Eagle Sightings October

It has been an amazing first month of school! We have had a focus on connections. Connections help students succeed in school by building a sense of belonging that boosts academic performance, attendance, and emotional well-being. We have been building connections with each other as staff, and building connections within our school and classroom communities. Staff are also working to build connections by ensuring that we are aligned in our school-wide expectations, our instruction, and our safety procedures.

Students are settling into the routines and expectations of their classrooms and the school. Teachers are designing lessons that are exciting and engaging as they plan for student success. As I walk through the halls and visit classrooms or chat with students at lunch and recess, I see so much joyful learning! Smiles are abundant as children connect with long-time friends and build relationships with new students.

Responsibility is our character trait of the month for October. The definition we are using at school for Responsibility is taking action and understanding the impact of our choices. Ask your child about what responsibility means to them, both at school and at home. We started out the month today connecting responsibility with September’s character trait, respect. It is our responsibility to treat others with respect.

I am also excited to report that FHES Eagles are SOARing! They are Safe, On task, Accountable, and Respectful. Ask an FHES child in your life what they have done (or will do) to earn a SOAR award! Awards are collected throughout the week, and on Friday, there is a drawing where one child from each grade level is chosen to come down to the office to select a prize. These include small items as well as experiences within the school, such as lunch bunches, being a VIP at an assembly, helping with announcements, and more! We are so proud of all of our SOARing eagles!

FHES is so grateful for the partnership we have with all of you, and we look forward to the continued collaboration as we work together to support our learners academically and socially/emotionally!

See you soon,

Holly Wehner

Thank you for setting your child up for success by ensuring they know their going-home plan before the start of the school day.

Please notify your child’s teacher and Jeanna Rheinberger at jeannarheinberger@sjisd.org or 360-378-5209 with any changes to your student's after-school plans and/or absence.

We understand that plans for going home may change during the day. When this happens, we can write a note to be delivered to your child. Please keep in mind that notes are delivered at 2:15 pm and on Wednesdays at 1:10 pm. Please let us know your plans before this time.

Please remind your child/ren about the following school policies:

• Personal electronic devices are not to be used at school. If a CELL PHONE OR SMARTWATCH is brought to school for afterschool use, it must remain in the student’s backpack until the end of the school day.

• No texting or calling from student devices during school hours.

• All communication to or from home must go through the school office.

Students are expected to remain on school grounds during school hours. Please notify your child’s teacher and Jeanna Rheinberger at jeannarheinberger@sjisd.org or 360-378-5209 if your child/ren must leave campus early for any reason. All students need to be signed out in the office by a parent or authorized adult.

Let's all work together to keep our school's parking areas safe and accessible for everyone. Only park in designated spots and be mindful of spaces reserved for others. Pick up and drop off area is meant for drivers to stay inside the vehicle and for students to jump out quickly. Please remember to drive slow, and do not cut into the drop off line. Picking up your student by the Rainbow Bench? Please do not cross between the busses! Please only use the crosswalk to cross the street.

• Keep bus lanes, fire lanes clear (all red zones), avoiding handicap spots (unless you have a valid permit). Including the top curb by the stairs.

• The drop-off area is only for quick pickups and drop-offs *No Parking*

• Picking up your student by the Rainbow Bench? Please do not cross between the busses! Please only use the crosswalk to cross the street.

Thank you for your cooperation!

As the school year starts to settle into a comfortable rhythm, life at home can feel like a blur of homework, practices, dinner prep, and bedtime routine. But if there is one simple, joyous daily habit that can transform your child’s brain and warm their heart, it’s this: reading aloud together. In her beloved book Reading Magic, author Mem Fox writes that "the fire of literacy is created by the sparks between a child, a book, and the person reading." That spark doesn’t have to fade once children can read on their own. In fact, keeping that flame burning throughout Kindergarten all the way through 5th grade is one of the greatest gifts we can give our learners.

Research shows that when we read aloud to our children—regardless of their age—we aren't just sharing a story; we are literally building their brains.

• Listening Comprehension Outpaces Reading Comprehension: Until around age 13, a child’s listening comprehension is significantly higher than their reading comprehension. When you read a rich, complex chapter book aloud to a 4th or 5th grader, they absorb advanced vocabulary, sophisticated sentence structures, and deep themes they couldn't comfortably navigate on their own…yet!

• The Vocabulary Boost: Studies show that children who are read to regularly at home are exposed to millions more words by the time they reach upper elementary school. Books contain far more rare and expressive words than our everyday spoken conversations!

• Background Knowledge & Empathy: Books open windows to the world. Reading aloud builds critical background knowledge across science and history, while helping kids walk in someone else's shoes, developing empathy and emotional intelligence.

Here are a few tips to inspire a reading routine:

1. Keep It Cozy & Pressure-Free: Pick a comfortable spot. It’s not a test, and there are no quizzes at the end! It’s simply a time to relax and enjoy a good story together.

