Parent Newsletter August 2026

Dear Stevenson Families,

I hope you've had a wonderful summer and found time to relax, make memories, and enjoy being together as a family. As August approaches, there is a great deal of excitement here at Stevenson. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, welcome! We are so glad you're part of our Stevenson family.

There has been a lot happening behind the scenes to get ready for another incredible year. Our teachers have been planning meaningful learning experiences, our office staff has been busy enrolling new families and preparing for the first day, our custodial team has the building looking fantastic, and our PTO is already hard at work planning opportunities to bring our school community together. Everyone is excited to welcome our students back.

Our theme this year is Strong Roots, New Growth. It's a reminder that while we stay grounded in the relationships, traditions, and values that make Stevenson special, we also challenge ourselves to keep growing. Every student, every staff member, and every family has an important role in helping our school continue to flourish.

You'll continue to hear us talk about being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. These aren't just school rules—they're the foundation of the positive culture we work to create every day. We want every child to feel seen, valued, challenged, and excited to come to school.

You'll also continue to hear me talk about Ubuntu—"I am because we are." It's a simple but powerful reminder that we are better together. When we support one another, celebrate one another, and work together as partners, amazing things happen for kids. That sense of community is one of the things I love most about Stevenson.

It is truly an honor to serve as your principal. Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. I can't wait to welcome our Tigers back and begin another year of learning, laughter, and growth.

Here's to an amazing school year!

Ubuntu: We Are One!

With appreciation,

Mrs. Shook
Principal, Stevenson Elementary

(Kindergarten is by appointment only - Our office staff will be reaching out soon.)

On this day, parents are welcome to park on the street, walk their child to the classroom, and help carry in school supplies. If you're unable to come in, or if your child prefers to do it independently, that's perfectly fine too. Students are welcome to bring a few supplies each day until everything has made its way to school.

Every child is different. For some, having a parent walk them in provides comfort and confidence. For others, saying goodbye at the front door helps make the transition easier. We encourage you to do what works best for your child—we'll be here to welcome and support them either way!

Thursday, Aug. 20th - First Full Day for all students

• Friday, August 14th: 4pm Class Lists will be available on Skyward

• Tuesday, August 18th : Popsicle Social on the Playground 2-3p (Family event)

• Wednesday, August 19th: First 1/2 Day of school for 1st-5th and All DLP (kindergarten is by appoint only)

• Thursday, August 20th: First FULL day for ALL students including Kindergarten
• Tuesday, August 25th: School Orientation grade 1st-5th grade 5p-7p
• Monday, September 7th: No School

• Thursday, September 3rd: Fall Picture Day

• Friday, September 25th: School Improvement Day - NO SCHOOL

Each year brings positive change. This includes a few additions to our staff. We feel like we hit the lottery with these new staff members! We are delighted to welcome these new staff members along with several new paraprofessionals, lunchroom supervisors, interns, and student teachers.

• Drop off: Use right lane ONLY: It is very dangerous for students to be dropped off in the left lane.
• Please use the drop-off lane for dropping off, not parking.
• Only use the forward designated parking spaces for parking: If you need to run into the building, please park in the parking spaces NOT the drop-off lane. This causes traffic to back up.
• Please do not leave your car to walk your student to the door. We will have staff out there to help escort students to the appropriate place.
• Doors open at 8:45 regardless of outside weather. (We will open on the bell): There will not be supervision outside the school prior to 8:30am.

Breakfast at Stevenson

8:30am

• Front doors will open for breakfast eaters (ONLY)

• All students will enter through the front doors now unless they are bus riders.

• Students will sit in café by class assigned tables

• Students will get 15 minutes to eat their breakfast

• Between 8:45-9:00 students will be transitioning to their classroom.

8:45am

• Front doors open to all students when the bell rings.

• All non-breakfast eaters will report directly to their classroom.

• If a student wants breakfast, they report directly to the cafeteria.

• These students will be released to the classroom at 8:55.

8:55 am or later

• Late Arrival: (after 9:00am) - Please have your child check in the office. They will be marked “tardy” and will need a pass for class.

• Students who arrive at school late and want breakfast will get a grab and go meal to take to class.

