Eagle Ridge- eThursday Folder

It’s a great day to be an Eagle!

We hope your fall break was filled with joy, adventure, and meaningful time to rest and recharge as a family. Whether you traveled, explored, or simply enjoyed quiet moments together, we hope it brought you everything you needed.

We are thrilled to welcome our students back to Eagle Ridge! The energy in our building is electric, and our classrooms are buzzing with learning, creativity, and leadership. From engaging lessons to exciting projects and opportunities to grow socially and emotionally, there’s so much happening to celebrate.

Thank you for your continued support and for being such an integral part of our Eagle Ridge community. Together, let’s soar into the second half of our first semester and make it our best yet!

Entry's due Friday, October 31st (to the ERE front office)

• The coloring contest participants will be categorized into 3 age groups Ages 6 & under, 7-10 year, and 13 years and up
• Winners will be announced at our Open House at Backpack Society Friday, November 7th 4:00pm-6:00pm
• There will be a first place prize for each age group and we will be using the winning designs for our Holiday Cards!!
• Pages can be colored with anything you would like, colored pencils, markers, crayons etc.
• New pages can be downloaded an our website www.backpacksociety.org For more information please email laura@backpacksociety.org

Dear Parents/Guardians,

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 3rd (6th grade) and November 10th (5th grade) This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.

In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing

• If your child is in grades 3 and 4, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.

• NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.

• Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE.

• Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

Eagle Ridge Elementary Counseling Newsletter
October 2025

Dear Eagle Ridge Families,

Happy October! Fall is a wonderful time to reflect, reset, and continue building strong classroom communities. As we transition back to school after fall break, our classroom Wayfinder lessons will focus on important social and emotional learning topics across all grade levels.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: Understanding Our Emotions with the Zones of Regulation

Our younger students will be learning how to recognize and manage their feelings using the Zones of Regulation, a fun and visual way to talk about emotions.

• Blue Zone – Tired, sad, or bored

• Green Zone – Calm, ready to learn

• Yellow Zone – Frustrated, excited, worried, or silly

• Red Zone – Angry or out of control

Students will practice identifying their own zones, learning strategies to return to the Green Zone, and understanding that all feelings are okay—it’s what we do with them that matters!

Try This at Home: Ask your child, “What zone are you in right now?” or “What helps you get back to the Green Zone?”

3rd – 6th Grade: Building a Strong School Community

With our older students, we are focusing on community building and kindness. Lessons this month include:

• How to include others and make meaningful friendships

• Respecting differences and working as a team

• Handling disagreements with empathy

• Identifying sources of strength and support in and out of school

Students will collaborate in group activities and discussions to reflect on how their choices impact their community.

Try This at Home: Ask, “What makes someone a helpful classmate or teammate?” or “How did you include someone today?”

Looking Ahead

Later this fall, we will continue to explore emotional regulation, friendship skills, and problem-solving strategies across all grades. Thank you for partnering with us in helping students grow both socially and emotionally.

Please reach out if you have any questions or would like additional support for your child.

The counseling department wishes you a Happy Fall and a great upcoming Fall Break!

Warmly,

Your Counseling Team

Linda Lieber and Laura Miller

Friday, October 24th

Saturday, October 25th

Join us on Wednesday, October 29th

The ERE Book Club will meet on Wednesday, October 29th, from 3:30-4:30pm in the library. All families and students are welcome! We will come together to discuss our next book, Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales: Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds.

A few copies of the book will be available in the library on a first come first serve basis. Other copies may be checked out from the Douglas County Libraries or SORA, purchased online or from your favorite book store.

Younger students may read the book with a grown up and are welcome to join. Please have the book read before the meeting. At the meeting we will discuss the book, learn about the genre, have snacks and activities.

Interested in your student and/or family joining? PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM HERE. Questions? Email Samantha Sweitzer at ssweitzer@dcsdk12.org

Friday, October 24th

Tuesday, October 28th at 7pm

Thursday, October 30th

September 25

October 2

October 8