Elementary News

I hope this message finds you well as we wrap up our second full week of school. We know the start of a new school year can feel a bit like a whirlwind, and it’s completely normal for it to feel a little hectic as everyone, including our amazing students, gets into their new routines. They are doing such a wonderful job of adjusting and learning, and it has been a true joy to see their smiling faces as they reconnect with friends and dive into new challenges. Thank you so much for all you do to support them at home as we partner together for a fantastic year of learning and discovery!

I had the joy of working with our Kindergarten students this week, using the Little Spot of Feelings curriculum. Next week, I’ll be visiting first grade classrooms to continue the same lessons! We are introducing Spot and exploring the different types of feelings that connect to our emotions. Students are learning new words to describe how they feel—helping them build a stronger “feelings vocabulary.” These lessons also give students the chance to get to know me better as we grow together.

As we move forward, we’ll dive deeper into the Little Spot of Feelings series. Each week, we’ll focus on one specific emotion and talk about the different feelings that go along with it. For example:

• Sadness might come from feeling upset or tired.

• Happiness could show up when we’re excited or optimistic.

• Anxiety may happen when we’re stressed or overwhelmed.

By exploring these emotions, students gain tools to better understand themselves and communicate their feelings in positive ways!

Mrs. Snyder kicked off her classroom guidance lessons this week with our 2nd and 3rd graders! Students are learning how to recognize and name their feelings. They’re also being introduced to the idea that our thoughts affect how we feel—and those feelings can influence the choices we make. It’s an exciting start to helping students build strong social and emotional skills!

As part of Indiana’s efforts to support strong reading skills for all students, state law (Indiana

Code 20-35.5) requires schools to give a universal reading screener to all students in

kindergarten through second grade within the first 90 days of school. This screener helps identify

students who may need extra support in learning to read. Maconaquah and Pipe Creek Elementary Schools will be administering the i-Ready Literacy Tasks, which is an approved screener by the IDOE.

All parents will receive their child’s screening results. If the results show that your child may be

at risk for reading difficulties, you’ll be notified and provided with next steps, including

additional reading support. We’ll also ask for your permission to give your child further

assessments, if that is needed.

The information from this screener helps your child’s teacher make informed decisions about

reading instruction and support. If you have any questions about the screener or how it is used,

please reach out to your child’s school. To learn more, visit the Indiana Department of Education’s website.

The first PTO meeting for Pipe Creek will be August 26th at 4:30 pm. Meetings will be monthly on the last Tuesday of each month.

The Book Fair has been re-scheduled for the week of September 18th - 22nd. Come to the meeting for more details!

We love having you visit our schools! To ensure the safety of all our students, anyone who wishes to volunteer or have lunch with their student must first complete a volunteer background check. You can find the link under the Parent Resources tab on our website.

A friendly reminder: for the safety of our students, please remember to bring your photo ID whenever you visit the school for any reason, including student pickup, lunch, or meetings.

If there is a change in your child's transporation, whether they will be picked up or riding a bus, it MUST be communicated with the front office. This can be done by sending a note to school or calling the office. If you call the office, please make sure you speak with a person. There is a central list at each elementary school, which allows us to check when students are unsure and the teacher may not be available. Do not just send a message to the teacher. The office MUST be notified. Thank you!

NOTE: Transportation changes should be in to the office by 2:00 pm.

Please note, cars are not to be parked in the lanes between 8:10 am and 3:00 pm. It blocks other cars from coming and going when they have business at the school. Please be respectful and park in a parking spot if you arrive before the designated time. Please share this with anyone picking up your child. We appreciate your assistance.

Please keep your phone number and emergency contacts updated in Skyward. This is crucial in case your child is sick or there is an emergency.

Please make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. If have signed a religious exemption form previously, it must be signed again. Contact your school's nurse for more information. See the information below for the Immunization Clinic on Sept. 10th!