Cherrydale Primary School
Cheetah Newsletter March 18 , 2026
From the Principal
Happy Wednesday Cherrydale Families!
Spring Conferences & Early Release Schedule
Our Spring Conferences will take place on April 1–2. These conferences are held on an as-needed basis, and your child’s teacher will reach out directly if they would like to schedule a time to meet. If your child’s teacher does not reach out and you have questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to contact them.
Please note that April 1–3 will be half days for students, with dismissal at 12:35 PM each day. This schedule allows time for teachers to connect with families and continue supporting student learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education!
Warm Regards,
Christine Firth, Principal
March
3/18 - School Board Mtg (6pm @ PDC)
3/25 - ACE Day (early release 2:35)
3/27 - School is in session
3/27 - PTA Recess Takeover
April - Month of the Military Child
4/1 - 4/3 - Half Days/Conferences (early release 12:35)
Around the School
Ms. Oliver’s 2nd graders had a special visit from the Puget Sound Museum at UPS.
As part of the museum’s Nature in the Classroom program, a museum educator brought real-life specimens into the classroom, giving students the chance to explore the biodiversity of the Puget Sound.
The museum’s goal is to provide science-based learning opportunities that connect students and the community with nature. We are so thankful to the Puget Sound Museum for visiting and helping spark curiosity about the natural world!
From the Office
Spring HiCap testing Grades 1-4
A note from the Highly Capable Program teacher, Mrs. Hannah Engstrom:
Every Spring there is a window of opportunity for 1st-4th grade students to apply for the district’s Highly Capable Program. Any family is welcome to apply. Students who qualify may have advanced academic skills, display an abundance of creativity, or are amazing thinkers. Application forms are found on the district’s website on this page: Highly Capable Program or you may request a paper copy from your child’s classroom teacher.
Applications are due April 17, 2026. Evaluation and testing will be completed in late April and early May. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact me via Parent Square or email at hengstrom@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.
Individual & Class Pictures are ready for online viewing!
Watch for an email from Class Act Portraits with a link to your student’s private image gallery. If you did not receive this email, please check your SPAM folder.
You can also access your pictures by clicking on this link.
Online Code: Your Child’s Student ID#
Free shipping ends 03/25/2026
ENJOY YOUR PICTURES & SMILE ON!
Questions: info@classactportraits.com
Our Lost and Found is filling up with coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, and other personal items. We encourage families to take a few minutes to check for any missing belongings.
We strongly recommend labeling your child’s jacket with their name to help ensure it is returned to them if misplaced.
ALL remaining items will be donated April 3rd. Thank you for helping us keep our school organized and clutter-free!
Help Keep Plastic Film out of Landfills
From now through May 1, students can drop off plastic film for recycling in the designated box located in the office.
All the plastic film we collect during the drive will be turned into Trex decking!
Plastic film must be clean and dry.
If you and your child are interested in learning more, this info sheet explains what plastic film is and why it’s hard to recycle, and this video shows a ton of examples.
Here are some examples of plastic film products we can recycle:
Health & Attendance
All planned absences should be reported to the office. Please submit the Planned Absence Request form at least one week prior to the first day of the absence. This advance notice allows teachers adequate time to prepare assignments and materials so your student can stay on track while away.
Cherrydale office phone: 253.983.2500
Cherrydale office email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Cherrydale PSQ: Cherrydale Office / Attendance Secretary
March At A Glance
Spirit Gear Store Open
Recess Takeover
Popcorn Friday
Pre-Order Yearbooks
Art & Science Night
Volunteer Opportunities
We would love to have you volunteer. If you are a new parent to the district or first time volunteer, please click on the link to get clearance to volunteer. Please submit your completed application at least two (2) weeks before the expected volunteer service start date. Volunteer status is valid for 2 years.
Have questions about volunteering in SHSD?
Contact Shsdvolunteers@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
WATCH D.O.G.S. - email: cherrydalewatchdogs@yahoo.com
Cherrydale PTA - email: CherrydalePTA@gmail.com
Counselor's Corner
Love & Logic Articles From Our Counselor
For interesting and helpful information on a variety of topics, click Love & Logic.
Would picking up a weekly bag of non-perishable groceries help your family?
To participate on Cherrydale's Weekend Grocery Program, send a ParentSquare message to Lanae Olson (Cherrydale's School Counselor) or leave her a voicemail at 253-983-2504.
Click here to see original post.
Looking for a way to help others? Click Steilacoom Food Pantry and Caring for Kids
A big thank you to all of the PeaceBuilders "Helping Others" in our community!
All Cherrydale students will have the opportunity to have one breakfast and one lunch for free every day! If a student chooses a second entrée, it will be charged to student’s account.
Community Events
Puzzle Competition 3/21
Bunny Breakfast 4/4
Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt 4/4
Helpful Links
Follow Cherrydale on Facebook
Follow SHSD on Instagram
Cherrydale Primary School
Phone: (253) 983-2500
Email: cherrydaleoffice@steilacoom.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/
Location: 1201 Galloway Street, Steilacoom, WA, USA