October Newsletter
October 1, 2026
Happy October, PMES Families!
We have a big month ahead at Pete Mirich! Our new SMART Lab has officially been installed, and once everything is up and running, students will begin accessing it during Wacky Wednesday for hands-on STEM learning.
Across classrooms, students continue to work hard and engage in rigorous learning, with a focus on communicating their thinking through writing in both math and ELA.
October will also bring Parent-Teacher Conferences and plenty of fall fun with Boo Bash, Trunk or Treat, and Halloween parties. We are excited for another EPIC month of learning, connection, and great experiences for our Vikings!
Caroline Eaves
Principal, Pete Mirich Elementary
Hello wonderful Viking families, and happy fall!
There is something energizing about the change in seasons. Do you feel the shift in a similar way? Fall has always been my favorite season (it helps that October is my birthday month). Do you have a favorite season? Why is it your favorite? These are some beautiful connection questions you can have as a family.
October is a great month! We have Parent Teacher Conferences, changing leaves, Halloween, and it is also National Bullying Prevention Month. Mrs. Scott has organized some things for our staff and students to engage with throughout the month, and I thought I would share some things with our Viking families as well.
Last month, I shared our wave diagram (I’ll share it again below). This tool can be really helpful in giving children a chance to identify and share the sensations they feel in their bodies when they are experiencing a big moment or big feelings.
As we talk about bullying, it is important that we have a shared understanding of what it means. Colorado defines bullying as written or oral expression, or a physical or electronic act, gesture, or pattern, that is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause physical, mental, or emotional harm to a student.
When helping children understand bullying, we can also talk about characteristics that are commonly associated with bullying, such as behavior that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated and situations where there is a real or perceived imbalance of power.
Early on in my first year of teaching, my small North Carolina class was building community and struggling at recess. We began reading picture books and talking as a class about sharing, safe bodies, kind words, and more. One book that had a big impact every year was Each Kindness. It sparked a lot of conversations and helped us identify why it was important to strengthen and use our voice.
Building a strong voice is an important skill, and it is valuable to practice this skill repeatedly. That is why I started—and continue—teaching the phrase:
“I do not like that. Please stop.”
This is a clear, firm, and appropriate statement that lets another person know that something is not okay. I have practiced this statement with every class for over a decade. We practice saying it with a strong and clear voice.
We also want our students to know that they can always go to a trusted adult for help. They do not have to handle a situation on their own or wait for something to happen again before asking for support. If someone does not stop, if a student feels unsafe, or if they simply need help navigating a situation, we want them to tell an adult.
I invite you to practice this statement with your learners at home! They deserve to feel powerful in their voice and confident asking an adult for support when they need it.
These are really special years when our children are learning so much about reading, writing, and math. They are also learning so much about being a person and being around other people. Helping them develop their voice, navigate relationships, and know when to ask for help is one more way we can support them in finding success at school.
Thank you so much for your time!
Emily Metzler
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As we begin the second quarter, we are excited to continue building a school community where every student feels safe, valued, included, and supported. This month, our SEL lessons will focus on community, giving back, kindness, and bullying prevention.
A strong school community starts with each of us. Students will learn that their words, choices, and actions can make a difference. We will talk about what it means to be a good community member, include others, listen to different perspectives, and work together.
October is also a time to focus on bullying prevention. Students will learn the difference between being mean, being rude, and bullying. We will practice ways to respond when problems happen and discuss the importance of speaking up and getting help from a trusted adult.
Join us in showing that our school stands together against bullying by wearing orange Wednesday, October 21. Wearing orange is a simple way for our school community to show that we are united in creating a school where everyone belongs.