Explorer Echo

Welcome to the March 28th, 2025, edition of Explorer Echo.

Dear Southeastern Families,

As we approach the upcoming spring break, we encourage you to take this time to relax and enjoy precious moments with your child. Whether it's through play, reading, or simply spending quality time together, these moments create lasting memories. We hope you find joy in these special days and return refreshed, ready for the next chapter of learning.

Yours in Education,

Niki Kaminski and Trae Heeter

SEL at Southeastern

KINDERGARTEN:

Week of Mar 17-21

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 4: Problem Solving – Home Link

Lesson 16: We Can Say the Problem

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child learned how to state a problem without blame or name calling. They practiced identifying problems in given scenarios, listened to their teacher state the problem, and then repeated the statement.

Try This at Home:

Children may be tempted to blame others when they’re upset about something. Encourage your child to avoid blame by describing what happened without focusing on who is at fault.

Week of Mar 24-28

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 4: Problem Solving – Home Link

Lesson 17: Ready to Solve Problems

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned that taking time to feel calm before reacting is a helpful first step to solving a problem.

Try This at Home:

Let your child see you taking a moment to feel calm at home when things are busy or stressful. For example, say, “Today was a really busy day. I’m going to take a few slow breaths to help me feel calm.” Invite your child to join you.

FIRST GRADE:

Week of Mar 17-21

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 4: Problem Solving – Home Link

Lesson 16: How to Say the Problem

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child learned how to state a problem in a respectful way, without blame or name calling. They practiced identifying problems and then stated the problem respectfully.

Try This at Home:

Children may be tempted to blame others when they’re upset about something. Encourage your child to avoid blame by describing what happened without focusing on who is at fault.

Week of Mar 24-28

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 4: Problem Solving – Home Link

Lesson 17: Was it an Accident?

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned helpful ways to respond to a problem caused by accident. They practiced phrases for apologizing: "I’m sorry. It was an accident. Are you okay? How can I help?"

Try This at Home:

When accidents occur at home, take time to apologize and encourage your child to do the same, using the new phrases they learned at school this week.

SECOND GRADE:

Week of Mar 17-21

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 3: Empathy and Kindness – Home Link

Lesson 14: Empathy at School

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child used empathy to come up with a kind act they could do for a person in their school community.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child what member of their school community they had empathy for and what kind act they chose to do for that person.

Week of Mar 24-28

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 3: Empathy and Kindness – Home Link

Lesson 15: Empathy and Kindness

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child used empathy to come up with a kind act they could do for a person they choose.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child who they chose to have empathy for and what kind act they decided to do.

THIRD GRADE:

Week of Mar 17-21

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 3: Empathy and Kindness – Home Link

Lesson 16: STEP by Step

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child learned a new process for solving problems called STEP.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child if they can recall what each letter in STEP stands for. (S: Say the problem, T: Think of solutions, E: Explore the outcomes, P: Pick a solution.)

Week of Mar 24-28

Second Step Curriculum

No New Lesson - Catch Up Week

FOURTH GRADE:

Week of Mar 17-21

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 2 – Emotion Management Setting – Home Link

Lesson 10: Rethink It!

Summary:

In last week’s lesson, your child practiced rethinking a variety of situations in order to help them feel better.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to give you an example of how to use rethinking when feeling disappointed about not doing their best on a task or activity.

Week of Mar 24-28

Second Step Curriculum

Unit 4– Problem Solving – Home Link

Lesson 16: A Good Problem-Solver

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child learned two ways to become a better problem-solver: speaking up for what they need and feeling calm before trying to solve the problem.

Try This at Home:

Talk with your child about times when they might have an interpersonal problem (a disagreement between two or more people) with a friend. Encourage them to use these moments as opportunities to practice feeling calm and speaking up for what they want or need.

Jen Smith

SES Counselor

jensmith@hse.k12.in.us

If you need to send information about your student to our school nurse, please include both SES nurses on the email:

Carissa Firmand, RN

cfirmand@hse.k12.in.us

Sharon Hughes, RN

shughes@hse.k12.in.us

Injury

If your student has an activity restriction/injury, please let the us know and send in a copy of the doctor's note so we can provide the proper accommodations.

Illness Policy

Please keep your child at home if ill. They must be 24 hours-free from the following symptoms before returning to school: fever, vomiting, diarrhea. Contact the school/clinic for any clarification or further guidance needed.

Carissa Firmand, RN

cfirmand@hse.k12.in.us

(W-TH-F)

Sharon Hughes, RN

shughes@hse.k12.in.us

(M-T)

Next week we will be on week 3 of the menu.

When we return from spring break, we will be on week 1 of the menu. April 22nd is global meal day! Butter Chicken will be the hot lunch and available to sample.

Please check out the online menu for our breakfast and lunch options. We have added new items for the remainder of the school year.

