Tiger News
Arrey Elementary, December 2025
Dear Arrey Elementary School Community,
As we head into winter break, I want to take a moment to thank our students, families, staff, and community for everything you do to support Arrey Elementary. This semester has been busy, productive, and full of growth, and I’m incredibly proud of our Tigers and the hard work I see every day.
I hope you all enjoy a restful and joyful winter break with your loved ones. Students will return on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, ready to continue the great work we’ve started together.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school family.
Happy Holidays!
Ms. Brandy Williams
Principal
Arrey Elementary School
As AES students prepare for middle of the year assessments in Reading, Math and Science, we want to share with you the progress we have made so far in Amira! Amazing job, AES! Keep up the hard work!
Reading Proficiency Growth (K–5 | September → November)
Kindergarten: 25% → 69%
1st Grade: 21% → 42%
2nd Grade: 30% → 30% (maintained proficiency)
3rd Grade: 40% → 45%
4th Grade: 7% → 25% (0% on iMSSA BOY)
5th Grade: 28% → 57%
Math Proficiency Growth (K–2 | September → November) (3-5 is not assessed in Amira Math)
Kindergarten: 50% → 69%
1st Grade: 35% → 42%
2nd Grade: 20% → 30%
Congratulations to our classroom spelling bee winners! We will have our schoolwide annual Spelling Bee on January 13, 2026. Winter Break is a great time to study the words and be prepared for this awesome academic competition! These are great words to know even if you aren't in the schoolwide spelling bee :)
Official Arrey Elementary 2025/2026 Spelling Bee Contestants
1st Grade:
- Matias Pacheco
- Huxley Knull
- Cadence Burner
- Ximena Hernandez
2nd Grade:
- Karen Portillo
- Raylan Chavez
- Yareli Sanchez
- Analyia Hernandez
- Arianna Mendieta
3rd Grade:
- Natalia Baquera
- Danna Breceda
- Ari Fernandez
- Kayleen Martinez
- Joaquin Villa
4th Grade:
- Antonio Gomez.
- Santiago Rios Torres.
- Saul Pachecho.
- Marcos Mendieta
- Estevan Sanchez
- Isaiah Hernandez
- Bailey Napie
5th Grade:
- Santi Villa
- Jaime Aguierre
- Galilea Jacquez
- Cim Bilko
- Jayla Davis
- Jaeda Davis
- DominiQ Arredondo
- Dec. 1-4: K-5 Amira Reading Mid-Year Test, K-2 Amira Math Mid-Year Test
- Dec. 8-11: 3-5 Amplify Science & iMSSA Reading & Math Mid-Year Test
- Dec. 15-18: AES Holiday Spirit Week
- Dec. 17: Santa & Mrs. Claus visit AES
- Dec. 18: AES Winter Program, 9:00am
- Dec. 18: Last Day of 1st Semester
- January 6, 2026: All AES Students Return
** Please note: Friday, January 9th and Friday, January 23rd are school days **
AES November Attendance Rate: 91%
Chronic Absenteeism: 44%
** Attendance Matters! Please try your best to be at school all day, everyday! **
Hi Families!
Happy December!
The art room is filling up with beautiful decorative objects. Our amazing student artists will take lovely surprises home right before break. Please ask your child about the work that they are doing in art class! Hopefully they will be able to share some knowledge and ideas.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are working with model magic clay in order to make mini sculptures. Each grade is working with a different theme that builds on ideas that were discussed earlier in the year.
When we return from break, everyone will work to make art for the American Legion Auxiliary’s Poppy Poster competition. This is a great way for our students to use their art skills to express gratitude to our veterans, and engage with our local community.
We are in need of egg cartons again. If you finish a carton, please send it in with your student. We also need your discarded holiday cards when you are done with them (unless you keep them forever!). Students really enjoy making recycled cards in December, so we will save your cast offs to use next year!
As always, please reach out with questions or concerns or ideas. We welcome your input about current and future art projects!
Be well,
Thea Storz
Rhonda Nickles
Art Supplies to have at home:
Crayons, markers, glue, scissors, watercolor paints, paper, modeling clay, model magic clay.
Fun art websites:
parentguidance.org
Got burning questions about parenting, relationships, or your child's well-being? Submit them
anonymously before or during a live session with a skilled therapist who provides thoughtful,
personalized answers - to as many questions as possible.
Sign-up for free here! - https://cookcenter.info/ATLDec9
Why should you be excited? Because it's YOUR chance to:
1. Gain expert advice: Everyone can use help navigating the complexities of parenthood
2. Ask questions anonymously: Feel free to ask anything without fear, as all questions are
submitted anonymously. Your privacy is our priority!
3. Be part of a supportive community: Connect with fellow parents facing similar challenges,
and let's foster a network of understanding and empathy.
Mark your calendars for the session on Tuesday, December 9 at [pick time zone for your district -
8pm ET, 7pm CT, 6pm MT, 5pm PT] and get ready to embark on a journey to improve self-
discovery and family well-being!
