Comet Connection
Weekly Information from Starside
Starside Elementary: Learning Never Goes Extinct! 🦖
Message from Ms. Rudolph
September is a month of growth, learning, and new discoveries! Our Comets are settling into routines, building friendships, and growing more confident as learners. As we continue our journey together, remember that “Learning Never Goes Extinct!” Every day brings a new opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.
Thank you for partnering with us and encouraging your child along the way!
Save the dates:
September 14- M Day
September 15- E Day
- Fruits and Veggies Day
September 16- T Day
September 17- C Day
- Fruits and Veggies Day
- Constitution Day
September 18- O Day
September 18- Walk A Thon Kick Off
September 23- Conferences (4:45-8:00)
September 24- Conferences (10:00-8:00)
October 9- Walk A Thon
Tier Groups Starting
At Starside, there are many different supports to help target students’ specific needs. This includes Math and Reading small group instruction which could include classroom teachers and/or reading and math support staff who will focus on specific skills. Your child may be included in these groups at different times and/or for different durations throughout the year. These groups will take place while all students are receiving small group instruction which ensures those students will not miss any new core instruction.
Parent Square Communication
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, USD 232 will use ParentSquare as the primary communication platform for families. ParentSquare brings together many of the communication tools previously used across the district into one place. Through ParentSquare, you'll receive school and classroom updates, communicate directly with staff, complete forms, sign permission slips, RSVP for events, and receive emergency notifications — all from one platform.
Your ParentSquare account is automatically created using the contact information you provide during enrollment. For this reason, it is critical to check your contact information each year and ensure it is correct. Families can access ParentSquare through a web browser, the free mobile app, email, or text messages.
🎃 Fall Parties at Starside
We have some exciting changes coming to our Fall Parties this October! To follow safety and fire code requirements while allowing as many families as possible to be part of the fun, we will be limiting the number of adults inside classrooms.
We are excited to introduce our 1st Annual Starside Trunk or Treat! 🚗🎃 This will take place during our Fall Parties. Families can participate by decorating a trunk or enjoy watching our costume parade from outside the building. We will be asking for some candy donations to help with this activity.
Students will enjoy fun activities and games with their classmates inside the classrooms. We can’t wait to share more details about this exciting new Starside tradition! ⭐
Character Strong
September's character trait of the month is Respect. All of our teachers use the program Character Strong daily to build on the monthly trait and enhance our students social emotional skills. Click on the link below to view a summary of the program.
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
Dear Starside Families,
Welcome to a brand-new school year! I am excited to begin this journey with you and honored to serve as your principal at Starside Elementary. Whether your family is returning or joining our school community for the first time, I am so glad you are here.
This year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter with a new administrative team. I look forward to getting to know each of you and partnering with our families to create a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.
Throughout the year, we will use this newsletter to share important updates, celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our students and staff, and keep you informed about events and opportunities to stay connected. I truly believe that when families and schools work together, our students achieve their greatest success.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve your family. I can't wait to welcome our students back and begin an incredible year together. Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year!
Go Comets!
Jennifer Rudolph
Principal, Starside Elementary
Meet our Building Coordinator
Dear Families,
Welcome to an amazing new school year!
I am excited to begin my first year as your Building Coordinator and feel truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful school community. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff as we learn, grow, and celebrate successes together.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. It is a privilege to be part of their educational journey, and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things we'll accomplish together.
Here's to a year filled with learning, kindness, and plenty of STAR moments!
Gina Blessing
Building Coordinator
E-Bikes and Scooters Update
To help ensure the safety of all students and staff:
E-bikes and electronic scooters may not be ridden on school grounds. Riders must dismount and walk them on sidewalks until they have exited school property.
Electronic scooters may not be brought inside the school building.
Bicycles and scooters should be secured with a personal lock and stored at the designated bike racks.
Starside Elementary is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles or scooters.
The school will not provide charging for electronic scooters or store them indoors during inclement weather.
*E-bikes, recreational scooters, motorized vehicles, and golf carts are prohibited from school playgrounds and athletic fields. This is to protect the safety of all individuals as well as to protect school property from damages that are expensive and time-consuming to address.
