Monday, December 16

Spirit Week- Dress in your Holiday Best

PM2 6th-8th grade FAST Math

Kindergarten Holiday Show

Basketball Practice Girls

Soccer Game @ Sigsbee versus Marathon

Tuesday, December 17

Spirit Week- Wear your Holiday Headgear

Green Egg Mini Max BBQ Raffle Ends - tickets must be purchased by 3 PM

PM2 6th-8th grade Reading

School STEM Fair

Basketball Practice Boys

Cheer Practice

Wednesday, December 11

Spirit Week- Wear Your Holiday Socks!

Holiday Surprise!

Basketball Game versus Basilica

Soccer Practice Boys

Staff Holiday Party

Thursday, December 19

Spirit Week - Wear your PJs/Onesies

Basketball Practice Girls

Cheer Practice

Soccer Game at Sugarloaf

Friday, December 20

Winter Break- No School

All of the excitement of the holidays will be on display this week with our daily Spirit Events. Please check the calendar so your child can join in.

We expect a surprise visit from some of our holiday regulars (think holly and jolly, mean and green). Your child may come home with an onion after school on Thursday. This is one of Sigsbee's strangest traditions. In years past, the Grinch (and other fan favorites) have arrived and thrown onions to the students. In anticipation, students will not be able to dismiss early from 2:15-2:50 on Thursday as all of our Holiday security will be involved. Please plan accordingly.

Remember that Sigsbee does NOT have school on Friday, 12/20 or Monday, 1/6. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you back in 2025! The next SCOOP will come out right before we return so you can enjoy two weeks without us pestering you.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the staff holiday party. We were able to cover the expenses for all staff attending and purchase some holiday treats for everyone managing the holiday craze this year.

Don't forget that Tuesday is the last day to purchase tickets for the Big Green Egg Mini Max raffle - with all profits going to the performing arts program.

Friday Treats and Monthly Staff Lunches are a great way to show our Staff how much they are appreciated! Please consider signing up for an open slot. We are still in need of Sponsors for January, February, and March Staff Lunch!

The Holiday Conch Train event was so much fun! Riders enjoyed festive music, a hot cocoa bar, popcorn, cookies, a selection of holiday hats, snow and a photo wall before heading out on the train to see the best-dressed homes in Key West. A special “thank you” to Alicia Farrar and her two boys, Wesley and Troy, Leah Stockton, Hannah Edwards, Christine Godlewski and Kristen Winters for making this a special evening for Sigsbee families!

Congratulations to our fourth graders for their awesome performance of the Living Museum. We learned so much about a variety of figures who impacted our history. Well done fourth grade!

Sigsbee Charter supports the Wounded Warrior Ride by providing gift bags for the riders upon arrival into the Keys. The bags contain essential comfort items for their ride (sunscreen, lip balm, power drinks). Check your email later this week for an opportunity to donate to the gift bags. Each $20 contribution = 1 volunteer hour.

Consider bringing your children to the ride when we return from break. It's a great chance to show some appreciation for those who sacrificed in order to keep us safe.

Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who shared a meal with us before Thanksgiving. Mrs. Knudsen pieced together some pictures for you to see in the movie linked above.

Support our amazing performing arts program by purchasing tickets for our Big Green Egg Mini Max. Use the QR code on the flyer for more information.

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Spirit Store! Take advantage of the 25% off sale now through December 10th! Spend $75 and receive free shipping!

Are you thinking about a holiday gift for your child's teacher? Please consider donating to the staff party holiday party. The owner of LaTeDa has generously offered to once again provide the staff with a wonderful evening of food, fun and festivities. We're hoping to raise $2800 so that staff members do not need to pay to attend. Donate using the button below.

We're so excited to attend this special showing of the Nutcracker Key West, featuring some of our students and staff. Please fill out the permission slip for your child to attend.

$20/adult $10/student

Free and reduced lunch applicable families $10/adult $5/student

See payment button for details.

