East Elementary

Happy April! As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we have a packed calendar and some important updates regarding state testing and upcoming school breaks.

📝 Wisconsin Forward Exam

This month, our students in grades 3–5 will participate in the Wisconsin Forward Exam. This state-mandated assessment helps us understand how well our students are mastering the Wisconsin Academic Standards in core subjects.

• How to help: You can support your child by ensuring they get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.

• Testing Window: Please watch for specific classroom schedules from your child's teacher.

🎨 MAPE Night (Music, Art, & P.E.)

Join us for a celebration of creativity and movement! Our annual MAPE Night is happening on Friday, April 24th. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the amazing work our students have created in Art, hear what they’ve been practicing in Music, and get active with some P.E. highlights.

• When: Friday, April 24th

• Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

🗓️ April Important Dates & Reminders

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and schedule changes:

• Friday, April 10 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Parents’ Night Out! A free night of childcare for 4K–5th graders thanks to a generous donor. Registration for this event is closed.

• Wednesday, April 15: No School for Students. Professional Learning Day for staff.

• Friday, April 24: MAPE Night! Come celebrate the arts and fitness with us.

💡 Quick Tip for a Great Month

With "Spring Fever" in full swing, it can be hard to stay focused! Try setting a 15-minute "quiet reading" timer each night to help your child wind down and stay sharp!

Warmly,

Jori Ruff
East Elementary Principal

East Elementary Calendar

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - No School - Staff Professional Development Day

Friday, April 24, 2026 - East MAPE Night 5pm-7pm

Friday, May 15, 2026 - East Family Carnival 4:30pm-6:30pm

Monday, May 25, 2026 - No School - Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - Full Day of School

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - East School Picnic (Weather Permitting)

Friday, June 5, 2026 - Last day of School for 4K students

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Last Day of School Kindergarten - 5th Grade, 5th Grade Graduation 2pm

Please view this document for all East Elementary Field Trip dates and chaperone information. Watch your email and Friday Folders for permission slips and more information from your student's teacher.

Complete a background check if you plan to chaperone any field trips this spring! https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NTUwOTplbi1VUw==

More details about summer school will be shared at the end of May with families who have students registered for Summer School.

You can purchase yearbooks online by April 13th! Yearbooks will be delivered directly to students during the last week of the school year. Click Here to order today.

5th Grade Students will receive a yearbook as a graduation gift.

What is ESPG? The East School Parent Group is a community of parents and family members dedicated to enhancing our children’s education. By getting involved, you help improve student performance, provide vital resources for our teachers, and fund the "extra" fun—like field trips and school programs—that makes East School so special.

🌸 We Need Your Voice this Spring!

As we look toward the end of the year, our April and May meetings are the most important ones yet. We are shifting our focus to two major celebrations:

• Teacher Appreciation Week: Help us brainstorm ways to show our amazing staff how much we value them.

• 5th Grade Graduation: We want to send our oldest students off in style!

🎓 Calling All 5th Grade Parents

We are looking for fresh ideas and extra sets of hands to make graduation unforgettable. Even if you have never attended an ESPG meeting before, we invite you to join us specifically for this planning process. Your unique perspective is exactly what we need to make this milestone special for your graduates.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars

• When: First Monday of the month at 6:00 PM

• Where: East School Library

• Who: Everyone is welcome!

Please remember that it is important to report an absence or if your student will be late to school or leave early.

Andrea Schroeder, Administrative Assistant

Email: aschroeder@barabooschools.net

Text: (608) 621-2248

Voicemail: (608) 355-3920

✈️ Planned Absences & Family Vacations

We understand that family time is important. If you plan an extended absence for a family vacation or other reason:

• Action Required: For absences of three or more days, such as a family vacation, please notify the office a week in advance.

Thank you!

🤒 When to Keep Your Child Home (Too Sick for School)

Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms. They should remain home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep your child home if they have had two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours.

🤧 When They Can Still Come (Mild Symptoms)

A simple runny nose, mild congestion, or an occasional cough are usually fine for school, provided your child is fever-free, without medication. We ask that you teach them good hygiene habits like coughing into their elbow and regular handwashing to prevent the spread of germs.

If you have questions regarding current illness guidelines or have a positive test to report, please email or call the East Health Office.

rchristensen@barabooschools.net

bhelton@barabooschools.net

Direct Line to the East Health Office: (608) 893-6262

Nurse Fax: (608) 355-3975

Enrollment for the Summer Kid Stop program begins on Monday, February 2, 2026. Information and

registration forms are available on the District website or paper copies are available at all elementary school offices and the East, GLW and West Kid Stop sites. Completed enrollment forms may be submitted by scanning to the Kid Stop Coordinator’s email address at pgavin@barabooschools.net or dropping your form off at the Gordon L. Willson Elementary School office during business or Kid Stop hours. Please know that there is no online registration option for the Kid Stop program. Any questions, please contact Pat Gavin at the above email address.

EAST Kid Stop

• During the school day: 355-3920 ext. 4132
• After School: 608-393-6924

GLW Kid Stop

• During the school day: 355-3925 ext. 7150 or cell 608-393-6872
• After School: 608-393-6872

Kid Stop Coordinator

Pat Gavin - pgavin@barabooschools.net (Best way to communicate via email)

GLW Kid Stop Cell - 608-393-6872

Kid Stop Director

Jori Ruff, Kid Stop Director and East School Principal - jlruff@barabooschools.net

Phone - 608-355-3920, ext. 4010

Students should have their bus pass everyday. The Boys and Girls Club shuttle bus students must have their pass or they will not be able to ride.

If they need a replacement pass, a new one can be purchased for $5.00 through the school store located in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need assistance ordering a replacement or getting logged in, please contact our Tech Department at (608)355-3940 Option #3.

Download the MyRide K12 bus app to see your student's location once they have scanned onto the bus.