Creekside Elementary

Creekside Families,

As we return from spring break, our staff will take time to review classroom, recess, and lunch expectations with students. Re-teaching expectations after a break helps set everyone up for success and supports a safe, positive learning environment for all. We will continue to focus on using kind words and helping students think before they speak by asking themselves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? These prompts help reinforce the importance of speaking in ways that do not cause harm and continue to support the caring community we want at Creekside.

We are also in the midst of state testing, with our students in grades 3–5 taking the Forward Exam. During April and May, we will begin our local AIMSweb assessments as well, starting with grades K–3 in ELA. These assessments are opportunities for students to show what they have learned, and they provide important information that teachers use to plan instruction based on individual student needs.

This is always a busy time of year as we move closer to the end of the school year, and I am grateful for the continued partnership between school and home. I have truly enjoyed getting to know more caregivers this year, and I always look forward to connecting with you as we work together to make Creekside a place where every child feels they belong and can thrive. I am also thankful for our parent volunteers on CAFE and our Community School Site Leadership Team. Their partnership, support, and commitment to Creekside help make our school community stronger.

Warmly,

Katie Mould

Principal, Creekside Elementary

We are excited to see you!

Once you have made plans with a teacher for a special event, feildtrip etc please follow the steps below.

To volunteer or chaperone, an online background form must be filled out prior to your time with us. Always remember to bring a photo id when checking into the building.

Background Check Application
(English) (Spanish)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering or visiting us at Creekside.

It is an exciting time in the Art LAB. Just before Spring Break, the traveling art exhibit came to Creekside! This year’s exhibit focused on Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist. Students learned about the life and art of Basquiat through videos, whole-group discussion, sketching, and small group activities. The Art LAB was transformed into a “museum” to make the experience immersive. Additionally, this transformation connects to our national standards about what a museum is, who works there, how work is collected and displayed, etc. Be sure to ask your child what they learned about Basquiat!

These are our upcoming learning units in the 4th quarter (listed in no particular order):

• K, 2nd-5th will be doing clay. (1st grade did clay in the 3rd quarter)

• K-3rd will explore printmaking.

• K-5 will also dig into weaving and fiber arts.

March has been a wonderful month in the library! We spent time celebrating Women’s History Month by learning about the many important contributions women have made throughout history. Students explored stories of inspiring women who have helped shape our world through science, leadership, creativity, and perseverance.

As we continue to grow as readers, please help your child remember to return their library books on time. Returning books allows students to check out new ones and keeps our library shelves full and ready for everyone to enjoy.

Mr. B and Ms. Engle

• Our youngest musicians in kindergarten are continuing to explore and experience music through nursery rhymes, singing games, and folk dances.

• First graders are diving into their concert theme of bugs and insects, while also beginning to explore xylophones and other barred instruments. Alongside second grade, they have been learning about rhythm and musical form as part of our Up Close & Musical collaboration with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

• Second graders are enjoying their outer space concert theme and continuing their work on barred instruments. They are also preparing for the culminating Up Close & Musical concert at the Overture Center in Madison. First and second graders will attend this special field trip on May 19th—please watch for more information coming via email as we get closer to this exciting opportunity!

• In third grade, we are continuing to focus on positive participation, appropriate behavior, and following expectations in music class. Students are also preparing for their Sports Anthem–themed concert, where we are exploring how music is woven into sports cultures around the world—from chants and fight songs to stadium anthems—while building their own performance pieces.

• Fourth graders have been working hard to develop their music reading skills through recorder playing. As their confidence grows, we will begin adding other instruments into our ensembles. Fourth grade also participates in the Link Up program through Carnegie Hall in partnership with the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Their field trip performance is scheduled for May 21st, and they are well on their way to preparing the music they will perform alongside the orchestra.

• Fifth graders have been digging deep into ensemble work and creating some fantastic music together. In April, they will have time to revisit and play a variety of instruments they’ve learned over the years, including piano, recorder, and ukulele.

• Spring is definitely full of music here at Creekside!

We had a blast with another amazing year of Gymnastics! Your Coyote Ninjas were incredible! We will swing right into Long Handled Striking with Bats and then have a blast with our parachutes and other fun manipulatives that invite exploration, creativity and SO MUCH JOY!

REMINDER…Take Your Caregiver to PE Week 3.0 is coming up Monday, 3/30 through Friday, 4/3. This is a tie for favorite unit…Educational Gymnastics. You are welcome to pop in any of our other PE classes. CLICK HERE to access your scholar’s PE Schedule. Check below for more specifics on how to volunteer/attend an event at Creekside. You do not need to sign-up or contact us (unless you have questions!) We’d love to see you!

LAST MOMENT TO SIGN-UP!!! Family Engagement Night - Gymnastics in the Gym: You’ll also get the opportunity to check out our gymnastics space during our Family Engagement Night on Thursday, April 2nd! To ensure participant safety and comfort in the gym you must sign up for a session with your family in order to participate. If you do not sign up, you may not be guaranteed a spot. CLICK HERE to sign up for a family session.

Volunteering/Attending an Event During the School Day at Creekside: All you have to do is make sure you have your ID to check in the front office and a current background check completed with our district. Click English & Spanish to complete a background check. Background checks are good for 3 years. If you are unsure of your background check status, please contact Kirsten Janssen (kajanss1@sunprairieschools.org/608.834.7702).

