Pence Newsletter

Parents/Guardians-

Time sure does fly, and these breaks remind us of what is most important in life. Hard to believe, but it is 2025! It sure was great seeing students come back on Tuesday. There were lots of smiles, hugs and laughter in the halls and it warmed my heart to hear a student tell me, "Merry New Year, Mrs. Jones!" However you rang in the new year, may the days ahead at Pence be merry & bright!

:)Mrs. Jones

If the temperature is above 60 degrees, the students may go outside with no coats. If the temperature is between 50-60 degrees, the students may go out without a coat if they have on long sleeves. If the temperature is between 32-50 degrees, we have students wear their coats. If the temperature is below 32, we have students wear a hat and gloves, along with their coats. If the “real feel” temperature is below 0 degrees, we do not allow students to go outside. These are the same rules for before school.

Students can be in the snow and walk around with snow boots, however, if they want to play in the snow, they will need snowpants. If your child is in need of boots or snow pants, please let us know. As always, wearing a hat & gloves is strongly encouraged anytime we are below 32 degrees.

On January 13th, we will begin our middle of the year FAST testing. As a district, we use the CBMr (fluency) test as our default test. Based on these scores, we assign students into reading intervention/ enrichment groups. If you ever have concerns about your child’s placement, please do not hesitate to talk with their teacher or myself.

Our December Trojan Superstars are those who exemplify Trojan Traits (Respectful, Responsible & Safe) in and out of the classroom. We are honored to recognize these leaders within each class.

2Bo- The December Trojan Trait Superstar in 2Bo is someone who has shown significant growth inside our class and outside the classroom. This student comes to school ready to learn and is always completing their work on time without having to be reminded. They really put first things first. I can always count on him to participate in classroom discussions as well. Aside from the school work this student doesn’t hesitate to help other kids if they see that they may need a helping hand. Our December Trojan Superstar is XZay McElroy. I’m very proud of you. Keep up the great work!

2B- The 2B December Trojan Superstar is someone who enters the classroom each day with a smile on her face and shows excitement about the day ahead. This Superstar has a winning attitude about her schoolwork, and alway goes out of her way to make others feel included. She is a hard worker and a positive role model for other students. She is always willing to participate in classroom discussions and share her ideas. She listens to the thoughts and concerns of others and uses kind words to encourage them. She sets goals and works hard to achieve them. Our December Trojan Superstar is Brayton Buch. Thank you, Brayton, for being a great leader! We are so thankful to have you in our classroom. Keep up the good work! You truly are a Trojan Superstar!

2Bu- The 2Bu Trojan Trait Superstar for December is Ximena Pasillas! Ximena is such a sweet and caring student in and out of the classroom. I can always count on her to do the right thing even when no one is watching. She is kind to all her classmates and is always willing to help someone in need. Ximena is hardworking and asks questions if she needs clarification. Ximena is consistently setting examples for others to follow. Thank you Ximena for being such an awesome role model!

2J- The 2J Trojan Superstar for December is Lillian Muntz! Lillian is a wonderful friend with a big caring heart! Lillian can be seen throughout the day caring for those around her. She is quick to help others in need. She includes others during recess so that no one is left out. Lillian is a hard worker and always shows her best work throughout the day. She is a wonderful partner with her classmates. I can always count on her to be respectful and responsible with any activity that we are completing. I am so proud of your hard work and positive attitude! Keep it up Lilli!!

2M- The 2M Trojan Trait Superstar is a student who works hard each and every day! From the moment he enters the classroom, to the moment he leaves, he knows our class expectations and routines. He models those as a classroom leader. He does his best work during all parts of the school day. While working hard, he is always looking for ways that he can improve himself and his learning. This leader also has a sense of humor that keeps us laughing. Thank you for being you, Rylan Fisher! We are proud of you and are glad you are part of our class family!

3SM - The Trojan Trait Superstar in 3SM for December is Ayden Bolander! Ayden has a kind heart and is always reaching out to help others. He follows directions in the classroom, in the hallways, and at recess. Ayden tries his best on all of his work and wants to give it his all! He is always including others and is a great partner to any of his classmates. We are very lucky to have him in our class this year. Thank you for being so awesome!

