Cherrydale Primary School
Cheetah Newsletter February 18 , 2026
From the Principal
Happy Wednesday Cherrydale Families!
As we move through the middle of February, our students are working hard and making steady progress. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce strong learning habits at home, especially in reading and math.
Reading at Home
Just 15–20 minutes of reading each day makes a tremendous difference. You can support your child by:
- Listening to them read aloud
- Taking turns reading pages
- Asking questions like, “What happened first?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
- Encouraging them to retell the story in their own words
Talking about books strengthens comprehension just as much as the reading itself!
Math at Home
Math practice doesn’t have to feel like extra homework. Everyday moments offer great opportunities to build number sense:
- Practice math facts in the car or at dinner
- Count change or compare prices at the store
- Cook together and talk about measurements and fractions
- Ask, “How did you figure that out?” to build problem-solving skills
Short, consistent practice builds confidence and fluency over time.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s growth. The teamwork between school and home makes all the difference!
Warm Regards,
Christine Firth, Principal
February
2/18 - School Board Meeting 6pm @ PDC
2/23-2/27 - Fire Department Visits
2/25 - ACE Day (early release 2:35)
March:
3/4 - ACE Day (early release 2:35)
3/10 - Spring Picture Day
Around the School
Lunar New Year Parade
Yesterday, our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten students proudly marched through the hallways, bringing the spirit of Lunar New Year to life.
Students worked together to create two beautiful dragons that made quite an impression along the parade route, symbolizing strength, luck, and prosperity for the new year. Students crafted colorful lanterns, face masks, and designed festive decorations in bright reds and yellow.
Staff and students lined the hallways to cheer on our youngest scholars. It was a wonderful way to honor Lunar New Year.
From the Office
Health & Attendance
Details on the SHSD attendance policy can be found in the SHSD Family and Student Handbook.
In case of absences, parents are required to notify the school office and provide the student's name and reason for absence. The student is responsible for completing missed work. Students should notify their teacher(s) if they have a planned absence to arrange for the make-up of any lessons or assigned work that day.
All planned absences should be reported to the office. Please submit the Planned Absence Request form at least one week prior to the first day of the absence. This advance notice allows teachers adequate time to prepare assignments and materials so your student can stay on track while away.
Cherrydale office phone: 253.983.2500
Cherrydale office email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Cherrydale PSQ: Cherrydale Office / Attendance Secretary
February At A Glance
Panda Express Fundraiser 2/19
Volunteer Opportunities
Love starting your day with a smile? We are looking for cleared volunteers to help keep traffic flowing safely and smoothly. Please check in at the office at 8:55 a.m. Thank you for helping make drop-off safe and smooth!
We would love to have you volunteer. If you are a new parent to the district or first time volunteer, please click on the link to get clearance to volunteer. Please submit your completed application at least two (2) weeks before the expected volunteer service start date. Volunteer status is valid for 2 years.
Have questions about volunteering in SHSD?
Contact Shsdvolunteers@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
WATCH D.O.G.S. - email: cherrydalewatchdogs@yahoo.com
Cherrydale PTA - email: CherrydalePTA@gmail.com
Counselor's Corner
February's Character Trait of the month
Love & Logic Articles From Our Counselor
For interesting and helpful information on a variety of topics, click Love & Logic.
Would picking up a weekly bag of non-perishable groceries help your family?
To participate on Cherrydale's Weekend Grocery Program, send a ParentSquare message to Lanae Olson (Cherrydale's School Counselor) or leave her a voicemail at 253-983-2504.
Click here to see original post.
Looking for a way to help others? Click Steilacoom Food Pantry and Caring for Kids
A big thank you to all of the PeaceBuilders "Helping Others" in our community!
Food Services would like to hear from you.
Please take a moment to fill out their survey.
Community Events
Swing Dancing 2/21
Puzzle Competition 3/21
Bunny Breakfast 4/4
Helpful Links
Follow Cherrydale on Facebook
Follow SHSD on Instagram
Cherrydale Primary School
Phone: (253) 983-2500
Email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Location: 1201 Galloway Street, Steilacoom, WA, USA