February 2025

Welcome to February! As you will see through out the newsletter, the new year is off to a great start and we are looking forward to a fantastic month! Based on our winter benchmark (our mid-year well-child check-up for math and reading) our kids are making great growth! On a recent Interim Assessment Block for math more than 50% of students performed above standard in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade, far exceeding the average performance across the state and district. We also saw great growth on our math benchmark assessments with K through 3rd grade students posting remarkable gains in the number of students performing at standard (14% more in K, 25% in 1st , 23% in 2nd, 13% in 3rd). Our teams have been working hard to build students conceptual understanding and application of math and this effort is paying off. This great growth indicates that most students are on track to meet or exceed standard in math by the end of the year.

In addition to our focus on academics, we are working hard to build great neighbors. February’s character focus is Honesty. Students will learn that Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing Honesty helps strengthen our relationships and even reduces stress. Honesty is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.

As you help your child develop their honesty muscles, we encourage you to have fun connecting as a family this month completing one of the PurposeFull Pursuits. The first pursuit is to review Honesty as a family! Honesty is being truthful in what you say and do. Discuss the importance of being Honest and work together to create a family Honesty pledge. Create and decorate a sign together that explains what Honesty means in your family. Have each family member sign the pledge and choose a spot to display it. Refer back to the pledge as a reminder to be Honest and to celebrate when Honesty is practiced!

Another pursuit is to set aside some time to gather as a family and check in with each other. Ask each family member, “How are you feeling today?” Practice Honesty when responding and listen carefully as each family member shares. Use the emotion check-in questions to learn more. Challenge yourselves to check in with each other on a regular basis! Emotion Check-In Questions: Tell me more about that feeling. Why do you think you are feeling that emotion? What do you need right now?

Make it a day to be a Falcon!

Adam Uhler, Principal & Angela Kelly, Assistant Principal

Our goal is not only to create great readers, writers, and mathematicians but also great people who will grow up to be great neighbors. Building students character and social-emotional skills is key to this work and through her work with classrooms and small groups Mrs. Johnson is leading this effort. Please help us celebrate Mrs. Johnson's efforts to help our Falcons grow to be self-aware, self-managed, responsible decisions makers who have strong relationship skills and social awareness! We encourage you to send Mrs. Johnson a note this week sharing how her support of your child has made a positive impact.

Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Eastern cultures in different forms and includes Chinese New Year, Seollal in Korea, Tet in Vietnam and Losar in Tibet. The two-week holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of a fresh year based on the lunisolar calendar. Recently at a Friday Morning Meeting, one of our students with Tibetan heritage shared about Losar and performed a dance celebrating the new year. We wish all of the VFE community an abundance of joy and good health throughout the Year of the Snake.

Throughout the month of February students will learn about the lives and significant contributions of African Americans both present and throughout our history. Thanks to the VFE PTO, we are also looking forward to our upcoming performances by the Bright Star Touring Theater . This year, we will enjoy two shows. Kinder through second grade will attend " Meet Dr. King" and, students in third, fourth and fifth grade will watch "Empowered, Brilliant, and Brave: Great Women of Black History".

No School Monday 2/14

We can confirm there will be no school on Feb. 14, which is calendared as an emergency weather make-up day — if needed. With a mild winter so far, we have not had a weather-related school closure. This means the make-up day is not needed.

Winter is not over, however, so if there’s a need to close school later this year, we’ll use May 27 as the day to make up for any potential weather-related closure.

No School on Monday 2/17 for President's Day.

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is hosting its annual STEM Fair & Art Show on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Bonney Lake High School from 10am-2pm. VFE students will be well represented with our 3-D Printing Club participating in the STEM Fair and Art Docents will display art from across the grades. All families are encouraged to attend.

Join us for our annual Donuts with Grown Ups event!

Feb. 4 7:30-8:10am

Feb. 6th 7:30-8:10am

Please choose one date to attend. Donuts and coffee will be served.

There are some fun and easy ways for you to support the VFE PTO. Download the Box Tops app or add Victor Falls PTO to your Fred Meyer digital account.

Join us for our unforgettable evenings celebrating our students' remarkable musicians and growth at our Grade Level Concerts at the Bonney Lake High School Performing Arts Center. Experience the talent and dedication of our young performers as they showcase their skills in a night filled with music, dance, and creativity.

Save the Date: VFE 3rd and 4th Grade Concerts!

4th Grade - March 6th at 7pm

3rd Grade - March 6th at 5:30pm

We look forward to seeing you there for a wonderful night of music and celebration!

Mark your calendars for an exciting evening as the VFE Choir takes the stage at the Sumner-Bonney Lake All-District Choir Festival! This event will bring together choirs from across the district to celebrate the power of music and showcase incredible talent.

• Date: Tuesday, February 25th

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Location: Bonney Lake High School Gym

Our choir students are working hard to prepare an amazing performance that will make VFE proud. Don’t miss this opportunity to see their dedication and talent come to life on stage!