2. Your Voice Matters: Don't be afraid to put on silly voices, slow down for suspense, or whisper during quiet moments. Your enthusiasm is contagious!

3. Talk and Wonder Together: Pause to giggle, express surprise, or ask, "What do you think will happen next?" Let the conversation flow naturally.

4. Choose Books You Both Love: From picture books with gorgeous art or a valuable lesson to suspenseful chapter books, graphic novels, or non-fiction - any book will do as long as you enjoy it. If you're excited about the book, your child will be, too.

Even just 10 to 15 minutes a day makes a world of difference. Whether you're tucked under a blanket with a Kindergartener or sharing a chapter of a mystery novel with your 5th grader before bed, you are laying a foundation for a lifetime of learning and love. Happy reading, Eagles!

Disagreement and conflict is normal and often happens when children get together. However, hurtful words, actions, or physically hurting are unacceptable ways to deal with problems at school. Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these challenging situations. To do this, we teach children to try at least two of “Kelso’s Choices” when dealing with typical interpersonal problems:

1. Go to another game or activity

2. Talk it out with the person

3. Walk away from the problem

4. Ignore the person

5. Tell the person to “please stop”, in a strong and respectful voice

6. Apologize

7. Make a deal or compromise

8. Wait and cool off (take deep breaths)

9. Share and take turns

Kids can use Kelso’s Choices before asking for adult help. When a request for adult help is made, they can say, “My friend is teasing me about my glasses. I tried ignoring him, and I’ve told him it hurts my feelings. He’s still calling me names.” Of course, any serious or unsafe conflicts that cause a child to feel threatened or frightened should be reported to an adult right away.

By using Kelso’s Choices, our students develop effective problem-solving skills that they can use again and again - both at school and at home! Knowing what to do will help students reduce the stress and frequency of conflicts they have with their peers. We encourage you to become familiar with Kelso’s Choices and use it in your home. By working together, we can help students to develop these healthy life skills.

Sincerely,

Terra Holmgren, School Counselor

Holly Wehner, Principal

Thursday, 10/1: 3-5 Choir Rehearsal Room 9, 2:45 pm

Sunday, 10/4: Spirit Wear Store Closes!

Monday, 10/5: Vision Screening

Tuesday, 10/6: Vision Screening

Thursday, 10/8: 3-5 Choir Rehearsal Room 9, 2:45 pm

Monday, 10/12: PTO Meeting FHES Library, 5:30 pm

Tuesday, 10/13: FREE Walk-In immunization clinic

Wednesday, 10/14: Conferences 11:10 am Dismissal

Wednesday, 10/14: Island Rec's Messy Me 2-3:30 pm FHES Gym

Wednesday, 10/14: FREE Walk-In immunization clinic

Thursday, 10/15: Conferences 11:10 am Dismissal

Friday, 10/16: Conferences 11:10 am Dismissal

Friday, 10/16: Island Rec's Touch-A-Truck 11:20am-12:20pm

Thursday, 10/22: Picture Retake Day, Class Picture Day

Thursday, 10/22: Choir Rehearsal Room 9, 2:45 pm

Friday, 10/23: Popcorn Day!

Thursday, 10/29: Choir Rehearsal Room 9, 2:45 pm

Friday, 10/30: Halloween Parade, 9 am

Wednesday, October 14, Thursday, October 15, and Friday, October 16 will be 11:10 a.m. dismissal days for Parent and Teacher Conferences. Sign-ups will be coming from teachers soon!

Please make sure your child knows their going-home plans before the school day starts.

We understand that going home plans may change during the day. When this happens we can write a note to be delivered to your child. Please be aware that notes are delivered at 2:15 pm, and Wednesdays at 1:10 pm. Please let us know your plans before this time, thank you!

Thank you for setting your child up for success by ensuring they know their going-home plan before the start of the school day.

Does your child/ren ride the bus? Every rider needs to have a current (this school year) bus form on file in order for them to ride. Students are required to have a bus note from the office if they are riding a different bus or getting off at a different spot ie: the library, clay club or linde fields.

If you have not completed your bus form for this school year, please complete it and return to the office as soon as possible.

Our FHES Spirit Wear store is now open!

If you'd like to order a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or other item, please use the link to our online store.

FHES Spirit Wear

The order deadline is Sunday, October 4, 2026.

To ensure students' safety while they wait for the bus or walk to school , please keep the following in mind:

Enhance visibility: If your child waits for the bus near the road, make sure they are as visible as possible by having them wear bright or reflective clothing or accessories.

Stick to safe paths: If your child walks to or from school, remind them to use the walking path and not to cross the street into the parking lot.

Supervise younger children: Younger students benefit from walking with an older sibling or an adult, especially on darker mornings.

We appreciate your help in making sure students arrive at school safely.

Please remember that all visitors must check in with the office and wear a visitor badge while on school grounds during school hours.

All Friday Harbor Elementary students are invited to enter their own creative cover design for

this year’s yearbook.

