Wildcat Family Newsletter - January

January has a way of inviting us to pause, breathe, and step forward with renewed energy. After a season of rest and reflection, we return to school ready to begin again with clear minds and open hearts. A fresh start gives every child the chance to reset, recharge, and rediscover what they are capable of.

This month, our Capturing Kids’ Hearts focus is respect. As we step into the new year together, we’re leaning into respect not only as a word, but as a daily practice: listening with care, valuing differences, and treating ourselves and one another with kindness. When students experience respect in action, they learn to extend it to their peers, their teachers, and their community.

Here’s to a month filled with momentum, meaningful connections, and the confidence that comes from beginning well. We’re grateful to launch 2026 with your children and your partnership.

K–4 ATLAS testing will begin next week. Specific testing dates for each grade level can be found at the end of this newsletter. To help your child feel confident and ready, please ensure they arrive at school on time, get a good night’s sleep, and have a hearty breakfast. Encourage them to take their time, read carefully, and simply do their best.

ATLAS assessment results will be available in the ATLAS Family Portal at https://atlasportal.org/families.html. If you have misplaced the parent code that was shared during parent-teacher conferences, please reach out to Mrs. Buckley for help accessing your child’s information.

Joe found our secret, prize-winning word in our last newsletter. As a thank you for being an eagle-eyed reader, we'd like to treat you to a cup of coffee! ☕

Read carefully, and YOU could be next month's winner!

Scholarships are available through Mrs. L.

MLK Day of Service offers a perfect moment for our Community Connectors to put their hearts and hands into meaningful action. Families are encouraged to pair their Let Grow activities with acts of service inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, whether it’s helping a neighbor, cleaning up a local park, or supporting a community organization.

If your family participates, please share photos of your project with Mrs. L so we can feature your young change-makers in our Let Grow Spotlight newsletter. It’s a great way to celebrate students who are strengthening our community one thoughtful act at a time. In fact, this month's winning phrase is "acts of service." Reply to this email with this phrase and you could be a winner!

Click HERE for planned opportunities within NWA.

Permission slips will come home in Monday Folders.

All students will be dismissed in the back of the school (walkers included). The front and back gates to the basketball court will be unlocked for walker pick up. Car riders will follow normal car rider procedures by lining up in the back parking lot. SKC will return to the cafeteria for normal pickup.

**Regular bus routes will run as usual after school and WILL NOT run again after the dance unless you have Creative Cats Club on FRIDAY. The Creative Cats bus will deliver those Friday club kids as usual.**

All attendees must be picked up by 5:00 pm.

• Jan. 6 - Students return to school
• Jan. 7 - Report cards go home
• Jan. 12-16 - K-2 ATLAS Testing ELA
• Jan. 12 - Washington Skate Night at Starlight Skatium 5:30-7:30
• Jan. 13 - ATLAS Testing 3rd & 4th grades WRITING
• Jan. 15 - ATLAS Testing 3rd & 4th grades ELA
• Jan. 19 - NO SCHOOL MLK DAY
• Jan. 20-23 - K-2 ATLAS Testing MATH
• Jan. 21 - ATLAS Testing 3rd & 4th grades MATH
• Jan. 23 - ATLAS Testing 3rd & 4th grades SCIENCE
• Jan. 30 - Character Award Assembly 2:30
• Jan. 30 - 100th(ish) Day Dance 3:10-5:00