SIERRA SCOOP
October 2, 2026
Jeffco Public Schools is transitioning from School Messenger Communicate to ParentSquare as the district's primary platform for school communication. This new platform helps ensure all families and staff receive timely information and have an easy way to communicate with their school and the district (students as well at the secondary level). Sierra will be transitioning to ParentSquare sometime before winter break, but we wanted you to be aware as schools are on individual timelines for rollout. There is nothing you need to do at this time.
In ParentSquare, families receive messages in their preferred language through email, app, voice, or text, helping everyone stay informed and involved. Available on any device, ParentSquare can be accessed via a free mobile app for iOS or Android, or through the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com
Have a glorious weekend 😀
Do you want to become part of Sierra's awesome staff? Sierra is hiring a preschool ISP (independent support person) in morning preschool. Check out the posting on the jobs board; it closes tomorrow, 10/3.
We are also hiring for an ISP (independent support person) in our SSN program. This position will be available on the jobs board on Monday, 10/5 and close on 10/14.
Call Nicole in the office if you have questions. We hope you will be part of our team!
Jeffco conducts an annual district-wide school culture survey; Jeffco Listens, for students, families, and staff. Results from these surveys provide valuable feedback that helps schools and the district continue the positive work while identifying and addressing areas of needed support as specified in Jeffco’s district and school unified improvement plan goals. The Family Survey is open now (October 1st-30th), and the student and staff surveys will come later in the school year.
We value input from our families to help guide our continuous growth. You can read more abut the survey here. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to help Sierra be the best school we can be. Last year we had 153 responses; goal for this year is at least 160. Thank you for your continued partnership!
LEGO Club Fall Sessions
Fall Session 2 Oct 27 - Dec 15 (K-1) Register Here
Fall Session 2 Oct 28 - Dec 16 (2-5) Register Here
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
The Literati Book Fair is coming to Sierra! In the library, we rely solely on fundraising for our budget to buy new books and supplies, and the Book Fair is our largest fundraiser of the year. The fair will be open for the following dates and times:
Friday, October 9, 8:00 - 3:30
Wednesday, October 14, 8:00 - 6:30
Thursday, October 15, 8:00 - 6:30
Friday, October 16, 8:00 - 3:00
We will need volunteers to help the fair run smoothly, so please consider signing up to help sell books (it's honestly so fun!): Book Fair Volunteers - SignUpGenius
You can also shop early because our online fair is already open! There is a different (and larger) selection of books online than what we'll have in person, and all sales benefit Sierra, so check out the online fair here! You can also buy giftcards for students through the online fair, which they can use to shop the fair in person (rather than sending students with cash).
Thank you for supporting the Sierra library! See you at the Book Fair!
Attention all Sierra Scientists! This year’s Science Fair will take place on Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th.
Judging is based on three age groups: grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Entries can be experiments (students will conduct experiments to TEST a concept) or demonstration/simulations (students make a project to EXPLAIN a concept). Prizes will be given to the top 3 winners in each category. Partner projects (no more than 2 students per project) are allowed, but must be within the same age group.
Participating students will meet with a judge for 10 minutes during the school day on Thursday, November 12.
We will have an optional Community Night on Thursday, November 12th from 5:00 – 6:30pm with awards being passed out at 6:00pm. Students do not need to be present to win an award.
Classes will tour the projects during the school day on Friday, November 13th, and projects will go home with students after school that day.
**You must register by Monday, October 19th to receive a t-shirt!**
Please sign up using the following link: https://bit.ly/SierraScienceFair26
Please contact Kaela Lazek with any questions.
Randee Kildow- Preschool teacher
Hi! I’m Randee Kildow, the Lead Half Day Preschool Teacher at Sierra, and I’m so lucky to be starting my ninth year here! Sierra has become so much more than just a school to me—it truly feels like home. Both of my own children attended Sierra, so being part of this community is especially meaningful to me.
