Hello Phenix Firebirds!

Dear Phenix Families,

Welcome to September! The first few weeks of school have been filled with incredible energy as our students settle into their new classroom routines, reconnect with friends, and begin their learning adventures for the year. There is a wonderful buzz of excitement in our hallways, and it has been a joy to see our Phenix community come together again.

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp air of fall, we are focused on building a strong foundation for a successful academic year. This month is all about establishing positive habits, setting goals, and strengthening our home-school partnership. We are so grateful for your support in getting the year off to a fantastic start.

Here are some key dates and events to mark on your calendar for September:

Wednesday, Sep. 17: Progress Reports Go Home
Wednesday, Sep. 17: School Picture Day It's time to capture those bright smiles! Please be sure your student comes dressed and ready for their photo.
Thursday, Sep. 18: July, August, September Birthday Bash
Friday, Sep. 19: Fall Fundraiser Begins Show your school support! More information will be upcoming.

We look forward to partnering with you this month and throughout this exciting school year.

Daniel T. Richardson, Principal

Welcome to a new school year! September is the perfect time to set healthy routines that support your child’s learning and well-being. As we move into fall, we often see an increase in colds, strep, and other illnesses. To help keep our school community healthy, please:

Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water.
Remind them to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Keep your child home if they are sick, especially if they have a fever, vomiting, or persistent cough.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and eating balanced meals to support a strong immune system.
Double-check that your child’s immunizations are up to date and any required forms have been submitted.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, healthy, and successful school year for all!

September Counseling Focus: Respect & Suicide Prevention Awareness

This month, our school counseling theme is Respect. We talk with students about how respect means seeing value in all people and things, and treating them with care. Everyone feels respected in different ways, so we encourage you to have family conversations about what respect looks like in your home and how you can practice it together.

September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s a reminder to prioritize mental wellness and encourage open, age-appropriate conversations with your child about emotions and difficult feelings. Suicide is a serious public health concern that can impact anyone, but support and hope are always available.

Helpful Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for immediate safety concerns.
Local Support: Reach out to your child’s school counselor (Mrs. K. Marston), pediatrician, or community mental health center for additional guidance.