Cherrydale Primary School
Cheetah Newsletter January 21, 2026
HALF-DAY FRIDAY 1/23
From the Principal
Happy Wednesday Cherrydale Families,
Report cards will be available through Skyward on the week of February 2nd and I wanted to take a moment to review our reporting system. For the past four years, our school has used a standards based report card. Standards based grading allows students to be more aware of what they are expected to do and their progress through the Washington State Standards.
Our school uses proficiency scores from 1 – 3. The proficiency scores are tied to the standards at each grade level. Our students are assessed against end of year standard proficiency. It is important that we as parents and teachers have honest, straight-forward conversations with our students about their learning and achievement and convey to our students that learning is a process. Some concepts and skills are more difficult than others to learn. A score of 1 or 2 while learning a new skill or concept is appropriate and not intended to be punitive. A score of 3 is the target showing end of year proficiency in a particular standard.
In this first reporting period, your student may receive a number of “NE” scores on their report card. This communicates that the standard has yet to be evaluated but will be before the end of the school year. It is appropriate for students at this time of year to receive a 1 or 2 as we have just begun to address end of year standards. If a student receives a 3 in any particular standard, it shows that they have demonstrated end of year mastery.
Our staff is always available to communicate progress with our families. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Christine Firth, Principal
January 2026
1/21 - School Board Mtg 6pm
1/23 - Last day of 1st Semester (half day, release 12:35pm)
1/28 - ACE Day (release 2:35pm)
February
2/2 - 1st Day of 2nd Semester. Report Cards posted to Skyward
2/2 - 3rd Grade Field Trip
Around the School
Martin's Big Words
Students recently explored the children’s biography Martin’s Big Words, which tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mrs. Firth read the story aloud in classrooms, highlighting how Dr. King used “big words” like freedom, together, and love to inspire change. Afterward, students reflected on his impact by choosing one meaningful word to write on a piece of paper. These words were brought together to create a beautiful bulletin board collage, showing how Dr. King’s “big words” continue to make a big difference.
From the Office
Our Lost and Found is filling up with coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, and other personal items. We encourage families to take a few minutes to check for any missing belongings. Labeling items with your child’s name can also help ensure lost items make their way back home.
Thank you for helping us keep our school organized and clutter-free!
Health & Attendance
When your student will be late, leaving early, or absent altogether, please notify the office.
If the Tardy, Early Release or Absence is due to an appointment, please bring a note from the doctor's office.
PTA Movie Night
The PTA is hosting a Movie Night on February 6th for students and families to enjoy together. This event is not a drop-off—students must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian. We look forward to a fun evening of community, snacks, and a great movie!
Volunteer Opportunities
Counselor's Corner
January's Character Trait of the month
Love & Logic Articles From Our Counselor
For interesting and helpful information on a variety of topics, click Love & Logic.
Would picking up a weekly bag of non-perishable groceries help your family?
To participate on Cherrydale's Weekend Grocery Program, send a ParentSquare message to Lanae Olson (Cherrydale's School Counselor) or leave her a voicemail at 253-983-2504.
Click here to see original post.
Looking for a way to help others? Click Steilacoom Food Pantry and Caring for Kids
A big thank you to all of the PeaceBuilders "Helping Others" in our community!
School Menu
Click to view menu on website (scroll down to find the current month) or you can print the attachment below.
Community Events
Helpful Links
Follow Cherrydale on Facebook
Follow SHSD on Instagram
Cherrydale Primary School
Phone: (253) 983-2500
Email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Location: 1201 Galloway Street, Steilacoom, WA, USA