North Star News - Family Edition

As we step into March, we're filled with excitement for all the blossoming opportunities and joyful events ahead. Spring is on its way, bringing with it a burst of new beginnings and cherished traditions.

Spring Pictures: Get ready to capture those precious smiles! Our annual spring picture day is just around the corner. Details will be sent home soon, so keep an eye out for the perfect outfits and brightest smiles!

Dr. Seuss Week: Join us in celebrating the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! From March 4th to 8th, we'll dive into his magical stories with dress-up days, fun activities, and a special focus on the joy of reading.

House Meetings: Our students will come together for another exciting round of house meetings, fostering teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging within our school community. Let's cheer on our house members as they showcase their spirit and camaraderie!

Buckling Down for SOL Testing: As we embrace the season of growth, we're also gearing up for SOL testing (only 29 days until testing starts!). Our dedicated teachers and students are ready to buckle down, review diligently, and showcase their hard work and knowledge. Together, we'll strive for success and reach for the stars!

March is a time of transition, renewal, and endless possibilities. Let's embrace each moment with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to learning and growing together.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education journey. Here's to a March filled with laughter, learning, and the beauty of springtime!

Most sincerely,

Candy Llewellyn, Ed.D.

Principal

Tuesday, March 5 --> Student Holiday (Teacher workday)

Thursday, March 7 --> House Meetings

Thursday, March 7 --> Kiwanis Terrific Kid Presentations

Friday, March 8 --> Spring Picture Day

Friday, March 15 --> End of the 3rd Nine Weeks

Friday, March 22 --> Unity Day for Altruismo - wear BLACK to support Altruismo

Monday, March 25 --> Report Cards issued

Thursday, March 28 --> Unity Day for Reveur - wear BLUE to support Reveur

Friday, March 29 --> School Holiday!

April 1 - 5 --> Spring Break

Please make sure that you have your car tag if you are picking your child up in the afternoon. We ask that you stay inside of your vehicle. Children should enter the vehicle on the passenger side (closest to the sidewalk) to avoid them being in the way of oncoming cars. If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your child, we ask that you park and do so in order to keep the lines moving.

We ask that if you must pick your child up early that you do so BEFORE 2:30 p.m. After 2:30 p.m. it is challenging to get the children up early with all of the other dismissal things going on. If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. you may be asked to wait until normal dismissal.

Please make every effort to have your child at school on time every day. Obviously, if they are not well, we encourage you to keep them home. Being at school on time and not leaving early is just as important as coming to school every day!

As an added incentive we will have special days for those who are here every day! Stay tuned for more information!!

Please remember that we go outside for recess every day unless the temperatures are below 40 OR it is raining. Make sure your students have a coat and are dressed appropriately to go outside. We are required to have at least 20 minutes of recess each day.

According to Johns Hopkins, the common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold. However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter). This is probably due to a variety of factors, including:

• Schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus.

• People stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other.

• Low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the office or Nurse Kelly.

We are thrilled to announce our attendance incentives designed to celebrate and encourage regular school attendance among our amazing students! At North, we believe that every day counts, and we're committed to making attendance fun and rewarding.

1. Principal for the Day: Imagine the thrill of being in charge for a day! Students who achieve perfect attendance for a week will have their names entered into a drawing at the end of each month for the chance to become "Principal for the Day." This special opportunity includes leading morning announcements, assisting with lunch duty, meeting with the superintendent, visiting classrooms, and more. It's a fantastic way for students to experience leadership and responsibility firsthand!

2. Monthly Prize Drawings: We're turning attendance into an adventure with our monthly prize drawings! Students who maintain perfect attendance throughout the month will be entered into a drawing to win exciting prizes. Last month, one lucky student rode away with a light-up scooter, and who knows what fabulous surprises await in the coming months! We want every student to have the chance to win big and experience the joy of consistent attendance.

But wait, there's more! We believe in sprinkling extra fun throughout the year, so keep an eye out for pop-up celebrations on random days. Students who are present on these special days will be treated to surprise treats and activities. Because at North, we know that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity for adventure and learning!

Thank you for partnering with us to emphasize the importance of attendance and encourage our students to be present and engaged every day. Together, let's make every day at North a day to remember!

