Steele Family Newsletter
2024 - 2025
Steele Elementary School
Mrs. Grice, Dean of Students
Mrs. Knuth, Nurse
Mrs. Hickey, Family Engagement
Mrs. Mowen, Outreach
Mrs. Fones and Ms. Patch, Front Office Assistants
Email: kcoate@galesburg205.org
Website: https://steele.galesburg205.org/
Location: 1480 West Main Street, Galesburg, IL, USA
Phone: (309)973-2016
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steele205/
X: @wearesteele
Instagram: @205steelestars
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships. Empathy is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Empathy. Here are 2 “Purposeful Pursuits” you can complete together! Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Schedule a family movie night so that you can specifically watch for feelings and emotions. Let everyone know that you’d like them to point out how the characters in the show are feeling and that you will pause periodically to discuss Empathy. As emotions are identified, invite one another to Empathize by sharing about a time they felt that way or imagining how they might be feeling in that moment.
Review the definition of Empathy as a family! Remember that Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Find a time to sit in a circle together and celebrate all the ways you have seen each other practice Empathy. Take turns sharing responses to the following prompts or make up your own! Remember to practice Empathy as you listen to each other. ● What is 1 way a family member has shown you Empathy lately? ● Share about a time when you felt like someone really listened to you.
Conversation Starters
What does Empathy look like to you?
Is it hard for you to share how you feel with others? Why or why not?
Family Newsletters
Take a look at the "Family Strong" website for more resources for home Family Strong
There are times when we have students that will need an extra pair of pants during the school day. If you are cleaning out your closets and have items that could be donated, please let us know or send them in. We would prefer those with elastic waists in sizes 5-8. We currently have plenty of leggings and stretch pants.
We are getting close to our next #Shinein205 awards! Help us recognize someone who has gone above and beyond for the students in #205! #Thisis205
Click the link to nominate: https://forms.gle/5vV1qBzhPNzyXSyw6
PTO Meeting Dates
All meetings are held at Steele in the library. Meetings run from 5:30 - 6:30 PM and are typically on the first Monday of the month.
A Google Meet will be set up for those of you that want to attend but cannot be in person.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jms-yjdu-agj
Or dial: (US) +1 678-487-9512 PIN: 356 280 867#
Quarter 1: August 8 - October 11, 2024
Quarter 2: October 14 - December 20, 2024
Quarter 3: January 6 - March 14, 2025
Quarter 4: March 17 - May 21, 2025*
*unless emergency days are needed
How do we grade at the elementary level? We use a standards-based report card instead of a report card with letter grades. Elementary report cards are issued at the end of each grading period. They are intended to give an evaluation of the scholastic achievement and work habits of each child. Parents should examine all cards carefully since each child is rated not only on academic progress, but also progress in development of social attitudes and work habits.
We use a 4,3,2,1 system to assess a student's mastery of standards.
4 = Exceeding State and District Standards
3 = Meeting State and District Standards
2 = Approaching State and District Standards
1 = Not Meeting State and District Standards
