Asbell Elementary

Hello Asbell Families!

This month at Asbell is full of energy, learning, and connection. We are excited to continue building strong readers through our One School, One Book experience, welcome families into the building for special events, and celebrate the many ways our students are growing.

Here is a look at what is going on this month!

March 2 - One School, One Book Schoolwide Reading Experience + Spirit Week & Book Fair Week

March 3 - International Discovery Day & Multicultural Night

March 9 - PTO Meeting & Feeder Pattern Meeting for Families with Dr. Mulford

March 10 - Class Pictures

March 17 & 19th - Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 23-27 - Spring Break - No School for Students

Read below for flyers and more information about these events and much more! Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful to serve your children and look forward to a strong and joyful month together.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Baureis
Principal, Asbell Elementary

We are gearing up for a fun Spirit Week to celebrate reading and the start of our One School, One Book program! Join us in dressing up March 2-6th!

WE LOVE TO READ – SPIRIT WEEK

Monday, March 2

We kick off our One School, One Book reading today in our Asbell colors. Wear yellow and green.

Tuesday, March 3
It’s International Discovery Day. We are reading around the world. Wear regalia or colors of a country you want to represent.

Wednesday, March 4
Fiction versus Nonfiction Wear red if you love fiction books. Wear blue if you love nonfiction books. Wear both if you just love all books.

Thursday, March 5
Books top them all. Wear a hat or something fun on your head to show how much you love books.

Friday, March 6
We love to cozy up with a good book. Wear comfortable pajamas.

We are excited to launch our One School, One Book program with Charlotte’s Web. One School, One Book brings our entire Asbell community together as one big book club, creating shared conversations, shared laughter, and the excitement of reading the same story at the same time.

About the Book
Written by E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web tells the story of Wilbur, a small pig who forms an unlikely friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur’s future is threatened, Charlotte uses her web and the power of words to change how others see him. The story highlights friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and the impact of kindness and encouragement.

This schoolwide event builds a shared literacy experience and encourages families to read together.

What to Expect
Each family will receive a copy of Charlotte’s Web to take home after our kickoff assembly. Students will also receive a reading schedule bookmark, a BINGO board with family activities, a reading log, and a flyer with details. Watch for these in Monday folders! Daily trivia questions will be shared on morning announcements, and students may submit answers for prizes.

Incentives
Each day, one boy and one girl per grade level will win a prize for answering the daily question. Every student who participates will receive a certificate. Those who document their reading and participate in some BINGO challenges will be entered to win a prize box. Students who complete ALL challenges will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

Building Excitement
During Read Across America Week, we will host a themed spirit week connected to the book. Follow Asbell’s Facebook page for BINGO updates and celebration highlights. Our final celebration will take place on May 1, when prizes will be awarded.

Thank you for reading together and supporting a strong culture of literacy at Asbell.

Join us March 3rd from 4:40-6:00pm for Asbell’s 2nd Annual Multicultural Night! We cannot wait to celebrate the incredible diversity of our school community. We are proud to have students from more than 23 different countries represented at Asbell, and this evening is a chance to honor the cultures, languages, and traditions that make our school so special.

The evening will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a Welcome Ceremony followed by a Global Fashion Show. After that, families can participate in a self-guided Global Exploration Bingo Tour through the hallways. Grab some light international bites from the cafeteria! We will wrap up the evening 5:45–6:00 p.m with a special performance by Afrique Aya Drum Group.

We want YOU to participate in the fashion show! Please wear your country's regalia and meet us in the cafeteria at 4:30!

We hope you will join us for this joyful celebration of culture, connection, and community.

Join us to hear school updates, give input on school spending, and learn how you can get involved at Asbell. A Feeder Pattern Meeting with Dr. Mulford, FPS Superintendent, will follow.

Monday, March 9, 2026
PTO Meeting: 5:30–6:00 PM
Feeder Pattern Meeting: 6:00–7:00 PM

Location: Asbell Elementary Cafeteria

Guardians of current kindergarten through third grade students are strongly encouraged to attend the Feeder Pattern Meeting. This year’s third graders will transition to McNair for middle school beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. Our current K–2 students will also be zoned for McNair when they reach middle school. This is an important shift for Asbell families. This meeting will provide clear information about the transition timeline and ensure families understand their options moving forward.

