Eagle Heights Family Newsletter

Daily Times:

Breakfast 8:30 Daily

Arrival 8:30-8:45 Daily

Student hours: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Early Release Days:

End Time: 1:15 pm

At Eagle Heights Elementary, I am a respectful, in control and safe, and responsible leader.

We love our new soccer goals! Thank you for your support!

Health Screens (vision and hearing screening) will be completed on ALL 1st, 3rd, 5th graders.

Health Screens (vision and hearing screening) will be completed on ONLY NEW students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 6th grades.

If your student does NOT pass a screening, you will be notified.

Want to let an Eagle Heights staff member know they are appreciated, send them a shoutout! We send them out every Friday!

Click the picture to submit a shout out!

District Staff and Smithville Community Members,

Eye-opening moments make the holidays so memorable. It's a time when families gather, observe traditions, laugh, and open gifts. But, some families wake up on the holidays without gifts to open. We would like to partner with our community and staff to provide donated gifts to families and students experiencing hardships.

Each gift, each contribution, and every act of kindness enriches our own lives. We are reminded that giving back to those in need continues to encourage and build others up.

The link to the sign-up is below. Please share the link and or QR code with others. This can be posted on your Social Media to allow others to take part in building up our family by making their Holidays special

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D48ACAA29A6FA7-52661844-smithville

Happy Holidays Eagle Heights Families! Here’s a quick update on what students have been up to lately in the art studio:

PreK A.M. students got to make their orange pumpkins & also made yellow pencils! PreK P.M. students created green frogs, blue cookie monsters and purple crayons this month.

K students worked in drawing, collage, and we added watercolor painting to our rotations this month. We talked about the different parts of the brush, how to hold it, how to use it, etc.

1st also practiced collage skills with folding the paper and cutting 2 of the same shape out, folding and cutting a symmetrical shape, and how to take a more complicated shape and break it down into simpler shapes. We began watercolor painting right at the end of this month as well.

2nd graders learned about paper weaving this month and we also created clay owls. They will be fired before the end of November in our kiln and then we’ll be painting them.

In 3rd grade we finished opening up the collage center. It took 3 classes to go over everything! They’ve had the option to work in drawing or collage. I also introduced a way to create a 3D paper face.

In 4th grade I reviewed the collage center from last year and everything in it. I also taught them how to do different paper sculpture techniques, including making a cylinder, a tab, tunnel, tent, and fringe with their collage papers.

5th graders, we reviewed what was in the collage center from previous years. They began using watercolors this month and they learned 6 new techniques to do with watercolor. I also introduced them to some special supplies such as black glue, blending stumps, bingo daubers filled with india ink, etc.

Sixth grade’s 3D art class is moving right along. Many are waiting on their clay projects to be fired to complete before the end of the semester. Several have made perler bead projects, others are doing paper or cardboard sculpture and a few are weaving pouches! Lots of choice work!

Don’t forget Artsonia offers a gift shop on their site and you can order your students artwork printed on all kinds of great items, any time of the year, for the holidays and special occasions. Here is a direct link if you need to connect to your students portfolio: https://www.artsonia.com/connect/CF8WKBZ4

You can click or type in the link (or just go to the website and put in the code).

Eagle Heights code is: CF8WKBZ4

You will then enter your child's name and grade, along with an email address. It really is that easy! It will send your request to me and I will then finish connecting you on my end.

If you are in a giving mood and looking for a place to make a donation...I have an Amazon wish list for EHE because the yearly budget only affords me the very basics in art supplies. If you would like to help support our art studio and the EHE artists go to my wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TAO5QQQYZRM2?ref_=wl_share

If you have any old calendars with animals, landscapes, buildings, basically anything students could use to look at and use as a visual in art, we’d love to have them so send them in with your student! Thanks so much!

Sincerely,

Ms. Aeschliman

Eagle Heights Elementary

PreK - 6th grade Art Educator

Welcome to another exciting month in our STEM classroom, where innovation is always in the air! This month, we're diving into hands-on projects using cardboard and recycled materials. Your young engineers are transforming everyday items into extraordinary creations, combining design thinking with sustainable practices.

From skateparks to battlebots, tiny homes to turkey traps. Your students have been busy making creation after creation. They have strengthened their blueprint skills by turning their plan into real life designs. It’s always fun to see what your students create.

We will soon transition to exploring robotics and programming. Students in the upper elementary grades will have the exciting opportunity to program robots to tackle various challenges. This hands-on experience helps them develop impressive problem-solving abilities while fostering teamwork and collaboration with their peers.

