SIERRA SCOOP
March 8, 2024
FROM FOERSTER'S DESK
It was another great week getting into classrooms! In 2nd grade, students were brainstorming ideas to help develop their main character for their upcoming imaginary stories. They were using a graphic organizer to group character traits. Students in 3rd grade were diligently working to compare and contrast two different characters from two different stories. This is another way to learn about character traits. OG is going strong in 1st grade as they were focused on learning about the word "their." The spelling, definition, and using it correctly in a sentence. I was able to watch all modalities (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) in action. During 4th grade writing, students were learning how to write well organized and developed paragraphs for an essay. They were using their notes (color coded for organization) and writing them into sentences to create a cohesive paragraph. 5th graders were finishing up their research for their travel brochures. They were using a graphic organizer to sort notes into some sections they will be including in their brochure. Be sure to ask you student what they learned this week!
It was also a pleasure to see some classes celebrating Women's History Month (March) by participating in various activities or reading about influential women in history.
Have an awesome weekend 😄
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra
Mid-Year Social Emotional and Behavior Data
In January, we completed our mid-year universal screener of social emotional and behavior skills. We saw growth schoolwide from September to January, increasing the number of students rated as proficient in demonstrating all five social emotional competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. Social Awareness and Responsible Decision Making are areas of strength schoolwide; Self-Management is an area of continued growth for our students. Our classes will be begin the Problem Solving unit in Second Step this month, which supports the development of Self-Management skills. Through this curriculum we teach students to solve problems with STEP. As problems come up at home, consider using this framework to guide your child(ren) in solving problems effectively.
- Say the problem (without blame) - focus on the issue, not the person
- Think of solutions - no idea is a bad idea at this point; we're just brainstorming
- Explore the outcomes - think of the positive and negative outcomes that could result from each of the brainstormed solutions
- Pick a solution - based on the outcomes you considered, decide which solution seems best
OFFICE INFORMATION
Spring LEGO Club
Adventures in STEM with LEGO® Materials (Spring 2024 | Grades: K-1):
https://play-well-registration.com/registration/new/103563
STEM Explorations with LEGO® Materials (Spring 2024 | Grades: 2-5):
CMAS Testing
Grades 3 - 5 will participate in the annual state assessment between April 1st and April 26. Specific times will be shared by classroom teachers closer to testing days. We ask that you do not schedule appointments or vacations during these testing dates:
3rd Grade: 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/10, 4/11, and 4/12 (AM testing only)
4th Grade: 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/10, 4/11, and 4/12 (AM testing only)
5th Grade: 4/5, 4/8, 4/9 (AM testing); 4/15, 4/16, 4/17 (AM and PM testing sessions)
March 11- PTA Budget Meeting at 6:00 pm
March 15- ROAR Day (Outer Space)
March 18-22- No School, Spring Break
March 25- No School, Teacher Work Day
March 26- Students Return
March 29- Read-a-Thon Kickoff
READ-A-THON
Come One, Come All to the 3rd Annual Sierra Read-a-Thon! The Sierra PTA is hosting its spring fundraising "Ride the Read-a-Coaster" event starting March 29th through April 19th. Our students can earn fun prizes like a Magic Show or a Carnival Party by raising funds and reading. Top readers and fundraisers in each grade get a chance to Pie Mrs. Foerster or Mr. Rowland in the face. Other fun prizes include event packages to Water World and Dave and Busters, class prizes and more. The Top TWO fundraisers in the school will get a Great Wolf Lodge Gift Package, which includes a free night at the resort and a $200 gift certificate to spend there! Registration begins March 29th!
YEARBOOK ORDER
Last chance to buy a yearbook, ordering closes March 31st.
Questions email: jenny@jennylogan.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Sierra is Hiring!
We are looking for ISPs (Independent Support Para) for students in our SSN classroom. These are paid positions that include benefits. We are also in need of substitute paras to fill in for lunch and recess duties and possibly some classroom coverage (minimal class coverage). This is also a paid position. If you are interested, you can apply through the Jeffco Schools job board. Feel free to call Nicole in the office if you have any questions.
Accountability Notes From 2/7/24
If you weren't able to attend February's Accountability meeting you can get caught up by reviewing the notes, 2/7 Accountability Notes.
Cell Phone and Smartwatch Policy at Sierra
Please review the cell phone and smartwatch policy with your student. You can find the policy in the Sierra Student-Family Handbook.
TELEPHONE USE
CELL PHONES and/or SMART WATCHES are not to be used during school hours, including during recess, and need to be turned off. Cell phone/watch usage includes sending/receiving calls or text messages, and taking pictures. We make every effort to promote responsibility and planning skills in children. Remembering personal responsibilities and activities is an important elementary skill. Therefore, students may not use the phone for forgotten permission slips, lunches, instruments, homework, sports, or other school items and events. After school arrangements should be made before the student leaves home in the morning. Students may use a school phone in emergencies or upon teacher request for after school activities. If you have emergency information for your child, particularly information that involves changes in transportation after school, please call the Sierra office.
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
PTA PARTICULARS
Sierra PTA Board Positions Available for Next Year!
We need some volunteers on the PTA Board for the 2024-2025 school year! The board members who are remaining are amazing and will be great partners to the new members! This experience is a great way to stay informed, meet amazing new friends, and make an impact at Sierra. Below is a list of the positions available for next year:
President - The President offers support to all the positions on the board, develops and maintains the relationship between the board and school administration, and leads the monthly board meetings and quarterly general meetings. Prior board experience is not required to be president. This is a great position to Co-Chair, so please feel free to volunteer with a friend or let us know you would like to work with someone else.
Vice President of Membership – The VP of Membership encourages parents, teachers and staff to join the PTA and manages their enrollment on our membership website. This role does not require a lot of time outside of monthly board meetings.
If you are interested in joining the board, please email us at President@SierraPTAArvada.org
The PTA Budget Committee Meeting is scheduled for Mar 11, 2024 at 6pm in the school library. Please join to help plan how the PTA will spend funds for the 24-25 school year. Open to all current PTA members.
School Gift Proposals are open for application! Due Apr 22, 2024 and presented and voted on at the Apr 29, 2024 General PTA meeting. Application forms with more information can be found in the treasurer’s box in the school office or online here: https://www.sierraptaarvada.org/_files/ugd/78602c_a5131731f47d4dfe8bc69dcab15d10f7.pdf
SIERRA ELEMENTRY
Email: tennille.foerster@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: sierraelementary.net
Location: 7771 Oak Street, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: (303)982-0821
Facebook: facebook.com/sierraelementary