Toler Times

Hello Dolphin Families!

We made it through another week! I have loved hearing all about our Dolphins' Halloween adventures. From impressive candy hauls to creative costumes and trick-or-treating stories, it sounds like everyone had a wonderful time! I am still trying to figure out how we are already in November and heading toward Thanksgiving and fall break. This school year is flying by!

It also seems like the season of sniffles has officially arrived at Toler! We have had quite a few colds making their way through campus, affecting both students and staff. Unfortunately, I haven't escaped it either! I spent Friday wearing a mask, and all I could think was, How on earth did we do this every single day for so long?! I have a whole new appreciation for those mask-free days! As we head into the weekend, let's all do our best to rest, recharge, and keep those germs from making the rounds.

The good news is that we have a beautiful San Diego weekend to look forward to! November sunshine is one of the many reasons we are so lucky to live here. I hope your family gets a chance to enjoy some fresh air, soak up a little sunshine, and spend time together. Whether you're heading to the beach, cheering from the sidelines at a soccer game, or simply enjoying a slow morning with nowhere to be, I hope it's a wonderful weekend.

Here's to sunshine, and healthy Dolphins,

Kristy

Parent-Teacher Conferences: November 16–20 The entire week is minimum days, 1:00 pm dismissal.

Parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner! If you have not already done so, please be sure to sign up for a conference time with your child's teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child's growth, review their progress, discuss goals, and strengthen our partnership in supporting their success.

A Reminder About Conference Scheduling

At Toler, we schedule one parent-teacher conference per student. We ask that all parents and guardians participate in the same conference so that everyone has the opportunity to hear the same information, review student work samples, ask questions, and develop a shared understanding of their child's progress and next steps.

We recognize that families have different schedules and circumstances. If attending in person is difficult, teachers can provide a Zoom link so that parents can participate virtually. Our goal is to ensure that all parents have access to the same information while keeping our conferences collaborative, consistent, and focused on student success.

Thank you for partnering with us. We look forward to celebrating all the wonderful learning and growth happening at Toler!

Toler Families, We Need Your Help!

Throughout the school year, families are asked to complete important forms through the Parent Portal. While some of these forms help our school and district receive valuable funding, others provide important information that helps us better support our students and families.

Our goal is 100% participation from all Toler families, and we need your help to get there.

Please log in to your Parent Portal and make sure you have completed the following forms:

1. Family Resource Guide

2. Health Information Exchange Consent Form

3. Housing Questionnaire

4. Universal Form

5. Federal Impact Aid Survey

Why Does This Matter?

These forms do more than collect information. They help ensure our school and district have the resources and information needed to support our students.

The Federal Impact Aid Survey, which opens October 26, is especially important because it helps San Diego Unified qualify for federal funding that supports programs, resources, and services for students.

Please note that the Impact Aid Survey is separate from the other Parent Portal forms. Even if you have already completed your paperwork this year, you will still need to complete this additional survey. All information is handled confidentially according to district procedures.

We Still Have 27 Families Who Have Not Set Up Their Parent Portal

If you are one of these families, we would love to help you get connected. The Parent Portal is an important tool for staying informed, accessing student information, and completing required school forms.

If you need help creating your account or accessing your forms, please contact our front office. We are happy to assist.

Let's get to 100%, Dolphins. Every family's participation makes a difference, and taking just a few minutes to complete these forms helps support our entire Toler community.

Thank you for being our partners in making Toler a wonderful place for all students to learn and grow.

Monthly Character Focus: Lead with Empathy

Dear Toler Families,

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong, and then someone says something kind, offers to help, or simply makes you laugh? Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. That is exactly what we are talking about this month at Toler.

Our SPLASH focus is Lead with Empathy, and we are helping our Dolphins understand that empathy is more than just being nice or recognizing how someone feels. It is about doing something with that understanding. It is choosing kindness, including others, and stepping up when someone needs a little support.

We want our Dolphins to be the ones who invite someone to join a game, notice when a friend is having a tough day, stand up for someone who needs help, and listen when someone has something important to share.

And here is the tricky part. Leading with empathy isn't always easy. Sometimes it means being kind to someone who hasn't been kind to you, including someone you don't usually play with, or taking a moment to understand another person's point of view instead of insisting that yours is the only one.

At Toler, we don't just talk about kindness. We lead with empathy.

Bringing SPLASH Home

The great thing about empathy is that it doesn't require special supplies, a fancy lesson, or even extra time. It happens in those little everyday moments.

Be a Feelings Detective

While watching a movie, reading a book, or even standing in line at the grocery store, ask your child, "How do you think that person is feeling?" Then take it one step further. "What could you do to help?" Understanding feelings is the first step. Taking action is what makes you a leader.

Let Them Catch You Leading with Empathy

Our kids are always watching us, even when we wish they weren't. Let them see you being patient, helping someone, or showing kindness when things don't go as planned. And yes, that includes those frustrating moments in traffic.