I earned my degree in Educational Studies from the University of Oregon, and I absolutely love spending my days helping our youngest learners grow, explore, and discover the joy of school.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me getting lost in a good book, baking some sourdough bread, working out, or spending time in my garden. I’m so excited for another year at Sierra and can’t wait to make more memories with our preschoolers and families!
John Blakely- 2nd grade teacher
I’m Mr. Blakely and I'm happy to be joining the Sierra Elementary School community for the 2026-2027 school year. This will be my 28th year teaching in Jefferson County Schools.
I’m a Colorado native who grew up in the area, and feel lucky to have enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle, while raising my children here.
I look forward to getting to know Sierra Elementary students and families and I am excited to see your child grow and learn throughout this school year.
Jodie Miller- 5th grade teacher
My name is Jodie Miller and I teach 5th grade. This is my 26th year of teaching , all 26 years have been at Sierra. My favorite thing to do is spend time with family, read, and volunteer at Humane Colorado.
October 4- Strides for Sierra
October 9- ROAR Day (Cartoon)
October 12 and 13- NO SCHOOL, Fall Break
October 14 and 15, conferences 3:00-7:00pm (more info and sign-ups coming soon)
October 9, 14-16 Book Fair
October 21- RV Area Choral Festival
October 30- ROAR Day (Monster Mash) and Halloween party
November 3- 3rd grade musical (check the calendar)
November 4- 4th grade musical (check the calendar)
November 12- Picture retakes
November 12 and 13- Science Fair
November- End of 1st trimester
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
Dogs on Property
Animals love the companionship of children and we frequently have animals near school grounds. However, sometimes even the gentlest of animals can become excited with so many children nearby. Such a situation is potentially dangerous. Additionally, many children and adults suffer severe allergic reactions when certain animal dander is present in the school. You can help us keep our students and staff safe by committing to keep your animals off school grounds, including during arrival and dismissal. We are finding a significant increase in dog waste around the property which then our facilities crew cleans up to try to prevent students, staff, and adults from stepping in and making a mess with themselves and inside the building. This is also a health hazard if students fall, touch, etc. You can also help us by reminding other adults that animals should not be on school grounds. Thank you for your cooperation!
Halloween Info
Our Halloween parties are quickly approaching, Friday, 10/30. Our parade will start at 1:20pm in the courtyard (weather pending). Following the parade, families are welcome to join us for parties 1:45-2:30 (please be sure to sign in and put on a visitor sticker from the tables by the bike rack prior to entering the building). Room parents (via teachers) will be sending out more information with party details (snacks, sign-up, decorations, etc).
Guidelines to families:
The following guidelines have been established for students so that we are able to maintain a safe and orderly environment:
Students do not wear costumes to school and will be given time to change
Costumes should be simple for children to put on themselves and allow for easy movement. Students will have about 10 minutes to change into costumes prior to the parade. Consider costumes students can wear over their clothes
Students will go home in costume
Pretend weapons, including, bats, swords, knives, or guns are NOT allowed
Bloody, gory, offensive, violent, or revealing attire is not allowed
Gang related costumes are not allowed
Masks that make it difficult to ID students can only be worn during the parade
Hair coloring and/or minimal face paint/makeup is OK but must be applied quickly and easily due to the limited time students will have to get ready prior to the parade
Aerosol or pump sprays must be left at home
Shoes must be worn with costumes; slippers are ok for parade and parties (no bare feet, skates, etc.)
Costumes may not violate school rules, dress policy, (with the exception of hair color) board policy, or law
Please ensure you read through Jeffco's Student and Family Handbook.
👟Strides for Sierra 5K 👟
Join us THIS Sunday, October 4th for the 6th Annual Strides for Sierra 5K run/walk fundraiser! The 5K starts at 9am, followed by a 1K fun run at 10am. Stick around to hang out with Roary the Mascot and meet the Broncos Cheerleaders! The Race Village will also have prizes, vendors, food trucks, and activities for the kids.
If a 5K is not on your fall bucket list, but you would like to support the PTA during this fundraiser, click the DONATE button in the top right corner of the registration page. The money raised helps the PTA fund grants to teachers, supplies and curriculum to our students, and enrichment opportunities throughout the community. You can register up to the start of the event! Register or Donate Today!
