Panther Prints
April 2026
From the Principal
Hello Page Families
It is hard to believe we are already in April. This time of year always feels a little different. There is more energy in the building, students are more confident in their learning, and you can really see the growth that has happened over the year.
One thing that continues to stand out to me is the sense of community at Page. People truly look out for one another here. Students, staff, and families all play a part in making this a place where kids feel supported and cared for. It is something special, and it shows up every day.
As we head into these last few months, we are staying focused on strong learning, building positive habits, and finishing the year strong. Being at school each day, putting in effort, and staying connected really makes a difference for our students.
Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our Page community.
Important Dates
4/3 Spring Pictures
4/9 2nd Grade Music Program, 6:00
4/10 Early Release, 12:30
4/13 4th Grade Swim Lessons Begin
4/13 PTO Meeting, 6:00
4/17 PTO Hawaiian Island Grill Fundraiser
4/24 Early Release, 12:30
4/30 1st Grade Music Program, 6:00
5/8 Early Release, 12:30
5/11 PTO Meeting, 6:00
5/14 Kinder Welcome Night, 6:30
New & Noteworthy
2nd grade Music Performance is Coming
1st grade Music Performance is Coming
Clothing Donations Needed
We are running low on extra clothing for students and need gently used items in sizes 5–8 for both boys and girls. These clothes are used to support students who may have an accident, get their clothes dirty, or get them wet during the school day.
If you have any gently used clothing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Having these items on hand helps us quickly support students and get them back to learning comfortably.
4th Grade Swim Lessons Coming Up
Our 4th-grade students will soon participate in swim lessons through our partnership with Willamalane Park and Recreation District and Springfield Public Schools. Lessons will take place April 13–23 during the school day, with transportation provided so all students can participate.
These lessons build essential swimming and water safety skills, which are especially important in our community near the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers.
Students will need a swimsuit and a towel. If your child needs these items, the school has suits and towels available to support students. Please reach out to our 4th-grade teachers if you have any questions.
OBOB Competition
Our OBOB team competed at regionals at Thurston High School last month, and what incredible competitors they were. They battled hard all day and even pushed one round into double overtime.
We are so proud of Team Mindnight for their teamwork, determination, and for representing our school so well. Great job, team!
Kinder Welcome Night
If you have a student starting kindergarten next year, please save the date for May 14 from 5:30–6:30. If you know a family with a child who may be starting kindergarten, we would love for you to pass this information along.
Statewide Assessments Are Coming
As we move into the spring months, our students will soon begin taking the Oregon Statewide Assessments. These assessments help us understand how students are progressing in important academic areas and provide valuable information to guide instruction and support student learning.
Testing Schedule
• 5th Grade students will begin statewide testing in April, and testing will continue through May.
• 3rd and 4th grade students will begin statewide testing in May.
Teachers will communicate specific classroom testing dates as they approach.
How Families Can Help Students Be Ready
A few simple things can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and prepared:
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before testing days
• Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning
• Arrive at school on time so students can start the day calmly
• Encourage positive self-talk and remind students to simply do their best
These assessments are just one way we measure learning, and we are proud of the hard work our students show every day. Thank you for supporting them and helping them feel confident as they approach testing.
A Beloved Tradition Returns
We were excited to bring back a beloved Page tradition this year. On St. Patrick’s Day, Bruce from Lane Fire Brigade and Drums returned to walk our halls playing the bagpipes, a tradition that had been on pause since before COVID.
The sound of the bagpipes filled the school, bringing smiles and excitement to both students and staff. It was a special moment that connected us to past traditions and added a lot of joy to the day.
We are so glad to have this tradition back at Page.
🌟 PBIS at Page 🌟
Over the past two months, students at Page have been working hard to follow expectations in the cafeteria. Our Royal Tater booster was a big success! Students focused on skills such as eating while talking quietly, stopping when signaled, and walking safely when entering and leaving the cafeteria, just to name a few.
