April Newsletter

I hope this message finds you well as we head into the month of April! We've had a wonderful start to the spring season, and I'm excited to share a few upcoming events and updates with you.

Spring Break Recap
First, I hope all of our families had a relaxing and rejuvenating Spring Break from April 6th to 10th. It was a great time for students and staff to recharge, and we’re ready to jump back into the school year with renewed energy and enthusiasm!

One School, Many Cultures Night - April 22nd
We are excited to announce our One School, Many Cultures Night on April 22nd! This event celebrates the rich diversity of our school community. Families are invited to come and share their cultural traditions, food, music, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the different backgrounds that make April Elementary such a special place. Be sure to mark your calendars for this fun and educational evening!

Go Eagles!!!!

Warm Wishes,

💛💙Principal Smith 💙💛

April 15th ~ EARLY RELEASE - 2:35

April 17th ~PTO Popcorn Friday

April 22nd ~ EARLY RELEASE - 2:35

April 29th ~ EARLY RELEASE - 2:35

Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year begins March 13. Applications will be available online at:
https://www.fpschools.org/departments/k-12-office/student-enrollment

When completing your application, please be sure to select the 2026–27 school year enrollment tab to ensure your student is registered for the correct year.

If you have any questions about enrolling your new student(s), please contact our office at (253) 298-3500. We’re happy to help!

Yearbooks are now available for $30, and we will continue accepting orders until we sell out.

Yearbooks will be sent home with students in early to mid-June.

If you would like to purchase a yearbook using cash or check, please send the payment with your student in an envelope or baggie. Be sure to include the student’s name, teacher, and a note indicating that the payment is for a yearbook.

A celebration of diversity and community. Join us for a special Multicultural Night as we celebrate the cultures, traditions, and stories that make our school community so unique! Families are invited to come together for an evening of connection, learning, and celebration.

What to expect: Student-created classroom art - Presentations from our Our Stories, Our Culture Club

Cultural booths representing our community - A special performance by Hula Hālau ‘O Keala‘akua Naniloa Mana‘oakama‘i - Delicious food available for purchase from local food trucks

Date: April 22nd

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Location: Elmhurst Elementary

We hope to see you there for this exciting night of culture and community!

Join us in recognizing and celebrating Administrative Professionals Week as we honor two incredible members of our team: Lori Brist, Office Manager, and Jenn Davis, Office Assistant.

Lori and Jenn are the backbone of our daily operations. Their dedication, organization, and attention to detail keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From managing schedules and supporting staff to creating a welcoming and efficient workplace, their contributions make a meaningful difference every single day.

Lori’s leadership and commitment set the tone for excellence in our office, while Jenn’s reliability and positive attitude help ensure that no task is too small to be handled with care. Together, they embody professionalism, teamwork, and a genuine passion for helping others.

During this special week, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for all that they do. Please take a moment to thank Lori and Jenn for their hard work and the positive impact they bring to our school.

Thank you, Lori and Jenn—we appreciate you!

April is a meaningful time for reflection, celebration, and support as we recognize three important observances:

💙 Child Abuse Awareness Month
We stand together to raise awareness and promote the safety and well-being of all children. This month reminds us of the importance of nurturing environments, strong community support, and speaking up to protect every child.

🌙 Arab American Heritage Month
We celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans in our communities and across the nation. It is a time to honor traditions, amplify voices, and appreciate the diversity that strengthens us all.

🧩 Autism Acceptance Month
We promote understanding, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with autism. This month encourages us to embrace differences, celebrate strengths, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and supported.

Together, these observances remind us of the power of compassion, inclusion, and community. Let’s continue to uplift one another and build a world where every individual feels safe, respected, and celebrated.

The nutrition service department would like to remind parents that Franklin Pierce School District is a Community Eligible District. We feed students Free Breakfast and Free Lunch. There is no paperwork or signing up required. I encourage parents to have your child join us for a healthy breakfast. They do not need to come to school early. We serve breakfast in the community room from 9:20 until school starts.

We look forward to seeing your children.

Connie Barron

Elmhurst Kitchen Manager

Hi Eagles,

Sarah Atchison M. Ed.

School Counselor (she/her)

Elmhurst Elementary

253-298-3510 | satchison@fpschools.org

Work Hard, Think Big, Be Kind

Please see this months Counselor Corner by clicking here ----> https://secure.smore.com/n/r372w

Mental Health Resources

April 17th - Popcorn Friday

Now is a great time to check the contact information that we have for your child. If you have had any changes, you can always log on to your Family Access Account at fpschools.org and update your address, email, and phone numbers. If you need help, please don't hesitate to call the Elmhurst Office at 253-298-3500

If you have a child who turned five years old by August 31st, please enroll now. Starting Kindergarten is a big deal for kids and their families.

Visit www.fpschools.org/enroll.

• Find your School!
• Gather your Documents!
• Enroll online!

Before and After School care @ Elmhurst

Before and Afterschool Care at Elmhurst

Click the YMCA button for more information.

General info 253.534.7840

• Entering the Building:
  When coming into the school, office staff will ask to see your ID both at the entrance and again at the glass check-in window inside the office.

• Transportation Changes:
  If there are any changes to how your child is getting home, please call or email the office by 3:30 PM. This ensures we have enough time to relay the information to the classroom.

• Early Pick-Up:
  If you are picking up your student early, there is no need to call ahead. Just bring your ID to the office, and we will call your student down from class.

• Reporting an Absence:
  If you report your child's absence through ParentSquare, you no longer need to call or email the office. ParentSquare automatically notifies us so we can update your child’s attendance.

• Late Arrivals:
  If your student is arriving late to school, you must come into the main office and check them in.

Arrival Time: 9:25am

Breakfast: 9:25am

Tardy Bell: 9:35am

Dismissal Time:4:05pm

Dismissal Early Release: 2:35pm

Gates will be open at 3:45pm for parent Car pick up. REGULAR SCHOOL DAY

Gates will be open at 2:15pm for parent Car pick up. EARLY RELEASE Wednesday ONLY

Picture a Vibrant Tapestry Woven from many different threads, each representing a student’s unique background and experiences. In this tapestry, Restorative Practices serve as the skilled hands of a weaver, carefully mending any frays or gaps that arise, ensuring that every thread remains interconnected and strong.

Culturally Responsive Teaching acts as the rich dye that enhances each thread’s color, acknowledging and celebrating diversity, allowing every student to shine in their own hue. The Sense of Belonging is like the warm, comforting fabric backing of the tapestry, providing support and security, making each student feel like an integral part of the whole.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) flow like the guiding patterns in the design, promoting consistent, positive behaviors that keep the tapestry vibrant and harmonious. Finally, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) function as the sturdy loom that holds everything together, ensuring that students receive the right level of support based on their individual needs, allowing the tapestry to adapt and grow over time.

Together, these elements create a cohesive, resilient tapestry where every student’s story is valued, contributing to a rich and inclusive school environment.

Phone: 253-298-3500

Fax: 235-298-3515

Address: 420 133rd Street East, Tacoma, WA 98445

Email: elmhurst@fpschools.org
Website: https://elmhurst.fpschools.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565462617905