Lynx News
Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School

May 2026
A message from Our Principal
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we want to thank all of our families for your continued support and partnership. It has been a wonderful year of learning and growth, and May is full of important events and celebrations!
Testing Updates
We have successfully completed state testing (ISASP) for students in grades 3–5—thank you for your support in helping students be prepared. During the first weeks of May, all students will participate in i-Ready testing. This assessment is given three times each year and helps us measure student growth and guide instruction.
Kindergarten Registration – May 4 & 5
Kindergarten registration will take place on May 4th and 5th. If you have not yet signed up for a time, please do so as soon as possible.
Please note: There is no school for our current kindergarteners on these days, except those in Mr. Kimmel’s, Mrs. Christiansen’s, and Mrs. Robinson’s classrooms.
Upcoming Events
May 11 – 5th Grade Visit to West Middle School
May 12 – Music Programs
4th Grade: 9:15 AM
5th Grade: 10:00 AM
May 27 – Reading on the Lawn (Afternoon)
Families are invited to join us for a relaxing afternoon of reading outside with your child. A light meal will be provided—bring a blanket and enjoy some time together!
May 28 – Field Day
Grades 3–5: Morning
Grades K–2: Afternoon
May 29 – 5th Grade vs. Staff Kickball Game
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
Monday through Thursday, our students receive a nutritious snack through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant. These healthy snacks include a variety of fruits and vegetables, giving students the opportunity to try new foods and build healthy eating habits. We’re excited to provide this experience and encourage our students to explore and enjoy different fresh options!
Last Day of School
Last Day of School
The final day of school is May 29th, with a 1:30 PM dismissal.
Looking Ahead
As summer approaches, please remember to complete online registration for your child for the upcoming school year.
Thank you again for being such an important part of our Loess Hills community. We hope you enjoy these final weeks of school and all the special moments they bring!
Counselor's Corner
During the month of May, our Character Strong focus is on Creativity. One way to think about Creativity is “using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem.”
Opportunities to be creative are all around us! How can you find ways to be creative as a family this month?
Conversation starters:
· Can you share or show what creativity is?
· How can being creative help you solve problems?
Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing creativity. Here are two “PurposeFull Pursuits” you can complete together!
#1 Get creative with expressing your emotions through a game of emotion charades! Gather as a family and brainstorm some emotion words. Write them on slips of paper and turn them facedown. Then, take turns choosing a slip of paper and acting out the emotion. Other family members will guess the emotion that is being acted out. After each person’s turn, take a moment to talk about what we may need when experiencing these emotions.
#2 Review creativity as a family! Creativity is using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem. This challenge is about creating something new- together! Find a large cardboard box and use your creativity together to create something completely new. What can the box become? Maybe it will be a spaceship, an ice cream shop, a fairy castle, or a race car. Use any craft supplies or scraps on hand and your imagination to turn an ordinary box into a new creation!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. My email is: wanderw@live.siouxcityschools.com, or you can message me on TalkingPoints.
Thank you for everything you do for your children!
Miss Wanderscheid (Miss W)
Our Mission and Vision Statement
Loess Hills Elementary
🎯 Mission
Loess Hills Elementary Computer Programming School incorporates computer programming to support students’ belief in their capabilities, achievement in academics, and success in preparing for college and career.
🌟 Vision
Collectively as a staff, we will create a safe environment, building strong and positive relationships among students, staff, and community to positively impact students.
Respect, Integrity, Growth, Belonging - Together We Thrive
Message from PTO
Our next PTO meeting will be held on Monday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. in the Loess Hills Elementary library. Families are welcome to attend as we continue planning end-of-year activities and support for our students and staff.
Our Coin War Fundraiser has begun and will run from April 27 through May 8. Students may bring spare change or coins to add to their classroom jar. The classroom that collects the most will win a pizza party.
We are so close to meeting our fundraising goal to bring back the Petting Zoo Experience for all Loess Hills students. This is a simple way for families to support the PTO, even if attending meetings or volunteering time does not fit into your current schedule. Every coin helps us bring meaningful experiences to life for our students.
For questions, please email loesshillselementarypto@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Loess-Hills-Elementary-PTO-61577016411510/"
Thanks
PTO schedule (25/26): May 11 • Jun 8
Questions or want more information?
Call 712-223-1428 or email LoessHillsElementaryPTO@gmail.com
Mark Your Calendars
May 29- End of 2nd Semester
Important Calendar Reminder
School will not be in session on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.
On Friday, May 29, school will have a normal two hour dismissal for summer break. Have a wonderful summer!
Summer Events & Programs for Everyone
There are a variety of community events, camps, and more to keep your student active and learning during the summer months. Check out the latest Virtual Backpack newsletter, emailed to district families every month, or click here for a calendar of upcoming events.
End-of-Year Information on Medication
Student medication and/or medical supplies will be sent home with your child on the last day of school. If you would like to make other arrangements, please contact the school office before the last day of school. Any unused medication that remains at school will be disposed of in compliance with federal and state law or will be given to the School Resource Office for proper disposal.
Free Summer Meals for Children
The Sioux City Community School District is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are available Monday through Friday for all children ages 1-18 years without charge. Please visit the District’s website for more information including serving sites and schedules.
Hy-Vee Receipts - Cash For Students Program
We would love to collect your Hy-Vee receipts from the Sioux City or South Sioux City Hy-Vee stores. For every $100 dollars collected the school will receive $1 dollar!
Eligible receipts for groceries, prescriptions, floral, photoshop, and catering are accepted.
(No fuel, gas, postal, money order, Western Union, lottery, Quest, Mid American, bottle refunds or gift card receipts will be accepted.)
Casey's Rewards for Loess Hills
Newsletter: Now Available in 100+ Languages
Click the Translate Newsletter button to the right of this page to view this newsletter in over 100 languages.
Haga clic en el botón Translate Newsletter para ver una traducción automática de esta carta de noticias en más de 100 idiomas.
Important Reminders for School Meals
Loess Hills is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program which allows our school to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to our students. Loess Hills students will not be charged for breakfast or lunch during the upcoming school year.
A complete list of CEP schools in our district can be found on our website. If you have a student attending another school that is not a CEP school, we encourage you to complete the 2025-2026 online application for free and reduced meals. This will help ensure other students in your family receive the meals they need during the upcoming school year.
For questions or assistance with school meals, please contact the District’s Food Service Department at 712-279-6860 or 712-279-6862.
Bullying and Harassment Free District
The District is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The District’s Anti-Bullying, Harassment, and Hazing policy defines bullying and harassment as well as the procedures for reporting and investigating bullying or harassment complaints.
If your student feels they are being bullied or harassed, encourage your student to visit with the student involved and tell them to stop. They should also tell a teacher, principal, or trusted adult at their school. An online discrimination, bullying, harassment, and hazing complaint form is also available on the District’s website and may be completed by the student, parent, or school employee.
Be An Advocate for Our Schools
Volunteers are needed to join the District’s Grassroots Advocacy Committee. As a volunteer, you will receive email updates about important legislative events that could impact public education and be asked to contact local and state leaders to advocate for our schools. Volunteer today and let your voice be heard! Contact Communications@live.siouxcityschools.com
to volunteer.