Beaver Tales From Sonoma Elementary

Dear Sonoma Families,

It's hard to believe we're already into November! We are officially in the thick of our school year, and there is so much wonderful learning happening throughout our building. Our students have settled into their routines, classrooms are busy, and our staff is working hard each day to help students learn, grow, and succeed.

We continue to focus on our LEAD expectations: Learn Responsibly, Encourage Kindness, Act Respectfully, and Demonstrate Safety. These expectations are an important part of everything we do at Sonoma. We encourage our students to make positive choices, show kindness to others, and take responsibility for their actions. As we move into November, we'll also be spending time talking about gratitude and the importance of appreciating one another. It's a wonderful opportunity to remind our students that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference!

We've also had so much fun together over the past few weeks! From our skating field trips and Glow Night to Trunk or Treat and our fabulous Halloween Costume Parade, we've enjoyed some wonderful opportunities to celebrate as a school community. Last month, we also welcomed firefighters from Newton and Leroy Townships, who spent time with our students teaching important fire safety lessons. We are grateful for their time and commitment to keeping our students and community safe! Thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make all of these experiences so special for our Sonoma Beavers!

Coming Soon: Sonoma Read-A-Thon! 📚

Be on the lookout for information coming home soon about our Read-A-Thon! This is an exciting opportunity to encourage our students to read as much as they can while also raising funds to support student activities, the one book one school project, and other needs throughout our building. We hope our families will join us in making reading a fun and important part of each day!

Speaking of reading, please continue to support your child's learning at home! We are working hard on foundational reading and math skills here at school, and the time you spend practicing with your child makes a difference. Whether it's listening to your child read, reading a book together, practicing letter sounds, or talking about what they've learned, every little bit helps. Even 10–15 minutes a day can provide valuable practice and help build confidence. Your partnership is an important part of your child's success!

As we head into this season of gratitude, I want to share how thankful I am for our Sonoma families. Your encouragement, involvement, and support help make our school a wonderful place for children to learn and grow. Thank you for being part of our Sonoma community. I look forward to all the learning, celebrations, and special moments still ahead!

Together We Grow!

Mrs. Lindsey Cook

Principal, Sonoma Elementary

📅

Printable District Calendar https://www.harpercreek.net/calendars/

Wednesday, November 4th NO EARLY RELEASE

Thursday, November 5th 1/2 Day of school 12:00 PM dismissal

Friday, November 6th NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 10th LEAD Breakfast at 8:00am in the Gym,

Tuesday, November 10th 4th Grade Skate Field Trip

Wednesday, November 11th DK/Kindergarten Library Field Trip

Wednesday, November 11th Early Release @ 2:35

Thursday, November 12th, Applebees Fundraiser Night. Sonoma PTA receives 20% back. Must tell them you're with Sonoma and verify on your receipt. Take out counts!

Friday, November 13th 1st Grade Skate Field Trip

Wednesday, November 18th Early Release

Wednesday, November 25th, 1/2 Day of School 12:00 PM dismissal; & Pajama Day!

Thursday, November 26th & Friday November 27th NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving break

Student Hours Full Day: 8:50 – 3:45 Student Hours Half Day: 8:50 – 12:00

Student Hours Early Release: 8:50 – 2:35

Students arriving after 8:50 but before 9:20 = Tardy

Students arriving after 9:20 - U (Unexplained Absence) or EA (Explained Absence)

Students leaving before 3:10 = U (Unexplained Absence) or EA (Explained Absence)

Students leaving after 3:15 = L (Leave Early)

Attendance Line to report an absence: 269-441-7805

🚗 Transportation & Early Dismissal Reminders

Please submit any transportation changes before 3:00 PM on regular school days or 2:00 PM on Early Release days. To protect instructional time and ensure a smooth dismissal, students will not be dismissed from the office after 3:30 PM on regular days or 2:15 PM on Early Release days. Please plan early pickups accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation!

🩺 A Note from Mrs. Case: Keeping Sonoma Healthy!

