Southwest Elementary Newsletter

March 2025

A Note from Mr. Hofer

Dear Parents and Guardians,

March is here, bringing with it the end of the 3rd quarter on March 7th! This is a great time to celebrate your child’s growth and set new goals for the remainder of the school year. I encourage you to review report cards together and discuss ways to keep learning fun and engaging. One way to support your child’s academic success is by setting aside time each day for reading. Whether they’re exploring new stories or practicing their math facts, a little daily practice can make a big difference.

We have some exciting events planned this month! On March 14th, our staff will take the plunge—literally! We’re thrilled to participate in the Polar Plunge fundraiser to support Special Olympics. Donations can be collected March 7-13, and we can’t wait to see the excitement during our assembly. Don’t forget, Spring Break is scheduled for March 17-21. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to recharge and spend time with family.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Let’s make March a month of learning, fun, and growth!

Sincerely,

Brian Hofer

Southwest Principal

5 Essentials Survey - Feedback

Parents, we need your help! Please take a few minutes to complete the confidential 5 Essentials Survey by clicking [here]. Your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us celebrate what makes our school great while also identifying ways we can continue to grow.

Too often, when things are going well, people assume their input isn’t needed—but we truly want to hear the positives! Your feedback helps us recognize the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, and it reinforces the things we’re doing right.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts—we appreciate and value your input! Thank you for being a part of our school community.

Polar Plunge to Support Special Olympics!

We’re excited to announce our upcoming Polar Plunge fundraiser to support Special Olympics! From March 7-13, students can collect donations to help this amazing cause. The excitement will culminate on Friday, March 14, with a Polar Plunge assembly where our brave staff members will take the plunge!

Let’s come together to make a splash for a great cause!

PTA Update

Hello from the PTA! Here some exciting things happening in March!

March 13 - PTA meeting 6:30pm - childcare will be provided

March 28 - School store - 7:30-8am

March 31-April 4 - Spring book fair! Be on the look out for all the details.

As a reminder, yearbook orders are open! Purchases can be made online, using the QR code in the picture below.

February Calendar Items

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 14: Polar Plunge Assembly 2 p.m., 3rd Quarter Report Cards Available

March 17-21: Spring Break

March 28: PTA School Store

March 31: Book Fair Week

April 3: Ag in the Classroom (K-2)

April 7-15: IAR Testing (3-5)

April 10: Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30 p.m., PTA Meeting @ 6:30

April 18: No School (Easter Break)

April 21: School is in Session (Snow make-up day)

April 25: K Field Trip to Bettendorf Children's Museum, PTA School Store

April 29-30: 5th Grade Instrument Tryouts @ GMS Band Room from 3:45-7:00, 2nd Grade Nahant Marsh Field Trip

May 1:Ag in the Classroom (K-2)

May 8: Board of Education Meeting @ 5:30 p.m., PTA Meeting @ 6:30

May 9: 3rd Grade Pioneer Day Field Trip

May 12-16: MAP Testing

May 15: 3rd-5th Field Day at GHS, 5th Grade Transition Day

May 22: Spring Music Program

K-1: 8:30 a.m.

4-5: 9:30 a.m.

2-3: 1:30 p.m.

May 26: Memorial Day (No School)

May 27: 1/2 Day Teachers Inservice, 11:35 Dismissal

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