

The Grizzly News
Maple Grove Elementary School Newsletter December 2024
Band & Orchestra Winter Concert - December 10th
The Band & Orchestra Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 10th at 2:00 PM in the Gymnasium.
Parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend!
*A “dress rehearsal” concert will take place in the morning at 10:00 AM. This concert will be for the student body. You may attend this performance if your schedule does not allow you to attend in the afternoon.
Concert Attire for Orchestra: This is a dress-up event! Concert black pants/skirts and white shirts/blouses are not required, but are appropriate if this is clothing you have on hand. Overall, student performers should wear their “Sunday Best” to present themselves as young ladies and gentlemen. This is the kind of clothing one might wear to a dress-up occasion like school picture day, a wedding, or an elegant party.
Here are some ideas:
On bottom: dress pants, slacks, khakis, corduroys, skirts–or even nice, darker jeans. Please avoid yoga pants and sweats (don’t want to look like you’re about to work out ).
On top: dress shirts, blouses, solid color shirts. Please avoid graphic T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Dresses with appropriate tights/leggings are also great.
Dress footwear and appropriate hosiery, or your nicest shoes or boots.
No one is expected to purchase new clothing. However, thrift stores and discount department stores are a good option to find the type of clothing listed above, or you might be able to borrow from a friend. If such clothing is not readily available or easily obtained, wear what is on hand and is the closest to what is described above. Do your best to look nice, neat, clean– and festive!
Concert Attire for Band:
- Please have students dress nicely ("go-to-church" or "picture day" nice), with the following options:
- red and/or green colors ("Ugly Christmas Sweaters" are allowed)
- Santa hats, reindeer antlers, etc. are also allowed
- Parents may contact Mrs. Worthington at melodie.worthington@boiseschools.org with any questions.
Cavity Prevention Screening/Fluoride Varnish at Maple Grove
On December 17th, 2024 the Central District Health dental team will be at Maple Grove to perform varnish dental protections and routine dental screenings. If you would like your child to participate in the varnish treatment please return the form sent home by the teacher to the school nurse by December 13th, 2024. Any student turning in a form will earn a prize. If you choose to participate or if you check "No" on the form, your child will earn a prize simply by turning it in. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email at Chris.Flynn@boiseschools.org or by phone 208-472-2874.
December 18th is Dine Around Night at Red Robin!
Early Release Dates
This is a friendly reminder of early release days in December.
Thursday, December 19th, early dismissal at 1:15
Friday, December 20th, early dismissal at 1:15
December 20th is the End of First Semester.
Christmas Break
There is no school December 23rd to January 3rd for Christmas Break. January 6th is a staff work day but a non-student day. School will resume for students on January 7th.
Boys' Basketball Information
Boys' Basketball begins on January 7th from 3:30-4:30. Sign up packets need to be returned to Mrs. Pom-Arleau by December 20th. Players will not be able to practice until their forms are turned in. There will be a schedule given out the first week of practice.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Mrs. Pom-Arleau.
January 10th is Maple Grove Night at Steelheads Hockey!
Holiday Giving
If you want to give your teacher a gift this holiday season, donations can be made in their name to the Boise Schools Foundation. Teachers can use those donations for classroom projects and needs. Thank you!
A Minute with Nurse Chris - Tetanus and Whooping Cough
What is the difference between the tetanus and whooping cough vaccination?
Well to define that we look at what tetanus is. Tetanus is caused by a bacterium affecting the nervous system causing a condition commonly called lockjaw. This can have serious complications that can be life-threatening. Every ten or so years it is recommended that we receive our vaccination for tetanus, especially after receiving a traumatic injury from an object that may contain the bacterium.
Whooping Cough, or pertussis as it is commonly called, is also caused by a highly contagious bacterium. Much like COVID-19 it spreads through droplets and its symptoms can range from a mild presentation that can last up to 20 days, but can cause complications such as bruising of the ribs, abdominal hernias, and leave you susceptible to opportunist infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Most youth and adults receive vaccinations for both conditions together in the form of the Tdap. However, Tetanus immunity seems to lessen after ten years. Recent studies have shown that pertussis begins to lessen its protection in as little as five years. This is concerning as in the Treasure Valley we have seen a rapid rise this year of Whooping cough diagnosis for the 2024 year especially over the last few months. After consulting with Central District Health They had the following recommendations:
1. If your child does not have a cough, but has a health condition (like asthma):
Talk to your child’s medical provider about possibly prescribing antibiotics. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to a child if they have been exposed to whooping cough, even if they are not coughing, to try to prevent illness.
2. If your child has a cough:
Contact your child’s medical provider and let them know that your child may have been exposed to whooping cough.
