Cherrydale Primary School
Cheetah Newsletter March 5, 2025
From the Principal
Happy Wednesday Cherrydale Families!
Recently, my 5th grade son came home with math practice on multiplying fractions. I remembered from my elementary days how to multiply fractions but there was an additional step where we had to draw a visual that showed the process. I had never had to draw a visual of multiplying fractions before and was stumped. I had to look up how to do the math on YouTube in order to support my child with his schoolwork.
I share this story with you because it takes all of us working together to support our students' academic growth. The practice sheets that our children come home with from school may not be how we as parents were taught in elementary school to solve math equations or decode words in a text. To support this shift, here are some simple yet powerful things we can do at home to help our children thrive at school:
Practice Reading Together: Reading with your child every night is a great way to build fluency and comprehension. Choose books that interest them and encourage them to read aloud. Discuss the story to strengthen their understanding.
Use Khan Academy for Extra Practice: Khan Academy offers free online lessons that can reinforce concepts learned in class, especially in math. The interactive exercises are a fun way for students to practice at their own pace and get immediate feedback.
Establish a Consistent Routine: A regular routine, with set times for homework, reading, and relaxation, can help your child stay organized and manage their time effectively.
Encourage Curiosity: Ask your child about what they’re learning in school. Engaging in conversations about their subjects not only reinforces what they’re learning, but it also shows them you care about their education.
Together, we can help our students become confident and successful learners!
Warm Regards,
Christine Firth, Principal
Be sure to check your child's backpack on March 11
for instructions on how to order Class Photos!
Scan QR code or click image below
to request individual photo of your student be taken.
March 2025
03/11 - Spring/Class Picture Day
03/12 - ACE Day (2:35 release)
03/14 - No School (Staff Professional Day)
03/18 - Purple Up!
03/19 - ACE Day (2:35 release)
03/21 - PTA Recess Takeover/Spirit Day
03/26 - ACE Day (2:35 release)
03/28 - No School (if unused Snow Makeup day)
3/31-4/4 - Book Fair
3/31-4/4 - PTA Spirit Week (details to follow)
Important Dates coming up
04/02 - 04/04 - Spring Conferences (Half Days for K-3 Students)
04/03 - 04/04 - No School for TK - Conferences only
04/07 - 04/11 - Spring Break
5/13-16, 20-21 - 3rd Grade SBA Testing
To get clearance so you can help with upcoming PTA events (or ANY Cherrydale events), click Volunteer at Cherrydale. The process can take up to 2 weeks. Once you are cleared you can let the PTA know of your interest and availability.
You MUST be a CLEARED volunteer to help with any events or to participate in anything on the Cherrydale Campus.
Links for PTA Updates (above)
Yearbook shop/ sales
https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/cherrydaleprimary
Recess Takeover
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B45A9AA2FA6FA7-54839629-march
Staff Appreciation Meal
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B45A9AA2FA6FA7-55524276-staff
Hanging baskets
https://cherrydaleprimarypta.givebacks.com/store/items/1167560
PTA Rocks!
Accessing PTA info has become easier! Everything you need is on their Cherrydale PTA page. One stop shopping with all their links for joining the PTA, volunteer sign ups, fundraising and more!
Please consider joining the Cherrydale PTA. The best part about the PTA is that you can be as involved as much or as little as you'd like or can be! We have so many volunteer opportunities throughout the year, it's easy to get involved!
To contact the PTA, email them at CherrydalePTA@gmail.com
Watch D.O.G.S.
Our Watch Dads Of Great Students are the BEST! Students are so excited when their family member(s) come to volunteer (must be cleared volunteer)!
Meet our new Top Dog David Stailey, dad to Finn in 2nd grade. I know he greatly appreciates our currently active D.O.G.S. and is looking forward to signing up more here at Cherrydale.
Contact cherrydalewatchdogs@yahoo.com for schedule of opportunities!
Flu Basics
We are definitely in the thick of Flu season.
If you think your child may have the flu, or you're not sure whether to keep them home or send them to school, see the attachments below or the image at left for information on Flu Basics, or click WA DOH Flu Basics for the website.
Sua Sponte Sports Club 3/4-5/4
Musical Adventure 3/9
Dinner & Auction 3/15
Crafty Critters 3/8, 4/5 & 5/17
Outer Space Explorers 4/7-9
Volleyball Camp 3/26-28
AYUSA International
Dupont Sports Spring 2025
Camp Erin 6/6-8
Counselor's Corner
Love & Logic Articles From Our Counselor
Click Teaching Values That Outshine Social Media
Click Learning from Mistakes: The Key to Building Character
Click Struggling with Consequences? Try This Powerful Technique!
Click Teach Your Kids to Solve Problems on Their Own–Here's How
Click Boost School Achievement
Click Are You Getting Worn Down by a Strong-Willed Kid?
Click Why Lecturing Isn’t Working – And What to Do Instead
Click Is Tech Hurting Your Kids? Discover Smart Ways to Set Limits
Would picking up a weekly bag of non-perishable groceries help your family? To participate on Cherrydale's Weekend Grocery Program, send a ParentSquare message to Lanae Olson (Cherrydale's School Counselor) or leave her a voicemail at 253-983-2504. Click here to see original post.
Looking for a way to help others? Click Steilacoom Food Pantry and Caring for Kids
A big thank you to all of the PeaceBuilders "Helping Others" in our community!
March's Menu
Click to view menu on website (scroll down to find the current month) or you can print the attachment below.
As of this year, all Cherrydale students will have the opportunity to have one breakfast and one lunch for free every day! If a student chooses a second entrée, it will be charged to student’s account.
We are actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in various roles, including teachers, paraeducators, and substitutes. If you're passionate about fostering a supportive learning environment and making a positive impact, we want you on our team!
Click Here to learn more about our open positions and apply today!
Helpful Links
Cherrydale Primary School
Phone: (253) 983-2500
Email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Location: 1201 Galloway Street, Steilacoom, WA, USA
Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 provides equal access to all programs or activities without discrimination based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Allegations or concerns can be reported to the following staff:
Issues related to Section 504
Kari Terjeson, Director of Student Services
511 Chambers Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-983-2238
kterjeson@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Issues related to Title IX, Title VII, ADA, Civil Rights
Susanne Beauchaine, Executive Director for Human Resources
511 Chambers Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-983-2220
sbeauchaine@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
The complaint procedure for any allegations of discrimination can be found in District Board Policy 3210P (students) and 5010P (employees).
Secretary at Cherrydale Primary School in Steilacoom, Washington