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The Eastern Star Family Newsletter

January 16, 2026

The Eastern StarFamily NewsletterJanuary 16, 2026

Principal Ponderings Principal Ponderings

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I received an email from Positive Growth Lounge yesterday and it tapped into my interest in questions and asking the right ones to solicit better responses. I am passing the content of that email along to see if any piques your interest. They can certainly help reduce those Sunday Scaries or reflect on a Friday evening.


Here are 5 questions (rooted in positive-psych research and kid-friendly in language) that parents can ask their students to tap into curiosity, confidence, and connection at school.


  1. “What are you most excited to learn about this week and why?”
    Sparks curiosity; when kids get excited about what they love, they naturally want to learn more.


  2. “What is one strength you have that can help you handle challenges?”
    Helps kids recognize their inner superpowers, like kindness or perseverance, so they know they’ve got what it takes.


  3. “Who’s someone at school you’d love to connect more with and how can you be a good friend to them?”
    Friendships fuel emotional health. This question nudges kids to think about connection and empathy.


  4. “What does a ‘great day’ at school look like for you?”
    Visualizing a good day helps kids feel more confident and optimistic. It’s like a mental warm-up for success.


  5. “If you start feeling nervous or stressed, what’s something that has helped you feel calm or strong before?”
    Encouraging emotional awareness and giving kids real tools to handle the tough stuff when it shows up is so valuable.


#shinebrighttogether

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

  • January 19: Early Dismissal; Eastern Releases at 1:57
  • January 20, 5:45-7:45: Eastern Spelling Bee
  • January 21, 3:20-3:45: Student Run Credit Union Deposit Day
  • January 23: Early Dismissal; Eastern Releases at 1:57
  • January 30: Popcorn Friday
  • February 3, 5:30-6:30: Eastern Kindergarten Information Meeting
  • TCAPS 25-26 Calendar

New Information New Information

TCAPS Student Feature: MLK Day of Service

On Monday, January 19, TCAPS students and families can attend the free MLK Day of Service at Commongrounds. The event features an all-day collaborative project, “Connected Voices, Collective Voices,” showcasing TCAPS student art and poetry. This exhibit highlights the values of compassion, peace, understanding, empathy, and love—principles central to Dr. King’s vision and the work of Building Bridges with Music.

LAST CHANCE: Talented & Gifted (TAG) Registration Closes Next Week!

The deadline to register your 3rd grader for the optional CogAT qualification testing for TCAPS TAG Program is next week. The link will close after Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and no extensions can be granted.


Register at https://forms.gle/tNG3PTui4J72hkYo7 or visit www.tcaps.net/TAG.

Previous Information 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 information

First Grade Families!


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 attached permission form filled out (look for that in an email after break)

• 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.


If you are interested in volunteering to help with the practices and/or show, please reach out to Kelly Bulloch, bullochkelly@gmail.com


The Talent Show is a cherished Eastern Elementary tradition, and we truly appreciate your support in making it a success!


Thank you,

Talent Show Committee

Eastern January 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:

Ms. Ross: Kindergarten

Mrs. LaBarre: 2nd Grade

Mrs. Kearney: 5th Grade

January Recess Volunteers

Eastern Lunchroom Volunteers

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 Notes from the Eastern Office

PTO PTO

Weekly Breakfast & Lunch Menu

BREAKFAST

MONDAY

plain donut

yogurt, fruit and milk


TUESDAY

cereal

cheese, fruit and milk


WEDNESDAY

mini pancakes

yogurt

fruit & milk


THURSDAY

Cereal

cheese stick, fruit & milk


FRIDAY

Assorted sweet breads

cheese stick, fruit & milk



LUNCH

MONDAY

1st choice: cheeseburger with fries

2nd choice: Sunbutter & Jelly with cheese stick and Crackers


TUESDAY

1st choice: beef walking tacos

2nd choice: meatless walking tacos

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with crackers & cheese stick


WEDNESDAY

1st choice: Grilled Cheese with tomato soup

2nd choice Mini Pepperoni calzones

3rd choice: Sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and graham crackers


THURSDAY

1st choice: chicken tenders basket with emojis, dinner roll

2nd choice:sunbutter & jelly with yogurt and crackers

No 3rd choice


FRIDAY

1st choice Cheese Pizza

2nd choice: Pepperoni pizza

3rd choice: sunbutter & jelly with string cheese & crackers

District News and Notes District News and Notes

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Eastern Elementary Useful Links Eastern Elementary Useful Links

Elementary Handbook


LEAP Website


School Menus


TCAPS Volunteer Form


TCAPS Volunteer Standards of Conduct


WATCH D.O.G.S. Sign Up


WATCH D.O.G.S. Calendar (see where D.O.G.S. have already signed up)

Mr. Swegles
Principal
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