The BLUEprint Bulletin

As we wrap up our first nine weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible start we have had and celebrate the hard work, focus, and determination our students have put into this first grading period. First Nine Week report cards have now been posted in the Parent Portal; please feel free to reach out directly to your child's teacher if you have any questions regarding their progress.

In addition to our academic growth, I am thrilled to share some fantastic news about our attendance! Our schoolwide goal is 96%, and I am proud to say that all three of our grade levels met and surpassed that goal for the first nine weeks. A special congratulations to 2nd grade for coming in with the highest attendance rate at 96.9%, followed by 4th grade at 96.3% and 3rd grade at 96.0%!

It has brought me so much joy to see so many big smiles across our campus over the past several weeks. We have already shared so many memorable moments together, from the contagious energy of Homecoming Spirit Days and football game to our exciting Legacy Bowl victory for the Mustangs! Welcoming so many family members to our halls for Grandparent's Day and connecting with everyone at BINGO Night made this first grading period extra special.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the first semester, the excitement continues with even more wonderful traditions on the horizon. In the upcoming weeks, we are eager to host our Storybook Parade and Fall Book Fair, and we will wrap up the semester together with our holiday concert.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership—our school community thrives because of you. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of our families and look forward to making even more wonderful memories together as we finish this semester strong!

Our district is Partnering with the SA Food Bank to pilot a brand-new weekend Food Distribution program. The Student Weekend Food Support Program is designed to provide families with a free, consistent supply of supplemental food to help nourish students over the weekend.

Program Highlights:

• What You Receive: Approximately 30 pounds of food per family per distribution, including fresh produce, dry goods, and family-friendly items.

• Frequency: Every other week on Friday afternoons.

• Cost: 100% FREE to all participating families.

• Reusable Bag Initiative: Each participating family will receive a reusable tote bag at their first distribution, which you will simply bring back for each future distribution.

• Who Can Join: Any family with a child/children attending Natalia ISD.

Before we can officially launch the program, we need to ensure we have enough interest from our families. If your family could benefit from weekend food support and would like to participate, please take 2 minutes to complete our quick interest survey:

Click Here to Fill Out the Survey: https://forms.gle/WUPcuXmLKyq6CAgL9

Thank you for helping us bring this great opportunity to our Natalia ISD community!

Now that school has been in session for a full grading period, classroom assignments and expectations are becoming more challenging and some children might begin to feel overwhelmed. Below you will find ways to communicate with your student to better understand how to support them through it.

Checking In With Your Child: Notice, Name, and Support

Children do not always say, “I am stressed,” “I feel left out,” or “I need help.” Sometimes, they show their feelings in other ways. They may be quieter than usual, get upset more easily, complain about school, sleep more or less, or stop enjoying activities they used to like.

Families can support children by noticing small changes. You know your child best. If something feels different, it may be a good time to gently check in.

Start by naming what you see in a calm way. You might say:

“I noticed you have been quieter after school this week.”
“I noticed homework has felt harder lately.”
“I noticed you did not seem excited about practice today.”

Then give your child a choice for how to respond. Some children like to talk. Others may feel more comfortable drawing, writing, walking, or sitting near you. You can say:om

“Do you want to talk about it, draw it, or just sit together for a few minutes?”

This helps your child feel safe instead of pressured. It also shows them that there is more than one way to share feelings.

You can also use simple non-verbal check-ins. Ask your child to show a thumbs up, thumbs sideways, or thumbs down for how their day felt. Younger children can point to a face on a feelings chart. Older children may prefer writing a quick note or sending a text.

The goal is not to fix every problem right away. The goal is to show your child, “I see you. I care. I am here.” When children feel supported at home, they are more likely to ask for help at school, with friends, and in activities.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our campus counselor, Mrs. Palomino (santa.palomino@nataliaisd.net) if you have questions about helping your child deal with "big feelings" or if you'd like her to check-in with your child at school.

October 21st: Trunk or Treat

October 22nd: 3rd Grade Field Trip

October 23rd: No School for Students; Professional Development for Staff

October 26th - 30th: Red Ribbon Week AND Book Fair

October 27th: Red Ribbon Concert Field Trip - 4th Grade

October 28th: Fire Truck Presentation (during Specials rotations)

October 27th: Fall Festival

October 30th: Storybook Parade

Please call the Front Office with any questions regarding attendance.

Please call the Front Office with any afternoon transportation changes. Calling as early as possible allows us to ensure all teachers and relevant staff are aware of the change and your child is in the right location for dismissal.

If your child score Did Not Meet grade level on the 3rd grade STAAR reading test, there is a grant that you can apply for to receive tutoring services for your child. The program is called PASS.

Parent Access to Supplemental Supports (PASS) program

This new $400 online grant program helps eligible students strengthen their reading skills through high-quality literacy tutoring from approved tutoring services.

Education Service Center Region 20 (ESC-20) offers dedicated parent learning workshops designed to empower parents, caregivers, and families with practical knowledge, resources, and tools to support their children's growth and education.

How to Register

1. Find a Session: Browse the workshop schedule on the ESC-20 Parent Resources page or the flyer below and note the Session ID for the training you wish to attend.

2. Register Online: Register online through your Connect20 account / registration portal.

3. Get Registration Help: If you need help creating an account, finding sessions, or accessing certificates, visit the ESC20 Registration Help Page.