The mission of Gladden Elementary, the lighthouse that illuminates the journey to greatness, is to ensure all students become extraordinary thinkers who pursue limitless possibilities with purpose, integrity, compassion, and resilience, through powerful school experiences distinguished by:

• dynamic learning opportunities for all students
• healthy environments of support and encouragement
• vital partnerships with families and communities

At Gladden Elementary, we believe in fostering a learning environment that empowers every student. Our guiding principles of Equity, Perseverance, Integrity, and Critical Thinking are the compass that steers our educational journey. We strive to create a space where all students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Dear Gladden Elementary Families,

As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences and achievements we’ve shared so far this school year. December is a time of joy, gratitude, and giving, and I am reminded daily of how fortunate we are to have such a supportive and engaged school community.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you—our parents, guardians, and families—for your continued partnership. Your involvement in your child’s education makes a world of difference. Whether volunteering, attending school events, or supporting learning at home, your contributions play a vital role in our students’ success.

As we prepare for winter break, let’s encourage our students to take time to read, explore, and enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends. These experiences enrich their learning and create memories they’ll carry with them forever.

From all of us at Gladden Elementary, we wish you a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season. May your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January, refreshed and ready for an exciting new year of learning and growth.

Warm regards,

Karen Snider

Principal, Gladden Elementary

December 2:

Winter NWEA Testing for Students in Grades K-4 Begins

PTA Meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the GES Library

December 6:

7:45-8:15 - Donuts with Your Grown-Ups in the GES Cafeteria

Dental Screenings at GES

December 16:

Winter Spirit Week - Wear a Winter/Holiday Hat

December 17:

Winter Spirit Week - Wear a Festive Shirt/Sweater

December 18:

Winter Spirit Week - Winter Sports Day (wear your favorite sports gear)

December 19:

Winter Spirit Week - Wear Red/Green/Stripes

December 20:

Winter Spirit Week - Pajama Day

End of 2nd Quarter

Last Day before Winter Break Begins

December 23 - January 6:

Winter Break - No School

January 7:

School Resumes for Students

School attendance and punctuality is a very important factor in student academic progress. We wish to work together with parents and guardians to ensure your child’s continued success.

Our goal as a district is to keep lines of communication open with families to impact student attendance and education positively.

Acceptable absences are defined in Board Policy as extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness and/or injury; religious observances; or visits with a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who has been called to duty for, is on leave from or is immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, with permission of the superintendent or designee.

The pieces listed below are not the only actions the district and Belton Police Department will pursue; other interventions and supports will be enacted to assist the student and family as needed.

• All absences for illness must include a doctor’s note to be excused.
• COVID-19-Related Absences (as of Aug. 2022)
  • Submit a photo of the positive test to the school
    Note: The test must have the child's name and date clearly written on the test
• Acceptable absences (listed above) may be excused if accompanied by documentation.
• All absences not covered above are considered unexcused.
• When children reach five (5) days, eight (8) days and eleven (11) days of excused and/or unexcused absences, a note from the school district will be sent to the family.
• When a student reaches 8 days of unexcused absences, documentation will be given to the School Resource Police Officer, and they will make direct contact with the family.
• When a student reaches 11 unexcused absences, a citation will be written by the Belton Police Department, and the student’s parents will be required to appear in Municipal Court. (See City Ordinance Section 15-289, Truancy)
• If a student continues to accrue absences, parents/guardians will continue to get ticketed at 16, 21, and 26, etc. unexcused absences.
• If a student accumulates more than 11 absences, additional actions will be taken including the possibility of Education Court with the Juvenile Office.

Please call the school office at 816-489-7530 anytime your child will be absent from school or late to school for any reason. You may call after school hours and leave us a message if it is about the next school day.

You may also email Gladden office at gladden@bsd124.org.

A reminder that birthday treats/other outside treats are not permitted due to numerous food allergies in our schools.

