Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!

From the Desk of: Principal Hoese

Lil Steamer Families –

Over the next couple of weeks, FES will be administering the Renaissance teacher assessment SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) and mySAEBRS (student self-assessment) screening tools. These screeners are given three times per school year (fall, winter, and spring).

These tools are brief rating scales used for educational planning and support; they are not diagnostic tools and do not diagnose medical or mental health conditions.

Depending on your student’s grade level, the screener is completed by students and/or teachers.

SAEBRS (K-5 Teacher Assessment) - Teachers evaluate students across Social, Academic, and Emotional domains using a 19-item rating scale (rated as Never, Sometimes, Often, or Almost Always).

Social - How often the student argues, disrupts class, displays positive interaction with peers, etc.
Academic - How well the student completes assignments, pays attention, stays organized, etc.
Emotional - How frequently the student displays sadness, worry, difficulty recovering from distress, etc.

mySAEBRS (Gr 2-5 Student Self-Assessment) - Students in grades 2-5 complete a brief 12-item self-report questionnaire assessing their own social, academic, and emotional experiences (rate as Never, Sometimes, Often, or Almost Always).

Social - “I get along with others”, “I follow class rules”, etc.
Academic - “I focus on my schoolwork”, “I ask for help when I need it”, etc.
Emotional - “I feel happy at school”, “I can control my temper when I am upset”, etc.

Opt-Out Process - Participation in the SAEBRS/mySAEBRS screening is optional for families. If you do not want your child to participate, email me at jhoese@riverbendschools.net notifying me as such by Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Screening Period - Thursday, October 22 through Friday, October 30

Results Shared with Families - Families will receive a copy of their students’ SAEBRS & mySAEBRS screening results during Parent/Teacher Conferences on November 5 & 6.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns at jhoese@riverbendschools.net or 815-589-2911.

Stay warm this weekend!

JAGH

From the Desk of: AP Marten

As fall temperatures drop, we want to make sure our students stay warm, comfortable, and ready to learn—and that means spending time outside every chance we get! Fresh air and outdoor movement are vital for our students' health, focus, and overall well-being, so our goal is to be outside in the morning and to take classes outside for recess as often as possible throughout the fall and winter months.

To help us keep students safe and comfortable during outdoor play, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

Dress in Layers: Morning temperatures can be quite chilly even if afternoons warm up. Sending your child in layers—such as a long-sleeve shirt under a sweatshirt or fleece—allows them to adjust easily throughout the day.
Essential Outerwear: Please send your child to school with a warm jacket, coat, or heavy sweater every day. On windier or colder days, hats and light gloves make a big difference during outdoor recess.
Label Belongings: With jackets and sweaters coming on and off, items can easily get mixed up. Please clearly write your child's first and last name on all outerwear labels so lost items can quickly find their way back to your child.
Appropriate Footwear: Outdoor play on the playground and grass requires sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Warm socks and comfortable sneakers or boots will keep little feet cozy and active.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our students are bundled up, protected from the cold, and enjoying the benefits of fresh air and outdoor play every single day!

From the Desk of Counselor Meumann:

As I have visited classrooms this month, we have focused on the importance of good listening skills. Positive peer relationships are formed as we listen well to one another. Students have practiced using their listening skills as they share good things with peers. It never hurts to review listening skills with your children. Good listeners focus on the speaker’s words, ask questions to find out more, repeat back what they have heard, and never interrupt. It’s respectful to listen with attention as it helps you to learn and shows that you care about what others have to say.

FES Halloween Parade Announced!

FES HALLOWEEN PARADE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 30, 2026 @ 1:45 P.M.

First and foremost, I understand that Halloween means different things to different families. If horror films, scariness, and spooky seasons are your jam - that’s great. But as a public elementary school supporting children as young as age 5, that’s not our jam.