3H- The 3H Trojan Trait Superstar for December is someone who is a creative thinker. His ability to talk through situations and come up with new ideas brings a fresh perspective to our classroom discussions. He listens to his classmates’ thoughts and adds to them respectfully. We can count on him to share his knowledge and excitement for learning. He asks questions when he is struggling and perseveres through tough tasks. His sense of humor brings a light to our classroom. Our December Superstar is Abe Garchik! Thanks for being a great example of Trojan Traits in our classroom! Keep up the great work, Abe!

3S- The Trojan Trait Superstar for 3S is someone that brightens our classroom with her positivity everyday. This superstar never fails to think win- win and to help decide what is best for everyone. She is an advocate for her classmates and is a proactive learner that wants to see everyone succeed. She shows integrity and grit in difficult situations and is always willing to help her peers. One classmate even stated that this superstar was the “nicest girl on earth”. Congratulations to the 3S TojanTrait Superstar Hazel Morgan. Hazel has been such a pillar of joy, positivity, and synergy and we are so lucky to have her in our class.

3O- The Trojan Trait Superstar for 3O is Jackson Bakker. Jackson is always respectful, responsible, and safe at Pence. He is a true leader in our classroom. Jackson is hardworking and puts first things first by completing all of his assignments in a timely manner. Jackson is a kind friend to all of his classmates, and is the first to help his friends and teachers without being asked to do so. We are so lucky to have a wonderful leader like you in our classroom, Jackson. Keep up your excellent work!

3M- 3M’s December Trojan Trait Superstar is someone who is a leader inside and out of the classroom. This student is known by her classmates to be a good listener and always willing to take time to help others. She is encouraging and has a kind heart. Many of Anna Carlson’s nominations mentioned that she is a hard worker and does the right thing even when teachers aren’t around. I can count on Anna to give her best effort even when things are tough. Her smile and humor are contagious and we are so glad she is in our 3M class family. Keep being a leader, Anna! I am proud of you!

4N- 4N’s December Trojan Trait Superstar is Aleya Simons. Aleya has shown tremendous personal growth from 3rd grade to 4th grade. She is accountable for her actions, listens to feedback, and makes adjustments quickly. Aleya is eager to help and will take initiative when she sees that something needs done. Aleya follows our classroom mission statement. I can count on her to help her classmates. The first one to offer to help,she does it in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity. Aleya, you are on your way to being a great leader! ⭐

4F- The Trojan Superstar for 4F is Canaan Freeman! I’m so proud of how hard Canaan works. He puts first things first to complete his work on time and to the best of his ability. Canaan volunteers during class and helps classmates with topics they might not understand. He is an awesome partner to his classmates and is so kind. Canaan is proactive by being in control of his behaviors and actions towards others. He is a good friend to others and very respectful towards adults and peers. Canaan is an amazing Trojan Superstar! He definitely deserves the honor! :)

4R- The Trojan Trait Superstar for 4R is Rehan Ahmed. Rehan is engaged in class and is ready to learn when he walks through the door. He has been making great leadership choices by not allowing others to influence his day. Rehan does a great job at being a leader in Math. He does a wonderful job at bringing smiles to his classmates when they need one. Congratulations Rehan, keep up the great work!

4T- The 4T Trojan Trait Superstar for December is someone who goes above and beyond each day as a leader. She is continuously striving to show others gratitude! You can count on her to hold you accountable in your WIGS because she is a wonderful listener. We look forward to her sharing her knowledge and understanding in class discussions. She asks for help when something is challenging and always gives her best effort at any given task. Each day she is willing to help out in the classroom to keep it organized and cleaned! We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to being a leader in our classroom! Congratulations, Reiss Longboat! I am so proud of you! Keep up the wonderful work Superstar!

4Ry- The Trojan Trait Superstar for 4Ry is Maddax Atwood! Maddax is a great friend to all students and treats others with kindness and respect. He is a hard worker and always puts forth his best effort. Maddax thoughtfully contributes to class discussions and group projects. His positive attitude and bright smile light up the classroom. I appreciate that he is trustworthy and I know that I can count on him to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Keep being your awesome self, Maddax!