Central Springs Elementary

It's hard to believe we are already a fourth of the way through the school year! We have had a great start to our year! In this newsletter, you will find information regarding upcoming events as well as important information about curriculum, attendance, and behavior! If you have any questions about the information below, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask!

~Mrs. Brunsvold

October:

10/29- Early Dismissal 2:05 p.m.

-Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.

-No Classes for Preschool

10/30- Fall Parties

November:

11/3- Early Dismissal 2:05 p.m.

- Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:30 p.m.

-No Classes for Preschool

11/24- Early Dismissal 2:05 p.m.

11/25-11/27- No School, Thanksgiving Break

December:

12/09- Early Dismissal 12:30 p.m. -Teacher Professional Development

12/23- Early Dismissal 12:30 p.m. - End of semester one

-No After-school Daycare

12/24-1/4- No School, Winter Break

January:

1/5- School Resumes- Second Semester

Our school is committed to providing a safe, orderly, and supportive environment where all students can learn.

• Students are expected to follow classroom rules and treat others with respect so that everyone has the opportunity to learn.

• If a student’s behavior significantly disrupts learning or creates a safety concern, a teacher may ask the student to leave the classroom. School staff will respond to behavior fairly and in accordance with school rules and the law.

• Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan will receive the supports, accommodations, and services outlined in their plans. Staff members responsible for supporting a student will review and follow any updates to the student’s plan.

• Parents and guardians may be involved in meetings and decisions related to their child’s IEP or Section 504 Plan, as provided by law.

• When a student experiences a serious behavioral or emotional event, the school may provide access to a counselor, mental health professional, or behavioral support staff to help students and staff process what happened and return to a safe learning environment. Parent or guardian consent will be obtained when required by law.

• School staff will receive appropriate training and support to help meet the needs of students and maintain a safe learning environment.

• When a serious incident results in a staff member being injured, the District will provide support consistent with District policy and applicable law.

Our goal is to work together with students and families to address concerns, support positive behavior, and maintain a safe and welcoming school for everyone.

Reference Board Policy 503.11

Central Springs Elementary has a new music teacher this year! Mr. Jefferis is in his first year of teaching and is a recent graduate of Coe College! This fall, he has worked hard to build relationships with students and establish routines and classroom expectations! He has done a fantastic job of creating opportunities for music exploration! We are looking forward to, once again, providing two concerts on each campus!

Manly Campus:

• January 11 @ 6:00 p.m.
• April 19 @ 6:00 p.m.

Nora Springs Campus:

• January 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
• April 27 @ 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23 is the end of our first semester of school and the start of our winter break. School dismisses at 12:30 p.m. on this day. There will be no PM daycare available. Students who utilize daycare to catch a bus home will have supervision, but otherwise the daycare will close for the day at 12:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

This school year, grades K-5 have adopted a new literacy series called CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts). It combines a multi-sensory approach to phonics with rich texts carefully sequenced to build content knowledge- all in support of students simultaneously learning to read and reading to learn.

Every day in grades K-2, Amplify CKLA students complete one full lesson that builds foundational literacy skills, as well as one full lesson that builds background knowledge. In grades 3-5, students start to master the skills of reading, further opening up their worlds.

How you can support your student at home:

• Read with your student daily. Even 15 minutes of reading together each day can have a huge impact.
• Read sections of the text aloud together. If your student struggles, you might try reading the text to them with expression, then having them read it aloud back to you.
• Find moments to discuss what they're reading and learning. Examples of questions you could ask: What stood out to you from what you read today? What did you learn that you didn't know before? Were any sentences or words confusing? What do you think the writer was trying to say? What connections can you make between what you're reading and your own life?
• Ask your student to read their written responses.

So far, we have been really excited about our new learning, but we know that it will take time for us to really understand all the information available through our new materials. We will slowly update our report cards to align with our instruction and the Iowa Core Standards. If you have questions at any time, don't hesitate to reach out and ask.

1st grade was introduced to the five systems of the human body (skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, and nervous) and the functions of the major organs within those systems. They identify five keys to good health and understand the importance of the food groups in a well-balanced diet. Students focus on the care and maintenance of the human body by discussing germs and diseases. They also learn about doctors and scientists like Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur, whose discoveries aided in the cure of many diseases. (CKLA Domain 2 Overview)

Check out some of the neat stuff 1st grade did during the unit!

Red Ribbon Week is coming up October 23-October 31. This gives us the opportunity to have a Drug-Free and Bully-Free commitment: It gives parents, educators, and communities an opportunity to reinforce drug-use prevention messages, educate youth about the dangers of illegal drugs and prescription misuse, and pledge to live a healthy lifestyle. We also stress the importance of being a good friend.

We will have different activities throughout the week, including dress-up days if students choose to participate!

As colder weather approaches, if you are in need of a new or gently used winter coat for your child, please reach out to Ms. Mullen, Elementary Counselor, at smullen@centralsprings.net with the size of coat you need. Coats are available first come, first-served basis until we run out. We have a limited number of coats and sizes to share this year! Thanks!