To support all children, I want to be very clear that our Halloween celebration and parade will be school appropriate for all students and families. There are plenty of appropriate costumes for students to wear. A reminder to all parents we will not allow face paint, accessories, or costumes that are inappropriate for school (examples include dressing as horror movie/story characters, bloody/extreme/grotesque costumes, weapons, etc.). If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s costume, please contact Principal Jeffrey Hoese or Assistant Principal Aimee Marten. We will be taking a very safe and considerate approach.

Weather permitting, the K-5 Halloween Parade will be held at 1:45 PM on the sidewalks outside of the building on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Due to construction at Fulton Middle School, we have altered our outdoor parade route shown in the image below.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be held indoors in the hallways for students only.
Kindergarten through 5th grade students will have time to change into a costume after their lunch and recess prior to the parade.
Costumes and makeup are not to be worn to school; students will have time before the parade to change.
Families are welcomed to watch the parade and may locate themselves anywhere along the parade route. Families do not need to sign in at the office unless they enter the building.

Steamer Home Events: Student Code of Conduct

Supporting our teams with pride, safety, and respect.

While we are excited that our elementary and middle school students enjoy attending home events, it is important that everyone understands the expectations for student behavior. Our priority is to keep students safe and ensure all fans can enjoy Steamer events.

⚓ Entry & Supervision

Enter Together: All K–8 students must enter the event with an adult, who is responsible for them the entire event.
No Re-entry: Once inside, students may not leave and return.
Elementary (K–5) Students: At home football games, may sit in the designated student section and must follow all expectations. All other games, they must stay with their parent/guardian.
Middle School (6–8) Students: May sit in the designated student section (when provided) and must follow all expectations.
High School (9-12) Students: May sit in the designated student section(s) and stand along the fence.

⚓ Where to Be

Stay in the Stands: Students should remain in the bleachers watching the event – not roaming hallways, fields, or campus.
Designated Sections: Student sections, when available, will be clearly marked.
Building Access: Students may only be in approved areas (e.g., concessions, restrooms). All other areas are off‑limits.

⚓ Game Day Behavior

Watch the Event: We are here to cheer on the Steamers! The focus should be on the field or court. Do not bring footballs, basketballs, or other sporting equipment.
No Side Games: Playing separate games or running around school grounds is prohibited to ensure everyone’s safety.
Show Respect: Treat staff, concession workers, officials, players, and fellow fans with kindness. Respect school property at all times, this includes picking up after themselves.
Follow directions: Students must follow all directives from school staff and event supervisors.

⚓ Consequences

First Warning: Students who misbehave will be sent to sit with their supervising adult for the rest of the event.
Serious or repeated violations – including being in unauthorized areas or causing disruptions – may result in removal from the event and/or loss of privilege to attend future home events.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all Steamer fans. Together, we ensure our students enjoy events safely while cheering on the Steamers with pride.

Winter Concerts!

Notes will be coming home with students this week about the Winter Concerts in December- or click the button below for all the info. Mark your calendars! :)

Click here for Winter Concert info

Parent Learning Opportunities thru the Regional Office of Education

ROE 47 is excited to share a calendar of upcoming opportunities for students and families to connect, learn, and grow together. These events are designed to provide practical tools, helpful resources, and meaningful ways to strengthen connections both at home and within the larger community.

👶 Virtual Baby Shower — October 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Register Here
Expecting a baby or welcoming a new little one? Join us virtually for a fun and informative Baby Shower! Connect with other families and learn about resources and support available to you and your baby.

📖 Family Literacy Night — November 12, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. Register Here

Join us for simple, fun ways to grow a love of reading and learning at home. Families will have opportunities to participate together and discover activities you can easily continue at home.

❓ If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Anji Garza, ROE47 Family Education & Engagement Specialist at agarza@roe47.org.

Rec League Skills & Drills Registration is Now Open!

Sign Ups for Skills and Drills (grades 1st-4th) will be online this year, please fill out the attached form. You can pay via Venmo (@Fulton-Rec) or cash at the first session.

Sign Up Here!