Asbell Elementary

Hello Asbell Families!

Welcome back and happy New Year. January is a fresh start, and at Asbell it is a month focused on strong routines, student growth, and reconnecting after the winter break.

This month, students will participate in ATLAS interim assessments, which help teachers understand progress and plan instruction that meets student needs. Watch classroom newsletters for specific dates and times of testing. Families will also see continued work around attendance, social-emotional learning, and healthy habits as we move through flu season together.

Please watch for several important dates this month and beyond.

Upcoming Events:

• January 19 - MLK Day, No School for Students
• January 27 - Family Game Night - come for food, fun, and family time!
• January 30 - Respect Roadrunner Rally
• February 6 - MOVE TOGETHER: A Celebration of Rhythm, Heart, and Community Family Night

We are also grateful for families who take time to complete the HRS Parent Survey. Your feedback directly shapes our school goals and priorities.

Thank you for your continued partnership, communication, and support. We are excited for a strong and successful start to 2026 together.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Baureis
Principal, Asbell Elementary

We are asking families to complete the HRS Parent Survey, linked below. This is the second survey you have seen recently. This one is different and matters in our progress in becoming recognized as a High Reliability School. The questions focus on how our school is doing in areas that directly impact your child’s experience, including learning, safety, communication, and support.

Your feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we need to improve. It guides our school goals and helps us make decisions that better serve students and families. This is one of the most meaningful ways you can have a voice in our work.

As a thank you, families who complete the survey and let us know will be entered to receive a gift card.

We appreciate your time and partnership.

https://survey.marzanoresources.com/zs/GpCZJ9

Let your classroom teacher know that you've completed it, and we'll enter your name into a gift card drawing! Congratulations to Amy for winning last month's gift card!

Attendance Facts:

• Chronic Absence Starts Early: Absenteeism in kindergarten and first grade predicts poor reading by 3rd grade and higher dropout rates later.
• 10% Rule: Missing 10% of school (around 18 days) is considered chronic and harms academic performance.
• It's More Than Just Being Present: Good attendance builds strong reading skills and leads to better grades and test scores.

Asbell wants to encourage attendance by offering two attendance challenges:

1. Each month, we will award every student who has perfect attendance and no tardies with a certificate and a coupon for a free kids’ meal at Cane’s Chicken. Tardies include both morning and afternoon arrivals. Absences include excused and unexcused.
2. If a student misses five days or fewer and has three tardies or fewer between January 12th and May 1st, they will earn a full-day field trip to the Amazeum on May 4th, along with playtime at a park in Bentonville. Tardies include late morning arrival or leaving campus before the end of the day. The total of five missed days and three tardies includes both excused and unexcused absences. If a serious medical condition requires an extended absence, or if a child has scheduled therapy appointments, these absences and tardies will not count toward the totals. However, documentation from a doctor must be provided.

New Year, New Faces and Systems in the Office! Please welcome our new office assistant, Mrs. Ashley Norman! She is taking Ms. Hilary's position as Ms. Hilary transitions to her teaching internship in an Asbell first-grade classroom! We are excited about the transition for both of them! We are also introducing a new check in and check out computer system.

1. Please be prepared to present your photo ID when checking your student in or out.

2. If your student arrives after 8:10 a.m., you must come into the school building to check them in with the computer.

This will help us streamline attendance information, ensuring dates and times are correctly documented. Thank you!

Knowing when to keep your child home helps protect your child, classmates, and staff during flu season.

Keep Your Child Home If They Have:
• Fever (100.4°F or higher) – Return after being fever-free for 24 hours without medicine.
• Vomiting or diarrhea – Stay home until 24 hours symptom-free.
• Flu-like symptoms – Fever with cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, or extreme tiredness.
• Too sick to learn – If your child cannot participate comfortably, they should stay home.

What Parents Can Do at Home
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Encourage rest and fluids.

• Check your child each morning for symptoms

Flu Vaccine

• Best protection against severe illness
• Fewer missed school days
• Milder symptoms if illness occurs

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
• Fever lasting more than 2–3 days
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Signs of dehydration or worsening symptoms

Thank you for helping keep our school healthy. Keeping sick students home protects everyone and helps us stay in school longer.

Here are some great ways parents or guardians can get involved in our school, no matter how much time you have to give!

1. Quick Contributions: Take just a moment to send a note of encouragement to your child’s teacher or donate a box of tissues or hand sanitizer to the classroom.

2. Classroom Helper: Volunteer to read a story to the class, help with an art project, or assist with a special activity during the school day.

3. Event Participation: Join us for school events like Field Day, our holiday programs, or family fun nights. Your presence makes a difference and strengthens our community!

4. Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO): Attend PTO meetings and be a part of planning activities that support our students and staff. Your ideas and energy can lead to exciting new initiatives! Contact asbell.fayar.pto@gmail.com for more information.