Please join us this Monday for our PTO meeting in the cafeteria. Mr. Megella will be giving a follow-up presentation on Internet Safety for families interested in learning how to protect their children online.

Friday Treats and Monthly Staff Lunches are a great way to show our Staff how much they are appreciated! Please consider signing up for an open slot. More details can be found in the Sign Up Genius!

Sponsor a Friday Treat

We are still in need of Sponsors for January, February, and March Staff Lunch.

Staff Lunch Signups

Please join us for a traditional Thanksgiving Feast during your child's lunch hour on the 18th or 19th (see below). RSVPs are necessary to ensure we have enough space and enough food. You are welcome to join for multiple lunch hours if you have more than one Sigsbee student.

MENU INCLUDES:

Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and dessert

We're having a Book Fair from November 18-22! Click below to read more and shop ahead. Teachers will have classroom wish lists available at the event.

VETERANS' DAY PARADE

We would love to have Sigsbee families marching in our group and we need a few more donations, including a golf cart to drive in the parade! Please review the Signup Genius and help where you can!

SIGN UP

Join us in earning money for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference at Sigsbee. Plus, use this referral code M1FA5T2X when you sign up and you’ll get 20 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2025, while supplies last. Use the link below to download the Box Tops app:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Don't forget to join the November Challenge before you add your purchases!

Please help Sigsbee meet its $500 goal by sending your child with $1 for Purple Pinkie Day. Donors will get their pinkies colored purple. All donations are welcome! Rotarians will be available at arrival.

Our annual costume parade will take place on October 31st at 2:15 PM. Families are welcome to watch, weather permitting. Classroom teachers will provide age-specific guidelines to help you prepare. Please refer to the costume guidelines below, as outlined in our family policies. Remember, we will not share candy in school so if you are planning to provide a treat for the class, please consider alternatives: stickers, pencils, finger puppets, etc.

COSTUME EVENTS

• Costumes may not include dangerous objects (e.g., toy swords, toy guns, chains, skates, or spray cans). Please leave all accessories at home.

• Students should be able to manipulate their own costumes to use the restroom independently.

• Young children should arrive at school in costume and be able to sit and learn without distraction.

• Costumes should not be frightening. No blood or gore. No masks or costumes that cover the head.

• Costumes should be opaque.

• Shoes must be safe (no slippers or high heels)

• Face masks, hoods, or anything that covers the face cannot be worn.

• If a child does not meet the guidelines, he/she will be asked to remove the costume.

Come see us this Sunday at Bayview Park! We are still in need of volunteers, please consider signing up!

SIGN UP HERE

SIGN UP HERE

We are still in need of volunteers to help make our table at Children's Day a success! Please review the Signup Genius and consider volunteering to help our school and community!

We've collected some gently used costumes for those who could use a little support in affording a costume this year. Please fill out the document below if you'd like to access our costume inventory. The information will be kept confidential.

A slideshow with information from the presentation will be emailed home this week.

Grade 5-8 Sailfish Baton Twirling Team

To get ready to participate in the Key West Veterans Day Parade the Sailfish Baton Twirling Team will meet on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 to learn the Parade routine. If your child is interested in participating please fill out the permission form. Practices will begin next week October 16th.

No experience necessary and Batons will be provided. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Lindsey -Lindsey.brooker@sigsbee.org

Back by popular demand and with new information- please join us to learn how to protect your children from exposure online. This is one of the most prevalent issues we deal with at school. If your child has a device with internet access at home, you should prioritize this meeting! If you ever plan to give your child internet access, this is important information to consider!

We will meet in the cafeteria. Child care may be provided based on demand. Please fill out the RSVP so we can be prepared.

Kindergarten care givers, please click on the button below to access information about the new progress report that was developed to give you important information about your child's performance.