Try a Secret Empathy Mission

Challenge your child to take the lead and do something kind without being asked. Maybe it is inviting someone new to play, helping a sibling who is frustrated, or checking on a friend who seems sad. The challenge? Do it without expecting anything in return.

Change Up the Dinner Conversation

Instead of the usual "How was school?" which often gets us a thrilling "fine," try asking:

• "Did you notice anyone who needed a little kindness today?"

• "Did you help someone feel included?"

• "Was there a time you chose kindness even when it was hard?"

• "How did you make someone's day better?"

• "What could you do tomorrow to lead with empathy?"

These little conversations can lead to some pretty big thinking.

Our Dolphin Challenge

This month, we are challenging every Dolphin to be the first.

Be the first to say hello. Be the first to invite someone to play. Be the first to offer help. Be the first to listen. Be the first to show kindness, even when no one else does.

Because being a leader doesn't always mean being the loudest person in the room or the one in charge. Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who notice when someone needs a friend and do something about it.

At Toler, we want every child to feel seen, heard, valued, and included. That doesn't happen just because we say it. It happens because our students, staff, and families make it happen through their everyday actions.

Thank you for helping us raise Dolphins who not only think deeply and work hard, but also lead with big hearts. After all, being a great student is important, but being a great human is even better.

Proud to be a Dolphin!

Team Toler

Planning a family trip during the school year? We have an option to help your Dolphin stay connected to learning while away.

Did you know that San Diego Unified offers Short Term Independent Study for students who will miss 3 to 14 school days for a planned absence? With administrative approval, students can complete assigned schoolwork while away and receive attendance credit when the work is completed and returned according to the agreement.

How Does It Work?

1. Families must provide at least 5 school days' notice before the planned absence.

2. Visit the Toler front office to request Short Term Independent Study and complete the required district paperwork.

3. Our attendance clerk, Nora, will coordinate with your child's teacher.

4. Teachers will prepare assignments and the agreement before your child leaves.

5. Students must return their completed assignments to their teacher on the day they return to school.

Learning Doesn't Stop When Dolphins Explore

We know that family trips, visiting loved ones, and experiencing new places can create wonderful learning opportunities. Short Term Independent Study helps students stay connected to classroom learning while they are away.

If your family has upcoming travel plans, please stop by the front office as early as possible so we can help determine whether Short Term Independent Study is an option for your child.

Good Attendance Matters: Every School Day Counts

At Toler, every day of learning matters.

One of our schoolwide goals is to reduce chronic absenteeism and ensure every Dolphin has the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel connected to our school community.

Did you know that a student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year? That's just 18 days in a typical 180 day school year, or about two days each month. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward chronic absenteeism.

Why Does Attendance Matter?

When students miss school regularly, they miss more than assignments. They miss important opportunities to:

• Build foundational reading, writing, and math skills.

• Participate in classroom discussions and collaborative learning.

• Develop friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging.

• Practice new skills and build on previous lessons.

• Grow in confidence as successful, independent learners.

Even a few missed days each month can add up over time and make it more challenging for students to keep pace with classroom learning.

We Understand That Life Happens

Children get sick, family emergencies arise, and sometimes students need to stay home. If your child is ill, please keep them home to rest and recover. Remember to notify our office and clear the absence.

For planned trips of 3 to 14 school days, Short Term Independent Study may be an option to help your child continue learning and receive attendance credit for completed work under an approved agreement. Please contact our office at least five school days in advance.

Let's Work Together, Dolphins

Our goal is not just better attendance numbers. It's making sure every student has access to the learning experiences, relationships, and opportunities that help them thrive.

Thank you, Toler families, for making school attendance a priority and for partnering with us to help every Dolphin succeed.

Become a Toler PTA Community Sponsor!

Our Toler PTA is looking for community sponsors to help support the wonderful programs, events, and opportunities that make our school such a special place! If you own a local business or know someone who might be interested in supporting our Dolphins, we would love to connect!

Please reach out to the Toler PTA for more information about sponsorship opportunities. Thank you for helping our school community thrive!

Monday 11/9/26 School Spirit

Tuesday 11/10/26 PTA Meeting, 6:00 @ Bay Hill Tavern

Wednesday 11/11/26 Veteran's Day No School

Thursday 11/12/26

Friday 11/13/26

11/16 -11/20 Minimum Days Fall Conferences

11/23-11/27 Fall Break

11/30 Return to School

12/16 Winter Performance

12/18 Minimum Day

12/19-1/4 Winter Break

1/5 Return to School

1/15/27 Minimum Day

1/18 Non Instructional Day No School

2/11/27 Minimum Day

2/12-2/15 Presidents Day -Long Weekend

3/23-3/26 Minimum Days Spring Conferences