Cherrydale Primary School

Happy Wednesday Cherrydale Families,

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already just two and a half weeks away from Winter Break! Here's what's coming up this December:

Title I Night – “Lights and Literacy” (December 11)
Join us on Thursday, December 11, beginning at 4:30 PM for our Title I family event, Lights and Literacy! We’ll provide engaging literacy activities for all ages with special guest readers in conjunction with our annual Tree Lighting at 5:20 PM. We hope to see you there for this festive and fun evening.

PTA Polar Express Send-Off (December 19)
To help our students head into break with some extra cheer, the PTA will be hosting a Polar Express–themed celebration on Friday, December 19, complete with hot chocolate for all students. Pajamas are welcome if your child’s teacher has shared that option!

Cold Weather Reminder
As temperatures continue to drop, please be sure students come to school dressed warmly—coats, hats, and gloves make a big difference for outdoor arrival, recess, and dismissal.

Winter Break (December 22 – January 2)
School will be closed for Winter Break from December 22 through January 2. School will resume on Monday, January 5th.

We’re looking forward to a joyful and productive December with our school community!

Warm Regards,

Christine Firth, Principal

12/4 - 1st Grade Field Trip to Pantages Theater

12/10 - ACE Day (early release 2:35pm)

12/11 - Lights & Literacy Night 4:30-5:30pm

12/11 - Tree Lighting 5:00-5:30pm

12/17 - ACE Day (early release 2:35pm)

12/22 - 1/2 - Winter Break (no school)

Last week TK, Kindergarten, and Ms. Taylor's class explored the picture book biography of Tony Sarg — the brilliant puppeteer who created the very first giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

To bring the story to life, our students planned, designed, and built their own parade balloons. The entire school came out to support their creativity.

Every December there is a window of opportunity specifically for kindergarten students to apply for the district’s Highly Capable Program. Any family is welcome to apply. Students who qualify may have advanced academic skills, display an abundance of creativity, or are amazing thinkers. Application forms are found on the district’s website on this page: Highly Capable Program. Applications are due December 19, 2025. Evaluation and testing will be completed in January, 2026. If you have any questions about the program feel free to contact me via Parent Square or email at hengstrom@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Please take a moment to fill out our withdrawal form.

When your student will be late, leaving early, or absent altogether, please notify the office.

If the Tardy, Early Release or Absence is due to an appointment, please bring a note from the doctor's office.

Hot Cocoa Express Sign-up

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 signed up 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

December's Character Trait of the month

For interesting and helpful information on a variety of topics, click Love & Logic.

The Love & Logic Blog

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!

Click to view menu on website (scroll down to find the current month) or you can print the attachment below.

Helpful Ins & Outs

Cherrydale Planned Absence Request

Attendance & Dismissal/Transportation Changes

Adverse Weather Information

Skyward Family Access

ParentSquare

Enrollment/Withdrawals/Transfers

Food Service

Student Fees & Fines

Transportation

SHSD Employment Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

School, Family, Community Resources

Are you looking for reliable and convenient before and after school childcare for your student? This daycare is run by Right At School but is physically located here at Cherrydale. Click Right At School at Cherrydale for their website.

Phone: (253) 983-2500

Email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Location: 1201 Galloway Street, Steilacoom, WA, USA