Wednesday October 9th from 12:30-2:00 Sigsbee is going to have Coach Diane from the International Women’s Flag Football Association run a Free clinic with any girls in grade 3, 4 and 5 that are interested. The Girls will learn, throwing, catching, rules of the game and run some drills. Please fill out the below Google form if your daughter is interested. The girls will have lunch in the Cafe with the enrichment classes (If not registered for Enrichment) Please bring a lunch or you may choose the school provided lunch. If you have any questions, Please contact Lindsey Brooker at Lindsey.Brooker@sigsbee.org.

The PTO needs volunteers to help us achieve all of our goals for this year. Please consider joining a committee and start earning those volunteer hours!

You can sign up here: https://www.sigsbeepto.org/join-the-pto

Mark your calendars... our next PTO meeting is Monday, October 21st in the Library! We hope to see you there!

Did Helene activate your storm worries? Remember, we have a section of our webpage to help families navigate our stormy weather. Click below for some tips.

Join your fellow Sigsbee Sailfish in our final September "Building Community" event by participating in a family-friendly beach clean up this Saturday. Need service hours? This is a great opportunity.

Soccer Try-outs for Girls and Boys are Monday September 30th 3:00-5:00 at the MWR field. Please fill out the parent permission form if your child would like to try out.

Our Start with Hello Week ended with a Mascot Relay on Friday. Thank you to these brave souls for competing wholeheartedly.

Start With Hello Week was a great success with students working schoolwide to be more inclusive. Our green bracelets symbolize our commitment to greet and welcome one another. Hold onto those bracelets! Each month will include a different color to correlate with our monthly themes. Let's see how many bracelets your child can earn.

This week is Celebrate Freedom Week. Students will recite the Preamble to the Constitution each day. Show your child the graphic above and see if you can sound out the Preamble from these license plates.

Opportunity for volunteer hours!

We are looking for someone to decorate the PTO School Board each month (see examples of past themes in the flyer below). If you are interested in this project, please reach out to sigsbeepto@gmail.com

Has your chlid lost an item at school? Visit our virtual lost-and-found to claim it. Thank you to Mrs. Schreiber for creating such a helpful process.

Sigsbee has joined with the Sandy Hook Promise to Start with Hello. Please see the flyer below for ways you can support our initiative. On Monday, we are asking families to encourage children to say "hello" or "hi" to everyone they pass, especially those who are going out of their way to greet them. We will also work on making eye contact when people are speaking with you and ensuring that we are creating an inclusive culture for everyone who is a part of our Sigsbee family. If your child comes home wearing a green bracelet, you'll know they achieved their mission.

Boys Tryouts- September 18th 2:00-4:00 PM

Girls Tryouts- September 19th 3:00-5:00 PM

Meet at the MWR courts across the street. Make sure you have your completed sports physical and water. Wear proper footwear.

If you have any questions, contact Lindsey.Brooker@sigsbee.org

Our first PTO meeting of the year is quickly approaching. Please join us in the library at 3:15 on September 16th to learn about volunteer opportunities and our plans for this year! If you can't make it, but would still like to help, please sign up below and we will reach out to you.

https://www.sigsbeepto.org/join-the-pto

This is a needs assessment being conducted by our Social Worker, Mrs. Silvoy. The assessment will assist in identifying the specific needs of our families and students as well as areas of strength. The compiled, confidential data will allow the social worker to implement interventions, strategies, and share necessary resources to help our students and families. Please complete the survey and receive a volunteer hour (you must provide your name for the volunteer hour to be awarded)

Thank you to our PTO for a fun get together during our month of community building events.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6: Sigsbee family picnic at Higgs Beach - mix and mingle with a view

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: Grandparents day- we are looking for grandparents to read to students - click on the link below to read to your grandkids or read to our students who don't have their grandparents around.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11: Patriot Day - Wear red, white and blue

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th

Start with Hello Week- our support services team organizes events for the entire week, ending in a special surprise

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

9:00-11:00 AM Beach Clean Up with Reef Relief

Please make sure your child is on time and ready to do their best!

Should you have specific questions about your child's placement, please contact the instructional coach after you receive your child's PM1 results.

