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North Star News - Family Edition
April 2024
Dear North Star Families:
As we step into the cheerful month of April, I am excited to share with you some of the wonderful events and activities planned for our school community. This month promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, celebration, and connection.
We will kick off April with our House meetings, fostering camaraderie and teamwork among our students across grade levels. Our fifth graders will embark on an exciting journey as they visit the middle school, getting a glimpse of the adventures that lie ahead. The Little Feet Meet will showcase the enthusiasm and talent of our young athletes, while Sollevare Unity Day will highlight the importance of unity and inclusivity in our school.
As we pause for Spring Break during the first week of April, let's recharge our energies and come back ready to embrace the final stretch of another enriching school year at North Elementary School. I look forward to seeing our students, families, and staff actively participating in these upcoming events and making memories together.
Happy Spring!
Candy Llewellyn, Ed. D.
Principal
💡 Reminders /Info
IMPORTANT DATES 📆
April 1 - 5 --> Spring Break
Thursday, April 11 --> Kiwanis Terrific Kids
Friday, April 12 --> House Meetings
Tuesday, April 23 --> 5th graders visit CHMS @ 9 am
Wednesday, April 24 --> Little Feet Meet @ 9 am
Friday, April 26 --> Sollevare Unity Day
Tuesday, April 30 --> 4th graders take VA Studies SOL
Tuesday, April 30 --> 5th graders take the Science SOL
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Monday, May 20 --> 1st/2nd grade Awards Ceremony @ 9:00 am
Monday, May 20 --> 3rd/4th grade Awards Ceremony @ 1:30 pm
Tuesday, May 21 --> Field Day (students should wear their House shirt) - Students will NOT be getting separate Field Day shirts.
Wednesday, May 22 --> PreK Celebration @ 8:45 am
Wednesday, May 22 --> Kindergarten Celebration @ 9:30 am
Thursday, May 23 --> 5th Grade Celebration @ 9:00 am
Friday, May 24 --> Colonial Pride Tour @ 9 am
Friday, May 24 --> Nukumori Unity Day
Monday, May 27 --> Memorial Day holiday
Wednesday, May 29 --> LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Thursday, May 30 --> CHHS Graduation
CAR RIDERS
Please make sure that you have your car tag if you are picking your child up in the afternoon. We ask that you stay inside of your vehicle. Children should enter the vehicle on the passenger side (closest to the sidewalk) to avoid them being in the way of oncoming cars. If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your child, we ask that you park and do so in order to keep the lines moving.
We ask that if you must pick your child up early that you do so BEFORE 2:30 p.m. After 2:30 p.m. it is challenging to get the children up early with all of the other dismissal things going on. If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. you may be asked to wait until normal dismissal.
School Hours
ATTENDANCE
As the school year draws to a close, I want to emphasize the critical importance of regular attendance and punctuality. Being present in school every day, and arriving on time, is a fundamental aspect of academic success and overall well-being for our students.
Consistent attendance ensures that students have the opportunity to fully engage in learning, participate in classroom activities, interact with peers, and benefit from the guidance of our dedicated teachers. Each day in school is an opportunity for growth, exploration, and acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Moreover, regular attendance fosters a sense of responsibility, discipline, and commitment, which are essential qualities for success not only in school but also in future endeavors. It sets a positive habit that students can carry forward into their academic and professional lives.
As we approach the end of the school year, I urge parents and guardians to prioritize attendance and punctuality. Encourage your child to be present every day, ready to learn and contribute positively to the classroom environment. Let's work together to ensure that every student finishes the year strong and maximizes their potential.
Thank you for your partnership in promoting a culture of attendance and punctuality at our school.
Cold Weather Recess
Please remember that we go outside for recess every day unless the temperatures are below 40 OR it is raining. Make sure your students have a coat and are dressed appropriately to go outside. We are required to have at least 20 minutes of recess each day.
According to Johns Hopkins, the common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold. However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter). This is probably due to a variety of factors, including:
Schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus.
People stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other.
Low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the office or Nurse Kelly.
Principal for the Day
We are thrilled to announce our first Principal for the Day winner, Patrick McClung from Mrs. Bass' 3rd-grade class! Patrick took on the responsibilities of being our school's honorary principal with enthusiasm and professionalism. He even got a special ID badge, lanyard, desk plate, and a meeting with our superintendent, Mrs. Ratliff.
Throughout the day, Patrick had a busy schedule. He confidently delivered the morning announcements over the intercom, ensuring that all students and staff started their day on a positive note. He then assisted with a safety walk, showing great attention to detail and concern for everyone's well-being.
During a fire drill, Patrick remained calm and helped guide his classmates to safety, demonstrating excellent leadership skills. He also lent a hand during lunch duty, ensuring that the lunch period ran smoothly for everyone.
Patrick had the opportunity to observe classrooms, gaining insight into different learning environments and strategies. He even got to enjoy a special lunch from Chick-fil-A and wore a walkie-talkie all day, truly embracing the role of Principal for the Day!
We want to encourage all students to aim for this exciting opportunity. Students who are present every day for a week will have their name entered into a drawing to be the next Principal for the Day. Names can be submitted weekly throughout April for multiple chances to win.
Congratulations again to Patrick for being an outstanding Principal for the Day, and we look forward to seeing who will take on this role next!
Attendance Incentives!
We are thrilled to announce our attendance incentives designed to celebrate and encourage regular school attendance among our amazing students! At North, we believe that every day counts, and we're committed to making attendance fun and rewarding.
1. Principal for the Day: Imagine the thrill of being in charge for a day! Students who achieve perfect attendance for a week will have their names entered into a drawing at the end of each month for the chance to become "Principal for the Day." This special opportunity includes leading morning announcements, assisting with lunch duty, meeting with the superintendent, visiting classrooms, and more. It's a fantastic way for students to experience leadership and responsibility firsthand!
2. Monthly Prize Drawings: We're turning attendance into an adventure with our monthly prize drawings! Students who maintain perfect attendance throughout the month will be entered into a drawing to win exciting prizes. Last month, one lucky student rode away with a light-up scooter, and who knows what fabulous surprises await in the coming months! We want every student to have the chance to win big and experience the joy of consistent attendance.
But wait, there's more! We believe in sprinkling extra fun throughout the year, so keep an eye out for pop-up celebrations on random days. Students who are present on these special days will be treated to surprise treats and activities. Because at North, we know that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity for adventure and learning!
Thank you for partnering with us to emphasize the importance of attendance and encourage our students to be present and engaged every day. Together, let's make every day at North a day to remember!
Altruismo Unity Day
Altruismo Unity Day
Altruismo, meaning "the Givers" in Portuguese, finds its roots in the Amazon rainforest, where a group of influential Brazilians embraced a philosophy of selflessness and empowerment. This house embodies a unique blend of strength and generosity, understanding that true power lies in uplifting others. They are fiercely competitive yet deeply caring, nurturing a legacy of smart and driven individuals.
The symbolic animal of Altruismo is the snake, representing wisdom, transformation, and balance. This house takes pride in cultivating real leadership and nurturing a strong spirit among its members. Led by the dynamic Katie Ackerman, Altruismo aims to empower every member to uphold its legacy.
The crest of Altruismo features a quivering snake, symbolizing agility and adaptability. The heart at the top signifies kindness, generosity, and purity, traits that define the essence of this house. The griffin, with its eagle head and lion's courage, embodies strength, grace, fierceness, and nurturing qualities.
The diamond and shield in the crest represent unity, wisdom, and protection, highlighting the importance of safeguarding and empowering others. The color black symbolizes prestige, elite quality, and talent, reflecting Altruismo's commitment to excellence and success.
Altruismo lives up to its name by embracing altruism and fostering a culture of giving within the school community. As we embark on this journey together, let us embody the spirit of the Givers and strive for greatness through unity, kindness, and empowerment.
