Pattison's West

October 2 - First Grade Read book check out begins

October 4 - Buddy Assembly (Teacher will send out times)

October 7 - Late Start Monday(doors open at 10:05)

October 8 - LAP/Title Parent Meeting 9:00 and 2:45

October 9 - Early Release for Conference Prep 12:00

October 11 - NO School Staff Development Day

October 14 - Late Start Monday

October 16 - 18 Book Fair during conferences

October 16 - 18 Conferences No School

October 21 - Late Start Monday

October 28 - Late Start Monday

We have had a busy month learning the school rules and building stamina for learning. Kindergartners and first graders have had an extra recess during September, where their classroom teachers facilitated how to play safely on the playground, along with rules for games such as four square and tag. Students have also been a part of daily classroom meetings, where they get to know their classmates and learn about classroom community. Our school librarian and counselor have teamed up to teach Kelso Lessons, so students have the tools to solve small and large problems. Please check your students backpack, for their AIM chain, and ask them how they earned their beads and brag tags at school!

Discovery’s at-home reading program begins on Monday, October 1st for first graders. For the Read and Lead program (Discovery's homework), you and/or your child will read aloud a minimum of 10 minutes every day at home and list the reading on the monthly recording sheet. Reading must be for 20 days or more a month to earn a brag tag. Kindergarten students will start Read and Lead on Monday, October 21st. Your child’s kindergarten teacher will give you more information about Read and Lead during conferences.

For more information, look on the Read & Lead website under the activities tab.

Do you have one hour a week to contribute your time? If so, sign up with your child's classroom teacher to help with Discovery's Read and Lead Program. This is a great way to support your child and other's in school.

Scholastic Book Fair

The Arctic Adventures Scholastic Book Fair will be in the Library during conference time, Oct. 17, 18, & 19th. Adventure on in and buy a book or two to take home! Teachers have book wishes also! You can purchase books for the classroom off your teacher's wish list. While at the book fair, please drop off your conference raffle ticket that you will receive from your teacher at the end of your conference, and play our guessing game. All the winners of the raffle and game win free books. The book fair encourages reading and helps raise funds for essential classroom and library resources. We also raise funds for kids in need of books. This year Mrs. George and Mrs. Vogel are competing to see who gets the most money in their donation box. The teacher with the least money will dress up like a silly Seahawks fan on a blue Friday. Volunteers to work at the fair are needed. For every 2 hour shift you work, you earn a $5. book fair voucher. Contact Mrs. Berg in the library or any PTO officer if you are interested in helping. This is a perfect time for daytime working parents to volunteer because of the extended hours the book fair is open. See you at the book fair and happy reading!

October is conference time. Kindergarten parents just finished with connections conferences with their child’s teacher at the beginning of school. This next conference is a goal setting conference for all students. It is important that your child attend the conference with you. Your child will share about the things they are learning and together you, your child, and the teacher will set goals for the year. You will receive a notice from your child’s teacher regarding Parent-Child-Teacher Conferences. Please call the office or email your child's teacher if you need to reschedule the time. During conference days, October 16 -18 there will be no school for students

Have you ever wondered what's going on in the world of counseling here at Discovery? Well, now you can read all about our current events and groups on the counseling page of our school website! Here, the School Counselor will post updates, provide community resources and events, and even make blog posts about things you can try at home. On this website, you can also request counseling services or refer your student for an ongoing group. Check it out here!

PTO hosts one big fundraiser each year! The funds raised go directly back into Discovery to fund things like emergency kits throughout the building, teacher special materials grants, Read & Lead materials, AIM behavior incentives, playground improvements & equipment plus many other things. We ask children to collect donations from friends and family to sponsor them at our Glow Run/Dance. Every child will participate in the Glow Run/Dance with specialists on November 1st. They will receive a glow headband and bracelet and may also wear their own glowing items. More information with specifics will be coming home soon.

Important Reminders

• Student Transportation changes must be called into the office by 2:30 pm.
• When visiting Discovery during the school day or picking up your child, sign in at the office before going to the classrooms.
• If your child borrowed clothing from the nurse’s office, please wash the garments and return them to the school office.
• Your child should be fever free for 24 hours before they return to school.
• As we head into the fall and wet weather, quite often at Discovery, students will get soaked at recess for whatever reason,or they may have a potty accident. We are encouraging parents to send a change of clothes with their student. This could come in a zip lock bag and stay in the backpack until needed. This way they will have clothes that fit them and will be comfortable. If they do use them, they could just replace the used ones. Thank you for helping us keep your child happy, healthy and comfortable."

Lunch & Breakfast Prices

Breakfast $ 2.00

Lunch $ 2.75

Milk $ 0.60

Free/Reduced forms must be renewed by October 14th or students will not be qualified to continue receiving free or reduced lunch

Breakfast time is 9:05 until 9:20. Students eat breakfast in their classroom.

Email: jbartlett@fifeschools.com
Website: discovery.fifeschools.com
Location: 1205 19th Avenue, Milton, WA, USA
Phone: 253-517-1200