5. Sponsorship and Fundraising: If you're looking to make a larger impact, consider supporting our school through business sponsorships or participating in fundraising efforts that contribute to significant projects like technology upgrades or playground improvements.

Your involvement, big or small, enriches our school community and enhances our students' learning experiences. Thank you for all you do!

January's Capturing Kids Hearts word of the month is RESPECT. Morning Meetings will be focused on these important values

• The Golden Rule: "Treat others how you want to be treated".

• Empathy: Understanding how your actions affect others (ex. "How would you feel if someone said that to you?").

• Acceptance: Valuing people for who they are, even if they are different.

• Good Manners: Using "please," "thank you," sharing, waiting your turn.

• Respect for Things/Places: Being careful not to damage property and taking care of your own things.

How Parents Can Teach Respect at Home?

• Lead by Example: Model respect with community members and other family members; apologize to your child when you're wrong.

• Give Respect to Get It: Show your child you value their opinions and listen when they speak.

• Set Clear Expectations: Define what respectful behavior looks like (e.g., no name-calling, listening, safe body, calm voices).

• Use Stories & Role-Playing: Use books, movies, and pretend scenarios help kids practice respecting others.

• Praise Good Behavior: Notice and celebrate when your child shows empathy, shares, or is kind.

• Talk About Impact: Discuss the positive and negative consequences of our actions and words.

• Build Self-Respect: Encourage them to value themselves, which in turn helps them value others.

CKH English Parent Newsletter link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Pq8dYhe_HjX3m61JBEGPLbUDwBXpM6v/view?usp=sharing

CKH Spanish Parent Newsletter Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18gPtWcqY5moN6IIe7WBmE88BmUv7quHD/view?usp=sharing

Camp War Eagle Summer Camp is filling up fast. Do not wait until the last minute to sign your child up for fun adventures this summer. Applications and information can be found at www.campwareagle.org and paper applications are located in the foyer at Asbell. I can also put paper applications in your child's backpack if needed. You can request this by emailing me at cameron.magness@fayar.net. Fees are based on a sliding scale income and most students are able to go for only $20! Do not miss this amazing opportunity and give your child activities to do over the summer break by signing up today!!!!

Join us for Community Mental Health Series - Session 2

This second event focuses on student emotional well-being and strengthening collaboration between families, schools, and mental health professionals.

• Thursday, January 15, 2026
• 6:30–8:00 PM
• Fayetteville Public Schools Sports Wellness & Academic Center (SWAC), 235 South Buchanan

Featured Panelists

• Jennifer Drake, LCSW - Director of School Outreach & Training, Arisa Health
• Matthew Deel, M.D. - Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, UAMS Health
• Melissa Alderson - Director of Health Services, Fayetteville Public Schools

Join us to learn more about recognizing and responding to student mental health needs.

Welcome back Asbell families!

Check out our Library January Calendar.

The reading logs will continue for January. If students complete their reading logs, they will receive a Braums coupon for a free ice cream or a free kids meal.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

Kindergarten has been learning about and reviewing shapes and creating amazing works using only shapes. They have been learning to collage- working on their cutting and gluing skills. Next, they will add details to their artworks through the use of lines!

First grade has wrapped up their review of the color wheel and their color wheel characters and are now focused on paper weaving. They will be storytelling through the use of color and symbols. These works are always so much fun and students love the hands-on aspect of weaving.

Second and third grade students are also learning about weaving. However, these students are diving into weaving with yarn and looms. Students are learning to use the yarn center and they are excelling at helping one another when they encounter difficulties with the weaving process. They are excited to see their textile grow each week.

Fourth grade is starting a BIG unit on character development. They are creating their own character heads which will eventually be turned into 3D creature heads. They are in the process of finalizing what their creature head will look like and we are nearly ready to start building!

Happy New Year!🎉 We are excited to kick off a new year of learning in Physical Education and Health. January brings new units and skills that will help students build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits ❤️🤝

Gym Units for January 🏀

• Basketball Skills: All students will begin a basketball unit focused on dribbling, passing, and shooting 🏀✨ Lessons will emphasize skill development, cooperation, and good sportsmanship in a safe and supportive environment.

• GaGa Ball Rules Review (3rd & 4th Grade): Third and fourth graders will review proper GaGa Ball rules and expectations so they can safely and respectfully use the GaGa pit during recess 🟡👍

Bike Safety & Riding Units 🚲

• 3rd & 4th Grade: We are excited to begin our bike unit, where students will practice bike safety, control, and riding skills 🚦🪖

• Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: Students will continue developing balance, coordination, and confidence using balance bikes 🚲⭐

As always, PE and Health classes focus on building physical skills, encouraging positive choices, and promoting teamwork and respect 💙👏 We’re looking forward to a great start to 2026 and can’t wait to see the progress students make this month!