The cold weather is upon us. Please make sure your child dresses warmly - heavy coats, hats, gloves, etc., as we will still have outdoor recess on most days. The district's cold weather recommendations are below:

• 30 degrees and above - Outdoor recess
• Between 20-29 degrees - 15-20 minute outdoor recess
• 19 degrees and below - No outdoor recess

The district's priority is keeping our students and staff members safe, which means we sometimes have to close our doors due to inclement weather.

If snow, ice, extreme cold conditions or an emergency event occurs on a weekday and creates unsafe conditions, the Belton School District will either call an AMI Day or a Snow Day.

If school is canceled, District officials will send alerts through the automated calling system, text alerts, the website and social media outlets. Lastly, they will notify all local news stations.

AMI Days:

On AMI days, students will learn from home. If forecasts predict the potential of inclement weather for the next school day or if conditions prevent us from having school in-person, we will send devices and chargers home with all students.

There is not a set schedule of hour-by-hour learning on AMI days. Elementary teachers will post assignments/activities through Seesaw and/or Schoology. On these days, attendance for students will be counted by tracking assignment submissions on the next day of in-person instruction, electronic submission the day of/day they return, or a log of electronic or web-based activities.

Belton School District participates in the 100 Million Project from T-Mobile, thus our district can issue hotspots to families who need internet access. Hotspots do have limitations on bandwidth, therefore, there will be no Zoom meetings or lengthy videos on AMI days.

Parents can call or email their child's school office to request a hotspot. You are encouraged to do this as soon as possible before winter weather arrives. Once it is prepared in the district technology department, the school office staff will notify the family they can pick up the hotspot during school hours. *This will need to be prearranged. This cannot be provided on the day of an AMI day.

December is an exciting month in the Gladden Library as we celebrate The Hour of Code! Students in Kindergarten through 4th grade will dive into the world of coding, exploring fun and interactive activities designed to introduce them to the basics of computer programming.

From coding games to creating simple programs, students will develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity. Our goal is to spark curiosity and inspire them to explore the endless possibilities of technology.

Ask your child about their coding adventures this month—they're sure to impress you with what they’ve learned!

During the month of November, Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms practiced identifying a variety of feelings through pictures, stories and scenarios. Being able to name our feelings helps us to better understand and manage our emotions which enables us to make choices that are safe and healthy. Our 2nd grade classes learned about the power of positive affirmations while 3rd and 4th grade classes learned 5 ways they can be kind and show kindness to others around them.

In December, our classroom counseling lessons will be related to coping skills. We will work to identify and practice safe, healthy ways to help us calm when we experience big feelings. Many students will create a tool they can bring home as a reminder of the many ways they can calm. The more we can practice calming strategies while calm, the better chance we have of using them in times of upset.

This time of year can be stressful as students are excited and anticipating upcoming breaks from school. However, this change from their normal routine can also be overwhelming. Encourage your child to name their feelings in those elevated moments and seek ways to regain their calm. Check out this graphic below from Big Life Journal for a list of calming tools:

Should you need to make transportation changes for your student, please do so prior to 2:30 p.m. by emailing the office at gladden@bsd124.org or by sending a handwritten note. For the safety of students, we do NOT accept transportation changes over the phone.

If you are picking your student up through the car rider line, please make sure you have your car rider sign displayed. If you forget or lose your sign, you will need to park, come into the office, and show your ID to pick up your child. You are always welcome to request more car rider signs.

Gladden Office: (816) 489-7530

Gladden Fax: (816) 489-7535

• Secretary - Amber Branson
• Office Para- Emma Kesler
• Counselor - Amber Webel
• Principal - Karen Snider

Gladden Health Room: (816) 489-7532

• Nurse - Teresa Knoll

Gladen Cafeteria: (816) 489-7532

• Cafeteria Manager - Ka'Treena Fairlie

Gladden SAC (before and after school care): (816) 489-7300

• Site Director: Lucy Culbertson
• District Children Services Coordinator: Luke Startwood

DS Bus Lines: (816) 331-3200

Email: gladden@bsd124.org

Website: https://www.beltonschools.org/Page/14
Location: 405 Westover Road, Belton, MO, USA
Phone: 816-489-7530
Facebook: facebook.com/GladdenElementary