Knights News
Unity Elementary School
Hello Unity Families!
From all the staff at Unity, we would like to thank all the wonderful parents that have entrusted their children to us. To all the students, we hope you have a wonderful summer, and enjoy yourselves. The school year at times seems long, and moves slow, but we have all made it to the last day feeling the year went by fast. Now that summer is here, thoughts move away from school, and focus on family time, but in no time, we will be welcoming back students again in August.
The summer months are actually a very busy time at Unity. Planning and preparing for the 2024-2025 school year has already begun, and will be an ongoing process during June, July, and August. One of the most frequently asked questions that comes at this time every year is, who will be my child’s teacher next year? I understand that many parents would like to select their child’s teacher, but unfortunately that is not possible. There are many considerations as we build student rosters, however, if possible, we try to honor parent’s requests. The great news that I would like to share with everyone is that no matter what grade level your child will be in, Unity has excellent teachers! Every one of our students will get a great education, and hopefully have an opportunity to learn from many great educators.
Thank you all and I hope you all have an amazing summer!
Mr. Finkey
If you are willing or interested in joining Unity PTO next year, we would really appreciate your willingness to help out! Unity PTO meets once a month and plans fun and exciting things for our staff and students. If you are interested, you can send an email to Unitypto@yahoo.com or contact us in the main office at the beginning of the school year. Thank you!
Student medication and/or medical supplies will be sent home with your child on the last day of school. If you would like to make other arrangements, please contact the school office before the last day of school. Any unused medication that remains at school will be disposed of in compliance with federal and state laws or will be given to the School Resource Officers for proper disposal.
There are a variety of community events, camps, and more to keep your student active and learning during the summer months. Check out the latest Virtual Backpack newsletter, emailed to district families every month, or click here for a calendar of upcoming events.
Be Smart About Social Media
In the social world we live, many kids use some form of social media. While social media can help kids connect with friends and family, explore new interests and areas of the world, and enhance their creativity, it can also lead to risks and added responsibility. Social media can be harmful if it is not used appropriately.
Without meaning to, kids can easily share more online than they should. Kids often post photos of themselves online or use their real names, birthdates, location, or school name. This information can make them easy targets for online predators or others with bad intentions.
Additionally, kids sometimes forget that photos, videos, and comments made online can’t be taken back after they have been sent or posted. It’s impossible to completely erase something once it’s been posted online. This may not cause problems for a child now but can lead to issues years later as they apply for college or a job. It is common for a college admissions office or recruiter to scour the internet for information on an applicant, ultimately discovering something a child may not want them to find. If a child would be embarrassed for a family member or future boss to see a photo or video, they shouldn’t post it.
Studies have shown that social media can negatively impact a child’s mental health. The pressure to get “likes” or keep up with other peers online can lead to depression and anxiety as well as unrealistic expectations.
What can families do?
- Limit the time kids spend on social media.
- “Friend” or “follow” your kids’ social profiles and remind them never to “friend” strangers.
- Encourage kids to use privacy settings.
- Remind kids that mean behavior is never okay, including online.
Check out the District’s website for additional social media tips.
Do you have school fees that need to be paid? Visit the Sioux City Community School District website and click on “Pay Fees”. This will link you to MySchoolBucks where you can pay your student’s school fees online. Questions? Please give our school office a call.
Iowa immunization laws require certain immunizations and screenings for students. These requirements are listed on the District website. We encourage you to contact your student’s doctor soon to schedule any required immunizations or screenings so your student is prepared for next fall.
The District’s mobile app provides quick and convenient information at your fingertips. Download the mobile to receive push notifications from the District about closings and cancellations and stay updated on today’s school lunch menu, upcoming events, and school news. Look for Sioux City Community Schools in your app store today!
Our TK & Kindergarten students exit from doors 25 and 26 (Mrs. Poulson and Mrs. Anderson's rooms). Our 1st and 2nd-grade students exit from the main entryway (door 1). Our 3rd-grade students exit from door 3 which is located behind our loading dock. The 4th and 5th graders exit from door 4 at the North end of the building. Please see the image below to assist you with this visualization. Please work with your family to agree to a common meeting place outside of the building. We do our best to limit student traffic within the building after school.
If you have a preschool child and a child in another grade level we can make special accommodations so that you can pick up all of your children at the preschool door. Please contact your child's teacher to work through this.
It's Important to Exercise and Eat Healthy Snacks
Exercise is important in helping us stay healthy because it makes our heart pump our blood throughout our body. This brings oxygen to all our body cells which keeps us healthy and keeps our hearts strong. It also keeps us from getting sick and having colds. Exercise improves our minds and how we feel about life...it helps us to be happier!
Healthy snacks are part of a balanced diet. Below are ideas for snacks with less sugar and calories, keeping our bodies and our teeth healthier.
Bagels
Melba toast with cheese or cheese spread
Popcorn
Mozzarella String Cheese
Fresh Fruit
Vegetable Sticks and Cheese Cubes
Rice Cakes
Cheerios mixed with pieces of dried fruit
Fruit Juice (100%)
Pita Pocket cut in half with cheese spread or peanut butter and jelly in the middle
Children enjoy making these snacks as well as eating them. Help your child develop a healthful snacking habit!