Knights News

Dear Families,

As we move through the fall season, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Our students have been working hard, and it has been wonderful to see their growth both academically and socially. Together, we are building a positive and successful learning environment for every child.

Second Quarter Begins

The second quarter begins on October 26. This is an exciting opportunity for students to set new goals, continue developing strong learning habits, and build upon the success they achieved during the first quarter. We encourage families to talk with their children about their accomplishments and aspirations for the months ahead.

No School for Students – Teacher Training Day

Please note that there will be no school for students on November 3 as our teachers participate in professional development and training. These learning opportunities allow our staff to strengthen instructional practices and continue providing the highest quality education for our students.

Thanksgiving Break

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded of how grateful we are for our students, families, staff, and community. We wish everyone a joyful holiday filled with family, friends, and cherished traditions.

Thanksgiving Break Dates:

November 26 and November 27

School will be closed during these dates.

We hope this time provides an opportunity for rest, reflection, and quality time with loved ones.

A Message of Gratitude

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference in the success of our students. We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving season!

Warm regards,

Kevin Finkey
Principal
Unity Elementary School

Tuesday, November 3rd, will be a day off for all Staff and Students for Voting Day! There is no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter! Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the World!

School will be dismissed 2 hours early on Wednesday, November 25th, and there will be no school for Staff or Students on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th for Thanksgiving Break! Enjoy your time with family and friends!

Congratulations to these three amazing women for receiving recognition as Staff Members of the Month for October!

Ms. James - Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Mohr - Paraprofessional

Ms. Greigg - TAG Teacher (not pictured)

Each month, our school comes together to celebrate students who go above and beyond to demonstrate a special character skill! This month, we focused on Responsibility.

Responsibility means taking action and understanding the impact of our choices; following through on commitments and doing your best work; recognizing how your words, behaviors, and choices affect yourself, other people, and the broader school or local community; being accountable for your actions, keeping promises, being prepared, and admitting mistakes rather than making excuses

Congratulations to the following Unity students who were nominated by their teachers for showing Responsibility:

The next Bring A Book, Take a Book event will be held on Wednesday, November 25th, from 8:15-8:30 am. in the library.

When entering Unity Avenue (in front of the school), please stay in the left lane so that buses may pass on the right. Also, we prefer that parents just pull up to the cross walk and drop off their students. However, if you choose to park your car and escort your student into the building, please park on the far (left side) of the parking lot only (past the crosswalk). This year, Unity Staff has been instructed to only park on the right hand side of the lot (before the crosswalk).

Hopefully this will prevent cars driving through the crosswalk area while students are attempting to cross.

Mr. Chapman wants to congratulate the 176 Unity students that were absent for one or less days during the entire first quarter! These students all receive certificates for Excellent Attendance and a prize from Mr. Chapman. They also had their photo taken with their certificates. (Please see photos below)

Congratulations to these students, and always remember Mr. Chapman's slogan:

IN SCHOOL, ON TIME, EVERYDAY!

This is just a reminder that all students must pay school fees each year. The school fees per student for the 26-27 school year is $34. These fees can be paid on myschoolbucks.com by credit card, or they can be paid in the office with cash or check.

School will dismiss at 1:30 on Fridays again this school year! Please be aware and make sure appropriate transportation has been arranged for your students. If your students take the bus, they will arrive at their bus stop 2 hours earlier than their normal time on Fridays

Just a reminder that Parents/Guardians will be allowed to eat lunch with their students in our cafeteria on Fridays Only! Parents/Guardians are welcome to bring lunch in with them or purchase an adult lunch from our cafeteria for $5.45.

Fall Picture Re-take Day at Unity will be on Friday, November 6th. Only students who were absent on the original picture day, newly enrolled students, or students whose parents contact the office requesting a re-take will be photographed on this day! Parents/Guardians will receive both an email, and a proof sent home with your students a few days after the re-take day, with instructions on how to order pictures.

Both alcohol-based hand sanitizers and hand-washing are effective ways of preventing disease, but remember these important facts:

Hand sanitizers are not as effective when dirt is visible on hands. Hand washing with soap and water, singing the “Happy Birthday” song, should be used to remove the oil and grime where bacteria can live.

Hand sanitizers should not be used in place of soap and water:

- when preparing food

- after restroom use

- when changing diapers

Hand sanitizers will not work in killing certain viruses or bacteria such as:

Cryptosporidium - causes diarrhea.

Norovirus – causes stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up.

Clostridium difficile – causes watery diarrhea.

Clean hands are one of the best ways to prevent infection or disease.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

No School Day and Thanksgiving Break

There will be no school on Tuesday, November 3 for staff professional development.

School will be dismissed two hours early on Wednesday, November 25 for Thanksgiving break. There will be no school on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. School will resume on Monday, November 30.

With the cooler temperatures upon us, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the colder winter. Even during the winter season, the District allows recess and outdoor activities to continue as usual, so it is important that students have the right winter weather clothing. When the temperature feels like 15 degrees or lower, students are kept inside for recess and activities. Students should be prepared for the cooler weather with a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. If your student does not have access to cold-weather apparel, please contact our school office.

The weather in Iowa can be unpredictable. If the weather requires us to delay the start of our school day, cancel school for the day, or dismiss school early, information will be sent to families through email, text, and voicemail. This information is also posted to our social media sites and the District website.

Please remember that parents and guardians have the right to make the decision to keep their child home on any day they feel it is unsafe for their student to be in school because of weather conditions. If you believe the weather provides a sincere reason why you may have to keep your student at home, or take your student home when classes are scheduled to continue, you, as a parent or guardian, will simply need to contact our school office to let us know.

Please click on the link below for more information:

https://www.siouxcityschools.org/page/careers)