What an interesting week! We are hoping that the snow days will have helped slow the spread of illness in the Waterville building, as we have been battling a lot of students and staff getting sick! Thank you for your patience as we reschedule Student Success Meetings. We hope to still get each one of you scheduled for a time to discuss your child's success! As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 24th due to teacher professional development.

Monday, February 24th:

• No School!
• Student Success Meetings

Tuesday, February 25th:

• Colts Round Up

Wednesday, February 26th:

• Colts Round Up

Thursday, February 27th:

• Colts Round Up

Friday, February 28th:

• No elementary activities

Looking Ahead:

• March 11th- Elementary Spring Music Program @ 7:00 pm
• March 14th- End of 3rd 9 Weeks. Dismiss @ 12:30
• March 17th-21st Spring Break

It was a great week at Blue Rapids elementary! As a staff we want to thank all the parents for coming to Student Success meetings this week. I know it was a bit hectic with the snow days and there are some scheduled next week but as a staff we appreciate all the support and thank you for partnering with us in educating your children. Mrs. Popejoy and Miss. Coleman have been working very hard with the students on the spring music program. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 11th, I have been able to hear some of the program and it is sounding great! You will notice that there is no school Friday and no school on Monday due to professional development. I pray everyone enjoys the four day weekend and that those that have not been feeling well due to various bugs and things can rest and be ready to come back to school Tuesday.

Here are some upcoming dates to remember:

• February 24th - Professional Development Day (No School for Students)
• March 11th - Elementary Spring Concert @ 7:00 pm
• March 14th - Early Dismissal @ 12:30 pm
• March 17th-21st - Spring Break

As always, I want to thank you for the blessing that it is to work with your children. My door is always open if you have any questions or concerns.

-Mr. Staples

Although we have a great group of students in both Waterville and Blue Rapids, there are no VHS tickets due to the short week. Stay tuned...

Each week we'll give you a fun question to talk about around the dinner table with your family! Eating together as a family is an excellent time to strengthen relationships and check in with your child and their needs. Enjoy discussing the question of the week!

Community Education has recently sent out a program survey to gather community interests and Ideas to increase programming and participation in activities beyond the school day. We invite you to click on the link below to fill out the survey and give us your thoughts and ideas.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/KuzPRNFKjXkyEiqf8

We’d like to remind families to discuss a safe route to school with your students. Whether it is on foot, bike, or a car we want everyone to arrive to and from school safely! For students on foot and bike remember that the safest crossings are at Chestnut & Highway 77 in Blue Rapids and Minnesota & Highway 77 in Waterville.

These crossings are monitored both before and after school.

Check out the Schools That Care newsletter below for information on resources available in our community!

Early Head Start 0-3 provides services to infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. It promotes

• healthy prenatal outcomes, healthy babies
• enhances the development of infants and toddlers, and
• promotes healthy/thriving families

NEK-CAP, Inc. receives federal funds for 160 children to operate and provide Early Head Start (0-3) services for infants, toddlers, pregnant mothers, and fathers.

NEK-CAP, Inc. receives federal funds for 238 children to operate and provide Head Start services. Head Start is committed to cultivating partnerships with the community to ensure that children and families receive an array of individualized services focused upon early childhood development, family support, health and education.

Head Start/Early Head Start 0-5 services are available at no cost to children and families. Up to 10% of enrollment may be used to serve children that are over income. Transportation is available at some locations.

Click HERE for more information!

Did you know that even though packaging no longer has box tops on them to cut out, that you can still support your school? Download the Box Tops app and scan your receipt to earn money for schools. This is a simple way to give back to your community! Click here for more details!

Email: judeboer@valleyheights.org tstaples@valleyheights.org sspoonts@valleyheights.org
Website: www.valleyheights.org