Online Menu

Ice Cream

Ice cream day is every Wednesday for all grades- cost is $1.25 (must have money in account or bring cash/check)

Lunch Accounts

Funding your student's lunch account is done through eFunds. The link for eFunds can be found on our website at ses.hseschools.org. To make a payment to your student's lunch account, please access eFunds. Student lunch is $2.80.

Snacks

The cafeteria offers snacks for purchase (.90-$1.25) to KG-4th grade students. If you would like to put restrictions on purchases please email cafeteria manager, Kim Lemburg.

Kim Lemburg, SES Cafeteria Manager

Our month of reading has continued at SES as we EXPLORE READING! Last week the students enjoyed their visit to Cafe Read A Latte where they were able to enjoy a snack and "taste" a few new books. Thank you to the many "baristas" (volunteer readers) who helped make this experience so special.

• Monday, March 31st, Sip-N-Donate, Scooter's Coffee (see PTO newsletter below)
• Monday, Mar. 31st, Spring Play practice, 2:15 to 3:30 pm.
• Monday, Mar. 31st, Math Bowl practice, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Monday, Mar. 31st, 3rd and 4th grade ASL Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm
• Tuesday, April 1st, Fourth grade music program (please see more information below)

• Monday, April 1st - Wednesday, April 30th, SES Silent Auction.
• Wednesday, April 2nd, 1st and 2nd grade ASL Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Thursday, April 3rd, Explorer Day, wear school colors of navy and gold.
• Friday, April 4th, through Friday, April 11th, Spring Break, no school.
• Monday, April 14th, Spring Play practice, 2:15 to 3:30 pm.
• Monday, April 14th, Track practice, 2:15 to 3:20 pm.
• Monday, April 14th, 3rd and 4th ASL Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Monday, April 14th, Math Bowl practice, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Monday, April 14th, PTO meeting, SES cafeteria, 6:30 pm.
• Tuesday, April 15th, Math Bowl competition, Riverside Intermediate School, 5:30 pm.
• Wednesday, April 16th, Track practice, 2:15 to 3:20 pm.
• Wednesday, April 16th, 1st and 2nd grade ASL Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Wednesday, April 16th, Student Council meeting, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Thursday, April 17th, Kindergarten Open House, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
• Monday, April 21st, Spring book fair begins.
• Monday, April 21st, Spring Play practice, 2:15 to 3:10 pm.
• Monday, April 21st, Track practice, 2:15 to 3:20 pm.
• Monday, April 21st, 3rd and 4th grade ASL practice, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Wednesday, April 23rd, Track practice, 2:15 to 3:20 pm.
• Wednesday, April 23rd, 1st and 2nd grade ASL Club, 2:15 to 3:15 pm.
• Friday, April 25th, Spring book fair ends.

School day start/end times, 7:40 am to 2:10 pm

As Spring approaches, we know that many of our families are thinking about next school year. With this comes an urge to make special requests for specific teachers. Southeastern cannot honor teacher requests by name due to the unique make up of classrooms and change of teacher placements. We strive to select the best learning environment for your child to thrive. We value your input and offer this form (below) for you to share your thoughts. Due to the high number of emails received, our administration team will not be responding to e-mails with these special requests but encourage you to take the time to complete this form for your child. Thank you for partnering with us at Southeastern Elementary!

Southeastern Elementary Parent Input for Student Placement Form

To ensure the safety of students, the following list provides options for parents to provide snacks for their students while keeping our classrooms free from peanut/nut allergens. Parents may provide snacks when there is an extended period between arrival/dismissal and lunch. This is at the discretion of the building principal if snacks are allowed in any classroom for this circumstance only. This list serves as a guide for K-6. Please note these are peanut/nut free options only and do not include all allergens. If a student has an allergy other than peanut/nut, please check the label or consult your building nurse before providing.

• Fresh fruit
• Fresh Vegetables-no dip
• Applesauce pouches
• Cheez its
• Goldfish-Pepperidge Farms (plain, pretzel, cheddar)
• Pirates Booty
• Pretzels (Rold Gold, Pepperidge Farms, Herr’s, Utz)
• Popcorn (SmartFood, Skinny Pop, Utz)
• Animal Crackers (Barnum, Austin Zoo)
• Teddy Grahams
• Nilla Wafers
• Veggie Straws
• Raisins, dried fruit

While we serve nut products in our cafeterias, all classrooms are nut free.

Mark your calendars for our Student Council Pre-Spring Break Spirit Week. A summary of days is below:

• Monday (March 31) – National Crayon Day: Favorite Color Day

• Tuesday (April 1) – April Fools Day: Anything but a water bottle (student “water bottles” must have a lid)

• Wednesday (April 2) - PBJ Day: Duo Day

• Thursday (April 3) – National Rainbow Day: Hawaii has the most rainbows so dress Hawaiian

Beautiful learning is happening in our related arts classrooms. Please read below to learn what your student is exploring.

Mark your calendars for our Fourth Grade Music Program Tuesday, April 1st. R. Powell, Howe, Busch and Hurst classes will perform at 5:45, and Huffer, Kamo and Newton classes will perform at 6:45.

Kindergarten Open House - April 17, 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome the Class of 2038! Join us at Southeastern Elementary school on April 17 for Kindergarten Open House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meet the school administration and the kindergarten team, explore the building, and learn about unique programs and opportunities at SES. This is also a great chance to connect with other families as we prepare for an exciting year ahead!

The SES PTO invites you to be a part of our school's 4th annual silent auction. The silent auction will be held online April 21st - April 30th with items displayed for viewing at our Spring Book Fair on Wednesday, April 23rd.The Silent Auction committee is looking for businesses in our community that would be interested in generously donating an item, basket of items, gift certificate(s), or event tickets. Your generosity will be witnessed and appreciated by many.

All of the proceeds earned from the auction will directly benefit Southeastern Elementary students. Our objective this year is to support and supplement the needs of our teachers and students in various academic and enrichment activities. Our hope is to increase teacher stipends for classroom supplies next year. These classroom supplies help engage students with hands-on learning activities and grant financial support to our staff.

For more information please contact Julie Lightner at auction@sespto.org

Fourth Graders are invited to join our SES Track team! Practices begin after Spring Break. Please find the details and registration using this link.

Track Coaches, Ms. Bleill, Mrs. Gore & Mr. Miller

Join Ms. Bleill for an exciting week of hiking, sports, games, and many activities at SES & Cyntheanne Park. Limited space available. For current K-4 students at Southeastern Elementary the weeks of June 9-13th and 23-27th. The cost of the 5 day camp is $125.00. Confirmation and payment method paperwork will be sent home with student after registering using link below.

Please access the Sports and Games Summer Camp link to register your student.

Join Mrs. Getz for Summer Art in Nature Camp. Please see below for more information. You can click art camp registration. to sign up.

Families of students in Mrs. Erickson's class enjoyed a writing celebration of narrative books that the students authored.

Thank you to all of the families who donated socks to all students and staff for World Down Syndrome Day. Every student and staff wore mismatched socks in support of our friends with Downs Syndrome.

Third grade took a field trip to downtown Fishers to learn more about city planning. As part of this field trip students designed their own "Box City" creating buildings out of boxes.

Please access the latest PTO newsletter at this PTO link.

SES has an amazing PTO! Our PTO organizes many activities and events that help raise much-needed money for our school. Resources raised through our PTO activities each school year help to support teachers' classrooms with supplies, books and curriculum materials. Our PTO produces a newsletter with regularly updated information about events happening in our building. These newsletters will be sent to families via ParentSquare.

Learn more about our PTO.

Instagram: @Southeastern PTO
Twitter: @Southeastern PTO
Linktree: linktr.ee/sespto

Email: info@sespto.org

president@sespto.org

vp@sespto.org

Facebook: Southeastern PTO

The Southeastern Elementary handbook has answers to many of your questions regarding policies and procedures for our building. The handbook can be found on our website at ses.hseschools.org, or by clicking below.

Anyone wanting to spend time in the school or chaperone a field trip must have a SafeVisitor background check on file with the district prior to coming into the building and working with students. If you have not yet completed the background check, please click below to get started.

If you are interested in tutoring opportunities for your student, please access the attached list. If you have a student that stays after school for tutoring, you much change dismissal manager so that the teacher knows where to send your student at the end of the day. Please log in to dismissal manager, make an exception for the day, and select "Tutoring with Teacher," and list the teacher's name in the notes section.

Did you know that you can use School Dismissal Manager to report student absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals? It is very easy. Log in to your SDM account, select your student, click on the date, select "add late arrival" or "report absence," type a reason in the notes section, and click update. If leaving early, click on "add exception" and select "leaving early" from the drop down menu. A report will be generated and the front office will be notified. Questions? Call the front office at (317) 594-4340.

Daily Dismissal Changes

Also, all daily dismissal changes NEED to be reported through School Dismissal Manager. If you need to change your student's dismissal on any day, you will need to log in to your Dismissal Manager account and make the necessary changes by 1:00 pm. A list will be generated before the end of the school day with all of the dismissal changes for that day. You can access Dismissal Manager on our Southeastern Elementary website, or by clicking below. Any issues using School Dismissal Manager, please call the front office at 317-594-4340.

Submit A Tip 24/7

HSE Report It! is a school safety mobile reporting app that allows students, staff, and community members to provide anonymous information about concerns for their own safety or the safety of others. It’s anonymous and reports are made exclusively through the mobile app. HSE Report it! has no length limitations or the need to remember a short code. Reporters can attach photos, screenshots, videos, documents and/or audio recordings to their concerns and they can engage in a two-way

Website: https://ses.hseschools.org/
Location: 12500 Cyntheanne Road, Fortville, IN, USA
Phone: 317-594-4340
Twitter: @SoutheasternEl1