Reveur Unity Day
Reveur Unity Day
RẾVEUR, meaning "dreamers" or "idealists" in French, represents a group of students filled with freedom, passion, and a relentless pursuit of their dreams. Like the majestic unicorn at the center of their crest, RẾVEUR members are powerful, almost impossible to tame, and fiercely independent in chasing their aspirations.
This royal house, with its heritage rooted in France, embraces the spirit of dreaming big and overcoming obstacles. The symbolic animal of RẾVEUR is the wolf, symbolizing loyalty, courage, and the strength of the pack. Led by the dynamic duo of Ashley Watkins and Sherri DiNoia, RẾVEUR embodies resilience and determination.
The crest of RẾVEUR features a knight with an open-visor helmet facing forward, symbolizing nobility, courage, and a forward-looking approach to pursuing dreams. The crescent moons represent new beginnings and the transformation of dreams into reality. The unicorn, a symbol of freedom, healing, and beauty, reflects the house's ethos of embracing wild abandon and refusing to be constrained by limitations.
The color blue in the crest instills confidence, passion, and a sense of calm, empowering RẾVEUR members to release fears and anxieties as they chase their dreams. As dreamers and idealists, RẾVEUR draws inspiration from the French word "Reveur," reminding us to never stop dreaming and believing in the power of our aspirations.
RẾVEUR stands as a testament to the fact that the size of one's heart and efforts far outweigh the importance of numbers. Let us embrace our dreams, unite as a pack, and continue our journey of turning dreams into reality.
Absence Notes & Excuses
It is important for students to be in school every day. However, if your child is ill, please keep them home. We do require a doctor or parent note following any absence - even if you called the school office. We want all of our Stars to be successful and in order for that to happen we need them at school each and every day. If possible, please do not schedule vacations during the school year.
Remember if a child misses more than 2 days of school per month (even for excused absences) that equates to 18-20 days over the course of the school year - making them chronically absent.
Tardies
Please be mindful that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy.
If you drop your child off after 8:30 a.m. --> You must park and walk your child in to sign them in. This is a change from the way we have done this in the past.
NES Rules
1- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
2 - Be honest.
3 - Be respectful to others.
Please review these rules with your child. We discuss these on a daily basis to make sure students understand what our expectations are.
School Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily to all students at no cost.
School menus can be found HERE.
If your child will be bringing his/her lunch to school, please help them so they are able to open juice boxes or other containers they bring in their lunch. We have adults on hand to help but if the students can open things themselves, it makes lunch go smoother!
***IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT LUNCHES***
Parents - PLEASE do not bring food to share with students at lunch. We have many students who have allergies and for the safety of ALL students it is imperative that you do not bring food to share when you visit for lunch.
If you bring cupcakes for a birthday, they must be store bought and the teacher should be the one to distribute them.
If you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to call the Nurse Kelly or Dr. Llewellyn.
Dress Code
Please remind students that they are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, or any head covering of any kind in the building or on the school bus.
Counselor's Corner with Ms. Cherry
Character Trait of the Month:
We are excited to focus on Courage this month! One way to think about Courage is “choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary.” Courage can look a little different for everyone. Get ready to explore as a family what Courage means to you! Courage 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.
North House System:
We have started our North House System where we are building a culture of excellence through authentic connection and a sense of belonging. The system provides a consistent and purposeful school-wide positive behavior support system designed to increase student achievement academically, socially, and emotionally for our 3rd -5th grade students. Our motto is, “We are stronger together.” North House System handbooks have been sent home and we ask that you sign the handbook agreement and return it to school as soon as possible .
Anti-Bullying Note: Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance where the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or
verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. To help us prevent bullying here at North Elementary we would love it if you could talk to your student about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Please let your student know bullying is unacceptable at North Elementary. Encourage your student to speak to a trusted adult if they are being bullied or see others being bullied when it FIRST happens.