Southwest Elementary Newsletter

A Note from Mr. Hofer

Dear Southwest Parents and Students,

February may be a shorter month, but it is full of learning, growth, and opportunities to celebrate our students! Classrooms are busy with reading, writing, problem-solving, and preparing for the months ahead. We are proud of the effort our students continue to show each day.

As winter continues, here are two success tips to help students thrive during the colder months:

Consistent Routines Matter
Winter weather can disrupt schedules, but consistent bedtime, morning, and homework routines help students feel secure and ready to learn each day.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Please continue to send students to school dressed for the weather, including coats, hats, and gloves. Fresh air and recess are important parts of the school day, even in winter.

We are also beginning preparations for Fine Arts Day on March 12th, a special event that celebrates creativity and the arts. We are looking for parent and family volunteers to help make this day a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the link below:
👉 CLICK HERE

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we help make our school a safe, caring, and successful place for every child.

Warm regards,

Brian Hofer

Principal, Southwest Elementary

bhofer@geneseoschools.org

Glow Math Games Volunteer Help Needed!

During students’ specials time, classes will rotate through a fun Glow-themed math game experience under blacklights! Students will practice math skills through hands-on games using glow materials. Volunteers will help explain rules, cheer students on, and keep the game running smoothly. No math expertise needed—just a positive attitude and willingness to help!

SIGN UP HERE

PTA Update

Hello from the PTA! Here is a list of what February brings!

February 12 - 1st PTA meeting of the new year! Childcare will be provided. 6:30pm

February 27- School store

*Looking ahead*

March 28 is our 1st PTA Vendor fair. We are still look for vendors! Please help us spread the word. Below is the sign up form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegjfJHsO43dD_EaUnkzpYEYo9cX6d_mZxEN9TezfrEfPBmow/viewform

April- PTA is hosting a Parents Night Out Trivia Night! We will be sending out information soon!

May 5th is Circus Day! This is a great, fun day for our students. We will need all hands on deck. Please consider taking the day and volunteering. We need 88 volunteers! Be on the look out for a volunteer sign up.

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February Calendar Items

February 1: Figge Art Show (12:00)

February 5: Ag in the Classroom

February 12: BOE Meeting @ 5:30, PTA Meeting at 6:30

February 13: 1/2 Day Teacher In-Service, 11:35 Dismissal, Valentine's Day Parties

February 16: Presidents' Day-SCHOOL IN SESSION (Make-up day)

February 24: Music In Our Schools Concert (4th-6th) 7:00 p.m.

February 27: School Store, Math Glow Day (All during specials)

March 5: 4th Grade Symphony Day, Ag in Classroom

March 6: Full Day Teacher's Institute (No Student Attendance)

March 11: 5th Grade BizTown

March 12: Fine Arts Day, BOE Meeting @ 5:30, PTA Meeting @ 6:30

March 13: End of 3rd Quarter

March 16-20: Spring Break

March 27: School Store, 3rd Quarter Report Cards Posted

March 28: PTA Spring Market (12-4)

April 2: Ag in the Classroom

April 6: IAR Testing Week

April 9: BOE Meeting 5:30, PTA Meeting 6:30

April 13: Book Fair Week

April 16: PTA Book Fair Night

April 17: PTA Book Fair Night

April 22: 2nd Grade Field Trip to Nahant Marsh

April 24: School Store, Kindergarten Field Trip to Children's Museum

April 27: 5th Grade Recorder Concert @ 7 p.m. @ GHS

April 28/29: 5th Grade Music Tryouts @ GMS (3:45-7:00)

April 29: 1/2 Day of School/Teacher In-Service, Code Red Drill

Pick Up & Drop Off

Southwest Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures

*It would help us a great deal if car riders and walkers were not dropped off or arrived until after 8 a.m. We understand that may not be possible but we appreciate your consideration. Any students showing up before 7:30 a.m. will be sent to SAFE and the parents will be required to pay the SAFE daily fee. Buses don't begin dropping off until after 7:30.

Health & Wellness

Students are asked to bring a water bottle to school each day because only the water refilling stations will be in use for students to use. Please make sure the bottle is well-marked with your child's name.

Changes in Transportation

If your child has a change in their normal routine for transportation:

Please send a written note to your child(ren)'s teacher informing them of the change.
Indicate on the note the name of anyone other than yourself that may be picking up your child.
If the change happens during the school day, a call needs to be made by 1:00 pm in order to ensure communication and changes get relayed on time.
Do not email transportation changes to your child's teacher as they may not be able to check their email during the school day.