Sunday, December 8, 2024

 As the holiday season fills our halls with excitement and cheer (thank you Jaymi, Dani and Sunshine Committee), I want to take a moment to recognize your unwavering dedication to student learning. Your ability to balance festive celebrations with maintaining high expectations for growth is truly inspiring. The joy and focus you bring to each day make a lasting impact on our students, even during this busy time of year.

Thank you for your commitment to creating a positive and productive environment where students feel both supported and challenged. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the energy and care you bring to our school community. Let’s continue to make this season meaningful for our students as we prepare to finish the year strong!

Have a great week.

Good Reads: Supporting Student Learning During Winter Break…

Action Needed: As winter break approaches, consider what you can share with students and families to help keep learning alive over the two-week break. Encourage students to read daily, practice math fluencies, or explore our online tools like MobyMax and Imagine Math. These are just a few simple ways to keep them engaged and prepared for the new year! 

While students welcome winter break because it gives them time to relax, many parents worry that these few weeks off are too much of a learning break. Research shows that most children lose about two months' worth of math skills over summer break. Reading skills have also been shown to decline during this time. While a short two or three weeks in December doesn't have the same impact as three months of summer vacation, some families may still be concerned.


To help overcome your fears, we have compiled a list of learning activities for winter break to help keep your students on track. 


Learn more here.

Why the School-to-Home Connection Matters


When educators and families use shared messages and consistent language, they reinforce important lessons, values, and expectations. This consistency certainly helps children make informed decisions and understand the “why” behind the rules. By integrating Ask, Listen, Learn materials into your classroom and winter break


They have lots of resources to use in your classroom and to share with families before a holiday break. On their website you’ll find infographics, videos, and conversation guides. These materials are designed to make it easier for parents to discuss the science of the developing brain and the impact of alcohol on kids.


To learn more at Class Tech Tips



Points of Interest

Secret Santa Stockings

The staff room looks amazing!  Thank you Sunshine Committee for your hard work in decorating this space and setting up the Secret Santa stocking stuffers.  


Student Success Team

The holidays can be a hard time for some students.  If you observe a struggle student or family please be sure to reach out to a member of the Student Success Team for assistance. This team is exceptionally dedicated to our students.

Kristn Gintz, K8 Counselor            

Matt McLain, 6-12 Dean of Students

Erin Wilson, Student Assistant Professional: Prevention

McKensie Brittos, Student Assistant Professional: Behavioral

Chelsea Shelton, Community in Schools
Darci Zollman, MTSS Coordinator

Sherri Watson, School Nurse 


End of Day Responsibilities - Action Needed

Thank you for continuing to support our efforts to maintain a clean and organized school environment. As a reminder, here are the routines we’re encouraging to help students take responsibility for their space each day:

  • Empty Trash: Take classroom trash to the gondola near the 5th-grade bathroom.

  • Tidy Up: Ensure floors are clear of items and trash.

  • Organize Supplies: Store school supplies neatly.

  • Stack Chairs: Place chairs in stacks or on desks.

These simple routines allow our custodial staff to focus on essential cleaning tasks. Thank you for reinforcing these habits with students and helping us keep our school in great shape!

Instructional Rounds

Over the next two weeks, during my instructional rounds, I will focus on observing posted learning targets and gathering evidence of how students are achieving the learning objectives. Additionally, I will meet with teaching teams to review our school improvement goals and discuss how they align with our TPEP goals.


Reminder: Help Make Our Christmas Events Magical!  - Action Needed

We’re putting the finishing touches on our Family Night Out on December 12th and need your help to make it a memorable evening! If you haven’t signed up yet, please use the Family Night Sign-up Link to volunteer for activities, story rooms, treats, or setup/cleanup. We’re finalizing supply orders this week, so please sign up soon!


Also, don’t forget to select two Christmas songs for your grade level to perform during our Sing-Along Concert. Be sure they’re available on YouTube for audience participation and use the Christmas Song Sign-Up Link to submit your choices. Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for our students and families!

Better Late then Never

Springdale Elementary has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2021–22 school year!   This honor celebrates your dedication to student growth, closing gaps, and academic excellence…our specific category was ‘growth for one or more student groups.’  Thank you for your hard work and commitment—this achievement is all because of you!



Counselor Corner

I know you know this… but, here’s just a little reminder!  Christmas can be a difficult time for many people due to a variety of reasons.  We often associate Christmas with happiness and cheer, but not everyone experiences that over the holidays.  Some people may feel sadness, loneliness, grief, have money worries, anxiety, and difficult family relationships.  Some may even feel cultural exclusion during the holiday season which makes it a difficult time of year.  Please be on the lookout for kids who may be struggling over the next couple of weeks before (and after) break.  I’d love to connect with them… and, you, too, if you need a little extra <3 this season. 

CharacterStrong/PurposeFull People: We are continuing our lessons on Empathy!  With our 2-week break, pick and choose a little from Weeks 3 and 4 to use what works best for you! :) 


Calendar

2024-25 K8 Calendar


Monday, 12.09

  • Behavior Intervention Team, 10:00 AM

  • MTSS Admin Meeting, 10:30 AM

  • Office Meeting,1 PM

  • W.K. IEP Meeting, 2 PM

  • J.G. IEP Meeting, 3:45 PM

  • Wrestling @ ACH


Tuesday - 12.10

  • OSSI/Springdale ES Collaboration, 9AM

  • Student Support Team- K8 Conference Room, 10 AM

  • A.A. IEP Review, 10 AM

  • Behavior Acadamy: Social Skills Group. 9:30 AM

  • Moss Pancake Party, 1:40 PM


Wednesday - 12.11

  • MWSD Leadership Meeting @ 9:30 AM

  • Behavior Intervention Team, 12:30 PM

  • EWU Student Teacher Site Tour, 1:30 PM


Thursday - 12.12

  • MS Assembly, 9 AM

  • Behavior Acadamy: Social Skills Group. 9:30 AM

  • K-2 Assembly, 2 PM

  • 3-5 Assembly, 2:30 PM

  • PBIS Team Meeting (May Reschedule). 3:45 PM

  • Family Night Out, 5-7 PM


Friday - 12.13

  • LID Day, Agenda to Come


Up and Coming Events:

  • K5 Christmas Sing-Along Concert Song, 12.19, 1 PM 

  • Christmas Break 


Helpful Links

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