Mathematics: Barbara.dougherty@sigsbee.org

English Language Arts: Angela.hankins@sigsbee.org

Science: Janice.wish@sigsbee.org

Join us for some family fun this Friday at Higgs Beach Pavilion! Bring your own picnic, make new friends, and play some games! We hope to see you there.

Monday, August 26

Grades 5-8 Mix It Up Lunch

7-9 PM Green Parrot BINGO- proceeds go to Sigsbee Charter

Tuesday, August 27

Wednesday, August 28

Early-Out/Enrichment

5:30-6:45 PM Back to School Night

• Childcare opens at 5:15 PM

Thursday, August 29

Friday, August 30

YELLOW DAY- Dress in Yellow to help Kindergarten learn their colors

7th Grade Plant a Million Corals Trip

Monday, September 2

Labor Day- No School

It's time to meet some new friends! On Monday, students in grades 5-8 will participate in Mix It Up Monday. The purpose of Mix It Up is to promote effective communication and active listening with peers that aren't in the students' typical social group. This marks the beginning of our focus on kindness and inclusivity. We've already seen some great progress with our no device policy. We're ready for the next step in building community.

Sign-ups have started for Staff Appreciation! We need volunteers for Friday Treats and Monthly Staff Lunches (Lunch Helpers & Lunch Sponsors). Please consider signing up to show our Staff how much they are appreciated!

Sign up to sponsor a Friday Treat!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054AACAD23A2F94-50748884-friday

Sign up to sponsor a Monthly Staff Lunch or be a Lunch Helper!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054AACAD23A2F94-50747852-staff

Monday, August 19: Assailant Drill- identifying safe spaces

9:00 AM Texting test for parents

Tuesday, August 20: Enrichment Sign-Ups End close at 9 AM

Wednesday, August 21: First day of early-release; K-5 end at noon (K-5 enrichment and middle school end at 2:00PM)

Monday, August 26: Green Parrot Bingo

Wednesday, August 28: Back to School Night for Adults 5:30-7:00 PM

Monday, September 2: Labor Day Holiday- No Students

Principal Jannes will send a text out on Monday at 9 AM so that caregivers can ensure they are receiving emergency text messages from school. If you did not "check that box" on the registration, please email Mrs. Rosch (leslie.rosch@sigsbee.org) and ask her to do that for you.

The messaging system will send notifications three ways:

• Email
• Text
• MCSD App

The sourcing of information comes from what you entered into Focus.

We are thrilled and appreciative of how well the new personal device policy is working. Students have been very compliant. There's already a big improvement in eye contact, engagement in class and social interactions. Great job everyone! A few important reminders:

• Students do not need devices at school. Think about keeping them home and please don't text/call your students during school because their devices are supposed to be off.
• Encourage your child to LOOK UP during dismissal. They are so eager to catch up on their devices; they aren't watching traffic.
• If your child has a health plan requiring special consideration (eg. devices that monitor health conditions), please provide the doctor's instructions to Nurse Guy (nurse@sigsbee.org)

At no time may parents pull into the oncoming traffic lane to pass those waiting in car line. Unfortunately, we had several families receive tickets this week. If you want to avoid the line and park in the lot or field, you must continue down Sigsbee Road, turn right onto Felton (past the water park) and come to the school from the far side. While there are no left turns while students during arrival and dismissal windows, Felton Road remains open to 2-way traffic coming from the far side.

The back parking lot is for students in grades 3-8 only. This is the case at arrival and dismissal. Any car containing children younger than third grade should come to the front.

If you are picking up your child at the classroom door, please stand back and allow the classes to exit and students to gather their belongings independently. Some of the teachers have been unable to exit their classrooms because caregivers are crowding the doors.

Caregivers are not permitted inside the classrooms or hallways.

We are ready to welcome your chlidren to the cafeteria starting at 7:45 AM. If your child intends to buy/receive school breakfast, please try to arrive on the early side so that they can eat and proceed to class on time.

