The Sylvan Sunday Swoop
Week 9
Week 9: Courage Over Comfort, Growth Over Ease. Blue Jays are Building Greatness--Together!
Greetings Sylvan Blue Jay Families!
As we enter Week 9 and close out the first nine week, our focus is on growth beyond comfort. Just like adults, children learn and grow the most when they are willing to try new things, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable. At Sylvan, we remind our students that mistakes are not failures—they are stepping stones toward success.
Our teachers are encouraging students to take academic risks, persevere through challenges, and believe in their ability to improve. You can support this at home by praising effort, encouraging persistence, and celebrating small wins along the way.
🚀Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones—but it does happen when students feel supported and believed in. Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we help every Blue Jay build confidence, courage, and greatness one step at a time.
With appreciation,
Mrs. Hamilton
Principal, Sylvan Elementary
Building Greatness—Every Student, Every Day
#HeartsandMindsTogether
#BlueJaysBuildGreatness
This year, we unite under the theme: Safe Stops. Stronger Communities. Every stop is a chance to protect lives. When we choose safety, we’re not just preventing crashes—we’re strengthening the very communities we love. Together, we can protect every journey, ensuring safety at every stop!
Every school day, millions of children take their seats on a yellow school bus—the safest way to and from school. Yet safety doesn’t stop at the bus doors. It requires every driver, every lawmaker, every community member to take responsibility. When red lights flash and the stop-arm is extended, we all have one simple choice: stop.
The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) reports that drivers illegally pass stopped school buses more than 39 million times each year. Each violation represents more than a statistic—it is a moment when a child’s life is in danger. While we’ve seen progress with a 13% reduction in violations this past year, far too many risks remain on our roadways.
As Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads, shares:
“School buses carry our most precious cargo—our children. Every stop is a chance to protect their journey. When we choose safety and choose caution, we honor this year’s theme: Safe Stops. Stronger Communities. Together, we can drive down insatiable heartache on our roadways and build safer communities for every child.”
SAFETY AT EVERY STOP
This year’s message is also a reminder: safety doesn’t begin or end with the bus ride. It’s about Safety at Every Stop—from the moment a child leaves their front door to the time they return home.
- Stay alert. Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
- Stop for the bus. Obey the stop-arm law every time—no exceptions.
- Support accountability. Technology and enforcement work hand in tandem to change driver behavior.
- Raise awareness. Share facts, resources, and personal stories that open eyes and change hearts.
Duty Free Lunch
We are looking for volunteers to help us provide duty free lunch for our teachers. If you are interested in supporting our teachers and staff with this, please click here to sign up.
Trunk or Treat Candy Donations
We are currently looking for candy donations from families and community members. If you know of any businesses or organizations that would like to donate candy or money to purchase candy, please reach out to ashley.faucette@gmail.com
October: Think, Choose Act
This month, students have been learning about how to Self- Direct and think before making choices. Click the newsletters below to learn more about Self-Direct.
Transportation Changes
We no longer accept transportation changes via phone, email or Class Dojo. All transportation changes must be communicated on the google form linked here. You can also scan the QR code to access the form. Keep in mind that if you child is riding home with another child, this change must be communicated by BOTH parents/guardians. All transportation changes must be communicated on this form no later than 1:00 pm.
Preferred Name Change
Families, please use the linked form OR scan the QR code to indicate the preferred name for your student. For instance, if your student is named Daniel and you prefer for them to be called Danny, indicate that on the linked form. This is in accordance with North Carolina State Law (S.L. 2023-106; Senate Bill 49) Section 115C-76.45.(5). If you completed this last year, you do not need to do it again.
