Southwest Elementary Newsletter

February 2025

A Note from Mr. Hofer

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well as we move through the heart of winter. February is a time for growth, reflection, and staying connected—especially when the colder months can sometimes bring challenges for our children’s mental well-being.

As the days remain shorter and outdoor playtime is limited, it’s important to support our students in maintaining positive mental health. Here are a few simple ways to help your child stay engaged and uplifted this season:

Encourage movement: Even small amounts of daily exercise, whether it’s dancing, stretching, or an indoor obstacle course, can boost mood and energy levels.
Stay socially connected: Scheduling playdates, video calls with family, or participating in school activities can help combat feelings of isolation.
Maintain a routine: Predictable schedules provide a sense of security, helping children feel more in control of their day.
Foster creativity: Art, music, and imaginative play can be great outlets for self-expression and stress relief.
Talk about feelings: Encourage open conversations about emotions, reassuring children that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions during the winter months.

At Southwest, we are committed to nurturing both the academic and emotional well-being of our students. If you ever need support or resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our students thrive—no matter the season!

Warm regards,

Brian Hofer

Southwest Principal

Valentine's Party Times- Feb. 14th

Erin's Law Information

Dear District 228 Families:

The Comprehensive Health Education Act, often referred to as Erin’s Law, requires all public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for students grades PreK-12, as well as provide training on sexual abuse prevention to staff.

District 228 Social Workers and School Psychologists will be providing these age-appropriate lessons on personal safety to all students PreK-5th. Student lessons will take place during an upcoming specials time, and will incorporate concepts and skills which are developmentally appropriate based upon grade levels.

Lessons are adapted from the Second Step Committee for Children: Child Protective Curriculum which focuses on teaching children basic skills to keep them safe from abusive or dangerous situations. Some concepts discussed during presentations will include:

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important strategies to help them decide whether a situation is safe or not.

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you do NOT wish your child to participate or if you have any questions, please contact your child’s building principal.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to provide learning opportunities to improve the safety and well-being of our children.

PTA Update

Hello from the PTA! Our next meeting is Thursday, 2/13 at 6:30 pm. Childcare will be provided.

School Store will be Friday, February 21st from 7:30-8 am in the gym.

February Calendar Items

Feb. 6: Ag in the Classroom (K-2)

Feb. 13: Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30, PTA Meeting @ 6:30

Feb. 14: 11:35 Dismissal (School Improvement Day), Valentine's Day Parties (See schedule above)

Feb. 17: School will be in session

Feb: 21: PTA School Store

Feb. 27: Music in Our Schools Concert (Grades 4-6) at GHS @ 7 p.m., 4th Grade Symphony Day @ Adler Theatre

March 6: Ag in the Classroom (K-2), BizTown Field Trip (5th Grade)

March 7: End of 3rd Quarter, Teachers Inservice (No School)

March 11: 4th Grade Musical @ 7 p.m. in the Southwest Gym

March 13: Fine Arts Day, Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30, PTA Meeting @ 6:30

March 17-21: Spring Break

March 28: PTA School Store

March 31: Book Fair Week

Pick Up & Drop Off

Southwest Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures

*PLEASE NOTE THAT WALKERS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 3 P.M. FROM THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING. THIS IS A FEW MINUTES EARLIER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS.

*It would help us a great deal if car riders and walkers were not dropped off or arrived until after 8 a.m. We understand that may not be possible but we appreciate your consideration. Any students showing up before 7:30 a.m. will be sent to SAFE and the parents will be required to pay the SAFE daily fee. Buses don't begin dropping off until after 7:30.

Winter Weather Reminders

All children will be outside when the "feels like" temperature reaches 10 degrees and above. Please dress accordingly. The children will be inside for recess on days that "feels like" temperature is under 10 degrees.

To determine this temperature we will utilize www.weather.com.

Changes in Transportation

If your child has a change in their normal routine for transportation:

Please send a written note to your child(ren)'s teacher informing them of the change.
Indicate on the note the name of anyone other than yourself that may be picking up your child.
If the change happens during the school day, a call needs to be made by 1:00 pm in order to ensure communication and changes get relayed on time.
Do not email transportation changes to your child's teacher as they may not be able to check their email during the school day.

Southwest Calendar

Geneseo Elementary School Handbook 2024-2025