Thank you for your continued support of Physical Education and Health 😊🏫 - Coach Plunkett

It's never too early to order a yearbook! To order:

Visit www.treering.com/validate

Enter Asbell's Passcode: 1016947069144218

The cost is $20.93.

We love TreeRing because of the FREE custom page option. Upload photos from your computer, phone, Facebook, Google Drive and more. This is a great way to preserve memories of your child at this age.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus can be found at our website here.

Thinking about lunch next year? Don’t let the rising cost of food get you down! Many children in the school district may qualify for free meals or for reduced priced meals based on household size and income criteria. You can see if you are eligible for meal benefits by clicking here or going to https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/

For more information, please visit this link or call the front office and ask for assistance. We are happy to help!

We love for our students to be fed and happy in the mornings! Mornings can be super busy, so if you don’t have time for breakfast at home they can always get breakfast at school. If your student is eating breakfast, please drop them off before 7:50am, so they have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast!

HELP WANTED! Asbell students are invited to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the FPS School Board meeting January 22nd. All students are welcome to attend! The school board meetings start at 5:00pm at the Adams Center building across the street from FHS (1000 W Bulldog Blvd). We will meet at 4:45pm to practice together. Please call 444-3080 to sign your child up to participate!

Spend Spring Break with YRCC! The interest form will open on January 12 and close on February 6. Families who are interested in financial assistance will be required to submit either a W-2 or two consecutive pay stubs. These supporting documents must be submitted no later than February 13.

Click below to purchase your winter spiritwear! This link will be active until the end of January!

https://rockhousedesigns.com/collections/asbell-elementary

SAVE THE DATE! ASBELL FAMILY NIGHT

MOVE TOGETHER: A Celebration of Rhythm, Heart, and Community

Families will enjoy hands-on, come-and-go stations that promote creativity, movement, wellness, literacy, and social-emotional learning, along with shared group experiences that bring everyone together.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, 4:30–6:00pm

This list will grow as the year progresses and is subject to change!

FPS District Calendar can be found here!

January 6 - First Day of Spring Semester

January 7 - Report Cards Go Home

January 13-16 - ATLAS Interim Testing (Teachers will communicate specifics!)

January 15 - Fourth Grade to Crystal Bridges 9:15-1:45pm

January 15 - Community Mental Health Series Event at FHS SWAC (info above)

January 19 - MLK Day - No School for Students

January 22 - Asbell Students say Pledge of Allegiance at Board of Ed. Meeting

January 26 - NWA Food Bank Delivery 2:30-3:30pm

January 27 - Family Game Night - Come for Fun, Food, and Family!

January 30 - Respect Roadrunner Rally

February 2-5th Composting at Lunch Kick-Off Week

February 6 - MOVE TOGETHER: A Celebration of Rhythm, Heart, and Community Family Night 4:30-6:00pm

February 6 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

February 9 - Progress Reports Go Home

February 12 - Valentine's Party Day! 2:30-3:00pm

February 13 - Teacher In-Service, No School for Students

February 16 - Holiday - No School for Students

February 27 - Kindness Roadrunner Rally

March 2-6 - Book Fair!

March 3 - International Discovery Day / Multicultural Night 4:30-6:00pm

March 13 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

March 17 - Spring Parent Teacher Conferences

March 19 - Spring Parent Teacher Conferences

March 23-27 - Spring Break

April 3 - March Courage Roadrunner Rally

April 23 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

April 24 - Holiday - No School for Students

May 1 - April's Perseverance Roadrunner Rally

May 1 - Asbell Fishing Derby

May 4 - Attendance Reward Amazeum Field Trip!

May 7 - Spring into Summer Block Party 4:30-6:00pm

May 5 - Kindergarten Celebration

May 12 - Apple Seeds Donation Day!

May 12 - Fourth-Grade Celebration

May 13 - Field Day + Senior Walk

May 14 - Fourth-Grade Celebration 8:30-9:30am

May 14 - FHS Graduation

May 15 - 4th Grade Track Meet (Rain Date)

May 20 - Pre-K Celebration 9:00-10:00

May 21 - Integrity Roadrunner Rally + Last Day for Students

We are always here to help and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us through any of the following contact methods. Visit our website at https://asbell.fayar.net/o/aes. Watch for weekly newsletters from your teachers and monthly newsletters from the principals. Follow us on social media, too!

Instagram - asbellroadrunners

Facebook - Asbell Elementary

• Email:

• Jamie Baureis, Principal: jamie.baureis@fayar.net
• Marjo Burk, Assistant Principal: marjo.burk@fayar.net
• Stephanie Alkire, Administrative Intern: stephanie.alkire@fayar.net
• Cameron Magness, Counselor: cameron.magness@fayar.net
• Shanice Porter, Administrative Assistant: shanice.porter@fayar.net
• Chrissy Feinstein, Nurse: christine.feinstein@fayar.net