Their hard work paid off with some fun celebrations, including music and a disco party at lunch, staff participating in silly challenges like eating baby food, and even staff dressed in costumes. It was a fun and successful booster for our whole school.
Spring Spirit Week
Spirit Week brought so much energy and laughter to our school. From creative outfits to big smiles, it was a week full of fun. Take a look at a few snapshots that capture all the joy we shared.
Silly Hair Day
Favorite Color Day
Dress Like a Teacher/Student
Beach Day
✨Attendance Matters✨
Every Day Counts
Every day at school matters. When students are here consistently, they build strong routines, stay connected to their learning, and feel a greater sense of belonging in their classroom community. Even missing a couple of days can make it harder to keep up with new learning.
We are excited to be launching a new attendance focus at Page. Each classroom will set a class attendance goal, and students will have the opportunity to earn special incentives as they work together to improve their attendance.
Thank you for your partnership in helping your child arrive on time and ready to learn each day. It truly makes a difference.
🩺 Health & Wellness Information 🩺
News from our Health Room
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by a sudden jolt, bump, or blow to the head that causes damage to the brain, disrupting its normal functioning.
Concussions and TBI's are considered the invisible injury, because they cannot be seen. The saying "out of sight, out of mind" is a common theme surrounding concussions. Parents and school staff are on the front lines when it comes to caring for our students, and what we do in classrooms can greatly impact their recovery. Parents, please communicate with the school health aide if your student has been diagnosed with a concussion or if you have any questions surrounding TBI and any other health-related conditions.
Family Resource Center Support at Page
Summer will be here before we know it! ☀️
Families Connected is partnering with Mount Pisgah Arboretum to offer guided nature tours for families. With miles of trails and accessible paths, it’s a great way to get outside and explore our local nature.
For more information: nancy.berge@arclane.org | 541-513-1081
📆 Upcoming Events 📆
News From PTO
Willamalane Opportunitities
Track and Field Opportunities for Grades K–5
We are excited to share upcoming track and field opportunities for our students this spring through our partners at Willamalane Park and Recreation District.
For students in grades K–3, weekly skills clinics are available. These clinics are designed to introduce younger students to track and field through fun, age-appropriate activities that build coordination, technique, and overall athletic skills.
Clinics will be held on Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Page Elementary School.
Season runs April 28 through June 2
Registration deadline is April 23
For students in grades 4–5, the six-week track and field season is a great way to build skills, grow confidence, and be part of a team. Coaches focus on teamwork, communication, and positive sportsmanship while introducing the fundamentals of running, jumping, and throwing in a fun and supportive environment.
Practices will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at your child’s elementary school. Students will have the opportunity to wear a team jersey and represent their school in three meets against other elementary schools. Meets will take place on select Thursdays. Please note that transportation to meets is not provided, and there are no practices on no school days.
Season runs April 27 through June 3
Registration deadline is April 22
These opportunities through Willamalane are a great way for students to stay active, try something new, and be part of a team. Sign up here.
Useful Links
School Website
Volunteer Application
School Reminders
Morning Safety Reminder
For student safety, school supervision does not begin until 8:00 a.m., when doors open for breakfast. Students must not be dropped off before 8:00 a.m.
If families arrive early, an adult must remain with their child outside, in front of the school, until the doors open. There is no staff supervision before 8:00 a.m.
Dropping students off before 8:00 a.m. creates a safety risk. Please help us keep all students safe by following this expectation.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES
If snow or ice is predicted, designated staff monitor radar and forecasts and then take to the road between 4 and 6 a.m. to assess travel conditions on bus routes. The goal is to determine by 6:30 a.m. whether school will be closed, on delay, or operating as usual.
No news means no change. If you don't hear any information about Springfield Public Schools, you can assume that schools and busses are operating on their normal schedules. However, the decision of whether to send your child to school is always left to each parent. If you do not feel that it is safe to transport your child to school, contact the school to let them know.