Please notify the school office or attendance line if your child has a communicable illness. We are required to report these illnesses to the county weekly, and your notification helps us take appropriate precautions. When notified, we take additional steps to prevent the spread of illness, including classroom sanitizing and using our Clorox 360 disinfection machine. Thank you for helping keep our Sonoma students and staff healthy!

At Sonoma Elementary, we believe that learning is a partnership between home and school! We want to help families feel confident supporting their child's reading and math development with simple, meaningful activities.

We've gathered three helpful parent guides and a FREE online math resource to make learning at home fun and easy!

📖 Parent Guide to the Science of Reading

Ever wonder how children actually learn to read? This guide explains the five essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. It also provides everyday examples of how families can support these skills at home.

📘 Reading & ELA Parent Guide (Grades K–4)

Learn about important reading foundations, including letter sounds, blending, decoding, spelling, and reading fluency. This guide also includes simple games and activities families can enjoy together!

🔢 Math Parent Guide (Grades K–4)

Explore important math concepts such as number sense, counting, quantity, and understanding numbers. You'll also find fun, everyday activities to help your child build math confidence through play!

💻 FREE Bridges Math at Home Resources!

Looking for even more ways to practice math? The Math Learning Center offers a FREE Math at Home website with activities and resources to help families support mathematical thinking.

👉 CLICK HERE to Explore Bridges Math at Home!

Remember, supporting learning at home doesn't have to mean worksheets or long practice sessions! Reading together, talking about stories, practicing letter sounds, playing counting games, and exploring math during everyday activities all help build important skills.

Thank you for partnering with us to help our Sonoma Beavers become confident readers, thinkers, and problem-solvers!

🐝 Our LEAD Hive Is Full! 🐝

Our hive is buzzing with excitement! Thanks to the hard work and positive choices of our students, we have added all of our bees to the hive as classrooms reached their LEAD ticket goals! We are so proud of everyone for showing what it means to Learn by Example, Encourage Kindness, Act Respectfully, and Demonstrate Safety. Now it’s time to celebrate together as a school! Students will enjoy a School-Wide Celebration on November 25th, featuring a snack, games, and a cozy pajama day!

A Huge Thank You! ❤️

We also want to send a BIG thank-you to everyone who donated costumes to our school costume shop! Your generosity made our costume shop a huge success and helped ensure that every student who wanted to participate had the opportunity to do so. We are so grateful for our wonderful school community and the way you continue to show up for our students!

At Sonoma Elementary, we believe that every school day is an opportunity to learn, build friendships, grow, and succeed! Regular attendance helps students develop important academic and social skills, build confidence, and feel connected to our school community.

Did you know?

• Missing just 2 days of school each month adds up to approximately 18 missed days in a school year. That's nearly a month of learning!

• Missing 10% or more of the school year (approximately 18 days) is considered chronic absenteeism, even when absences are excused.

🎉 NEW! Monthly Attendance Celebration Days!

Beginning in November, Sonoma will have one randomly selected Attendance Celebration Day each month!

Students who are at school on that day will enjoy a special celebration and a little extra fun! We are excited to recognize our students for showing up, being part of our school community, and making every day count.

💙 How Families Can Help

Here are a few simple ways to encourage regular attendance:

• Establish consistent bedtime and morning routines.

• Schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Have a backup transportation plan.

• Reach out to our school office if your family is experiencing attendance challenges. We are here to help!

We understand that illnesses and unexpected circumstances happen. Our goal is to work together with families to help every student attend school regularly and experience success.

Thank you for partnering with us to make every school day count. We can't wait to see your Sonoma Beaver at school!

We are looking for Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers at Sonoma Elementary!

Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a wonderful opportunity for dads, grandpas, and other positive male role models to get involved in our school! Our volunteers help support students and staff, provide positive role models, and make Sonoma a safe and welcoming place to learn.

Interested in becoming a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer? Follow these five steps!

1. Complete the district volunteer form. All volunteers must complete this year's volunteer form and receive approval before volunteering at school.