We hope you’ll join us to cheer them on and enjoy an inspiring evening of choral music. See you there! 🎵

If your student will be absent from school for 2 or more days for a planned trip we require a pre-arranged absence form be completed and returned to the school prior to the trip. Please contact your students' teacher or the front office at 253-891-4700 for a copy of the required form.

If your student is late (arrive after 10am on Mondays OR after 8:25 Tues-Friday) or needs to be picked up early, we kindly ask that you park and walk inside to sign your student in/out.

We have a lot of sickness going around our school and community right now. Here are some important reminders for preventing illness:

• Please do not send your student to school with a fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher), vomiting, a cough with shortness of breath, discolored phlegm or lethargy, diarrhea, or if they are too sick to participate in normal school activities. Your child’s medical provider, or I can provide further advice.

• Please let us know if you have taken your child to the doctor and they have tested positive for something.

• Stomach pain and headaches can be signs of anxiety and may not be reasons for keeping a child home. If you feel that anxiety or stress is playing a role, talk to your child’s teacher, the school nurse or counselor, or your medical provider about how best to support your child.

• Encourage your student to cough into their elbow, use and dispose of tissues regularly, keep their hands out of their mouth, eyes and nose, and to wash their hands with soap and water frequently.

• Avoid sharing cups and utensils with other individuals.

• Dress your children for the cold weather. Extra clothing sent in your child’s backpack is very helpful in case of bathroom accidents or getting wet/dirty on the playground.

• Encourage healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking fluids, and getting exercise.

Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school can be a difficult decision for parents to make. Please use the guidelines & When to stay home from the health department to help you. Call the school nurse if you need further guidance.

Also, if your child has a health condition that requires treatment, medication, or any kind of extra support at school, please reach out to me and I would be happy to assist.

Thank you,
Paula Hemminger, VFE School Nurse
253-891-4700

If you have a child in Kindergarten or 1st grade, please ensure they have an extra pair of clothing in their backpack.

Save the date for our Dental Day! More information will be sent home in early March.

Winter may bring weather conditions that require school schedule delays or closure. Deciding to cancel school is a difficult decision that the District takes seriously.

Here is the Inclement weather information. and procedures.

Do you have younger children birth to age 5 or know of someone who could benefit from our Ready! For Kindergarten classes? Please see our district website and the attached flier for more information. Classes will be held 6:30-8:00pm on the following dates:

2/3: Emerald Hills Elementary

Registration for the 2025-26 school year begins by 8 am on Feb. 3, 2025. Please visit the School District Website for more information.

For information about Kindergarten Enrollment, please visit the Kindergarten Enrollment website for more information.

The 2025-2026 Waiver Application Window will open at 9 am on Monday, March 17, 2025 . More information about Waivers can be found on the district website.

Do you know someone who has made a powerful difference in the Sumner-Bonney Lake area? Someone who works behind the scenes to contribute to the health and well-being of our local youth and families? Nominate them for the 2025 Community Unsung Hero Award!

The Unsung Hero Award is given annually as part of the Sumner-Bonney Lake CFF Community Summit and is an opportunity to recognize the dedication of any one person or organization who serves in support of our local community. To nominate a hero, fill out this form by Friday, Feb. 7.

Awards will be given on March 13 during the Community Summit.

As we step into February, we want to emphasize the importance of consistent school attendance. Every day your child is present, they gain knowledge, build relationships, and develop the skills they need for lifelong success. Missing even one day can set them back academically and socially, so let’s work together to ensure they’re here and thriving!

Why Attendance Matters:

• Academic Success: Regular attendance keeps your child on track with lessons and assignments, preventing unnecessary stress and learning gaps.

• Social Growth: Being present allows your child to build connections with peers and teachers, fostering friendships and a sense of community.

• Future Readiness: Consistent attendance establishes positive habits, preparing your child for success in school and beyond.

Tips for a Strong Attendance Record:

• Set a Routine: Consistent bedtimes and morning routines help your child feel ready and energized for the day. Take a look at the PBS Kids for Parents website that shares great ideas on setting up routines for children.

• Stay Healthy: Encourage good hygiene, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise to keep illnesses at bay.

• Communicate Early: If your child faces challenges—academic or personal—reach out to their teacher or counselor for support.

Plan Ahead: Schedule appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.

The Community Cultural Celebration Event will be 4/26 from 11a-2p at Bonney Lake High School.

Here is the lunch menu for February.

We are encouraging all families to apply for free/reduced lunch. Please use the link below to apply. If you would prefer a paper copy, please call the office at 253-891-4700.

If you have questions regarding school lunches or student lunch accounts, please visit the child nutrition webpage on our district website or call 253-891-6450.

For additional information about upcoming events within the district information, please check out the district Newsletters.

If your family needs support anytime throughout the year, please email our school counselor at kaitlyn_johnson@sumnersd.orgThere are resources to support families in their time of need.

Below is the Right at School Newsletter for January 2025. Please see the RAS calendar for the daily activities.

If you have questions about Right At School, please email victor_falls@rightatschool.com or look at their website.

Please check our website for updates.

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Email: VFE@sumnersd.org
Website: sumnersd.org/vfe
Location: 11401 188th Ave Ct E, Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 891-4700
Twitter: @VictorFallsEle1

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