Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!

From the Desk of: Principal Hoese

Lil Steamer Families --

The 5Essentials Survey is an annual required state survey that provides schools and school districts important feedback regarding culture and climate. This allows us to identify areas for improvement and assist our school improvement plans. In order for a school to receive a comprehensive report, a minimum of 20% of families need to complete the survey.

Please take a few moments to complete this important feedback survey by Friday, March 13 to help us make the Greatest Little Elementary School in the Universe even greater!

JAGH

From the Desk of: AP Marten

Winter Isn’t Done With Us Yet

We’ve all seen those "tease" days where the sun comes out and we start dreaming of flip-flops. However, the ground is still cold, and that playground wind doesn't play favorites! To keep our students safe and comfortable during outdoor recess, please remember:

Layers are your friend: A heavy coat is best, but hoodies under jackets help when the temperature fluctuates.
Hats, gloves, warm socks and shoes: Having gloves and hats in bookbags help assure our kiddos are warm is essential. Also, wearing socks and shoes is important for not only keeping us warm but also dry.
Label everything: Our Lost and Found is currently a mountain of ""mystery items." A quick name on the tag helps us reunite gear with its owner.

If the "Feels Like" temperature drops below a certain point, we do stay inside—but we’d much rather get that fresh air whenever possible! Plus, remember, recess lasts 30 minutes!

The Power of Choosing Kindness

In our hallways, we talk a lot about "Choosing Kindness." It sounds simple, but as we all know, it’s a practice that takes work. We are encouraging students to look for the "invisible" opportunities to be a leader:

Including someone new at the lunch table.
Holding a door for a classmate with their hands full.
Offering an encouraging word after a tough math problem.

Kindness isn't just about being "nice"; it's about building a community where everyone feels they belong. We see our students doing this every day, and it makes my job the best in the world.

From the Desk of: Counselor Meumann

Children need high quality time with parents and caregivers as it will have a positive effect on them as they grow. Here are some tips for spending high quality time with your children:

Have a daily “connect” time with your child. Do this face-to-face, if possible; but if this isn’t an option, create a routine for doing so in other ways, such as leaving a note in your child’s lunch bag, posting a note by his/her toothbrush, or writing an encouraging saying on a shared whiteboard in the house.
Create a special ritual for you and your child—something that can be done every day. For example, let your child choose and read one book with you at bedtime.
Tell your child you love him/her every day. Tell him/her how important they are to you and how they make you feel.