Freedom Elementary Newsletter

May flew by with fun-filled days of reflection and celebration in the classroom! Mrs. Wolf let learners and staff throw water balloons at her after we reached our goal for returned library books. It was a memorable and fun reward for everyone!

We also sent our 5th graders off in style as they walked through the hallways while students and staff cheered them on. There were plenty of smiles, hugs, and even a few tears as we celebrated this important milestone. We are so proud of our 5th graders and wish them all the best in their next adventure!

The PTA-sponsored Fun Run was a huge success, and we proudly met our fundraising goal. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.

May was truly a wonderful month filled with achievement, celebration, and community spirit!

Summer Literacy Ideas for Families

Keep reading fun and engaging all summer long with these simple literacy activities:

Read Every Day

• Set aside 15–20 minutes each day for independent reading or family read-aloud time.
• Visit your local library regularly and participate in summer reading programs.

Create a Summer Reading Challenge

• Read in different places (under a tree, at the park, by a window, on a blanket).
• Track books read and celebrate milestones with small rewards.

Keep a Summer Journal

• Encourage children to write about family trips, favorite activities, or daily adventures.
• Add drawings, photos, or ticket stubs to make it more meaningful.

Play Word Games

• Try Scrabble, Boggle, Mad Libs, Wordle, crossword puzzles, or word searches.
• Play "I Spy" using descriptive words and clues.

Read and Follow Recipes

• Have children help read ingredients and directions while cooking or baking together.
• Discuss new vocabulary words found in recipes.

Practice Reading on the Go

• Read road signs, menus, maps, brochures, and store advertisements.
• Play alphabet or rhyming games during car rides.

Talk About Books

• Ask questions such as:
• Who was your favorite character?
• What was the problem in the story?
• What do you think happens next?
• Would you recommend this book to a friend?

Bring Stories to Life

• Act out favorite books, create puppets, or draw scenes from stories.
• Retell stories using pictures or comic strips.

Write for Real Purposes

• Send postcards to family members.
• Write letters, thank-you notes, shopping lists, or emails together.

Listen to Audiobooks

• Enjoy audiobooks during road trips or quiet time.
• Follow along with a printed copy when possible.

Explore New Topics

• Read nonfiction books and articles about animals, sports, science, nature, or hobbies that interest your child.
• Encourage children to ask questions and research answers

On May 12th, 2026, our staff reviewed our instructional strategies and learning activities; the effectiveness of our communication and collaboration; our schoolwide programming and goals and the use of student assessment. As part of the Title I Assessment of Parent Involvement, a survey was sent to all parents in March (during conferences) to evaluate the effectiveness of Freedom’s parent involvement activities throughout the year. Some strengths that were noted include: Reading, writing, science, social/emotional growth, improvement in confidence, engagement in learning, English language, vocabulary growth and improved problem solving. Parents noted that their children like going to school at Freedom Elementary! Parents, thank you for your input. We value your feedback. Our staff is proud of the year we had, and we are committed to continued success.

Here is the link for the united way backpack information. https://unitedwaycassclay.org/events/schoolsupplydrivebackpackpickup/

We invite those in need of a backpack and school supplies to attend one of our Backpack Pickup Events at the FARGODOME on:

• Wednesday, August 12, from 4:30–6 p.m.

• Thursday, August 13, from 4:30–6 p.m.

• Friday, August 14, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Additional Important Information:

Backpacks are available for K-12 students in need who live in and attend school in Cass or Clay counties. This resource is not available for Head Start, preschool, or college students.

Event will be a drive-thru format in the west parking lots of the FARGODOME and families should remain in their vehicle throughout the distribution. The west parking lots are on the backside of the FARGODOME and you can look for our Police partner’s vehicles with their lights on to help show where to enter the parking lot.

There is no pre-registration. You may print our registration form ahead of time and bring it with you

Free summer kid meals through YMCA: https://www.ymcanorthernsky.org/foodprograms

Food pantries in the area: https://greatplainsfoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FMWF-Food-Pantries-and-Meal-Sites-16.pdf