As always, please let us know if you ever have any questions! Mrs. Alison Anderson (ajander@sunprairieschools.org) teaches 4th & 5th Grade Health, ALL 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade PE, as well as 2nd Grade Wangelin, 2nd Grade Thao, 1st Grade Mitchell and Kindergarten Garvey! Mr. Michael Falk (mcfalk@sunprairieschools.org ) teaches 2nd Grade Langum, 1st Grade Kramer, 1st Grade Lakatos, 1st Grade Brimmer, Kindergarten Vang and Kindergarten Pierce.

Throughout the year, Creekside focuses on using PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) to support our social and behavioral learning. Our Coyotes work hard to practice ARROW and the Coyote Way! They are Accepting of others, Resilient when faced with set-backs, being Risk-Takers in their learning, showing Ownership, and Working Collaboratively.

PBIS MONTHLY THEMES:

March’s theme was, “I am a risk-taker.” We spent time talking about challenging yourself and doing hard things, being brave enough to try something new, and how making mistakes is a normal part of the learning/growth process!

April’s theme is, “I take ownership.” As we discussed in March, everyone makes mistakes. How we handle them and move forward from them can make a big difference. Owning up to our mistakes, actively working to fix them, and taking steps to not make the same mistakes again matters. Being accountable to each other and our community keeps our shared spaces safe, respectful, and allows everyone to thrive.

PBIS DATA REVIEW - HOME CONNECTION!

Recent data has suggested Creekside students need some additional reminders, learning, and practice about using restrooms appropriately. Staff have been working to encourage basic restroom etiquette such:

• Respecting other people’s privacy

• Not bringing additional items (including food) into restrooms

• Doing your “business” only in the dedicated areas (toilets or urinals)

• Only being in the restroom if you actually need to use it

• Cleaning up after yourself (paper towels in the garbage)

At home, you can support your student by reminding them to treat our school restrooms with the same respect as our home bathrooms. If we wouldn’t do it at home, we shouldn’t be doing it at school.

Thank you for supporting these Creekside expectations and life skills at home!

Wisconsin Forward is upon us and there is plenty you can do at home to ensure your Coyote puts forth their best effort. 3rd-5th grade students began testing on March, 17th! The rest of our school will begin AIMSweb testing in April. Here are some tips to make sure your Coyote is prepared to do their best:

1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test. Good regular habits will improve their learning as well.

2. Ensure your child has a good breakfast. Research shows that children do better on tests if they have had a good breakfast at home or at school.

3. Do as much as you can to make your child feel comfortable. Try not to say things to make him/her feel more nervous.

4. Reassure your child that no matter the outcome of the test you will still love him/her. Praise their effort and attention and not just the result

5. Take an active role in your child's education throughout the school year. Let your child know you are interested in his/her learning by taking part in the entire process.

6. When the scores are sent to you, talk to your child's teacher and/or principal. This will help you to understand them more clearly. If you want to know more specifics about how your child has done in the past, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin Krivacek, school psychologist.

Extended Deadline! Orders due by April 17th

The Critical Connection:
How School Nutrition Fuels Your Child's Growth and Success

The school environment is where your student spends the majority of their day, and the meals they eat here are foundational to their success—both in the classroom and in their physical development. For growing students, especially during their middle and high school years, nutritional needs are higher and more complex than at any other time. Our school nutrition program is dedicated to meeting these demands with balanced, high-quality meals.

Why Proper Nutrition is Essential for Growing Students

The foods served in our cafeterias are carefully planned to deliver the specific nutrients that support physical maturation and peak cognitive function:

• Brain Fuel and Focus: Meals are designed to include complex carbohydrates found in whole grains. Unlike simple sugars, these provide a steady, consistent stream of energy to the brain, which is vital for maintaining concentration, improving memory, and boosting performance during tests.

• Building Strong Bones and Muscles: Rapid growth requires increased intake of two key components:

• Protein: Essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. We provide lean protein sources necessary for supporting growth spurts and recovering from physical activity and sports.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Crucial for bone density development. The school years are a critical time for achieving peak bone mass, which helps prevent health issues later in life. Milk and fortified foods are always available to ensure students meet their daily requirements.

• Fighting Fatigue with Iron: As students grow, their blood volume increases, requiring more iron to transport oxygen throughout the body. Our meals include iron-rich foods to combat fatigue, which can often be mistaken for simple laziness or lack of sleep. Adequate iron levels mean more energy for learning and play.

• Immunity and Overall Health: Every school meal is guaranteed to include fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are the body’s primary defense, strengthening the immune system and helping students stay healthy and in school.

Our menus adhere to strict federal and state guidelines, ensuring every meal offers a balanced plate with the right portions of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat/meat alternatives, and milk.

We encourage you to partner with us by reviewing our weekly or monthly menus with your child. Discussing healthy choices together reinforces the message that good nutrition is the foundation of a successful, energetic, and healthy life.

April 2, Thursday

Wear Rainbow/Tie- Dye to celebrate neurodiversity and World Autism Awareness Day
April 15, Wednesday
Wear purple to honor our military children and families.
April 22, Wednesday
Wear blue and/or green to celebrate Earth Day.

March 30-April 3-Take Your Caretgiver to P.E.

April 2-Family Engagement Night, 5-7pm

April 3- Gymnastic Show, ALL school assembly
April 10- NO SCHOOL
April 14- CAFE meeting, 6:30pm
April 16- All City Orchestra Concert, 7:30pm