3. If your child has been diagnosed with whooping cough by their medical provider:
Tell the school that a medical provider has diagnosed your child with whooping Cough.
School officials may request that you keep your child home from school and activities, such as sports or playgroups, until your child is no longer Contagious.
Ask your child’s doctor for a note that states your child has whooping cough. We encourage you to talk with your child’s medical provider about vaccinations that may help prevent whooping cough. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s medical provider.
If it has been 5 or more years since you or your family's last vaccination for pertussis, I suggest that it might be a good idea to talk to your medical providers about updating your vaccination for pertussis to increase your protection for this holiday season.
Work Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About whooping cough. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, December 21). Tetanus. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351625
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Whooping cough. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whooping-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20378973
Pertussis cases in Idaho rising and outbreaks reported; early diagnosis and treatment critical to prevent spread. Central District Health. (2024, September 4). https://cdh.idaho.gov/pertussis-cases-in-idaho-rising-and-outbreaks-reported-early-diagnosis-and-treatment-critical-to-prevent-spread/
Resources from the Counselor
Struggling with mental health around the holidays?
The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but for many, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Whether it's the pressure to meet expectations, the strain of juggling family dynamics, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everything happening at once, it’s easy to feel like you're not your best self.
If you're finding it harder than usual to manage your emotions, you're not alone. The holiday season can be a difficult time for your mental health, and it’s important to recognize when you’re struggling and know how to take the next step toward healing.
Learn the common signs that your mental health may need attention, and helpful resources to guide you toward the support and care you deserve.
Read more: Guide to Managing Mental Health Around the Holidays
Adult Women's Support Group
Group members receive support from one another and clinicians to cope with loss, develop communication skills, and advocate for themselves with confidence.
For: Open to ages 17+
Start/End Dates: Thursdays | January 9 – March 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Located: Meridian Center;
1833 S. Millennium Way #120,
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Exciting News: EMDR offered at the Children's Home!
We have some exciting news to share with you! We are thrilled to announce that 15 of our clinicians are going through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) training, and they are now able to offer this transformative therapy to clients.
EMDR is a highly effective treatment designed to help individuals heal from trauma, PTSD, and other distressing experiences. The training program teaches clinicians how to use EMDR’s structured approach to identify and reprocess difficult memories, helping clients reduce emotional distress and achieve lasting healing.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with the use of bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), which can help rewire the brain’s response to past trauma. It’s an evidence-based approach that has been shown to help people recover from a range of emotional difficulties, including:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
- Phobias and panic disorders
- Grief and loss
We are incredibly excited to offer this advanced therapy to our clients and believe it will make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with the impact of trauma or distressing experiences.
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy or would like to schedule a session with one of our trained clinicians, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for trusting us with your mental health journey. We are committed to offering you the best possible care and are excited about the opportunity to expand the services we provide.
A Heart Full of Gratitude on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, we are excited to share something truly special with you—a stunning new addition to our lobby that embodies the spirit of the season: our “Heart Full” Christmas tree!
Generously decorated by Erica & Aaron Willenbring and Megan Falk, and sponsored by the Little Joys Remembrance Foundation, this tree is a beautiful reminder of the love and generosity that make our community so special. Its warm glow and festive decorations bring a sense of peace and joy to all who visit.
The “Heart Full” tree is the perfect fit for our lobby, where it will be admired by our guests throughout the holiday season. Every ornament, every light, and every detail reflects the heart of giving that this time of year inspires.
A special thank you to Saint Alphonsus and the volunteers at Blue Cross of Idaho for making this beautiful tree a reality. Your support has helped make this festive gift possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
November Grants Awarded!
United Way of Treasure Valley
Key Bank Foundation
Winston C and Surel L Mitchell Family Foundation
Marilyn and Rex Dorman Family Fund
Winter Card Art Contest Winner!
Congratulations to Alana H in Mr. Roe's 5th grade class! She was a winner in the Winter Card Art Contest! Her winning art will be featured on the holiday greeting cards which are sent out to friends of the Boise School District and of Saint Alphonsus. All winning entries were on display for tens of thousands of people to see at the Festival of Trees.
Dates To Remember
- December 10: Band & Orchestra Concert 2:00
- December 13: Sixth Grade Field Trip - Morrison Center
- December 18: PTO Dine Around Night at Red Robin (Milwaukee)
- December 19: Early Release at 1:15
- December 20: End of First Semester - Early Release at 1:15
- December 23-January 3: Christmas Break - No School K-12
- January 6: No School K-12
- January 7: School Resumes
- January 10: Maple Grove Night at the Steelheads 7:00
- January 13: PTO Meeting Time & Restaurant TBD
- January 20: MLKJR Day - No School K-12