The recent Unity Day celebration for House Amistad was a vibrant and memorable event filled with the spirit of friendship and unity. As the House of Friendship, Amistad embraces its Mexican heritage and embodies the values of kindness, strength, and camaraderie.

The celebration commenced with an energetic display of house pride, as members adorned in red, the color symbolizing kindness of heart, showcased their unity and enthusiasm. Throughout the day, various activities and events highlighted the unique qualities and traditions of House Amistad.

The central theme of the celebration revolved around the symbolism of the immortal peacock, the house's symbolic animal. Just like the peacock's preserving spirit, Amistad members are known for their unconquered spirit and unwavering commitment to friendship. Through engaging presentations and discussions, students were encouraged to reflect on the significance of friendship and the role it plays in their lives.

The crossed keys, representing the gateway to friendship, served as a poignant reminder of the importance of unlocking connections and building meaningful relationships. As students participated in collaborative games and team-building exercises, they reinforced the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that define House Amistad.

The castle, anchoring the center of the shield, symbolized the foundation of power and protection through unity. Just as a castle stands strong and resilient, so too does the House of Amistad, fortified by its diverse members and shared values.

Throughout the celebration, students embraced their roles as fierce warriors and protectors of the realm, embodying the spirit of the knight. As guardians of the kingdom's most valuable treasure—friendship—Amistad members demonstrated their commitment to supporting and uplifting one another.

The event culminated in a heartfelt ceremony honoring the legacy of House Amistad and its enduring commitment to friendship. As students came together to celebrate their shared identity and values, the spirit of unity and camaraderie was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Overall, the Unity Day celebration for House Amistad was a testament to the power of friendship and the strength that comes from embracing diversity and unity. Through their unwavering spirit and dedication to one another, Amistad members exemplified the true meaning of friendship and left a legacy that will endure for years to come.

It is important for students to be in school every day. However, if your child is ill, please keep them home. We do require a doctor or parent note following any absence - even if you called the school office. We want all of our Stars to be successful and in order for that to happen we need them at school each and every day. If possible, please do not schedule vacations during the school year.

Remember if a child misses more than 2 days of school per month (even for excused absences) that equates to 18-20 days over the course of the school year - making them chronically absent.

Please be mindful that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy.

If you drop your child off after 8:30 a.m. --> You must park and walk your child in to sign them in. This is a change from the way we have done this in the past.

We love celebrating birthdays and we want to make sure our friends whose birthdays are during summer break get a chance to be recognized and celebrated. With that being said, we will be celebrating half-birthdays for those born in June and July. In February we will be celebrating July birthdays. You are free to bring in store bought treats(cupcakes, cookies, etc.) on that day for your students class if you wish.

1- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

2 - Be honest.

3 - Be respectful to others.

Please review these rules with your child. We discuss these on a daily basis to make sure students understand what our expectations are.

Breakfast and lunch will be served daily to all students at no cost.

School menus can be found HERE.

If your child will be bringing his/her lunch to school, please help them so they are able to open juice boxes or other containers they bring in their lunch. We have adults on hand to help but if the students can open things themselves, it makes lunch go smoother!

Parents - PLEASE do not bring food to share with students at lunch. We have many students who have allergies and for the safety of ALL students it is imperative that you do not bring food to share when you visit for lunch.

If you bring cupcakes for a birthday, they must be store bought and the teacher should be the one to distribute them.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to call the Nurse Kelly or Dr. Llewellyn.

Please remind students that they are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, or any head covering of any kind in the building or on the school bus.

Character Trait of the Month:

This month’s focus is Cooperation. One way to think about Cooperation is “working together to reach shared goals.” As a family, talk about how this definition applies to how you work together at home. What are some goals you share? Cooperation is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.

North House System:

We have started our North House System where we are building a culture of excellence through authentic connection and a sense of belonging. The system provides a consistent and purposeful school-wide positive behavior support system designed to increase student achievement academically, socially, and emotionally for our 3rd -5th grade students. Our motto is, “We are stronger together.” North House System handbooks have been sent home and we ask that you sign the handbook agreement and return it to school as soon as possible.

Anti-Bullying Note: Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance where the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. To help us prevent bullying here at North Elementary we would love it if you could talk to your student about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Please let your student know bullying is unacceptable at North Elementary. Encourage your student to speak to a trusted adult if they are being bullied or see others being bullied when it FIRST happens.