Southwest Newsletter

As we head into October, we are excited to share another edition of the Southwest Elementary Newsletter! This newsletter includes important information and updates to help keep our Southwest families informed and connected. Below you will find cycle days, attendance reminders, the district food policy, important October dates, Southwest PBIS information, staff Shining Star nominations, and our September Students of the Month. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to make Southwest Elementary a positive and welcoming place where every student can learn, grow, and shine!

🌟 Show up and Shine as we celebrate Attendance Spirit Week, September 28th - October 2nd! Come to school dressed in theme, but remember, all attire must be in compliance with dress code!

• Monday - Pajama Day
  
• Tuesday - Twin Day
  
• Wednesday - Wacky Day
  
• Thursday - Superhero Day
  
• Friday - Cedar Spirit Day
  

All absences are considered unexcused until the school receives a written excuse within three (3) days of the student’s return. Parents/guardians may provide written excuses for up to 10 days per school year. After the 10th day, a doctor’s note is required for any additional absences to be excused.

Acceptable reasons for absence include:

• Illness or medical appointments

• Quarantine

• Accident recovery

• Court appearances

• Family emergency

• Death in the family

• School-approved events

• College visits

• Religious holidays

• Pre-approved educational trips

Please note: Pre-approved educational trips and family emergencies are included in the 10 parent notes permitted each year.

As always, please turn in an early dismissal note before 12:00 pm of that day to Mrs. Sutton in the attendance office.

Tardy and early dismissal minutes will be recorded and counted. If the number of minutes over the course of the school year adds up, they could be counted against your child resulting in an unlawful absence from school.

Celebrating your child's milestones, like birthdays, is exciting, however, we ask that you do not bring in food or beverages for your child's class. For the health and safety of all students, food and beverage of any kind (even pre-packaged snacks) cannot be shared in classrooms. For alternative items that can be shared in classrooms, please reach out to the Southwest Office, or the Office of the Superintendent. Thank you very much in supporting us in this policy!

For more information, please see Board Policy 246.

October:

10/12 - No School

10/14 - Family Night Out, 5pm - 7pm @ LHS

10/29 - SW Fall Fest/1st Marking Period Ends

10/30 - No School

Join us as we READ ACROSS THE GALAXY!

Family Night Out is a free event for all families hosted at Lebanon High School. On Wednesday, October 14th at 5pm, bring the entire family for:

📖 Read Alouds

👥 Literacy Tips for Parents

🍝 Dinner

🌟 Activities & Planetarium

Do you know an employee who stands out for making a difference? Someone who is:

• Inspiring Minds

• Enriching Lives

• Shaping Futures

If so, consider nominating them as a Shining Star!

Nomination form is linked here.

Here’s how it works:

• Each district school & the district office will select one individual bi-monthly to honor as their Quarterly Star.

• Quarterly Stars will be celebrated in November, January, March, and May.

• All recognized Stars will be invited to our end-of-year celebration program.

• Every nominated individual will be considered for the building’s 2026–2027 Shining Star of the Year!

Remember, Stars should be nominated because they are living our mission daily. Take a moment to recognize a staff member who makes our district shine!