Star Elementary Newsletter

May 2026:

May 4th- 14th State Testing Window

May 4th-8th - Staff Appreciation Week

May 8th-Donuts with Grown-ups

May 8th - No Tardy Party

May 4th-15th - Kinder-3rd grade State Idaho Reading Indicator Test Window

(Teachers will send out class specific times)

May 15th - Field Day (Teachers will send out class specific times)

May 21st - Last day of school

For safety on our playgrounds, we purchased wall balls to replace moon balls. Please keep moon balls at home. Students have been notified by their teachers. Below are pictures of both. The moon ball is about the size of a baseball, and the wall ball is much safer, about 12 inches.

During Spring testing, we will have a SHINE BRIGHT testing shout out daily raffle, where students can earn tickets for perseverance, focus, determination and effort. Our Star Students have worked so hard this year; we want to celebrate their hard work (Tickets are printed on yellow paper).

Why is the testing window so long? We test on certain days and times when young brains are at their best. Different grade levels have different tests at different times and dates, and we need to factor in make-up tests. We strive to keep best learning environments in place. Thank you for your partnership.

📝 Our window for state testing starts April 7th. These tests help us understand student learning and guides future instruction. Your support at home makes a big difference!

⭐ How Families Can Help

😴 Get Plenty of Sleep

A good night’s rest helps students stay focused and do their best.

🥞 Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Fueling up in the morning helps brains stay energized during testing.

⏰ Arrive at School on Time

Being on time helps students feel calm and ready to start the day.

💬 Encourage a Positive Mindset

Remind your child to take their time and try their best. Confidence matters!

📅 Limit Appointments

If possible, schedule appointments outside of testing/morning hours.

👓 Come Prepared

Don’t forget glasses, if needed.

Thank you for all of your entries. We have some very talented students at Star Elementary!

❄️ Safety First on Weather Days

• Dress your child appropriately for the weather — layers, boots, hats, and gloves on cold or snowy days help keep them safe and comfortable. Names on everything please.

🚌 Transportation Tips

• Plan extra travel time to arrive on time.

🏫 School Decisions

• Decisions about closures or delays are always made with student and staff safety as the top priority and are communicated as early as possible.

Please continue to remind your students to pick up their missing items from Lost and Found. Items left behind will be donated over winter break.

As long as it is used in an appropriate manner, it is treated as a watch or the tool it is, we treat it as an approved wearable. Once it is used as a phone/text device, it is treated as such and held to the same rules as a cell phone. If the device is used as a phone/text device it must be powered down and placed in a designated storage area (usually in the backpack.)

• Birthdays can be celebrated with non-food items. If you wish to send in non-food items, please send it with your child or drop it off in the office.

• If your student will be absent, please call the office 208-855-4110.

• Please ensure your child has a water bottle every day (only water in the classroom)

• Cell phones AND smartwatches must be off and in backpacks at all times.

• VERY IMPORTANT: If the way your child gets home changes during the day please call the office before 3:00pm.

• Hats are not allowed inside the building in elementary schools as stated by the district.

We met our school goal of raising over $30,000 so we celebrated with a teacher race and pie-ing Mr. Adams! Such a fun celebration bringing our school community together, and Mr. Adams is such a good sport. Congrats to Coach Kendall for winning the race!

We would like to share that our school counselor, Mrs. Ash, has accepted a new position for the 26/27 school year. While we are sad to see her go, we are happy for her new opportunity and grateful for the care, support, and dedication she has given to our Star students and school community.

During her time at Star, Mrs. Ash, has made a meaningful impact by supporting students’ social and emotional growth, building strong relationships, and helping create a positive school environment. We truly appreciate the difference she has made in the lives of our students and staff.

Please join us in wishing Mrs. Ash the very best in this next chapter.

She will be supporting our students through the rest of this school year.

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Ash at any time via phone or email with questions or concerns.

ash.summer@westada.org or 208-855-4110

Students are encouraged to wear their spirit wear or our school colors (red, white or black) on Fridays. Not only does this build school pride, but classes with the highest participation win a prize!