We appreciate the importance of eating breakfast before school starts. Children should not bring breakfast (Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks) to class. If your child arrives to school and hasn't finished eating, please have them eat in the car or at the picnic tables (grades 3-8) before entering class. The fancy drinks and donuts are distracting to the classes.

Class placements were created using a number of data points for returning students (and new students who provided records). The first few weeks of school allow for movement as teachers get to know students and we complete our beginning-of-year assessments. Please be patient and allow our teachers to have time with your child in class. We will work on a communication piece regarding the placement in accelerated courses.

Devices (including phones, SmartWatches, Air Pods) are no longer allowed on campus. If students bring these devices to school, they must be turned off and placed in backpacks or lockers for the entire day. Please have your students turn off and put away their devices before coming onto campus. See our Device Policy for details.

Parents:

• Checked FOCUS for their child's class assignment (Monday afternoon)
• Emailed a copy of your driver's license to registration@sigsbee.org for Sigsbee Pass (non-military)
  
• Emailed health history form to nurse@sigsbee.org or sent form to office
• Reviewed "Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Responsible" with children.
• Informed students that personal devices may not be out while on campus, at any time.
• Made sure children know how they are getting home (older children know to pick up younger K-2 siblings at their classroom)
• Put money on child's lunch account and/or applied for free and reduced lunch
• K-5 Signed Up for Enrichment if student is staying on Wednesdays
• Make sure all items are labeled with child's first and last name and grade level
• Picked up your Car Line poster for your student at Meet the Teacher (car line only)
• Settled your account from 23-24 (returning families)

Students:

• Prepare backpacks, lunches and filled water bottles for the first day
• Select and pack a healthy snack
• Make sure you are wearing closed toed shoes you can run in
• Does your outfit meet dress code?
• Know the name of your teacher and class mascot (on Monday)
• Start hydrating (drink water!)
• Get plenty of sleep
• Leave your devices at home or turn them off and put them away before entering campus
• Put a smile on your face!

5:15-5:30 PM Childcare Drop Off (school-aged children)

5:30-6:00 PM Classroom Presentation 1

6:00-6:15 PM Passing Period

6:15-6:45 PM Classroom Presentation 2

6:45-7:00 PM Childcare Pick Up

Visit the library for base passes, free and reduced lunch applications, help with Blackboard messages, car passes.

Get 1.5 volunteer hours at the event.

Click the button below if you missed or need to review the Kindergarten Orientation Caregiver presentation from Friday.

Please note that the first day of school (Wednesday, August 14) will be a FULL day with 3 PM dismissal. Early-out Wednesday (elementary noon dismissal and middle school 2 PM dismissal) will start the following week. The first session of elementary Wednesday Enrichment will be Wednesday, August 21st.

Please use the link below to sign up for K-5 Wednesday enrichment. Middle School students (grades 6-8) will select their electives on the first days of school.

The start of the year is just around the corner and staff is busy preparing for students. We're excited to start our 15th year at Sigsbee Charter School! It's time to prepare at home as well. You can set your child up for success by establishing school routines now and consistently sticking with them throughout the year. Students thrive with consistent routines and expectations.

Begin adjusting bed times and start waking up children closer to school start time in the next two weeks. Establish morning breakfast and preparation routines so that students are comfortable BEFORE the first day. Involve your children in packing their healthy snack, lunch and preparing ice-cold filled reusable water bottles. Some families post a list on the refrigerator or front door to help students remember what they need. (One thing students will NOT need is electronic devices. Students will not be permitted to access these devices while at school this year.)

Remember: bath, book, bed for little ones. Having time to decompress and prepare for a good night's sleep is crucial. We suggest lights out no later than 8 PM. For older students, remove all electronic devices (including videogame systems) from bedrooms and establish evening environments free of social media. Our older students have a harder time waking up in the morning. They need sleep!

Attendance is a top priority for us this year. Please help us to help your child by ensuring they arrive at school prepared and on time (7:45-8:00 AM) and that they prioritize school over other activities and responsibilities. Our morning meetings prepare students for the day. When they are tardy, they are already working from a disadvantage.