After-school Activities:
If schools are closed due to hazardous weather conditions, all after-school activities are cancelled, including athletic games, practices, and building rentals.
Snow Routes:
Occasionally, the conditions do not warrant closing school, however some routes may not be safe to navigate a school bus. Families who live at certain higher elevations may need to bring their child(ren) to a lower elevation to catch the bus at an alternative location. The district has developed snow routes that may be used if hazardous road conditions exist. Snow routes may change from year to year and can be accessed online.
Additional information:
An additional information or specifics may be communicated through the FlashAlert system, district website, social media accounts, and if necessary via the auto-dialer system.
The district utilizes FlashAlert to notify media of any changes to the school schedule. Families and the community are also able to sign up to receive notification as they happen. Additionally, changes will be posted to the district's social media accounts, website and if necessary messages will be delivered via the auto-dialer system. Ensure that your contact information is updated at your student's school so you'll never miss a notification.
The Impact of Early Pick-Ups on Classroom Learning
At our school, every minute of instruction counts. When students are picked up before the school day ends, it may seem like a small interruption-but those missed minutes truly add up. Teachers carefully plan learning activities right up until dismissal, and stepping out early can cause students to miss important instruction, collaboration, and closure of their learning for the day.
Additionally, early departures can disrupt the entire classroom. When a student gathers belongings and leaves during a lesson, it can break the focus of both the child and their peers. Over time, frequent early pick-ups can leave students with learning gaps and make it harder for them to stay on track academically.
We understand that life happens, appointments, and family needs are sometimes unavoidable. When such occasions arise, we ask families to communicate with the school in advance whenever possible. By planning early dismissals carefully and limiting them to necessary situations, we can work together to support consistent learning and help all students stay fully engaged through the final bell.
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring that every student receives the full benefit of their school day!
Birthday Celebrations at School
At Page, we love celebrating our students! While we recognize birthdays in special ways, we do not celebrate with food at school. We kindly ask that families do not send desserts or other treats to share with the class.
This helps us keep all students safe, especially those with food allergies, and ensures fairness and consistency for everyone. Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive environment and for keeping our school day focused on learning.
Lost and Found
Please make sure all of your child's clothing and personal items are clearly labeled with their name. This helps us return lost items quickly and keeps belonging organized. Thank you for helping us keep track of everyone's belongings!
Bell Schedule
8:00-8:25 Breakfast in the cafeteria
8:25 Classroom doors open
8:35 Tardy bell rings
2:50 School end for the day
12:30 Early release days
Dress for Success
Students should wear shoes and clothes that are comfortable running and playing in. Students need appropriate shoes for recess and PE, so please save flip flops and high heels for home. Clothing should be free from any images of drugs, alcohol, or weapons. We have recess outside rain or shine, so please make sure your student is dressed for the weather.
Electronic Devices Reminder
We are seeing a few students wearing smart watches to school. As a reminder, beginning in September 2025, Springfield Public Schools requires that all student electronic devices be off and away from the bell to bell. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, headphones or earbuds, tablets, and any other internet-connected devices. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused learning environment for students.
PTO
We have an amazing and active PTO! We would love to have you join and make Page School even more amazing! Joining the PTO is a great way to connect with other families and provide input on school events.
Communication
It is very important that we have a correct email address for parents/guardians. You will be able to access communication platforms and we can send you important information and updates as we continue through the school year. You can update your email through your parentVUE account.
Our teachers use Seesaw as their primary communication platform. Please look for a link from your student's teacher to sign up for their class communication. If you have any trouble signing up for Seesaw please reach out. It is critical that you receive the communication shared via this app throughout the school year.
Elizabeth Page Elementary
1300 Hayden Bridge Rd
Springfield, OR 97477
Email: teresa.collins@springfield.k12.or.us
541.744.6407