FES Families,

As the landscape around Freeland Elementary begins to bloom, we are entering a season of a different kind of growth: Spring Testing. Rather than viewing these as mere exams or "just a test" we see them as a "grand reveal" of the incredible milestones your children have reached this year. It’s a chance for our students to step into the spotlight and show us, and themselves, just how much they’ve learned.

📝 The ABCs of Success

This year, we are once again centering our focus on the ABCs of Testing.

We’ve refined these core pillars to help every student approach their desk with a calm heart and a sharp mind:

A – Attention: Deep focus on the details. We’re encouraging students to read closely and think critically.
B – Balance: Pacing is key! We are practicing how to manage time wisely while staying composed and steady.
C – Calmness: When the "testing jitters" strike, we go back to basics—deep breaths and a clear head.
S – Success: This isn't about a perfect score; it’s about showing growth. We want every child to leave the classroom feeling proud of their effort.

🏺 Filling the Marble Jar!

To keep our spirits high and our motivation soaring, we are bringing back our School-Wide Marble Jar! Every time a teacher or staff member spots a student embodying those ABCs, whether it’s a student taking a mindful breath or someone carefully checking their work, marbles go into the jar. In the winter the students earned a popcorn and game day, and last spring they earned the Kona Ice Truck during school. We can’t wait to see what exciting reward we unlock together this spring!

🤝 How You Can Help

The most accurate picture of a student’s progress comes when they feel their best. You can support your child by:

Checking Teacher Communications: Keep an eye out for specific grade-level testing dates.
The Essentials: Ensuring a full night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast on testing days.
Positive Vibes: A simple "I'm proud of how hard you work" goes a long way in building confidence.
Headphones: If your child has headphones at home, it is very helpful if they bring those on testing days.

We believe in our students, we value their hard work, and we are so grateful for your partnership in making this a positive, growth-oriented season.

Let's help them SHINE!

Sincerely~

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. McKenna

Get your 2025-2026 Yearbook NOW! All yearbooks will have a custom cover created by one of our 6th graders. We are in our third year of this fun tradition!

Please note:

All yearbooks are sold separately and are not included in picture packages purchased in the spring.
Extra yearbooks will not be purchased and sold separately at the end of the year. If you are interested in a yearbook, you MUST order through the link below.
All orders must be placed by: April 26, 2026. Late orders will not be accepted.

How to Order:

Visit the website: ybpay.lifetouch.com

FES Yearbook Code: 12858826

Parking Lots: Reminder to continue to show patience and grace in our parking lots. Student safety is our priority, and it is so important that everyone shows extra care in those spaces. Please use assigned parking spaces, use safe vehicle speeds, and use extra caution when driving through the lots, on Powley Drive and 7th Street. Please continue to pull all the way forward to the orange corns at parent drop off.
Front Parking Lot: Just a reminder that our front parking lot is used for buses only during the following times (7:15-7:30am, 8:40-9:15am, 2:10-2:30pm, and 3:30-4:00pm.) We ask that if you need to drop off or pick up during these times that you utilize one of our other parking lots to maintain a safe bus loading zone for our students and staff. Please avoid driving the wrong direction or in the grass areas.
We kindly ask for your help in ensuring that our handicap parking spaces in the main lot remain available for those who truly need them. These spaces are designated for individuals with valid handicap permits and are essential for providing safe and accessible parking for those with mobility challenges. If you do not have a handicap permit, please use other available parking spaces. This small act of consideration helps us create an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our school community. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our school a welcoming place for everyone.

While we remind students on a daily basis to avoid the mud and water as much as possible so that they can remain comfortable throughout the day, this won't always be the case. Students are always welcome to call home if they need a change of clothes or shoes, or if needed they can store an extra set of clothing at school. Unfortunately, we won't be able to provide extra sets of clothing at school each time. Thank you for understanding!

The end of the year always brings on very big feelings. We come out of winter and children (actually everyone) wants to be outside as the weather starts to shift. The exhaustion sets in from the demands of the school year. It is important that we all continue to work together throughout the school year. Holding our high expectations for academics and also behavior. We want to continue to promote a safe space where students can learn, be treated with kindness and respect, and enjoy coming to school. This doesn't happen without the support of each adult that is in their space. Please continue to have conversations with students about how to solve social conflicts. We thank you for being a part of our village.
Please remember if you are sending your children with a water bottle to school that the water bottle should be a clear liquid inside. If there is juice, Gatorade, etc. in the water bottles it can stain carpet, and leave areas sticky.
Sleeping in Spring! With the longer days coming ahead and busy schedules, sleep will be important for our students to maintain a positive attitude coming to school and to finish out the school year strong. Make sure to keep your family schedule and if you need any pointers, feel free to reach out to Ms. Castillo, our school counselor.

Freeland Community School District utilizes Meal Magic as an online portal for nutrition accounts. Available on our website is access to this account, or you can click the link here (https://freeland.familyportal.cloud/).

We strongly encourage all families, regardless of income, to complete a Free & Reduced Lunch Application as soon as possible. You may do so at https://freeland.familyportal.cloud/. The more families that complete the application now, the better prepared we will be for whatever comes next.