Meadowlark Messenger

Lark Families,

What a wonderful start we’ve had to the school year! Our hallways and classrooms are already filled with energy, kindness, and joyful learning. Students are showing Lark P.R.I.D.E (school wide traits of perseverance, respect, integrity, dreams to achieve and empathy) across the school environment by setting goals, getting to know new classmates and teachers, and beginning daily routines that help build strong and caring classroom communities. It has been so fun to see students making new friends and engaging in new learning experiences with excitement and curiosity.

Thank you, families, for all the support and preparation that went into helping your children transition back into the rhythm of a new school year. Helping students develop organizational habits—such as keeping backpacks tidy, preparing lunch plans including a healthy snack, and establishing daily study routines at home—sets them up for a positive start each day. Your partnership at home and within our school makes all the difference as students settle into routines and thrive in their learning.

This year, we are especially excited to build on the strong foundation of Habits of Discussion (Colorado Speaking and Listening Standards) that students developed last year. Our school-wide goal is to deepen students’ thinking skills through the use of Depth and Complexity Thinking Tools. Research shows that when students practice extending their ideas, making connections, and exploring multiple perspectives, they not only strengthen their critical thinking but also become more engaged and confident learners.

Did You Know? Studies from the National Research Council highlight that when students are taught to think more deeply—by asking “why” questions, looking for patterns, and comparing multiple viewpoints—they not only learn content more thoroughly but also retain it longer. For example, instead of just learning that plants need sunlight to grow, students might ask, “Why does sunlight matter?” or “What patterns do we see when plants grow in different conditions?” These kinds of habits help students grow into lifelong problem solvers and are examples of questioning across our school this month as we explore Plants and Animals K-5 through our literacy standards.

Finally, a huge thank you to our PTA for helping us start the year with such a strong sense of community. We are looking forward to celebrating together at our Galactic Giddy-Up Back to School Bash this Friday—we can’t wait to see everyone there!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Auday

Principal

Jennifer Hetrick

Assistant Principal

This year, all teacher communication with families will go through the secure messaging right inside the district app!

Please be sure that you are set with the app, as important information, such as sign-ups for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be sent in the app soon!

Need support:

Click here to learn more about the app. Or stop by the office, anytime!

• Important: PETS of any kind are not allowed on school grounds. As community members, we ask your support by not bringing pets and sharing this information with others as you drop-off and pick-up your child. While you may feel your pet is safe around children, not all families feel the same. If you would like to walk your pet, please have your child meet you at the school grounds boundary, outside the fenced areas.
• Students safe arrival and dismissal are our top priority. With this in mind, we ask that families give themselves ample time as you drive through our school community and are highly alert at the many crosswalks within the neighborhood . Please also take this time to review safety practices for the use of bicycles , electric bicycles and scooters throughout the pathways to school. Once on school grounds all riders are asked to dismount and walk.
• For more information about important building-wide procedures, please check-out our Student Handbook located on our school web page linked here.

Greeting Each Other to Start the Day
This past month, we have been focusing on the power of a warm greeting! Each morning, students and staff are encouraged to welcome one another with a smile, wave, or friendly hello. Starting the day with a positive connection helps set the tone for learning and builds a strong, caring school community. Ask your child who they greeted today!

Second Step: Goal Setting & Growth Mindset
Our Second Step lessons are underway! Students are learning how to set goals and practice a growth mindset—understanding that skills and knowledge grow with effort, practice, and perseverance. These important life skills help children take on challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate progress.

We encourage families to ask their children about the goals they are setting and the strategies they’re using to keep trying, even when things feel tough. Together, we can support our students in becoming confident, resilient learners!

Check out all the happenings at Prairie Hills Elementary by checking out our calendar linked here.