North Star News

I am certainly not surprised with the amazing turnout that we had Friday evening for our CommUNITY Fall Festival. As a staff, we are so grateful for all of your love and support you provide us. Community/Parent participation is key to the success of Ross. With that being said, Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up. Our goal is ALWAYS 100% participation. We strongly encourage you to attend. If the dates/times do not work for you... please reach out to your child's teacher. Have a wonderful week!

PTO NEEDS YOU! Click HERE to volunteer!

Oct. 23rd: 2nd Grade Field Trip

Oct. 24th: Choir Concert at the Family Arena

Oct. 25th: Dudes at the Door (RSVP Required)

Oct. 25th: Half Day

Oct. 25th: Ross Movie Night @ 6:15

Oct. 28th: Book Fair Week begins

Nov. 1st: Intruder Drill

Nov. 5th: No School - Professional Development Day

Nov. 5th: Election Day

Nov. 8th: Veteran's Day Assembly at 9:30

Nov. 8th: Dental Van visits Ross

Nov. 11th: Food Drive Begins

Nov. 12th: Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:30p - 8:00p)

Nov. 14th: Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:30p - 8:00p)

Students will participate in the “Parkway Votes” mock election week of October 28 - November 1st. You received an email with more information from the district on Oct. 15.

Parkway Votes is an opportunity for students to learn about the democratic process, understand the importance of lifelong voting habits, and increase communication with their families about the value of civic engagement. Families are encouraged to talk with their children about their values around voting.

At our school, students will have the opportunity to practice voting.

• Kindergarten - Grade 2: Which of these is your favorite national monument? Students will vote for the Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, Washington Monument, or the Grand Canyon.

• Grade 3 - Grade 5 will vote for the President of the United States.

While we believe students should have the opportunity to vote, we respect that you may prefer for your child not to participate. If you do not want your child to participate, please complete this opt-out form by October 23.

Schoolwide election results will be made public in a summary format. School-specific results will only be shared within classrooms under teacher direction to ensure an educational focus. Individual votes will remain anonymous.

Nationwide, cyberbullying and teen self harm/suicide are on the rise. The increased access that today's youth have to technology and social media opens the door to this behavior as both the victim and the cause. As parents, it is admittedly difficult to navigate this topic with your child(ren). To help you learn more about this topic and receive tips that can support you at home, the Parkway School District has established a parent event to address this topic. Tina Meier, of the Megan Meier Foundation, will be conducting a presentation at West Middle School on October 29th at 6:30pm. Mrs. Meier will share the the story of her daughter, Megan, along with the devastating effects of bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide. This powerful message will be followed by an audience Q&A that will allow the participants to seek advice and ask questions that could prove to be a powerful experience for all in attendance. For more information, please check out the attached flyer and, if interested in attending, please click here to kindly RSVP.