Please ensure that all personal items are labeled with your child's first and last name.

We can't wait to see all of those alert and smiling faces!

This is a drop by event where families and students can meet their teachers and visit the classrooms to get comfortable with the school layout. There are no formal presentations during this time (that is reserved for Back to School Night) but all staff is available for questions. Campus maps and teacher assignments will be sent out electronically the day before the event to help you navigate the campus. Staff will be available to guide you. This is NOT a drop off event. Adults should stay with their children at all times as there are several hundred people on campus at once.

If you do not already have access to the base (e.g. military members, government contractors), please email a copy of your driver's license to registration@sigsbee.org so that she can prepare a base access pass for you. Include the names of your children and grade levels in your email.

Anyone who accesses campus will need a pass, even if you are not the driver. Additionally, if your child will be riding a bike or walking to school, please let Mrs. Roberts know so that she can provide a student pass. See the link below for information regarding your access priveledges.

Kindergarten Round Up is a 2-day event intended to allow our staff to meet and observe our newest sailfish. It is also an opportunity for the students to familiarize themselves with the campus before everyone else returns. All incoming kindergarten students are expected to participate in both days.

Day 1: Friday, August 9th 1:00-3:00 PM

Day 2: Monday, August 12th 9:00-11:00 AM

What happens during this time?

Teachers and staff will interact with students to see how they socialize. The observation will be used to inform class placements. Students do not have an assigned kindergarten teacher during Round Up. The assignment of classes happens after the event is over.

Day 1 of Round Up

Families will meet outside and students will be lead to one of three classrooms. Parents/guardians will meet with Principal Jannes in the cafeteria for orientation. Please bring a snack, hat and water for your child; there will be outdoor play. Siblings will need to stay with their parents if attending.

Day 2 of Round Up

Parents/guardians will drop off their students and return two hours later. We will run car line for the first time so that students can get comfortable with the idea before the first day of school. Parents do NOT stay on day 2. Remember snack, water and a hat- labeled with your child's name!

Caregivers will be able to visit the kindergarten classrooms on Meet the Teacher Day.

Registration Completed by Deadline- 1 Hour

Kindergarten Caregiver Orientation - 2 Hours (for K families only)

Meet the Teacher- 1 Hour

New Family Orientation- 1 Hour (Kindergarten families do not need to participate)

Back to School Night 1.5 Hours

Sigsbee Charter is happy to alieve the pressure of finding school supplies on a tropical island. Most school supplies will be purchased and ready for your child when schools starts. Families are asked to purchase and label the following personal items, that are needed everyday:

• Backpack
• Reusable water bottle (filled with ice water every day- no glass)
• Lunchbox
• Headphones (see teacher's specific requests)
• Water Shoes (will need at some point)
• Combination Lock (middle school only)

Please be sure to label each item with your child's first and last name and grade level.

Parents of young children should pack a change of clothing in their child's backpack each day in case of accidents. Older students should consult the dress code to ensure they are in compliance.

We have revised our school’s policy regarding personal electronic devices, including cell phones and Apple watches. Starting this academic year, we will implement a no-cell-phone/personal device policy during school hours. Students may not have their devices visible or on at any time. This decision is intended to increase focus, facilitate social interactions, minimize distractions and decrease issues related to inappropriate use. Please consult our policy for details (link below). We ask that parents support their children by refraining from texting them during the school day. You may contact your child at school by calling the main office 305-294-1861.

A full staff list is available on our website. Teachers will update their classroom websites before Meet the Teacher.

The Sigsbee Scoop is disseminated on weekends each week throughout the school year. If you do not receive the SCOOP by Sunday afternoon, please email our Enrollment Specialist, Mrs. Rosch (Leslie.rosch@sigsbee.org) to check your email address. Check your SPAM messages first as the Scoop sometimes ends up there when your computer completes a refresh. Weekly dissemination will happen starting in August.