Back to School
It has been a wonderfully sweet start to the school year. Your children seemed happy to meet their new teachers and see old friends. Our dedicated staff worked hard to be ready for our students and to create warm, welcoming classrooms.
I hope that your children had time over the long weekend to recover from their first five day week of the school year.
Between the amazing weather and the return of our students, I'm reminded of all the reasons that I love fall.
Leah Wheelan, Principal
Your Child’s DIBELS Reading Scores
You will soon be receiving your child’s DIBELS reading assessment scores, along with a letter explaining what the scores mean and where your child currently falls in their reading development.
DIBELS is one tool we use to better understand your child’s reading skills and identify areas where they are doing well and where they may benefit from additional support or practice. The accompanying letter will provide more information about your child’s results and their current reading level.
Please remember that one assessment does not tell the whole story about a child as a reader. We use DIBELS scores along with classroom performance, teacher observations, and other assessments to get a complete picture of your child’s reading progress.
If you have any questions about your child’s scores or would like to discuss ways to support their reading at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are excited to partner with you in helping your child grow as a reader!
Back to school and sleep . . .
Transitioning from late summer nights to an earlier bed time with the start of school can be tricky. However, in order for children to do their best in school, they need to get to bed early. Elementary school aged children need 9 - 12 hours of sleep a night. It is important for students to get enough sleep so that their brains can learn, their bodies can grow and develop, and their moods and behavior remain stable.
How do I create a bedtime routine for my child?
Start the routine about an hour before your child should be in bed. Elementary school aged children should aim to be in bed between 7 - 9 pm.
Turn off all screens a couple of hours before bedtime.
Create a routine with hygiene tasks such as taking a bath/shower, brushing teeth, and laying out clothes for the next school day.
Do something calm and quiet such as reading a book together.
End with a kiss and hug and a good night. Using a night light and quiet music can help too.
When to keep my child home . . .
Fever over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Persistent coughing and runny nose (disruptive to learning)
Conjunctivitis (once diagnosed needs to be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school)
Strep throat (once diagnosed needs to be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school)
Updated medical information, broken bones, and medications . . .
To help us keep your child safe, healthy, and happy at school, please inform us of any changes to your child’s medical information. This includes starting a new medication, receiving a new medical diagnosis, experiencing an injury such as a broken bone, or undergoing surgery or another medical procedure. Please share any relevant updates with the school nurse so we can ensure your child receives appropriate care and support while at school.
Thank you for your help and support. I am looking forward to a year full of exciting adventures and good health!
Holly Maher, RN
hmaher@sau88.net / 603-448-0618
