Lynx News

Dear Loess Hills Parents and Guardians,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for the upcoming holiday season. As we approach the end of the year, I am excited to share some important updates and highlights from our school.

Science of Reading Initiative:

Our dedicated teachers have embarked on a new and exciting journey of studying the Science of Reading. This initiative represents a significant shift in how we approach reading instruction. We are committed to providing our students with the most effective strategies to develop strong literacy skills. To support this, our professional development will include a book study for our staff. We believe that by enhancing our understanding of the Science of Reading, we can empower our students to become proficient readers.

New Reading Curriculum:

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that next year, we will be adopting a new reading curriculum. This curriculum is designed with higher rigor and is firmly rooted in the principles of the Science of Reading. We believe that this shift will further elevate the quality of education we provide at Loess Hills and enhance our students' reading abilities.

Iowa Performance Profile - Commendable Rating:

I am delighted to share that Loess Hills Computer Programming School has achieved a Commendable rating on the Iowa Performance Profile. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. The rating considers various factors, including our performance on the ISASP (state testing) and the Conditions for Learning Survey. We are proud of the progress our students continue to make, and this achievement reflects our commitment to excellence.

Attendance Matters:

While celebrating our successes, it's crucial to address a significant hurdle we face in student achievement - attendance. Regular attendance is a key factor in academic success, and we encourage all parents to be diligent about getting students to school. Students should not miss more than 8 days of school in a year. Your partnership in ensuring regular attendance makes a substantial difference in your child's academic progress.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

Fun Dress Up Days in December: We have some exciting and festive dress-up days planned for December.

December 21st - 2-Hour Early Release: As a reminder, December 21st is a 2-hour early release day.

Students will then enjoy a well-deserved break and return on January 3rd.

The West High Food Pantry has the following items available for any of our families in need.

Families in need can call West High (712-279-6772) and ask for Pam Husk.

Items available:

Diapers-newborn

Deodorant- men and women

Hot sauce

Spaghetti noodles

Canned corn

Parmesan alarm wing sauce

Canned green beans

Canned beef ravioli

Mandarin oranges

Vegetarian refried beans

Cups of applesauce

Keto friendly granola bars

Chicken leg quarters-frozen

Ground turkey-one pound packages-frozen

Canned condensed tomato soup

Earlier this year, our very own Ms. Bigbee (5th grade teacher) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. As a fundraiser to support Ms. Bigbee, we are selling t-shirts in her honor. If you wish to purchase a t-shirt, please use the following link:

https://lhe-store.1rti.com/gildanr-ultra-cottonr-100-us-cotton-t-shirt-front-imprint-bee-lieve-in-a-cure.html

Shirts will be shipped directly to the buyer.

Thank you for your support!

In the social world we live, many kids use some form of social media. While social media can help kids connect with friends and family, explore new interests and areas of the world, and enhance their creativity, it can also lead to risks and added responsibility. Social media can be harmful if it is not used appropriately.

Without meaning to, kids can easily share more online than they should. Kids often post photos of themselves online or use their real names, birthdates, location, or school name. This information can make them easy targets for online predators or others with bad intentions.

Additionally, kids sometimes forget that photos, videos, and comments made online can’t be taken back after they have been sent or posted. It’s impossible to completely erase something once it’s been posted online. This may not cause problems for a child now but can lead to issues years later as they apply for college or a job. It is common for a college admissions office or recruiter to scour the internet for information on an applicant, ultimately discovering something a child may not want them to find. If a child would be embarrassed for a family member or future boss to see a photo or video, they shouldn’t post it.

Studies have shown that social media can negatively impact a child’s mental health. The pressure to get “likes” or keep up with other peers online can lead to depression and anxiety as well as unrealistic expectations.

What can families do?

• Limit the time kids spend on social media.
• “Friend” or “follow” your kids’ social profiles and remind them never to “friend” strangers.
• Encourage kids to use privacy settings.
• Remind kids that mean behavior is never okay, including online.
  

Check out the District’s website for additional social media tips.

December 8: 2nd grade to Orpheum Theatre

December 12: PTO Meeting at Loess Hills - 5:30 p.m.

December 21: 2-hour Early Dismissal - 1:30 p.m.

December 22-January 2: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL

January 3: School resumes

Connect with your student’s school, the superintendent’s office, or transportation. Let’s Talk provides you with an easy and convenient way to connect with schools and departments across the District with your ideas, questions, and concerns.

Get started today by clicking on the Let’s Talk icon located on the District’s homepage.

Click the Translate Newsletter button to the right of this page to view this newsletter in over 100 languages.

Haga clic en el botón Translate Newsletter para ver una traducción automática de esta carta de noticias en más de 100 idiomas.

Families using MySchoolBucks may notice a Fall 2023 Program Fee of $2.50 on their next transaction. The fee will only be charged in connection with the first payment made during November and December 2023. MySchoolBucks is charging the fee to help offset increased costs related security and privacy on its platform.

If you have any questions about the program fee, please contact MySchoolBucks directly at 1-855-832-5226.

Winter break is quickly approaching! School will dismiss two hours early on Thursday, December 21. School will not be in session from Friday, December 22 through Tuesday, January 2, resuming on Wednesday, January 3. Have a wonderful break!

Parents and guardians have the right to decide to keep their child home on any day they feel it is unsafe for their student to be in school because of weather conditions. If you believe the weather provides a sincere reason why you may have to keep your student at home, or take your student home when classes are scheduled to continue, you as a parent or guardian will simply need to contact our school office to let us know.

The District sends out important information regarding school closings and cancellations and other updates to our families via phone, email, and text. Additionally, our school will contact you in case of an emergency or student health concern. Make sure your contact information is updated in our system and that your phone accepts the school’s phone calls. Doing this will ensure you receive school communication promptly and we can reach you in case of an emergency. To make updates to your contact information, please contact our office.