The Mustang Minute

Welcome Back, Douglas Gardens Families!

We are already a few weeks into the new school year, and we love seeing the learning, growth, and friendships happening every day. As we kick off the year, we want to share one vital message: Every day at school matters.

Why Attendance Counts

Regular attendance is the foundation for your child's success.

• Stronger Skills: Being in class daily gives students more time to learn, practice, and build relationships.
• Early Reading Success: Oregon data shows that students who attend regularly from kindergarten through third grade are significantly more likely to read at grade level.
• The 10% Rule: Missing just two days a month (18 days total) puts a student in the "chronically absent" category, which heavily impacts early reading benchmarks.

We Are Partners

Improving attendance is a top priority for Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Education, and it requires a team effort.

Our staff actively monitors attendance and is here to support you. If your child is healthy, please make on-time attendance a priority. If your family is facing challenges that make getting to school difficult, please reach out to your child's teacher. We want to work together to break down barriers and find solutions.

Thank you for your partnership. Every student matters, and being here every day gives them the best chance to succeed!

-Principal Smith

10/1 - Open House 5pm-6pm

10/2- Jog-a-thon

10/7 - Walk, Bike, and Roll to School

10/9 - No School

10/12-10/23 - 4th Grade Swim Lessons

10/14 - Picture Day

10/16 - Spirit Day - Silly Hair Day

10/23 - Early Release

10/23 - PTO Harvest Party

10/26-10/27 - Dental Clinic

Run Times:

5th Grade: 9:45-10:30 AM

2nd Grade: 10:30-11:15 AM

3rd & 4th Grade: 11:20 AM-12:05 PM

1st Grade: 12:35-1:20 PM

Kindergarten: 1:55-2:40 PM

As students return to school and spend more time together, we often see an increase in colds and other illnesses. Help us stay healthy by encouraging frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting plenty of rest.

Please remember to report any absences to the attendance office (option 2). Make sure to include all symptoms your student is experiencing.

Student health screenings are coordinated by Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Health Services and performed each school year for grades K-8. SPS partners with the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation for vision and with the Community Health Centers of Lane County for dental. Please contact your school health aide if you do not want your student to participate in either of the health screenings.

School Health Screenings

Health screenings play an integral part in children’s development and well-being. Because childhood health problems can eventually develop into chronic adult conditions, screenings that students are given in school can help detect potential health problems and improve the overall health of every student.

Healthy students are better learners and routine checks ensure that they are healthy and fit so they can meet their full academic potential. School health screenings help in the early detection of health conditions. SPS collaborates with community partners to provide these screenings for grades K-8 each school year.

For vision screenings, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation uses the innovative Hillrom Welch Allyn Spot™ device to screen students. The device has the ability to reliably screen for several vision issues in a matter of seconds.

For dental screenings, all students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will have a brief look in their mouths to check for any visible dental problems.

Additionally, all grades have the opportunity for additional dental services with parent permission. Hygienists will apply fluoride varnish and sealants as appropriate. Please CLICK HERE to complete the Authorization for Dental Hygiene Services for the Community Health Centers of Lane County Dental Prevention Program.

If you would prefer that your child not participate in these health screenings, kindly contact the health aide at your child's school.

For more information, please visit SPS Health Services.

Email: Carla.Smith@springfield.k12.or.us

Address: 3680 Jasper Rd, Springfield

Phone: (541)744-6387

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasGardensElementary/