Varnum Brook Weekly Update

Greetings Families and Caregivers,

A Message From My Heart

Like so many of you, I am heartbroken by the recent school shooting in Bend. There are simply no words that can adequately capture the sadness of a tragedy involving a school community. Schools should be places of joy, belonging, discovery, and safety. Always.

As a principal, an educator, and a parent, these moments weigh heavily on my heart. They also remind me of the tremendous responsibility and privilege we have in caring for your children each day.

At VBES, safety is always our highest priority, but so is the sense of security, connection, and belonging that every child deserves. We work intentionally to build a community where children are known, valued, listened to, and cared for. Our relationships matter. Our kindness matters. The way we show up for one another matters.

Please know that we remain committed to our safety practices, our partnerships, and the thoughtful work of keeping our school community safe, both physically and emotionally.

Today, I am holding the Oregon school community close in my thoughts. And tomorrow, as we do every day, we will open our doors and welcome your children with warmth, care, and purpose.

Better Together is more than something we say at VBES. It is how we care for one another, especially when the world feels a little heavier.

We are already midway through October! The weeks are flying by, and there is so much wonderful energy and excitement throughout VBES!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTO for hosting Kindergarten Movie Night on Friday! One of the sweetest moments of the day was hearing our youngest learners excitedly announce at dismissal that they were coming back to school “in the middle of the night!” Oh, the magic of being five! These are the moments that make our school community so special.

Our Student Council has been busy! They are planning an upcoming Spirit Week and helping us create Regulation Stations for every classroom. These spaces will give students additional tools and opportunities to pause, reset, and return to learning ready for success. I love seeing our student leaders have a voice in shaping a school community where everyone feels supported and connected. Take a peek at the photos below!

A Little Friday Fun! 🎃

We will celebrate with a schoolwide parade/walk on Friday 10/30 morning at 10:00! Our entire VBES community will head outside for a festive loop together!

Students are welcome to wear costumes if they wish! We simply ask that there be no masks, blood, gore, or weapons of any kind. Costumes are certainly not required—a favorite sports jersey, character shirt, or festive outfit is just as wonderful! The goal is simple: a little fun, lots of smiles, and an opportunity to celebrate together!

I'm also including a few important reminders about morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Parent drop off is in the back of the building beginning at 8:45. If for some reason you need to walk your child in, you must park at the skatepark. For the safety of ALL, DO NOT pull into the circle when the buses are in the front of the building. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us keep these routines safe, smooth, and predictable for all of our students.

Finally, please take a moment to read our Title I Newsletter, attached below, for updates and helpful information.

As always, thank you for the many ways you support our students, our staff, and one another. There is so much to celebrate at VBES, and I am grateful for this community every day.

Better Together!

Warmly,

Ami

October 20, 21 - Hearing and Vision Screening Auditorium

October 22 - Sir William Pepperell Reading Day

October 30 - Fall in Love with Reading/School Parade/Walk

(Scoglio) 1:15-1:45

(Balcom) 1:30-2:00

(Bernardo) 1:30-2:00

November 3 - No school Professional Development

November 4 - O'Connor Studios Picture Retake Day

November 10 - Veterans Day Assembly

November 11 - Veterans Day, No School