Be on the lookout for information regarding a new club that Callie Downey and I will be putting together for the second semester. We will be starting a play club through an organization called Let Grow. To learn more about Let Grow, visit their website at https://letgrow.org/

Dear Eagle Heights Elementary Parents,

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we approach the festive season. Our Physical Education classes have been buzzing with energy, and I am excited to share the latest updates on what your kids have been up to.

K-6th Grade: Basketball

K-2nd Graders will be working on their dribbling, passing and shooting skills in the upcoming weeks. We will play a variety of games that involve basketball challenges. Examples: PIG, Dribble Knockout, Basketball Skills Stations, Basketball Relays, and more.

3rd- 6th graders will be working to master their basketball skills for the next few weeks. We will be working on dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork during the “King/Queen of the Court” basketball game unit over the next few weeks.

Upcoming Adventure: Battleship Game for K-6th Grade:

As we gear up for December, get ready for an exciting new adventure! All grades, K-6th, will be diving into the exhilarating game of Battleship. This unique game involves throwing, catching, scooter riding, knocking over bowling pins, and, most importantly, teamwork. It’s a fantastic way for your child to enhance their coordination, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

We encourage parents to talk to their kids about their experiences in PE class, asking questions like, “What’s your favorite part of PE class?” or “Can you show me the skills you’ve learned?”

Thank you for your continued support in making our PE classes an engaging and enriching experience for our students. We look forward to an active and joyful December!

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

Coach Parker

parkerr@smithville.k12.mo.us

EHE Library Update:

During November, the library was busy. The pumpkin book contest was great and we had over 100 pumpkin entries! Be sure to read the newsletter's end for information about our new library competition, Disguise a Gingerbread Man!

What are we learning in Library Class:

PreK: Spent time in the library learning about fall and creating crafts to go along with reading! As well as brain breaks and checking out our very own library book! We also enjoyed library stations which include tracing, coloring, building, and reading!

Kinder: Focused on Fall!!! (One of Mrs. Rice's favorites!) In each library class, we have been working on stations involving tracing, coloring, building, and choosing library books! Kinder has learned two ways to choose their books: Sneak Peek and Buddy Book! This way students can browse the picture book section and choose their very own book without creating a messy library bookshelf!

1st: Students learned about different Folktales Around the World featuring one from Australia called "Why Koala has a stumpy tail!". After reading, students explored all things Australia using a choice board on Google Classroom!

2nd: Second grade finished up our author/illustrator unit over Dan Santat! We completed different activities that went along with his books - After the Fall and The Adventures of Beekle, the Unimaginery Friend. If you are looking for a great read-aloud - I highly suggest his books!

3rd: Third-grade dove deep into their DINOvember project that was all about Dinosaurs! We researched, colored, and created a pennant that focused on their dinosaur of choice! We ended the unit by exploring on an All About Dinosaurs Choice board!

4th: Fourth grade started their unit over I Spy! We are currently in the middle of our project making our own I Spy pages using Canva to create the digital page and will be putting each class I Spy together to make an I Spy Class book!

5th: The fifth grade worked on their project, the Ugly Book Challenge! This was a great way to choose a book previously read, create a review that was posted on Eagles Destiny, and then we use Canva to create a new cover for their book that they thought had an "ugly" cover!

6th Grade Encore: The second quarter is just now in full swing and the 6th grade class this semester is focused on Podcasting and Book Trailers. This class started with listening to different narrative podcasts and noticing all the different elements that make the podcast what it is. We are currently working on developing a narrative podcast outline to get ready to record our first mini-series!

December Happenings: The month of December is cut short by Christmas break! But it is full of excitement! Learning about all things Winter and Holiday season, and starting/ending some pretty neat projects. Make sure to participate in the Disguise the Gingerbread Costume (details are below!)

Thank you for ALWAYS supporting the library! If you would like to purchase items for the EHE Library, the Amazon Wish List is here. As always feel free to reach out with any questions ricel@smithville.k12.mo.us.

Your monthly update from the Music Room!

Dear Eagle Heights Families,

The holiday season is upon us, and the music room is buzzing with excitement and creativity! Here’s what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next:

Holiday Ukulele Fun

Our students are strumming their way into the holiday spirit! This month, we’re learning to play festive songs on the ukulele. From simple melodies to more complex chord progressions, students are building their skills while bringing the joy of the season to life through music.

Drumming Adventures

We’ll also be diving into some drumming activities to explore rhythm, teamwork, and the joy of percussion. Drumming is a favorite in the music room, and we can’t wait to make some big, bold sounds together!

6th Grade Recording Projects

Our talented 6th graders are hard at work wrapping up their recording projects. They’ve been learning how to use bass, drums, and music electronics to create their own tracks. We’re so proud of their creativity and dedication, and we can’t wait to share their final recordings with you soon.

Thank you for supporting the music program at Eagle Heights. Wishing you and your family a joyful and music-filled holiday season!

Musically yours,

Mr. Venner

Eagle Heights Music Teacher

Counselor’s Corner: November Highlights

This month, our counseling lessons focused on building emotional awareness, effective communication, and problem-solving skills across all grade levels:

• Kindergarten explored various feelings, helping students recognize and name emotions in themselves and others.
• 1st Grade read Chrysanthemum and discussed how our words have the power to either "wrinkle" or "repair" someone’s heart.
• 2nd Grade learned to use “I messages” to express feelings and resolve conflicts respectfully.
• 3rd and 4th Grade practiced conflict resolution strategies, empowering students to handle challenges constructively.
• 5th Grade discovered how the brain works during stress, learning about the roles of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, along with Fight, Flight, and Freeze responses.
• 6th Grade discussed the importance of mental health, highlighting that taking care of our emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.

As we approach the holiday season, consider setting aside intentional time for family conversations using a tool from SCREEN SANITY that you can find here. Sharing what each family member values most during this time can create meaningful connections and cherished memories.

How to Use:

1. Download and print the values flashcards, then discuss as a family. Pick two to four values that your family will try to maintain, even in the toughest of situations.
2. Hang them up. Put your chosen cards somewhere you’ll see them often to remind your family of what you’re striving for together.
3. Check in regularly. Use these values to start conversations about how your daily choices and device use support your values…or get in the way of them

Wishing you a joyful and reflective holiday season!

Your Elementary School Counselors

Mrs. Downey

Ms. Johnson

LET GROW Play Club Video

The Let Grow Play Club — is a new activity we are offering where kids make their own fun,
without adults organizing it — looks like “just plain fun.” But that “fun” is how Mother Nature disguises
the hard work. Because it is “fun” to play ball, kids learn the difficult skills of focus, compromise and
empathy. Play jacks, you learn patience. Play superheroes, you learn to imagine. Play freeze-tag?
Self-control.

The Let Grow Play Club gives kids back the resilience-building playtime they need. It is supervised
by adults, but they do not organize the fun or solve the spats. The chance to collaborate with friends,
resolve disputes and bounce back from disappointments are confidence-and-character-building
opportunities. At Play Club, kids get the social interaction they need to develop into

empowered adults.

Sign ups will be coming home soon from your students' teacher. Please reach out to Mrs. Thompson or Mrs. Downey if you have any questions.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have some exciting things happening this month at EH but we need your help/donations.

Please see the sign up below for all three events. We cannot do this without you. Please share this sign up link with your friends and post on social media.

• Dec. 10th - decorate the lounge with cozy pillows, blankets, tablecoths, etc.
• Dec. 11th: Cozy Holiday Movies in Lounge - serve popcorn from the popcorn machine for the teachers. Holiday movies will be playing in the lounge throughout the day to enjoy during their plan time.
• Dec. 17th: Hot Cocoa & Coffee bar in the lounge.
• Dec. 17th: deliver gift to staff

If you want to Venmo - PTO @EagleHeightsPTO please put what your donation is for.

Holiday Help 2024

signupgenius.com

I do have a spreadsheet with the teachers favorite list. Please send me a private email if you want this information.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Christy Ford

EH PTO President

816-898-8556

Joining PTO provides you with the opportunity to volunteer and contribute to your children’s educational experience! Our purpose is to support our teachers/staff and our children to make their school year experience successful!

There are many ways to help, so please consider joining! Online sign up and payment is available at this link: EHE PTO MEMBERSHIP FORM

All latest updates can be found on our Facebook page
Any additional questions, please email: eagleheightsptosmithville@gmail.com

Click here for more information.

With the revised calendar, 24-25, students will have one traditional snow day, followed by AMI Days in the case of school closure related to bad weather.

Student Expectations on AMI Days:

• Work will be loaded into Google Classroom by 8:00 a.m.

• PK-2 Students will have packets of work to complete during AMI days since they do not have 1:1 take home devices. These will be sent home at fall Parent/Teacher Conferences.

• Students will have a scheduled check in with their homeroom teacher as well as their encore teacher. Other staff may be reaching out to students on caseloads.

• Students will work independently when not scheduled for a Google Meet.

DECEMBER

Dec. 2: Special Education Appreciation Day

Dec. 3: Elementary Choir Winter Concert 6 pm PAC

Dec. 9th-20th: Winter iReady testing window

Dec. 11: Board Meeting 7 pm

Dec. 20: Early Release- 1:15 pm

Dec. 20: End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester

Dec. 23: Winter Break Begins (Dec. 23-Jan 3.)

See you January 6th!