We still need a few VOLUNTEERS! Still needed are:
A handful of race marshals posted up at set locations to help guide participants
The bike lead to keep participants on course
A water station helper to hydrate the participants
A couple of people to hand out ribbons at the finish line
A couple of people to help clean up after the race
Please sign up if you can help with any of these stations! Strides Volunteer Sign Up!
🎉 Save the Date! 🎉
🌯 Sierra Fundraiser Night at Chipotle 🌯
Join us on Wednesday, October 7 from 5:00-9:00pm to support Sierra! Order online using code RQ6P4FW, and pick up dinner to-go, or dine in and see familiar faces from our community (be sure to show the flyer or mention Sierra). Every meal helps support our school! 25% of event sales go toward Sierra. 8797 Wadsworth Blvd. location.
🫶 Committee & Volunteer Opportunities 🫶
Volunteer opportunities range from low commitment (listening to a podcast while shelving books or hanging student work) to higher commitment (like helping to organize a school fundraiser with other parents).
Scroll through the opportunities on the Committees Sign-up and find a place to jump in!
Do you want more info before joining a committee? Email the PTA, we are happy to give you more details about what being a part of a committee entails!
Calling All Volunteers! Thank you to everyone who volunteered to become a Room Parent, a Bulletin Board Parent, to help at Strides, or to keep families safe at the crosswalk. The volunteer needs have been updated below.
Strides for Sierra 5k Volunteers - HIGH NEED
Sunday, October 4th
Race Marshals (7 adults needed) | Stand at an intersection to keep runners on track and safe from cars
Bike Lead & Sweep (2 needed) | One at the front to lead, one at the back. Why run when you can pedal?
Hydration Station Help (3 needed) | Keep the runners fueled
Hand Out Ribbons (3 needed) | Give each racer their ribbon (and a high five) after they cross the finish line
Race Day Set Up and Clean Up (7 needed) | The crew behind every successful event
Crossing Guards - Afternoon Guards Needed
Don the vest, wave the stop sign, keep the kids safe - you got this!
Time commitment: 15 minutes, before or after school
Crossing guards are needed daily as families cross Oak Street; please scroll through the signup to find a day that works for you
Help your student’s teacher by hanging class projects on the bulletin boards
Bulletin Board Parents are needed for the following grades: Pre-K, KG, 2nd, 3rd
Party! Party! Party! Room Parents plan the Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties.
One additional Room Parents is needed for each of the following classes: Christen (SSN), McElroy (4th), and Miller (5th)
Track monitors and card punchers are needed for every session.
Our Sabertooth community loves to read, and we need help getting those books back on the shelves.
Sign up once, or make it a weekly commitment - it’s easy & quiet!
Happy October, Sierra Families! As we settle into autumn, our Sabertooths are exploring several important observances and learning connections this month:
Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Celebrating neurodiversity, ability inclusion, and the unique strengths each student brings to our school community!
Dyslexia Awareness Month: Demystifying reading differences and celebrating all the unique ways our brains process information and learn.
Indigenous Peoples' Day (Oct. 12): Honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. In alignment with Colorado Social Studies standards, our classes will learn about the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho nations who originally inhabited the Front Range and Arvada areas.
Halloween & Costume Reminders: As you plan for our end-of-month fall celebrations, please remember that costumes must be school-appropriate, no toy weapons, no violent/gory props, and no full-face masks. Please also keep "culture is not a costume" in mind, so we respect all traditions and identities.
We look forward to a joyful month of growth and belonging! Ask your Sabertooth what new story or history connection they explored this week!
If you'd like to read more about what students were doing in Library, Art, Music, and PE this past month, please check out our September Newsletter!
SIERRA ELEMENTRY
Email: tennille.foerster@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: sierraelementary.net
Location: 7771 Oak Street, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: (303)982-0821
Facebook: facebook.com/sierraesarvada/