Little Paws Press

1/28/26 = Dismissal @1:45pm All Grades

1/30/26 = Popcorn Friday hosted by Ms. Oliver's Kindergarten 🍿

2/3/26 = 3rd & 4th Grade District Battle of the Books - Details TBA

2/4/26 = Dismissal @1:45pm All Grades

2/6/26 = Popcorn Friday hosted by Mrs. Patrick for the Library 🍿

2/11/26 = Dismissal @1:45pm All Grades

2/12 & 13 = KIBSD Inservice Trainings - No School for Students

2/20/26 = Popcorn Friday hosted by Ms. Val's 3rd Grade 🍿

3/5/26 = Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade District Battle of the Books - Details TBA

3/9 thru 3/13= 2nd Grade Swim Safety Unit

3/16 thru 3/20 = Spring Break

As we head into the last week of January (how did that happen so fast?!), I want to share how much I’m enjoying the energy and momentum here at East. Our Cubs are settling into routines, classrooms feel calm and joyful, and learning is happening in really meaningful ways. Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it truly helps make East such a special place for kids.

A few quick updates for families this week:

Toys at school:
Please help remind students that toys should stay at home. Toys can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or broken at school. If a toy is accidentally brought to school, it should remain safely in a backpack for the day.

Safety drill:
We will be practicing a lockdown drill later this week as part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety. Students will hear the phrase “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight,” and teachers will guide them through expectations in a calm, age-appropriate way. These drills are practiced without fear and are simply another way we help students know what to do to stay safe.

I also want to acknowledge that our district continues to navigate some uncertainty as budget discussions move forward. The School Board has postponed budget decisions to the February 3 meeting, and I know waiting can bring questions or concerns. The Board has also named our new superintendent, which is an important step forward for the district. Here at East, our focus remains on providing stability, care, and a positive school experience for your children each and every day.

If you have questions, concerns, or would simply like to talk things through, please know that I’m here and happy to connect. You can reach out by email or call the office to schedule a time to meet.

Thank you for being such an important part of our East community. We’re grateful to partner with you as we continue supporting our Cubs—together. 🐾💙

Our 2nd and 3rd grade classes have been spelling up a storm the past two weeks.

Each class had their own spelling bee and those winners represented

their classroom in the East Cubs Spelling Bee on Friday.

Everyone did an amazing job and it was such an exciting competition!

Congratulations to our top spellers that will move on to the district bee!

1st Place = Andrei Correa

2nd Place = Aezekial Arevelo

Alternate = Tiffany Tabon

We love celebrating our Caring Cubs Friday prize winners!

🐾

Well these are some fun mixed media creatures from 2nd grade!

Check them out along with some creative writing

in the hall on the way to cafeteria the next time you visit. :)

Recently, a 3rd grade class asked for a reminder about sleep!

Children in kindergarten through 3rd grade typically need 9–11 hours of sleep each night

to support healthy brains, growing bodies, emotion regulation, and learning.

Bedtime tip: Keep routines calm and consistent.

Wake at 6:30 a.m. → bedtime 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Wake at 7:00 a.m. → bedtime 8:00–9:30 p.m.

Please check SeeSaw for a letter and information for families

about Personal Safety lessons coming in February.

If you’d like help setting up bedtime routines

or if you have questions about personal safety lessons, please reach out to us and

thank you for partnering with Counselors to support our Cubs!

Wishing you well,

Ms. Jennifer, East Elementary School Counselor

phone: (907) 486-7423

email: jennifer.pedersen@kibsd.org

+

Ms. Kelcie, Providence School Counselor

email: kelcie.kleaver@kibsd.org

Mr. Malloy meets with students each week to learn about a variety of topics and ideas.

Check in on their projects at the link below...

Kindergarten = 11:10am

First Grade = 11:35am

Second Grade = 12:00pm

Third Grade = 12:30pm

Families are always welcome to join their students for lunch time!

Be sure to sign in with the office before heading to the cafeteria.

Please bring your own lunch or call in the morning to order an adult meal.

Student Breakfasts = $3.50 Student Lunches = $4.75

Adult Lunches = $9.00

Be sure to send boots, coats and cold weather items every day.

East Cubs go outside for recess no matter the weather, so help them be prepared.

(We will stay indoors if it is extremely cold/icy/windy.)

School Newsletter

Look for your weekly newsletter, Little Paws Press, in your inboxes every Monday afternoon.

There will be lots of useful info stored at the end of each for your reference all year.

General School Information

Emails from PowerschoolMessenger and Smore will be the main

form of communication that you will receive for all general

school information and updates outside of your student's classroom.

Urgent or Emergency Communications

All school emergency notices or alerts will be sent through

PowerSchoolMessenger emails or PowerSchoolMessenger automated calls.

Please take a moment to confirm that your phone numbers and emails

are up to date and correct in your parent portal or check with us in the office.

Individual Classroom/Teacher Communications

KIBSD Staff will only be communicating through district issued devices and applications.

Faculty and staff will no longer be texting or calling with their personal phone numbers.

If you need to reach your child's teacher during the school day please

email, connect via SeeSaw or call the office to leave a message.

Need to speak with your principal?

Call the office to see if Ms. Audra is available or to leave a message.

Ms. Audra always tries to make time to speak with families

but scheduling an appointment time is recommended.

For appointments - please call 907-486-7492.

The East School Office is open 7:30am til 3:30pm - @907-486-7492

We are always happy to help.

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The I L❤️VE East Elementary page is still alive and well. Just note that it is no longer the official page for East and it won't have the most current information. Find that beloved page below...