Mustang Memo
Fireside Newsletter 8/17/2020
Proud Principal
Over the past week and a half I have walked the halls of the Fireside building where teachers continue to provide our children with meaningful learning experiences daily. What a treat to hear our halls filled with the voices and laughter of children!
Children are navigating technology, getting to know their teachers and peers, and learning in content areas during class time. Thank you for your support and involvement to help make the start of this year a success. I am overwhelmed and amazed by the Fireside teachers who are working tirelessly to create virtual classrooms for students that address academic and social/emotional needs. I would like to take a moment to publicly thank the Fireside teaching professionals for their dedication to our children and for rising to the challenges presented by the virtual platform.
Please join me by sharing your stories of success about our first week and a half of virtual learning.
Please post a submission to our virtual brag board here: Fireside Virtual Brag Board
In these times we know you have many questions. Please feel free to enter them here and we will begin a FAQ page connected to our newsletter. Submit a question here
Congratulations Fireside!
This past Thursday Fireside Elementary School was awarded as the Top Kids Heart Challenge Virtual School for 2019-2020. The American Heart Association recognized Fireside for our participation in the "Kick Cabin Fever to the Curb" challenge. In May, Fireside had the most successful Virtual Kids Heart Challenge event across the United States, raising more than $6,000. American Heart Association expressed their gratitude to our students and to our community for continuing to be heart heroes as we came together to support those affected with heart conditions. Congratulations Mustangs on another successful year and making a positive impact!
Yearbook Distribution
Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night will be held August 19 and 20 in a virtual format. Please look for information from your child’s classroom teacher regarding the specific format for your class.
Presentations may follow the schedule below or may be recorded and sent directly to you:
August 19:
Session 1 Grade 1-4 6:00 to 6:30
Session 2 Grade 1-4 6:45 to 7:15
August 20:
Kinder 5:00 to 6:00
Session 1 5th Grade 5:30 to 6:00
Session 2 5th grade 6:15 to 6:45
Honors 4th grade 5:45 to 6:15
Honors 5th & 6th 6:15 to 6:45
6th Grade 7:00 to 7:30
Afternoon Instruction at Fireside
Afternoon Enrichment Opportunities Begin this week!
Afternoon Enrichment Schedule
Specials teachers will provide links to afternoon sessions to enrichment sessions for Fireside students.
Kindergarten: Monday and Wednesday 2:00-2:20
First and Second Grades: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-2:20
Third and Fourth Grades: Monday and Wednesday 2:20-2:40
Fifth and Sixth Grades: Tuesday and Thursday 2:20-2:40
All grades are able to access intervention on Fridays 2:00-2:40
Office Hours: Daily 2:45-3:15
Afternoon Classroom Teacher Schedule
Concurrently, classroom teachers host small group, individual sessions, intervention, and office hours in the afternoon. Specific information is available from the classroom teachers.
Small group, individual instruction, and intervention 2:00-2:40
Office Hours 2:45-3:15
PTO
Membership Toolkit Instructions
1. Go to firesidepto.membershiptoolkit.com and create an account
2. Fill out the Family Information Form
3. Complete the Back to School Packet (this is where you can purchase the Class Shirt)
4. Download the app (the app will not sync with our school until the Family Information Form is complete)
Class Shirts: Are we still doing this? Yes! With our Class Shirts, we will celebrate Spirit Days, virtual events, and various activities to keep our kids engaged and Mustang Strong! In an effort to provide social and emotional support, we are moving forward with creating class shirts and continuing to build a sense of community and togetherness. Join us in showing off that Mustang Pride! All orders received by 8/17 will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to Thirsty Lion
Community Donations and Sponsors: Have a family member or friend who would like to make a donation to the school? They can visit firesidepto.com and click on "Community Donation" under the "Home" tab to make an electronic donation. Know a business that would be willing to support our school? Sponsorship Opportunities are available on the PTO website under "Become a Sponsor" under the "Home" tab.
Upcoming Events
Curriculum Nights 8/19-8/20
PTO Hosted Family Night In (Papa John’s Take Out) 8/19
UPC Meeting 8/19
Governing Board Meeting 8/20 7pm
Materials Distribution 8/20 and 8/27
Yearbook Distribution 8/27
PTO General Meeting 8/24
Early Release 8/25
Odds and Ends
PV Assist: To support additional questions regarding technology and passwords please visit PV Assist
Social Emotional Supports: Each morning teachers check in with students during morning circle time. During our morning check in, students are able to complete a “how are you feeling” form. The response to this form is forwarded to our social emotional school counselor, Megan Gilligan who will contact the parents of all students who indicate that they are having a bad day or need help. In addition, parents and students are able to refer students using this link: Social Emotional Support Request Form
Materials distribution: Your child’s classroom teacher will notify you via email if materials should be picked up each Thursday. Materials pick up will be located in the east parking lot near the front office. The pick up will be self service from the hours 8:00am-3:00pm. Carts for each grade level will be on the school sidewalk with a pickup bin on the top shelf and a turn in bin on the bottom shelf. Teacher names will be clearly labeled.
Community Ed Enrichment: As your child learns through PVConnect we want to let you know that community education also has virtual enrichment courses available for your child. These classes are available during the week, weekends, after school, and evenings to accommodate your ever-changing schedule. Please visit us online to see all courses available.
Attendance: Be sure to use the attendance line to report a student absence before 3:00pm. The number is available 24 hours a day so if you know your child will be out, you can call before the absence (602)449-4701
Annual Update: Please Complete the Annual Update Online. Use the following link to access a smartcard with instructions: Annual Update Instructions
UPC: General Meeting, followed by Dr. Welsh in his "Opening Bell Presentation!" Wednesday, August 19 @ 4:00 PM. Visit the UPC Page: http://www.pvupc.org/ for the meeting link and additional information.