The Eastern Star Family Newsletter
January 30, 2026
Principal Ponderings
Heyyy, we made it through what felt like the 87 days of January! As we finish up the first semester, we are seeing tremendous things happen in our building from an academic, social, emotional, and behavior standpoint. We are seeing our benchmark scores continue to trend upward, our CKLA unit assessments have gone up with every opportunity, our log entries for behaviors are down 40% over this time last year. We are shining bright and have the evidence to prove it. This work takes a great TEAM! We are looking forward to a great second half of the year.
#shinebrighttogether
Upcoming Events
- February 3, 5:30-6:30: Eastern Kindergarten Information Meeting
- February 6: Report Cards Sent Home
- February 10, 6:00-7:00: PTO Meeting
- February 18, 3:20-3:40: TBA Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
- TCAPS 25-26 Calendar
New Information
Eastern February Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you to everyone who signed up to be an Eastern volunteer through DOGS/MOMS. We are changing the way we coordinate volunteers through this program. Each Friday we will include sign ups for classrooms/school areas that need extra support.
We will also reach out to those who have signed up with DOGS/MOMS. If you would like to be on that list, please fill out THIS FORM.
Volunteer Areas:
Previous Information
Calling Next Year's Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Students
Please fill out this form if you are interested in having your child attend Eastern for Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten. Remember that students must turn 5 by December 1, 2026, in order to qualify for either program.
Eastern is holding its Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, February 3, from 5:30-6:30.
1st Grade Talent Show
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a First Grade Talent Show this winter! The event will take place in the Eastern Gym on Thursday, February 26th at 3:00 pm. Any first grader who wants to be a star and showcase their talent is welcome and encouraged to participate.
Important Details:
• Sign-up will be posted outside the office starting Monday, January 26th.
• Each child must be signed up and have the permission form filled out and returned before they can practice. LINK TO Permission slip here
• Practices will be held at lunch in the lobby on Tuesdays, starting February 3rd
• Each act can be one minute or less (depending on the number of participants).
• All acts, including music and clothing, must be school-appropriate and approved by the school.
This is an optional event and participation is not required. We kindly ask that all participants come to the first practice prepared with their act and ready to shine. There will be only four short practices with volunteers at lunch, so we encourage all participants to practice their acts at home and during recess.
The Talent Show is a cherished Eastern Elementary tradition, and we truly appreciate your support in making it a success!
If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Kelly Bulloch, bullochkelly@gmail.com, or sign up here https://signup.com/go/LTWPLNq
Playground Expectations
I'm guessing the snow is here stay so it is a good reminder to solicit your help in backing up our STAR expectations for playground play at home. Snow is expected to stay on the ground. We do encourage kids to roll snow, make snow structures, and the like, however, tossing snow is strongly discouraged.
I also want to encourage conversation with kiddos about physical play. With winter comes the extra padding of thick jackets, snowpants, and the cushion of snow on the ground. We see an uptick in physical play and it is not in line with our expectations.
We appreciate any conversation that can support our conversations here at school.
Notes from the Eastern Office
PTO
PTO Links:
BUDGET: Click here for the 25/26 approved budget.
SUBMIT A PROPOSAL: Any staff member or parent may submit a proposal. We love hearing from you and want your ideas! Click here and submit one today.
PENDING / GRANTED PROPOSALS: To view a log of what has been submitted or accepted for the 25/26 school year click here
Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu
BREAKFAST
MONDAY
donut
fruit and milk
TUESDAY
cereal
fruit and milk
WEDNESDAY
mini pancakes
fruit and milk
THURSDAY
Cereal
fruit and milk
FRIDAY
sweet breads
fruit and milk
LUNCH
1st choice: Louie's hotdogs with fries
2nd choice: Alfredo pasta with breadstick
3rd choice: sunbutter and jelly, cheese stick and crackers
TUESDAY
1st choice: pizza quesadilla
2nd choice: Ham & cheese sub
3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with cheese stick and crackers
WEDNESDAY
1st choice: Pasta with marinara & meatballs with bread stick
2nd choice: sunbutter & jelly with yogurt & graham crackers
No 3rd choice
THURSDAY
1st choice:English muffin with egg, sausage and cheese
2nd choice: Chicken patty on a bun
3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with yogurt & crackers
FRIDAY
1st choice Cheese pizza
2nd choice: pepperoni pizza
3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with cheese stick & crackers
District News and Notes
Eastern Elementary Useful Links
TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct
WATCH D.O.G.S. Calendar (see where D.O.G.S. have already signed up)