The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

"It takes a village to raise a child."

African Proverb

It truly does take a village to raise a Star and creating that supportive village is often easier than we think. It may be in the questions we ask our students and having discussion around the responses. Below are some examples that can help build that home-school connection.

What is something you did today that made you feel brave?

How did you help a classmate today? How did you ask for help from a classmate today?

What is something your teacher would say you are doing well?

These questions not only create dialogue between kiddo and parent, they create a positive narrative about their day at Eastern. Kids are brave so many times throughout the day, but how often are they reflecting on those acts of bravery?

Try these out this week. I'd love to hear some anecdotal stories from you!

#ShineBrightTogether

Click above👆👆👆

Last year we started our Eastern Staff shoutout form. This is a great opportunity to share the good stuff about any staff member at Eastern Elementary. I (Mr. Swegles) receive an email notification when the form has been filled out, and I have the pleasure of sharing your shoutout with them.

The people have spoken!

• October 12: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
• October 13, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
• October 21, 9:00-9:45: DOGS and MOMS Volunteer Information Meeting (see below)
• October 23: Spirit Day and Popcorn Friday
• October 27, 9:00-10:30: Picture Re-Takes
• October 30, 9:15-9:45: Halloween All School Parade
• November 2: No School; Staff Professional Development
• November 4, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 10, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 12, 4:30-7:30: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• November 24: Early Release Day; Eastern Dismisses at 1:57
• November 25-27: No School; Thanksgiving Break
• TCAPS 26-27 Calendar

Eastern’s fall parent-teacher conferences are November 4, 10, and 12. Sign up at the links below. Please remember the following:

• Conferences are limited to 15 minutes, so please make sure you are on time.

• Consider scheduling a break between conferences if you have multiple children; that will allow you to be on time for your conferences and stay the full amount of time.

• If you have a child in 4th or 5th grade, only sign up with your child’s homeroom teacher.

Mrs. Feaster's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Harwell's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Odette's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Edwardson's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Freeman's Conference Sign Up

Miss Luecke's Conference Sign Up

Dr. Chaprnka's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Ross's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Stout's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Fak's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Hites's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. LaBarre's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. LaBlanc's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Norton's (Blanchard) Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Shembarger's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Stoudt's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Berger's Conference Sign Up

Ms. Lutes's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Nelson's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Annelin's Conference Sign Up

Mr. Cooper's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Kearney's Conference Sign Up

Mrs. Markey's Conference Sign Up

Mr. Swegles's Conference

Join us at Thirlby Field on Friday, Oct 23 as the Trojans and Titans come together to honor Veterans, active-duty military, and first responders! Gates open at 5:30 PM, with ceremonies starting at 6:35 PM and kickoff at 7:10 PM.

Tickets are $7 in advance on GoFan.co or 7–8 at the Thirteenth Street gate. Admission is FREE for all Veterans, active military, and first responders. Be sure to pick up commemorative apparel at either high school from Oct 12–23 (red for Trojans and blue for Titans) with all proceeds benefiting Reining Liberty Ranch.

Skip the lines and get full event details at www.tcaps.net/tcpatriotgame!

Learn how you can get involved at Eastern at the D.O.G.S. (dads of great students) + M.O.M.S. (moms of marvelous students) information meeting: Wednesday, October 21, 9:00-9:45, in the Eastern cafeteria.

Please read this Crystal Mountain Ski Informational Letter if you are interested in learning about skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Our TCAPS Mobile Health Clinic will be at Eastern on October 20. See the graphic below for more information.

Mark your calendars! The Eastern Student Council will host the annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 22nd, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the school parking lot.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 22nd

• Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Trunk host arrival & setup begins at 5:00 PM)

• Location: Eastern Elementary Parking Lot

If you are interested in hosting a trunk, please sign up here: Use This Link to Host a Vehicle for Trunk or Treat

Eastern's annual Halloween Parade will be Friday, October 30, from 9:15-9:45. Weather permitting the parade will be outdoors. More information will be shared closer to Halloween.

As a reminder, costumes should be non-violent. No blood, weapons, pretend weapons, or gore is allowed. Adults in costume cannot have their faces covered or have a costume that makes them unrecognizable to staff.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a fun, safe environment for our students.

Eastern is looking for volunteers to help in the cafeteria and at recess. You can sign up at the links below. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

All volunteers must submit the TCAPS Volunteer Form.

1st and 3rd Grade Recess Volunteer Sign Up (10:10-10:40)

Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Recess (2:05-2:35)

4th and 5th Recess (3:10-3:40)

JK. Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grade Lunchroom/Lunch Recess Volunteer Sign Up (11:05-12:25 )

3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Lunchroom/Lunch Recess Volunteer Sign Up (12:00-1:30)

Please remember to report your child's absence. You can call the attendance line (933-5600) and leave a message at any time. If your child is sick, report the symptoms (GI and/or fever). Students must be fever-free without meds for 24 hours before they can return to school; they almost must not have vomited and/or had diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.

Jog-A-Thon Update:

We did it! Together we reached 100% of our goal!

Thank You to Our Jog-A-Thon Sponsors!

MONDAY

Muffins

fruit, juice and milk

TUESDAY

Cereal,

cheese stick

fruit, juice and milk

WEDNESDAY

Mini bagel pastries

yogurt

fruit, juice and milk

THURSDAY

Cereal

cheese stick

fruit juice and milk

FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads

cheese stick

fruit, juice and milk

LUNCH

Monday

1st choice: Chicken drumstick with fries and dutch waffle

2nd choice: Sunbutter and jelly with crackers and cheese stick

No 3rd option

Tuesday

1st choice: Beef nachos

2nd choice: Cheese quesadilla

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and cheese stick

Wednesday

1st choice: Chicken patty sandwich

2nd choice: Bosco sticks

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and yogurt

Thursday

1st choice: chicken tenders

2nd choice: mac & cheese

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and yogurt

Friday

1st choice: cheese pizza

2nd choice: pepperoni pizza

3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly with crackers and cheese stick

Join us for TCAPS Board Community Connections, an informal space for families and community members to discuss district-wide updates and TCAPS policy. This month’s meeting will be on October 22, 2026 at West Middle School from 5:00-6:00 p.m.. Trustee Ballenger is scheduled to attend. Note: For specific building-level or student concerns, please contact your school principal first for the most direct assistance.

Elementary Handbook

LEAP Website

School Menus

TCAPS Volunteer Form

TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct