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Principal Weekly Update to Families
October 20, 2023
Salute to Veterans
Photos Needed!
Last call for photos of your veterans! We will be celebrating our veterans at the Friday Assembly on November 3. Email photos to Erika Morisset at erika_morisset@ycs.wednet.edu by Friday, October 27. Please include the veteran's name, branch of service, and student's name and teacher. Contact our office if you have any questions. We look forward to recognizing veterans on November 3. Thank you for your service!
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Seasonal Fun
The Pumpkin Decorating Contest is next week! Entries submitted will be displayed in the Library from October 25–27. Judging will take place on Thursday, October 26. Pumpkins may be carved or decorated by students. All pumpkins submitted for the contest must be picked up before the end of the Halloween Carnival or they will be placed in the garbage at the end of event. If you have questions, please contact our office.
Tip of the Week
Does Your Child's Jacket or Sweatshirt Have Their Name Inside of it?
How do we dress for the fall in the Pacific Northwest? In layers! In a few short hours, we can experience nearly all the seasons leaving many students shedding extra clothing layers throughout the school day. No wonder students misplace their jackets and other clothing items. It can be difficult for staff to reunite found items with their owners when not labeled with a student's name. The "tip of the week" is to label those jackets, hats, sweatshirts, backpacks and other important items in the event they are misplaced at school or on the bus. Thanks for your assistance.
Costume Dress Up Day
Friday, October 27!
Students and staff are invited to wear their costumes on Friday, October 27. This annual Prairie activity is held the same day as PTO's Halloween Carnival. Some guidelines are listed below to ensure that the day can continue to be fun for all. Parents can play a key role in preparation for this event. Remember the following school guidelines:
- No weapons as any part of the costume's accessories
- Keep face paint simple – save the elaborate face paint for the carnival or trick-or-treating
- No masks during the school day
- No blood or gruesome face paint or costumes
- Costumes must allow for normal participation in school activities
Staff Spotlight
Second Grade Team
Our fabulous Second Grade team includes Kathy Duncan, Felecia Stakkenback, and Susan McLaughlin. Together, they have 55 years of teaching experience. When asked for fun facts about their team, they agreed, "we love Starbucks!" In Second Grade, they dream big, work hard, play hard and are always kind!
Prairie PTO News
Shout Out for Volunteers
Volunteers are needed (and appreciated) for upcoming Prairie PTO events:
- October 20–26: Candy collection for the Halloween Carnival continues. Donations are appreciated!
- October 26: Halloween Door decorating judging.
- October 27: 4:30–6:30 p.m., Prairie Halloween Carnival. Volunteers can click here to sign up to help.
Handbook Spotlight
Communication Between Home and School
We offer many tools to communicate information with our families. Prairie utilizes our website and auto dialer system to keep parents up to date on current events and activities at school. While online you can visit the Yelm Community Schools website to see upcoming events, announcements, and reminders from around the district. During office hours, you can call the front office to speak to a staff member. Teachers are available to return phone calls before and after school hours, or during their prep time. Unfortunately, many of our staff do not have voicemail available to them. Our office staff will gladly give a message to your child’s teacher so they can contact you. If you prefer e-mail communication, any staff member can be contacted by checking our website. We appreciate your communication with us and encourage you to contact us whenever there is a concern, information you would like to share if you would like to brag about your child, or just want to keep in touch.
Announcements and Reminders
- Wednesday, October 25: Late start day.
- Friday, October 27:
- Costume Day, all day.
- Friday Assembly, 8:40 a.m.
- PTO Halloween Carnival, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tuesday, October 31: No costumes at school.
- Wednesday, November 1: Late start day.