2. Register for Watch D.O.G.S. Scan the QR code on the flyer to complete your Watch D.O.G.S. registration.

3. Watch the informational presentation. Learn about the program, volunteer responsibilities, and what to expect during your time at Sonoma. Click the link below to view the presentation:

   👉 CLICK HERE to Watch the Watch D.O.G.S. Presentation!

4. Order your Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirt. Volunteers are asked to order their Watch D.O.G.S. shirt to wear when volunteering.

5. Sign up for your volunteer days! Once you've completed the registration steps, select the dates you would like to volunteer at Sonoma throughout the school year.

6. 
   

Already volunteered last year? We'd love to have you back! You do not need to start from scratch. Simply complete this year's district volunteer form, respond to Miss Berner's email, and keep your spot!

We are so grateful for the positive impact our Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers have on our Sonoma Beavers. Whether you can volunteer for one day or several days throughout the year, your time makes a difference!

Thank you, Sonoma families, for continuing to use your Parent Pick-Up signs! Having your child's name and current grade level visible is incredibly helpful to our staff and allows us to dismiss students safely and efficiently. If you need a sign please call the office.

As a friendly reminder, signs should be visible for all pick-ups, including families who park and walk up.

📍 Walking Pick-Up Locations:

• Kindergarten: Sidewalk along the office windows. Please form a line.

• All Other Grades: Grassy area near the flagpole.

Please continue to keep the main sidewalk clear so staff can safely escort students to their cars.

Our car line remains the quickest and easiest option, and we appreciate families using it whenever possible.

Thank you for working with us to keep dismissal safe, smooth, and organized! 💙

School Visitor & Volunteer Requirements

For the safety of our students and staff, all adults visiting any Harper Creek school building are required to present a valid driver’s license or photo ID to the school secretary before entering the building.

Once checked in, visitors will be issued a visitor badge, which must be worn at all times while inside the building.

These additional safety measures help us maintain a secure environment and protect every student and staff member. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Planning to Volunteer or Attend a Field Trip?

Are you planning to go on a field trip or volunteer in your child's classroom? A volunteer form must be on file EVERY school year in order to participate.

Volunteer forms are available online or as printed copies in the school office for you to complete.

Thank you for helping us keep Harper Creek schools safe and ensuring everyone has completed the necessary requirements!

• Popcorn Friday. Cancelled until further notice. We are buying a new popcorn machine.
• The next PTA meeting of the year will be held on December 7th at 6:00 PM in Ms. Ridgway's room. We will have a short meeting and then get ready for Santa's Secret Shop.

• Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2OA0HG2Y44UX4?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_ZMC5MM4NTJZ129YW37MT

• You can join the PTA meeting on Zoom! https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88234170519?pwd=ReiGS9nIO7QUJoJsvow1bseCHD26tq.1

• The PTA has an online Spirit Store. You can buy HC and Sonoma Apparel Here.
• Membership Sign Up. Click to join our Sonoma PTA.
• Stay connected! Find us on Facebook by searching Sonoma Elementary PTA Group Page.

• Sign Up for Box Tops: Go to this website: https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/get-the-app. Sign up for the app to start scanning your receipts. Make sure you to link Sonoma Elementary and we will begin receiving the points. Every point helps. Thank you!

• Contact the PTA at: hc.sonoma.elementary.pta@gmail.com

9/14, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7, 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3

Sonoma Events:

Valentine Dance: 2/12/27:

Carnival-5/21/2027

Sonoma Elementary

4640 B Drive South

Battle Creek, MI 49015

Office: 269-441-7800

Fax: 269-979-6246

Attendance Line: 269-441-7805

Website: https://www.harpercreek.net/schools/sonoma-elementary/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harper.schools

Instagram: @harpercreekcommunityschools

All of us can be the eyes and ears of the community and ensure that our children are safe. We encourage everyone—students, staff, parents, and community members— to report potentially harmful or criminal acts using OK2SAY.

To submit a confidential tip:

Call 855.565.2729

• Text 652729 (OK2SAY)
• Email ok2say@mi.gov
• Download the Mobile App search OK2SAY
• Visit the OK2SAY website at www.ok2say.com