Leopard Spots

April 3, 2025

Dear Lowell Families,

It has been another busy month, and it is feeling a lot like spring! Please see below for important updates and information.

Spring Testing!

ISAT testing is coming up very soon. Please see communication from you child's teacher on exact testing dates this month. Also, please help your child get a good night's rest before testing and encourage them to 'show what they know' the day of the test!

IRI testing will take place in May. Primary grade teacher will communicate dates as we get closer to that testing window.

Parent Input for Student Class Placement

Please take a few minutes to fill out the form to provide input on your child's classroom placement for the 2025-2026 school year. The form is due on Friday, April 25.

Class and Personality Picture Day

Class and personality pictures will be held on April 16. Please see information that comes home from your child's teacher for ordering information.

Attendance

Parents, when emailing about your child's absence, please use the following email: lowellattendance@boiseschools.org. Thank you for keeping us informed when your child is going to be out and providing a medical note when appropriate.

Raptor Check In

Parents and guardians, thank you for supporting safety at Lowell by checking in at the office anytime you visit the building. Please note that visiting the building includes stopping in before or after school.

Crosswalk at Drop Off/Pick Ups

Parents, please remind students that they need to use the crosswalks before school and after school. At times, we have students who cross not in a designated location, and we want to ensure safety.

Lowell Carnival

We hope many of you can join us at the Lowell Carnival on April 25 from 5:30-7:30. See the PTSA link and information below for details!

Lowell PRIDE

Congratulations to our Lowell PRIDE winners who were selected for 'Everyone is safe!' Please see below.

Thank you for your support. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Abbey Griffitts

Principal, Lowell Elementary

Check out the Lowell calendar for important dates and information.

Seasonal Allergies

Spring is in the air—and so are pollen and other allergens! If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, please ensure they take any necessary medication before coming to school. The health office does not keep seasonal allergy medication (like antihistamines) in stock. If your child requires medication during the school day, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss options.

Measles Awareness
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S.

• Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body.
• If your child has symptoms of measles, please keep them home and consult a healthcare provider.
• The best protection is vaccination—children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old. But you can still get caught up! If you have questions about how to get vaccinated for measles, feel free to contact me or your healthcare provider

Vaccine & Sports Physical Reminder
If your child is entering kindergarten or 7th grade next school year, don’t forget to schedule their required vaccinations!

• Kindergarteners need updated doses of DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines before starting kindergarten.

• 7th graders need a Tdap booster and the first dose of the meningococcal vaccine.

Additionally, 7th graders planning to play sports must have a sports physical completed after May 2025 to be valid for the upcoming school year. Appointments fill up quickly, so schedule early to avoid delays in participation.

And while you're there, don't forget to ask about the HPV vaccine for your 5th & 6th graders. The best time to get the HPV vaccine is between ages 9-11. This is when it has been shown to provide the best protection against certain cancers.

Dani, RN

ReplyForward

Understanding the path to success is key for our students. When children know what they’re learning, why it matters, and how to succeed, they become more motivated, engaged, and confident.

One of the most powerful ways we can support their growth is by making sure they have clarity in their learning—knowing what success looks like, where they currently are, and what steps to take next.

Why Clarity in Learning Matters

When students have a clear sense of direction, they’re better able to monitor their progress and take ownership of their learning. Educational researcher John Hattie ranks "clarity of learning intentions and success criteria" among the most impactful influences on student achievement.

Here’s how clarity helps:

• Know the goal – Clear learning objectives help students stay focused and purposeful.

• Recognize success – Understanding what success looks like allows students to reflect and self-assess.

• Take next steps – Knowing where they are and what to do next keeps them progressing with confidence.

The Power of Celebrating Progress

Recognizing and celebrating growth—no matter how small—can spark motivation and build a positive learning environment. Research shows that when students see their progress acknowledged, they’re more likely to stay engaged and persevere through challenges.

Celebrating learning helps:

• Boost confidence and a sense of achievement

• Reinforce a growth mindset (“I’m getting better with effort”)

• Build a supportive, encouraging classroom culture

How You Can Help at Home

Your encouragement makes a big difference. Talk with your child about what they’re working on, ask how they know if they’re on track, and celebrate their efforts along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or showing persistence, your recognition helps fuel their motivation.

Together, by supporting clarity and celebrating growth, we can help our children thrive—both academically and personally—with confidence and joy in their learning.

It's April Lowell Families!

So much fun to be had the last couple months. HERE is the PTSA April Newsletter & some highlights:

• Garden Clean Up 4/5; 9-11:30am
• BBQ Potluck for Staff 4/16
• Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 4/16 4pm
• Carnival Basket Donations Due 4/17
• Big 80s Blowout Carnival 5:30-7:30pm (planned by your 6th graders)

If your child is not going to be at school, please email lowellattendance@boiseschools.org or call 208-854-5480 and leave a message. A child's absence is marked as unexcused until we hear from parents. We understand that occasional illnesses and absences do occur, but otherwise hope to have students at school each day so they have the opportunity to learn and grow!

Check out www.attendanceworks.org for great information about the importance of attendance.

Please click here to see our Emergency Response Plan

Please click here for our Threat Assessment Process

CLICK HERE to learn more or CLICK HERE to sign up.

Lowell is looking for a crossing guard to help our students reach school safely. Only 2 hours/day (8:30 - 9:30am and 3:30 - 4:30pm) The pay starts at $16.01/hr. Applications can be submitted using the following path: Click THIS link > Classified > School Support Personnel. Please call Principal Abbey Griffitts with any questions.

We are looking for great substitute teachers! Please click here, then click Substitutes, and follow the application process from there. We are so grateful for parents who pick up sub jobs. They help ensure our kids don't miss anything and substitutes also get paid for their time!

Annual Notification Regarding Public Release of Student Directory Information

The Boise School District complies with federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) as it relates to the release of student directory information to the public. To learn more, log on to www.boiseschools.org and navigate to Parents & Patrons > Parent Information > FERPA Form. Or, please call the Clerk of the Board at 208-854-4123 to obtain a copy of the FERPA form.

Abbey Griffitts - Principal

abbey.griffitts@boiseschools.org

Kim Nixon - Administrative Assistant

kim.nixon@boiseschools.org

Website: lowell.boiseschools.org

Location: 1507 N 28th St, Boise, ID 83703
Phone: 208.854.5480