SWS Newsletter

Dear Families,

Aftercare Program Update

Thank you to all the families who took time to complete our recent survey about bringing the Right At School aftercare program to our school for the 2025-26 school year. While we appreciate everyone's input, unfortunately the number of families who indicated they would regularly use the program did not meet the minimum enrollment threshold required for Right At School to establish services at our location. We know that quality, affordable childcare continues to be a real challenge for many families in our community, and we share your disappointment that we're unable to move forward with this particular option at this time. Please know that we remain committed to supporting our families however we can, and we will continue exploring other possibilities and solutions.

Outside Recess

As the weather gets cooler we want to share some of our recess guidelines and tips for dressing for colder weather. We believe outdoor recess is important for student health and learning. Fresh air and movement help children focus and recharge, so we send students outside whenever it is safe to do so.

We will make decisions based on the “feels like” temperature (wind chill in winter, heat index in summer).

32 °F and above (with or without wind chill): Recess will be outside.
15 °F–31 °F: Decision will be based on weather and precipitation, playground conditions and how students are dressed.
Below 15 °F (with or without wind chill): Recess will be indoors.
Heat index up to 90 °F: Recess will be outside.
Heat index 91 °F–94 °F: We may shorten recess or move activities inside.
Heat index above 95 °F: Recess will be indoors.

Other factors like ice, snow, rain, or unsafe playground conditions may also move recess inside.

We urge all students to get outside for fresh air whenever possible. To make that happen, bringing appropriate coats, hats, and layers is very important. If a student does not have proper clothing for the day’s weather, they will remain indoors for Restorative Recess, where they can read a book, draw, or do a quiet independent activity.

Please make sure your child is dressed for changing weather.

Coats: Send a warm coat every day in cooler months.
Accessories: Hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves are important when temperatures drop.
Layers: Dress your child in layers (t-shirt, sweater/fleece, coat) so they can adjust as needed.
Extras: Keep a spare sweater or sweatshirt in your child’s backpack.
Labels: Write your child’s name on coats and accessories so lost items can be returned.

And with the support of mother nature, we will also strive to hold some play in the snow recess days this year. We will communicate with families so that appropriate snow attire can be packed. Thank you for helping us keep recess safe, healthy, and enjoyable for all students!

A note from Nurse Mrs. Misyak:

PreK Flu vaccine requirement

All students under the age of 5 yrs must have a Flu shot by Dec 31st. Please submit your updated immunization record to Mrs Misyak as soon as you have it done. Thank you to those who already submitted.

Resources available to families in need:

The Weekend Bag program provides individual bags for students stocked with non-perishable meal items, snacks, drinks and a hygiene item each week. If you would like to participate in this program, please let Mrs Misyak know ASAP. It will be starting up by the end of Oct.

Thanksgiving Meals- The Love in Action Thanksgiving Meal Program of Sparta, will be supplying individual plated Thanksgiving meals which will get delivered to our school on the morning of Wed Nov 26th. The meals are prepared by the Sparta Diner, Cafe Pierrot, The Barnyard Caterers, Fossil Farms, Yetters Diner, the Betsy Ross Diner, Arbor Restaurant, etc. Please let Mrs Misyak know if you want to participate in this and how many in your family ASAP.

Brooke Phillips

Principal

Third grade explores good nutrition in health class.

Preschool learning during center time.

Grade four designs their donuts as they explore the jelly donut difference as part of our week of respect.

Grade three begins to learn their notes in music class.

In science Grade 6 dissected flowers and identified the part of flowering plants and their reproductive organs.

Traffic Safety Explorers visited preschool classes this week to host a fun and interactive program that taught students essential pedestrian and bicycle safety skills.