Fammatre Newsletter
October 23rd, 2026
Students who choose to dress up for Costume Day on Friday, October 30th should wear costumes that do not interfere with their ability to work in the classroom setting. The costumes should be worn over their street clothes, so students can easily change out of their costumes. Please see more information below: The costume parade will begin after our Friday Student of the Month morning assembly time. Parents are welcome to come for the parade.
Costume Guidelines
If your child’s costume has a fake weapon or any other prop that must be carried in the hand, please leave this part at home, as this type of prop is not allowed at school.
Please avoid costumes that require masks, extravagant make-up, or sprayed hair.
Costumes are not allowed to have dangerous objects (e.g., toy swords, toy guns, chains, skates, or spray cans).
Students should wear school clothes under the costume unless the costume is wearable all day.
Costumes should not be too scary (so that our younger students are not frightened)
No weapon, blood, or gore may be part of the costumes.
Costumes should be of appropriate length (not too short, too tight, or see-through).
Costumes should not include things on the hands or face (e.g., masks) that interfere with writing or sight.
Students should plan to wear shoes that will be safe for outdoor recess and PE activities.
Costumes should be tasteful, modest, and appropriate for a school environment and follow the basic guidelines of school dress code standards.
We thank you in advance for helping your child follow the rules about costumes. We know that the children look forward to showing off their costumes safely so that no little ones are scared.
Good evening, Falcon families,
I want to thank our HSC for the amazing job they did with this year’s Monster Boogie Bash. It’s the event our students look forward to most each year, and it’s easy to see why. There were a few unexpected hurdles, but they were handled so smoothly that very few people realized anything had gone wrong.
I also want to thank the many volunteers who stepped up to make sure every attraction was fully staffed. Our Super Falcon Helpers were:
- Haunted House: the Sanchez Family, Melody Sequoia, the Weitz Family, Megan Jenkins, Christine Robinson, Melissa Wuenschel, Jess Crane, and Dan Bach
- Trick or Treat Alley: Katherine Patterson, Shweta Varshney, Lulu Valencia, Vaneeta Sheth, Belinda Younis, and Sarah Perry
- Weekend Warriors: Jermaine Rodriguez, Mike McCarry, Rebecca Balabon, Alexandra Houston, and Raine Chin
Our Home and School Club loves bringing our community together, and they can only do that with the help of volunteers. I will be sending a separate email soon with the roles they still need filled so we can offer even more events. After reflecting on your responses to the Family Survey, I’m also hoping to find a couple of volunteers to help coordinate our Community Events. You’ll find more information below.
Have a great weekend,
Samantha Haley
Raptor Safe
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. This year, we are introducing Raptor, a new electronic sign-in system for all visitors and volunteers on our campuses. Raptor makes check-in more secure, and it helps us know who is on campus at all times. Signing in with Raptor may take a few minutes longer. We ask for your patience and understanding as we make our school campuses more safe and secure.
What Is Raptor Safe?
Raptor Safe is a free mobile app that lets you check in quickly at your child's school. Using the app helps keep our school environment safe for everyone.
Who will use Raptor Safe?
Every visitor and volunteer entering Fammatre will be asked to sign in using a government issued ID to sign in.
When will Raptor Safe Start at my School?
Fammatre will begin using Raptor to check in visitors and volunteers Friday, Nov. 6th
Making Signing in easier
Download the app. Search for "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is free.
Create your profile. You'll need an account to use features like the Raptor Passport (for quick check-in) and dismissal preference management.
Verify your identity. During setup, you'll scan your driver's license, and the app will take a live selfie to confirm you match the photo on your ID. The selfie taken during this process is not stored in the app.
Checking In
Once your account is set up, use your Raptor Passport to scan the QR code at your school's visitor entrance. You can check in quickly and securely without waiting in line.
Your Privacy
We want you to know exactly what is stored. When you create a Raptor Safe account, including a Raptor Passport, only the information needed to verify your identity and enable secure access to your school is kept:
Your name
Your date of birth
The last four digits of your driver's license or passport
Your license photo
Any additional information is entered directly by you.
What if I forget my login credentials?
Raptor Safe uses your mobile phone number to log in. If you have your phone, you'll receive a one-time password by text message each time you sign in. If you lose access to your phone number, please contact Raptor for assistance.
What if I have trouble with the app?
Visit the Raptor Safe help page, or contact your school office and we'll be happy to help.
Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe, welcoming, and secure. We appreciate your partnership and look forward to seeing you on campus!
Sincerely,
Ms. Haley
Six Week Research Based Series on Parenting Skills:
Join us for this 6-week research based workshop series on parenting skills.
Oct. 28th, Nov., 4th, 12th, 18th, Dec. 2nd & 9th
(5:30-6:30pm in the Steindorf STEAM School Cafeteria (3001 Ross Avenue)
Do you ever think:
- How do I talk to my kids so that they will listen?
- Who is this kid next to me who used to be so sweet?
- How do I set rules and reinforce them?
- How do I teach my kids what’s important when there are so many conflicting messages out there?
- How do I help my kids succeed in school and in life?
Childcare (TK through 8th)will be provided.
Every purchase directly supports our school, and we need your help to make it a success
Shop & Support: Visit the library during lunch and after school each day, or join us for evening shopping on Tuesday, 11/3 (5-7 p.m.). Head to our fair site to set up your student’s eWallet, shop online, or contribute to Share the Fair, so every student brings home a book!
Volunteer: We can’t keep the doors open without volunteers! Sign up for a shift here.
Every purchase directly supports our school, and we need your help to make it a success
Tell us what you loved (and what we can improve!) about this year’s Monster Boogie Bash. Complete our quick feedback survey and include your contact info at the end to be entered into our drawing for a $25 Fammatre spirit wear gift certificate. Thank you for helping us grow our community events! Survey: https://forms.gle/GXm46VZ5NvhFn8e47
Our Fammatre Grade Level T-Shirts are here! Show off your grade-level pride, represent the Falcons, AND help send our 5th graders to Science Camp!
A portion of every sale supports 5th Grade Science Camp scholarships
Kids AND adult sizes available
These shirts are limited time only and are available through 10/31!
Shop here: https://stores.inksoft.com/FammatreGradeShirts/shop/home
Our Fammatre community wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers! Whether you have an hour to spare or are looking to lead a committee, check out current opportunities below (or reach out to volunteers@fammatrehsc.com) to find your perfect fit.
Upcoming Ways to Help:
Book Fair Volunteers: Nov 2–6 | Sign Up Here
Girls on the Run Info Session: Coach 3rd-5th grade girls as they run and build self-confidence! | Oct 27 @ 7 p.m. | Join Virtual Meeting Here
Starlight Auction Planning Session: Nov 4 @ 8 p.m. | Join Virtual Meeting Here
Year-Round Campus Helpers: Help out with Library, Student Store, Drop-Off, or Yard Duty! | Sign Up Here
Order Your Yearbooks Today! Preserve this year's memories with the Fammatre Elementary yearbook, packed with photos of our students, events, and special moments. Yearbooks are $35 and available through 05/14/27 at yearbookforever.com (enter "Fammatre Elementary School"). Order early, since supplies are limited!
Our form is ready to accept your photos - this is the appropriate place to add any photos you have from school activities! Submit photos here. Questions? Contact yearbook@fammatrehsc.com. Thank you!