Stevenson families,

We appreciate your patience during dismissal. For the safety of all students, staff, and family members, it is important that we know how your child is getting home from school each day. Dismissal begins at 3:10pm and students must be picked up by 3:30pm. We understand plans can change, but we ask that you try to remain as consistent as possible to avoid confusion and drastically improve efficiency.

• The office staff are not able to accommodate changes in the dismissal status of your student(s) after 2:45pm. In the event of a last minute emergency, you may contact us but, please be patient and flexible.

Please click on the RED link below and complete this form for EACH child that attends Stevenson. The sooner we can get this information, the better we can plan. You will notice that you will choose how your child will get home for each day of the week. This will help teachers tremendously in getting your student in the right place.

What we ask of our parents:

• Car Line Parents:

• Please do not get out of your car in the circle drive and walk to the building.

• Have your students name/grade sign in the passenger side window. (We will provide this)

• Walker Parents:

• Your staging place will be in the outside classroom with the red picnic tables. Feel free to sit at the table and wait for your student to exit with their teacher.

• Please do not come to the front doors and stand.

• Please do not stand or huddle by the cafe doors. We need space to safely bring students out.

• Once you have your student(s), please exit the area.

Thank you so much for your support and patience.

Mrs. Shook

Please complete for every student you have at Stevenson, once classroom teachers have been announced. For the safety of all students, staff, and family members, it is important that we know how your child is getting home from school each day. We will always default to the information you have provided on this form.

He is the District 87 resource officer for all the elementary schools. You will see him at our school events, dismissal and arrival, visiting classrooms, in the cafeteria, and in and around the entire school. He cares deeply for our students and wants to build relationships while helping to keep our schools safe. If you see him, please say hello!

• If you are interested in your child receiving a Hope Pack (small bag of non-perishable food for the weekend) please complete this Google form by Friday, September 4th. A paper copy of the form will also be coming home with your student if you would prefer to sign-up for the Hope Pack that way. https://forms.gle/v5TgbCsmS3vzC4JH9

• Stevenson dental clinic is TBD. Nurse Peck will be reaching out soon with information.

School safety is a high priority at District 87. In order to best protect our students, visitors, and staff, we have a system to track who comes in and out of our buildings. It is IMPORTANT that ALL visitors will be REQUIRED to show a valid, government-issued ID upon entry.

School Hours: 9:00am - 3:15pm

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Be sure to check the D87 calendar for important dates to remember!

Attendance is SO important! We strive for everyone to be here every day. If you are sick or out of town or running late, it is your responsibility and the state law to let the office know before 10am the day of the absence/tardy. You can call the office anytime before 10am at 309.663.2351 and talk to one of our administrative assistants.

Student Placement
A great deal of time, effort and thought has gone into the process of student placement (Class lists) for the upcoming school year. On Friday, August 14th at 4pm these will be posted on Skyward. You will be able to log into Skyward to see your student's teacher.

With input from staff, careful consideration was given to these placements while considering student learning styles. Classrooms have been balanced academically and socially. Our class lists are structured to provide equitable class sizes at each grade level. Moving students is difficult without causing imbalances and inequities.

Thank you so much for being positive with your child and helping him or her understand that it is impossible to place all students with a preferred best friend or teacher. ALL of our staff works hard to make school a positive experience for ALL students. Stevenson is eagerly looking forward to enriching your child’s life. Thank you for understanding that it can take a few weeks for a child to acclimate to a new grade, peer group and teacher. We are here to help, and we are good at it!

Promise Councils are committed to supporting students based on three key areas identified by local teachers and staff: Reach out to either Mrs. Pruett or Ms. Burke if you have a need.

1. Providing more adult mentors for students
2. Meeting physical needs of students when they stand in the way of academic achievement
3. Increasing opportunities for parental engagement

At Stevenson, we believe in the philosophy of Ubuntu, which means "I am because we are." It reminds us that we are all connected and that our words, actions, and choices have an impact on those around us. Ubuntu teaches the importance of kindness, respect, empathy, and taking care of one another. It encourages us to celebrate each other's successes, support one another through challenges, and recognize that our school is strongest when we work together. Throughout the year, you'll hear us talk about Ubuntu as we continue building a school community where every child and every family feels seen, valued, and connected.

This is our district-wide Social/Emotional Curriculum. It is based on these 7 principles.