SLE Panther Post

As we wrap up this short week of school and close out the month of October, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support during October Count. Your partnership in ensuring our students are present, prepared, and ready to learn makes a difference for our entire school community!

With the change in weather and shorter days, maintaining strong daily routines is more important than ever. Arriving on time every day ensures our Panthers start their morning feeling calm, connected, and fully ready to jump into instruction without missing crucial learning time—because we are Wild about Learning here at South Lakewood! Thank you for your continued dedication to helping our students stay on track on the Panther Path!

All One, Each One!💛💙

• Wednesday, October 21st Community Meeting Re: Principal Hiring Process, 4:00 PM

• Saturday, October 24- Friday, October 30- Book Fair

• Saturday, October 24 - Fall Festival! (10:30a - 1:00p)

• Friday, October 30 - Halloween Parade & Parties (1:30pm)

November:

• Thursday, November 5 - PTA Meeting (2:50p)

• Thursday, November 5, 12 - Learning Math Together 2:45-3:45

• Wednesday, November 11 - Picture Retake Day

• Wednesday, November 11 - Veterans Day Program (1:30pm)

The Jeffco Listens: Annual Family Survey is now open through Friday, October 30. This anonymous survey is a valuable tool that provides us with insights into our families' experiences and only takes 15-20 minutes to complete. It will help us better understand what we are doing well and inform us how we can better support our students and families. This important feedback will direct our decision-making as we work to provide a world-class education for all Jeffco students and prepare them for bright and successful futures.

It's time for our annual Pumpkin Book Character contest! Start making your pumpkins and bringing them in. If you need another, click this link. We can't wait to see your creativity! Pumpkins are due Friday, 10/23. Voting will take place at our Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24th.

We’re looking for helping hands to make this year’s Fall Fest a success! From setting up games to serving popcorn, every volunteer makes a difference. Please sign up through our Sign-up link to lend a hand and join the fun on 10/24/26!

Come celebrate the fall season in your child's classroom by helping with the Halloween Party. PTA provides the crafts and games for all classes in 1-5th grade. We will show you how each game and craft works a few minutes before the parade/party. Save the Date for Halloween Parties and Parade on 10/30. Join the fun in your childs classroom and volunteer here

Friday, October 30 | Parade begins at 1:45 p.m.

We’re excited to celebrate Halloween with our Panthers! Students should bring their costumes to school (or wear under their clothes) and will change beginning at 1:30 p.m.

👻 Costume Guidelines

Please help us keep costumes fun, safe, and school appropriate:

• No blood, gore, violent themes, or weapons (including toy/plastic weapons).

• Costumes should be culturally respectful.

• Students should be able to see clearly and move safely in their costumes.

• Students should be able to put on costumes independently. (K–1 students may receive some adult help from school staff.)

• Please save makeup, hair dye, and elaborate costume details for evening activities.

• Adults attending in costume should also choose school-appropriate and culturally respectful costumes.

🐾 Families Are Invited!
1:45 p.m. – Parade begins! Families may watch from the blacktop on the east side of the school.
After the parade – Join your child in their classroom for the celebration! All visitors check in at the main entrance

🌧️ Bad weather? The parade will move indoors to the gym.

🍂 Prefer a Fall Celebration?

We understand that not every family celebrates Halloween. Students may participate in a fall-themed alternative activity during the parade and party. Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like your child to participate.

Thank you for helping us make this a fun, safe, and inclusive afternoon for all!

All One, Each One! 🐾

SLE Community,

As you know, my role here is as an interim principal. While I am already growing to love South Lakewood, it is time to move into the first step of the process in choosing a new Principal for the 2027-2028 school year. It is important to have as much input from our community as possible. Please join our Community Superintendent, Shannon Vigil, for a community meeting on October 21, 2026 at 4:00 pm in the library. Shannon will discuss the hiring process and answer any questions regarding the process and committee.

Please complete the Interview Committee Nomination Form if you would like to volunteer yourself or nominate another community member (not a Jeffco Public Schools employee) to be on the Principal Interview Committee.

In addition, it’s important to hear what characteristics you would like to see in the next principal. The Community Input Form is your chance to let them know what characteristics are most important to you.

Thank you so much for your time and commitment to this process!

The City of Lakewood is ceasing child care programming in December. We have been working together to find a new provider. Child Care Innovations (formerly Red Rocks Child Care) will be the provider starting in January. Current families should have received information regarding this change. I am including the communication and family packet for your information attached below.