We hope to see you there.

We are looking forward to meeting with you during our upcoming Parent–Teacher Conferences. This year, families will sign up using each teacher’s online conference calendar, which will be linked directly on the Asbell website.

How It Works

Conference sign-up links will be posted on the Asbell website and shared through School Status. When you click on your child’s teacher’s link, you will see all available conference times.

Simply select the time that works best for your family and complete the required information. Once you book a time, that slot will no longer appear as available. You will immediately receive a confirmation email, and you will also receive a reminder email the day before your scheduled conference.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, you may do so directly from your confirmation email. When a time is canceled, it automatically becomes available again for other families.

Conferences will be held in person at Asbell. When signing up, please indicate your child’s name and whether you will need an interpreter so we can be prepared to support you.

We encourage families to sign up early to secure a preferred time. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing your child’s progress.

Our House System helps students feel connected and part of a team. March 3 - 12th every student and staff member will be placed in a house, which is like a small family within our school. Students earn points for showing kindness, leadership, good behavior, and hard work. Houses take part in fun activities and friendly competitions throughout the year. The goal is to build teamwork, school spirit, and a strong sense of belonging for every student.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration Opens
Monday, March 2 – Friday, April 17

Kindergarten Registration Checklist:

Proof of Address
• Lease agreement or current gas, electric, or water bill

Proof of Age
• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Baptismal certificate
• Parent affidavit of birth
• Previous school records
• Military ID

Immunization Records

Social Security Card

Physical Exam
• Physical exam dated within the last two years

Register Online: preregistration.fayar.net

Register In-Person:
300 S. Ray Ave., Fayetteville, AR
7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri

For more information: 479-445-1665

We can’t wait to welcome our newest bulldogs!

Attendance Facts:

• Chronic Absence Starts Early: Absenteeism in kindergarten and first grade predicts poor reading by 3rd grade and higher dropout rates later.
• 10% Rule: Missing 10% of school (around 18 days) is considered chronic and harms academic performance.
• It's More Than Just Being Present: Good attendance builds strong reading skills and leads to better grades and test scores.

Asbell wants to encourage attendance by offering two attendance challenges:

1. Each month, we will award every student who has perfect attendance and no tardies with a certificate and a coupon for a free kids’ meal at Cane’s Chicken. Tardies include both morning and afternoon arrivals. Absences include excused and unexcused.
2. If a student misses five days or fewer and has three tardies or fewer between January 12th and May 1st, they will earn a full-day field trip to the Amazeum on May 4th, along with playtime at a park in Bentonville. Tardies include late morning arrival or leaving campus before the end of the day. The total of five missed days and three tardies includes both excused and unexcused absences. If a serious medical condition requires an extended absence, or if a child has scheduled therapy appointments, these absences and tardies will not count toward the totals. However, documentation from a doctor must be provided.

Families, friendly reminder that when your student is being dropped off after 8:10am, an adult will need to walk in with the student to check them in.

In addition, Spring Picture Day 📸 is March 10th. Check your students Tuesday folder for the flyer and additional information!

Car rides offer a small pocket of time that can shape a child’s day. When screens fill every quiet moment, the brain stays stimulated and reactive. When we allow space for boredom, conversation, and simple observation, the brain has a chance to settle. That calm matters. Students who arrive at school without fast-paced digital input are more ready to focus, regulate emotions, and engage with learning. Try introducing a NO SCREEN March in the car!

We are working intentionally at school to be thoughtful about screen use. Devices serve a clear academic purpose, not entertainment. You can support that effort by keeping car rides screen-free when possible. Use the drive to talk about the day, notice the weather, play simple word games, practice math facts, listen to music together, or just sit in quiet. Boredom builds creativity. Conversation builds connection. Slower transitions help students enter the school day steady and ready to learn.

This fall, Asbell Elementary will officially launch our themed programming focused on developing the whole child through mental and physical wellness. We are Asbell Elementary - Growth in Motion! Our goal is to strengthen habits that support focus, resilience, movement, and healthy relationships so students thrive both academically and socially. Throughout the year, we will continue sharing simple, practical strategies families can use at home, from nutrition and sleep routines to mindfulness and active play. When school and home work together to support wellness, students show up ready to learn, connect, and grow.

