January News and Events
January 3, 2024
Principal's Corner
Hello Eisenhower Families and Happy New Year!
This morning I had the honor of observing a fifth grade student ambassador welcoming a brand new second grader to our school. The pair were all smiles as they went on a tour and picked up breakfast together. Student ambassadors are just one of the student leadership teams that supports our school. We also have a group of students in charge of planning, recording and editing our eNews, bus patrols support arrival and dismissal and new to Eisenhower this year is our student council. Each of these teams contribute greatly to the positive environment at Eisenhower.
Our student council has also helped with the aesthetics of our building as they have taken on the daunting task of keeping our lost and found organized. If you have ever seen the mountain of clothing items that schools gather in the winter months, you would understand why that team quickly recognized a need for an organizational system. They brainstormed, planned and put on a 25 cent hat day that allowed for the purchase of several hanging racks. The racks have helped students locate lost items more easily. Well done student council, we appreciate your efforts!
Parent, teacher, student conferences are coming up in February. Please watch for a sign up link to come out the first week of February. Conferences provide a great opportunity to connect with teachers and ask questions about your child's academic and social emotional progress. We are looking forward to seeing you all then.
We appreciate your partnership and look forward to an incredible 2024!
Lillian DeRung
Principal
Bus Safety
January 8-12th is "Winter Transportation Safety Week". The district is having a School Bus Safety Poster Contest with the theme "Driving Safely Into the Future". Please see details of the contest here. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Here are some important Winter Transportation Safety tips for students:
- Please dress in warm winter clothing such as hat, mittens and boots - bright colors if possible.
- Please be on time at the bus stop.
- Please wait for the bus several feet further off the road in a safe place in winter weather.
- Please use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping and injuring yourself on icy road surfaces or steps.
- Please move away from the bus to a place where you and the driver can see each other after you exit the bus.
- Please cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus after getting the "all clear" signal from the driver before leaving the curb.
- Please keep all school materials in a backpack.
Here are some hazardous conditions to watch for:
- Please do not stand or play on snow piles at the bus stop to avoid sliding into the street in the path of oncoming traffic.
- Please do not attempt to retrieve your books or lunch box from around or underneath the bus until after it has cleared the unloading zone.
- Please do not push or shove when getting on or off the bus.
- Please do not chase after the bus or attempt to grab the rear bumper.
Yearbook Orders
It’s time to order your 2023-2024 Yearbooks. Yearbooks will be available to purchase until April 1st, for the cost of $15.00. There will be limited extra yearbooks for sale in the spring, the cost will then be $20.00. Books can be ordered online at BALFOUR. If you need assistance with the cost, please feel free to contact, Josie Gall, Social Worker at 763-506-2369 or mailto:josephine.gall@ahschools.us
Start the New Year with a Community Education class!
Snow Science starts Tuesday January 16, 4-5 pm 1 session
Do you like snow? We are bringing the winter fun indoors! In this class we will do three activities. Making a snowstorm in a jar, popping snow and a favorite snow slime. Join us for the fun.
ArtVentures Club starts Tuesday January 23, 4-5 pm 5 sessions
This winter, artists will experience a lineup of all new drawing lessons. Your child will draw pictures of all types. For example: from a vibrant pop art dog to fascinating art history to a personalized drawing of a soccer player or robot. Young Rembrandts prioritizes proper technique and color selection and is beginner friendly!
Basketball, Soccer and More starts Tuesday January 23, 4-5 pm 5 sessions
Are your kids getting their 60 minutes of active play a day? Can't decide which sport you like best? Get introduced to basketball, soccer and more. This multi-sport camp that focuses on the importance of sportsmanship, cooperation and team play. Don't miss this enriching camp that includes instruction, games and a whole lot of fun. Presented by AKASPORT.
Register for Basketball, Soccer and More
Ties and Tiaras Parent/Child Dance starts Friday January 26, 6-7:30 pm
Let's celebrate winter! Bring that special adult in your life to dance the night away with a live DJ, musical games, and BINGO. Come dressed as your best self. Each couple will receive a gift bag. Price includes one piece of pizza, beverage and cookie per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline January 24.
Register for Ties and Tiaras Parent/Child Dance
Squishy Squishmallows starts January 30, 4-5 pm 1 session
Bunnycorn, Prince the Pug, Mauve the Alpaca and more – the hardest thing about those squishy Squishmallows is deciding which one you love the most! In this workshop, artists will create a clay version of their favorite Squishmallow using air-dry clay, paint, and so much more. What could be more fun? Bring your Squishmallow to class so they can join in the fun! Presented by KidCreate Studio
Register for Squishy Squishmallows
Anna Heinrich
Community Education Programmer
(763)506-2312 (Eisenhower)
Please join the Eisenhower PTO in room #124 (art room) starting at 6:00pm on January 11th. Please enter through door #2. The PTO will be going over information/events/budgets for the school year. All meetings held in person and online (link for online will be posted on the Eisenhower website).
Parenting News
With a new year, many of us make resolutions and the number one resolution is to become healthier or more physically active. This can be difficult especially for our kids when we live in a digital world. Here are a few reminders about the benefits of physical fitness for our kids and some ideas to help make physical fitness more appealing than screen time.
Tawnya Heinsohn is our parent educator and a great resource.
Getting out the door in the morning tough? Child not getting enough sleep? Let her help add some tools to your parenting toolbelt.
Weekly Student Packets for Trimester 2 - Volunteers will sort/count and assemble all flyers to be sent home with students. When you arrive at school please sign in at the office and meet up in the cafe.
Workroom Volunteer for Trimester 2 - Our school staff is looking for a volunteer(s) for the staff workroom on Tuesday and Thursday from 1 - 2 hours. (Volunteers can choose what time works best for them during the school day, 9:30-4:00 pm. Volunteers would help with making copies, laminate projects, cutting and/or prep. Staff will complete a workroom request form with instructions. Myself or the office staff would be available for questions and training.
Every Meal Food Distribution - We are looking for volunteers to distribute food for the school's Every Meal program. Every Meal works to fight hunger in our community by filling the gaps in food access that children face during weekends, summers, and extended breaks. Volunteers will be placing food in Students' lockers on Friday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am (we will have extra days due to school breaks).
Please don’t hesitate to call me if an opportunity arises that you would like to be involved in or to say “Hello” anytime!
Thank you and I look forward to working with you here at Eisenhower
Kathrina DeKruyff-Glass
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Monday - Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 - noon
(Hours may vary)
kathrina.dekruyffglass@ahschools.us
763-506-2340
Volunteers have helped in the workroom, weekly student folders, Math Plus, Every Meal, Our Best Legacy, and the Watch Dogs Program. Some also helped contribute snacks/coffee for staff holiday treats and others donated to our school’s donations drive.
Volunteer Impact at Eisenhower
Total # of registered volunteers: 78
Total # of volunteer hours since school started: 592
Character Strong
This month's trait is PERSEVERANCE. One way to think about perseverance is “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles.” Check in with your kids about what they have learned and give examples of how you have had perseverance.
Upcoming events
PTO meeting - Jan 11
No School - Jan 15
Conferences - Feb 20, 22 & 29 (sign-up information coming soon)
This e-newsletter is published by Eisenhower Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.