Shaw Heights Weekly Update

(Learning to do hard things without constant reminders)

Middle school is a time when students are learning how to be more independent. Right now, we are seeing many students struggle with remembering responsibilities, managing their time and materials, and following through without adults reminding them over and over. This often looks like missing assignments, saying “I forgot,” or expecting adults to step in and fix things.

This matters because middle school is the bridge to high school and adulthood. Students don’t learn responsibility by being reminded — they learn it by practicing it.

Here are some simple ways families can support this at home:

• Give ownership. Instead of reminding, ask: “What’s your plan?”
• Allow safe consequences. Forgetting once helps students remember next time.
• Create routines. Same homework time, same place, every day.
• Resist rescuing. Help them think it through, but let them handle it.
• Praise effort. Notice when they follow through or stick with something hard.

This isn’t always easy, but the skills your child builds now will help them for years to come. Middle school is where students learn responsibility, confidence, and independence — one small step at a time.

Thank you for supporting your student as they grow.

Low temperatures are expected this weekend. Please remember to dress in warm layers, including coats, hats, gloves, and scarves when heading outdoors. Try to limit time outside during extreme cold, watch for icy sidewalks and roads, and check on family members who may need extra support staying warm. Let’s all stay safe, cozy, and take care of one another during the cold weather.

Whole-School Field Trip information

We will be taking a whole-school field trip on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 . Please ensure your student arrives at school on time, as buses will begin loading and depart around 9:00 a.m. once they arrive.

Students are not allowed to bring cell phones on the field trip. All students must have their school ID to board the bus. If your student has lost their ID and needs a replacement, please send $7 with them to purchase a new one.

Students will return in time for regular school lunch, so there is no need to bring a sack lunch.

Thank you for your support in helping this field trip run smoothly!

January

Stranger Things Club (Anime, Art, Drama) —

SHMS Year Book Club

February

SHMS Year Book Club — Feb 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 (typically 2:45 PM–3:30 PM)

• • World Braille Day (Jan 4): Introduces Louis Braille and literacy accessibility.
  • Trivia Day (Jan 4): Fun, academic quiz-based activities.
  • Word Nerd Day (Jan 9): Celebrating vocabulary and language.
  • Thesaurus Day (Jan 18): Encourages better word choices in writing.
  • Handwriting Day (Jan 23): Promotes handwriting skills.

• STEM & Fun Days:
  • Science Fiction Day (Jan 2): Encourages imaginative reading and writing.
  • Kid Inventors' Day (Jan 17): Celebrates young inventors and creativity.
  • Penguin Awareness Day (Jan 20): Science and animal studies.
  • Opposite Day (Jan 25): Fun, engaging classroom activity.
  • Puzzle Day (Jan 29): Critical thinking and logic games.
  • Hot Chocolate Day (Jan 31): Fun end-of-month treat.
• Character & Community:
  • National Thank You Month: Encourages gratitude and writing thank-you notes.
  • Compliment Day (Jan 24): Boosts morale and kindness.
  • No Name-Calling Week (Mid-January): Focuses on bullying prevention and kindness.

🥔 Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:
Potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk or cream, butter, salt & pepper

Directions:
Boil potatoes until tender. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add broth and potatoes. Mash slightly, stir in milk/cream, and season to taste.
✨ Top with cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.

🍗 Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:
Chicken breast or thighs, carrots, celery, onion, egg noodles, chicken broth

Directions:
Simmer chicken in broth until cooked. Remove, shred, and return to pot. Add veggies and noodles. Cook until noodles are tender.
💛 A classic comfort soup for chilly days.

🌶️ Hearty Chili

Ingredients:
Ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, onion, chili seasoning

Directions:
Brown meat with onion. Add beans, tomatoes, seasoning, and simmer 20–30 minutes.
🔥 Serve with cornbread or crackers.

🇲🇽 Mexican-Style Soups (Family Favorites!)

🍲 Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)

Ingredients:
Chicken pieces, corn on the cob, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, cilantro

Directions:
Boil chicken until tender. Add vegetables and cook until soft. Season with salt.
🌿 Serve with lime, tortillas, and rice.

🍅 Sopa de Fideo

Ingredients:
Fideo noodles, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, chicken broth

Directions:
Toast noodles in oil until golden. Add blended tomato mixture and broth. Simmer until noodles are soft.
❤️ Simple, affordable, and kid-approved.

We are excited to share that the Shaw/Flynn campus has a new name: Uplands Discovery Campus! This new PK-8 school unites Shaw Heights and Flynn A Marzano Academy, offering students an innovative focus on Arts, STEM, and CTE programming.

Key Info for Families:

• Registration: Now open for the 2026-2027 school year!

• Location: All PK-8 students will be housed at the Shaw Heights building while we prepare for our 2028 grand opening.

• Included Schools: This enrollment applies to all current Flynn/Shaw students and rising 6th graders from Mesa and Harris Park.

Don't miss out on this exciting transition—complete your registration today!

🔗 Registration Link: wps.org/enroll/registration

The process for an in-district returning family

1. Going to the Westminster Public Schools website.
2. Clicking on the "ENROLL" menu and then "Register Now."
3. Selecting the "IN DISTRICT REGISTRATION" button.
4. Clicking the yellow "REGISTER NOW FOR IN-DISTRICT RETURNING FAMILIES" button under the "Welcome back WPS families!" message.
5. Logging into your Infinite Campus Parent account using the username and password given at the beginning of the year.
6. Clicking the "Menu" button (which has the Infinite Campus logo).
7. Selecting the "Online Registration" option.
8. Reviewing the application and looking for the "COMPLETE" button to confirm it is finished.