This months Capturing Kids Hearts word is courage. Teaching kids courage is essential to foster resilience, confidence, and character, allowing them to overcome fears, embrace challenges, and make ethical choices. It enables children to step outside their comfort zones, such as trying new activities or standing up for others, which builds self-esteem and essential life skills.

• Builds Resilience & Problem-Solving: Courageous children learn to handle setbacks, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and take ownership of solving their own problems.
• Fosters Confidence & Growth: By trying new things—even while nervous—kids build a positive self-image and learn that fear does not have to stop them.
• Develops Moral Integrity: Teaching courage helps kids stand up for what is right, even if it is unpopular or difficult.
• Empowers Decision-Making: It encourages children to be assertive, set healthy boundaries, and make independent choices rather than relying on constant rescuing.
• Academic & Social Success: Courage in the classroom translates to speaking up, asking for help, and participating in group work, which improves learning outcomes.

How to Teach Courage at Home:

• Model It: Show your own bravery by trying new things and admitting when you are afraid.
• Use Stories: Discuss characters in books or discuss people you know who acted with bravery.
• Take Small Steps: Encourage "baby steps" toward fears rather than overwhelming challenges.
• Reframing Fear: Teach that being brave does not mean not feeling scared, but acting despite the fear.

CKH English Parent Newsletter Link

CKH Spanish Parent Newsletter Link

Camp War Eagle Summer Camp is filling up fast. Do not wait until the last minute to sign your child up for fun adventures this summer. Applications and information can be found at www.campwareagle.org and paper applications are located in the foyer at Asbell. I can also put paper applications in your child's backpack if needed. You can request this by emailing me at cameron.magness@fayar.net. Fees are based on a sliding scale income and most students are able to go for only $20! Do not miss this amazing opportunity and give your child activities to do over the summer break by signing up today!!!!

🎶 March Music News 🎶

Spring is bringing lots of musical growth in the music room!

4th Grade – Recorders Have Begun!
Our 4th graders are officially starting recorder! Students will be provided a recorder to use during music class, so there is no need to purchase one.

However, some students have expressed interest in practicing at home. If you would like your child to have a recorder for home use, you may send $8.00 exact cash with your child. (Please note I am unable to make change.) Recorders will be ordered for those who bring payment.

We are excited to begin building note-reading skills, breath control, and ensemble playing!

3rd, 2nd & 1st Grade – Pitch & Solfège
Our 1st–3rd graders are diving into the exciting world of pitch and solfège (do, re, mi)! Students are learning how pitches move higher and lower, how to match pitch with their singing voices, and how solfège helps us read and understand music. You may even hear some “Do-Re-Mi” practice at home!

Kindergarten – High & Low Sounds
Kindergarten students are exploring the concept of high and low sounds. Through songs, movement, instruments, and listening activities, they are learning to identify and demonstrate the difference between high and low pitch in fun, hands-on ways.

Thank you for supporting music education! It is such a joy to make music with your children each week. 🎵

— Mrs. Pittman

Book Fair March 2nd - 6th.

Open 7:40 - 3:00 every day.

Families can shop March 3rd during multicultural night from 4:30 - 6:00.

Pearl's book store here in Fayetteville is our book fair sponsor. They are sending a representative from their store to check out customers.

They will be on site from 7:40 - 3:00 each day and March 3rd from 4:30 - 6:00 to shop the book fair. We will not be able to check out outside of this time, so the book fair will be closed after 3:00 each day and will not open until 7:40 each morning.

Art has been eventful this past month!

All grade levels have been working diligently on projects relating to culture.

Kindergarten students have created some adorable handprint art projects inspired by early cave paintings. Be sure to check them out on Multicultural night located in the ‘cave’ between the music room and first grade hallway.

First grade students have completed their Kente cloth inspired weaving projects and have since been working on a variety of different short projects allowing them to further develop their artmaking skills and experiment with supplies in the art room. Look for their storytelling weavings on Multicultural night. They are located just outside of the art room.

Second grade students wrapped up their amphora vases inspired by the vases of ancient Greece. Each vase is unique in that it carries symbols which represent something about the artist. These will be located between the first and second grade hallway.

Third grade artists have been working so hard on small sculptures inspired by the alebijes of Oaxaca, Mexico. These are brightly colored, animal-like sculptures that depict a hybrid of animals or a completely make believe creature. Although these will not quite be ready for culture night, be sure to be on the lookout for these to be sent home in the coming weeks. I have been really impressed with these young artists’ creative abilities! These students will, however, have textiles hanging around the building inspired by the weavings of the Navajo Native Americans.

Fourth grade students have been learning about material and visual culture and creating flags with symbols that represent something about their own culture. They brainstormed ideas about things they see in their everyday lives and designed their flags. The flags are being created using a modified batik technique that originates in the South Pacific. Again, many of these will not be quite ready for our Multicultural night but be on the lookout for a few that are complete. These will be coming home in the coming weeks.

In the next few weeks, all students will be engaging in art projects that focus on the big idea of conservation. Students will be learning about environmental stewardship and the best ways to take care of our planet. They will be creating artwork about many different things in our environment such as trees, bugs, plants, fish and waterways, and using recycled and sustainable materials to create their work.

⚽ PE IN MARCH ⚽

Dear Parents,

February was full of movement and skill-building in PE! Our students spent the month learning and practicing hockey and tennis skills. We worked on:

• Proper grip and striking techniques

• Dribbling with control (hockey)

• Forehand and backhand form (tennis)

• Partner rallies and cooperative challenges

• Sportsmanship and teamwork

It has been so much fun watching their confidence grow as they improved their coordination and game understanding!

⸻

🌟 What’s Happening in March?

In March, we will wrap up our tennis unit with fun lead-up games and modified matches to help students apply what they’ve learned.

Then…we are kicking off our soccer unit! ⚽

Our focus will be on fundamental soccer skills, teamwork and spatial awareness.

⸻

⚽ Soccer Lead-Up Activities

Before we jump into full games, students will participate in developmentally appropriate lead-up activities to build confidence and skill:

🔹 Ball Control & Dribbling

• Red Light, Green Light (soccer style!)

• Dribble through cone obstacle courses

• Sharks and Minnows (soccer version)

🔹 Passing & Receiving

• Partner passing with distance challenges

• Gate passing (passing through small cone goals/student legs)

• Moving pass and follow drills

🔹 Kicking Accuracy

• Target kicking at small goals

• Knock over the cone challenges

• Clean Your Backyard (team kicking game)

🔹 Small-Sided Games

• 3v3 or 4v4 mini-games

• No-goalie skill games

• End zone soccer for younger grades

These activities allow students to build skills in a fun, low-pressure environment before playing structured games.

⸻

🏃‍♀️ A Quick Reminder

Please make sure your child wears:

• Tennis shoes

• Comfortable clothing for movement

• A water bottle (if allowed at your school)

Spring weather can be unpredictable, so we may head outside when possible!

⸻

I am so proud of the effort I see each week!

Let’s have a strong and active March! ⚽💪

It's never too early to order a yearbook! To order:

Visit www.treering.com/validate

Enter Asbell's Passcode: 1016947069144218

The cost is $20.93.

We love TreeRing because of the FREE custom page option. Upload photos from your computer, phone, Facebook, Google Drive and more. This is a great way to preserve memories of your child at this age.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found at our website here.

Thinking about lunch next year? Don’t let the rising cost of food get you down! Many children in the school district may qualify for free meals or for reduced priced meals based on household size and income criteria. You can see if you are eligible for meal benefits by clicking here or going to https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/

For more information, please visit this link or call the front office and ask for assistance. We are happy to help!

We love for our students to be fed and happy in the mornings! Mornings can be super busy, so if you don’t have time for breakfast at home they can always get breakfast at school. If your student is eating breakfast, please drop them off before 7:50am, so they have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast!

Soccer Joe’s
Play. Learn. Grow.

Now Enrolling!

Season: Spring 2026 (ages 4–10)
Location: Asbell Elementary
Dates: March 12 – May 14 (9 weeks)
Days & Time: Thursdays, 3:20–4:00 pm
Cost: $162 + $25 registration fee (includes jersey)

More Details:
No class March 26
Scholarships available. Scan for scholarship application.

About Us:
At Soccer Joe’s we offer engaging, fun, developmentally appropriate soccer programs for families looking to introduce their children, ages 2–6, to team sports.

Play, Learn, and Grow with us!

Contact Us:
www.soccerjoes.com
info@soccerjoes.com

Scan to register or visit soccerjoes.com to register today.

Spend Spring Break with YRCC! The interest form will open on January 12 and close on February 6. Families who are interested in financial assistance will be required to submit either a W-2 or two consecutive pay stubs. These supporting documents must be submitted no later than February 13.

Grades: Rising K–6th

Location: Butterfield Trail Elementary School
Address: 3050 Old Missouri Road, Fayetteville, AR 72703

Dates: June 15–19, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM

Cost: $285 (before discounts)
Payment plans available until April 16, 2026

Program Description:
Camp Invention is a hands-on STEM summer program led by qualified educators. Students explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through team challenges and design activities.

Discount Codes (cannot be combined):
Save $25 with code FUN25 (expires March 11, 2026)
Save $20 with code FUN20 (expires April 28, 2026)
Save $30 with code SIBLOVE30 (for 2 siblings)
Save $40 with code SIBLOVE40 (for 3 or more siblings)

Sibling discounts available at: invent.org/cisave

Register: invent.org/cisave

Camp Director:
Brittney Mohr
Email: brittney.mohr@fayar.net

This list will grow as the year progresses and is subject to change!

FPS District Calendar can be found here!

March 2-6 - Book Fair!

March 3 - International Discovery Day / Multicultural Night 4:30-6:00pm

March 3 - Girl Scouts Interest Meeting for K-1 girls 6:00-7:00pm

March 9 - Parent Involvement Meeting 5:30-6:00pm

March 9 - Feeder Pattern Meeting with Superintendent Mulford 6:00-7:00pm

March 10 - Spring Picture Day

March 11 - Third & Fourth Grade Walton Arts Center Field Trip 8:45-11:00am

March 13 - Kindergarten FPL Tour 12:45-2:45pm

March 13 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

March 17 - Spring Parent Teacher Conferences

March 19 - Spring Parent Teacher Conferences

March 23-27 - Spring Break

April 2 - Kindergarten Walton Arts Center Field Trip 11:00-12:30pm

April 3 - March Courage Roadrunner Rally

April 20 - 22 Kinder - 2nd grade Summative Testing. Avoid Dr. Appointments during these dates.

April 27- 30 3rd/4th Summative testing 8:15 - 12:00 daily. Avoid appointments during this time.

April 23 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

April 24 - Holiday - No School for Students

April 29 - Second Grade Walton Arts Center Field Trip 9:30am-11:00am

April 30 - April's Perseverance Roadrunner Rally

May 1 - Asbell Fishing Derby

May 4 - Attendance Reward Amazeum Field Trip!

May 5 - Kindergarten Celebration

May 7 - Spring into Summer Block Party 4:30-6:00pm

May 12 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

May 12 - Fourth-Grade Track Meet

May 13 - Field Day + Senior Walk

May 14 - FHS Graduation

May 15 - Fourth-Grade Track Meet (Rain Date)

May 19 - Fourth-Grade Celebration 8:30-9:30am

May 20 - Pre-K Celebration 9:00-10:00

May 21 - Integrity Roadrunner Rally + Last Day for Students

We are always here to help and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us through any of the following contact methods. Visit our website at https://asbell.fayar.net/o/aes. Watch for weekly newsletters from your teachers and monthly newsletters from the principals. Follow us on social media, too!

Instagram - asbellroadrunners

Facebook - Asbell Elementary

• Email:

• Jamie Baureis, Principal: jamie.baureis@fayar.net
• Marjo Burk, Assistant Principal: marjo.burk@fayar.net
• Stephanie Alkire, Administrative Intern: stephanie.alkire@fayar.net
• Cameron Magness, Counselor: cameron.magness@fayar.net
• Shanice Porter, Administrative Assistant: shanice.porter@fayar.net
• Chrissy Feinstein, Nurse: christine.feinstein@fayar.net