Your cover may be:

• A photo or a photo collage of your own photos
• Artwork created by you: Any medium is acceptable

Your cover must be:

• Your own original work
• 8.5” X 11” white paper (Portrait Layout)

Your cover must include the following information:

• Name of the school (Friday Harbor Elementary)
• The year of the yearbook (2026-2027)
• Please do not write your name on the entry, only include it on the paperclipped entry form

Suggested themes/designs:

• Eagles Mascot
• Island Location
• Learning & Academics
• Music, Science, Art & PE

Deadline: Friday, October 23rd.

Submit entries to the school office.

Please remember that there is no supervision at school until 8:00 am. We ask that your student does not arrive on campus prior to 8:00am for safety reasons. Supervision ends at 2:45 pm so please remind your student to go directly to their after school plans.

Please remember that No Dogs are allowed on school grounds. This includes the fields for games and practices, in front of the school, on sidewalks, or in parking lots.

Thank you for your support 🐾

We invite all families to join our principal, Mrs. Wehner, for a casual and inviting Zoom lunch! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and ask questions. Bring your questions, concerns, gratitude, and thoughts.

We can't wait to see you there!

Join the FHES principal over Zoom for a chat or a listen.

• Thursday, October 22, 11:30-12:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://sjisd.zoom.us/j/83524539202?pwd=yCLay5yBbpzQAbTcqnO0dIqIIK9HSf.1

Meeting ID: 835 2453 9202

Passcode: 656170

One tap mobile

+12532050468,,83524539202#,,,,*656170# US

+12532158782,,83524539202#,,,,*656170# US (Tacoma)

Join by SIP

• 83524539202@zoomcrc.com

Join instructions

https://sjisd.zoom.us/meetings/83524539202/invitations?signature=5jzI_hYkjS4EbFFiqy-4ubF81-XVxDZDTB5T2Ne5H7o

FHES will be putting on the annual Halloween Parade on Friday, October 30th at 9am.

Permission slips will be coming home shortly, and all students must have a signed slip to be able to walk in the parade. Please remember that no weapons, masks, or costumes with blood/gore are allowed at school or in the parade. Volunteers are welcome to walk with the group.

The Next Meeting is October 12 at 5:30 pm

Please reach out to PTO with any questions: Ptofhes@gmail.com

Get involved....student safety | child care for evening parent events | classroom supplies | I Love to Read month | hearing and vision screenings | classroom liaisons | book fair | Kings receipts

A message from Island Rec:

School’s out early, so grab your pals and come explore rigs of all shapes and sizes. Big-time fun - free raffle for a ride to school with our local Sheriff!

FHES playground 11:20 am-12:30 pm, Oct 16 Fri
FREE!

FHES families do you have a family member you would like to honor at our upcoming Veterans Day Assembly? We welcome them to join us on November 6th at 8:45 am as we celebrate our Veterans.

Breakfast and Lunch will be free for all elementary students this school year. Visitor lunch is $7.00, paid at the time of lunch.

Please continue to submit free and reduced applications. The information collected on these forms helps our schools receive funding for important programs.

Complete your application here.

A reminder that the first bell rings at 8:15, please help your student start the day off right by starting the day on time with their class. If your student is going to be gone for the day please call the office at 360-378-5209 or email Jeanna at jeannarheinberger@sjisd.org to excuse your student's absence. Please remember that there is no adult supervision before 8 am.

Thank you!

Do you know what happens when you drop off your King's receipts at the school? Our PTO receives 1% of those receipts through Kings Market's community donation program!

We are so grateful to our families and this generous program from Kings!

"Kings Market is proud to be a part of the Friday Harbor community. To show our appreciation to the wonderful people of Friday Harbor, we believe in giving back through financial and volunteer support. We have chosen a 1% community donation program as our main outlet for non-profit support. We give 1% of our store receipts submitted by our customers toward the non-profit or their choice. By doing so, our customers dictate which organizations they want our donation dollars to go to....We are proud of our community involvement, and look forward to continuing in the future. We believe this is a wonderful place to live and do business, and appreciate the support the community has given us through the years."

Wondering about local groups and businesses that offer youth activities and/or support? San Juan Island School District has them posted on our Community Partners page.

We love to hear from you!

Email: roslynbutcher@sjisd.org
Website: sjisd.wednet.edu
Location: 95 Grover Street, Friday Harbor, WA, USA
Phone: 360.378.5209

San Juan Island School District Commitment to Non-discrimination

San Juan Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The San Juan Island School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas such as Culinary Arts, Career Prep, STEM, and Computer Science under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact CTE Director, Liz Varvaro, elizabethvarvaro@sjisd.org, PO Box 458, FH, WA, (360) 378-4133. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Jeff Thompson, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Officer

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-4133

jeffreythompson@sjisd.org

Aileen Howe, Special Services Director, 504 Officer, ADA Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-4133

aileenhowe@sjisd.org

Fred Woods, Superintendent, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator

PO Box 458, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

(360) 378-7905

fredwoods@sjisd.org