The Benton Blurb

News from Your Principal

Dear Benton Parents,

March 21, 2025

This morning, I announced to our Benton teachers and staff that the Board of Education has trusted me with the opportunity to be the principal of the new CPS elementary school. While Eagle Bluffs Elementary doesn’t open until August of 2026, the district has granted me a year, starting this summer, to focus on opening the new building, while also serving the district in other capacities.

This was not an easy decision for me. Serving the students, families, and this school staff has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career. For the last 7 years, we have respected the long standing traditions of Benton STEM, while continuing to create an innovative place for the future leaders of our community to grow and learn.

The district is already starting the process to find just the right replacement for Benton’s new leader. Know that you will be heard and involved in finding that person.

Thank you for trusting me with the education of your children and with the responsibility of leading this amazing school.

Your proud principal,

Sarah Sicht

5th Grade Families:

We are happy to announce that we have been fortunate enough to reschedule the Lange Middle School Instrument Try Me Out Night that was snowed out in February. Join us for a fun filled night trying out instruments for band and orchestra instruments! Regardless of the middle school you are attending next year we invite you to come find the instrument that will be the perfect fit for you! Don't miss this hands-on musical experience! 🎷🥁🎶

Event: CPS Instrument Try Out Night

Where: Lange Middle School

When: Tuesday April 8th

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Who: Open to all 5th Graders interested in Band or Orchestra

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

The Middle School Band and Orchestra Directors”

News from the Nurse

Take a few moments to read these tidbits from our amazing nurse Angela Gay!

Celebrating Mrs. Floyd!

On Tuesday, Mrs. Haley Floyd, 1st grade teacher, was recognized for being Columbia Public Schools' Outstanding Educator of the Year for Grades K-2. When you think about that fact that CPS employs almost 2,000 teachers and OUR Mrs. Floyd was chosen....what a testimony to her love for teaching. Well done, Mrs. Floyd. We are so proud of you!

Other News from The Hive

We had the most amazing STEM Showcase today. Our kids worked so hard to put together some fascinating projects. Thank you to all of you who were able to come and celebrate our students!

From Dr. McCullar:

Many classrooms are wrapping up units of study and starting their last science unit for the year. All classrooms were excited to share their work at our STEM Showcase this morning. Ask your child to share the work they did for the Showcase. If you want to check out what exciting STEAM things happen in each grade level, you can see our new grade level flyers by going to https://shorturl.at/Vax0g.

As always, feel free to reach out to her if you have any questions about our program or STEAM experiences.

MAP IS COMING!!!!

Map testing will be starting the second week in April for grades 3-5. Your grade level specific schedule will come to you from your child's teacher. YOU CAN HELP by doing these three things:

Please make sure your child gets at least 9 hours of sleep each night during the testing window.

Please make sure they arrive on time and stay all day.

Please schedule any appts after school hours.

More information coming soon!