SIERRA SCOOP
January 12, 2024
FROM FOERSTER'S DESK
WELCOME BACK! Typing 2024 and looking at 2024 at the top of the Scoop sure seems like something that was in the way far off future. This week we picked up right where we left off. We spent a lot of time reviewing ROAR behavior, routines, norms, and expectations. Students are excited to be back and we are excited to have them. Second semester, here we come!
Have a terrific weekend 😄
WEATHER DELAY
It's that time of year where the weather can impact driving conditions and bus schedules. Jeffco Schools has a 2-hour delay start. If this occurs, K-5th grade students at Sierra will start school at 9:45, with soft start beginning at 9:35 (doors opening). Please do not arrive before 9:35 as there is no adult supervision outside until this time and that is a safety concern. Full day preschool will start at 10:00, half day afternoon class will start at the normal time (noon), and half day morning preschool will be canceled. Dismissal times remain the same for all students, prek-5th grades. Buses will run (2 hours behind schedule), the Y will be open (2 hours later at 8:30), lunch will be served at regular time, and students will still have AMP on an abbreviated schedule.
Middle of Year Testing - Reports Home Today
We discovered an error on the MAP Growth Reports to be aware of. On the graphic, the triangle prints incorrectly on approximately 20% of the reports. The numeric percentile is correct, and the triangle is supposed to print directly below this number. Reference the percentile as this number is correct.
January Gifted/Talented Family Learning Opportunity
This January, Jeffco's Department of Gifted & Talented will be offering 6 different learning opportunities for parents interested in learning more about Jeffco's GT programming, PLUS an open Q&A session on 1/24/24. The presentation format will be asynchronous as these topics will be pre-recorded and available starting on 1/19/24. Families can view the sessions they choose and follow up with any additional questions for our presenters on 1/24/24 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Please visit the event webpage HERE for specific topics and descriptions. The links on this webpage will go live starting on 1/19/24.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra
What is Anxiety?
We understand that as your child progresses through elementary school, you may encounter various challenges and changes in their behavior. One common aspect that may arise is anxiety. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty, and it's important to recognize the signs and support your child through this emotional journey.
Anxiety in elementary school children can manifest in various ways, such as excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, or physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. It's crucial to remember that anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it interferes with your child's daily activities or social interactions, it's essential to address it.
As parents, you play a key role in helping your child navigate and cope with anxiety. Open communication is vital—encourage your child to share their feelings and concerns with you. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment.
Establishing routines and providing a sense of predictability can also help alleviate anxiety. Consistent bedtime, mealtime, and homework routines can contribute to a feeling of stability and security for your child.
In the upcoming weeks in the Sierra Scoop, we will explore different strategies that can help manage anxiety or other strong emotions. Stay tuned...
OFFICE INFORMATION
Grub Club Food Drive (Click on upper right corner of picture to enlarge)
Box for donations will be set up outside the Sierra Library
January 15 - No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 2 - ROAR Day, Super Bowl Shuffle
February 7 - Accountability meeting 4:45 and PTA meeting 5:30 (more info to come)
February 8-9 - Science Fair
February 16 - No School, teacher work day
February 19 - No School, President's Day
February 20-22 - Used Book Fair
February 23 - End of 2nd Trimester
DID YOU KNOW?
Preschool Celebration
All Jeffco Preschools are now rated a Level 4 though Colorado Shines! This is a significant celebration because only about 20% of all preschools in the state are rated at a level 4 or 5! Congratulations to all Jeffco preschool staff on the high-quality work that you do daily. Colorado Shines is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early care and learning programs. Programs are evaluated every three years on a scale of 1 – 5.
To obtain a rating of Levels 3-5 a program must be licensed, demonstrate high quality based on the Early learning Developmental Guidelines (ELDGs) and also achieve quality ratings for how they:
o Support children’s health and safety.
o Ensure staff are well-trained and effective.
o Provide a supportive learning environment that teaches children new skills.
o Help families to become partners in their child’s learning.
o Use strong leadership and business practices.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SIERRA'S PRESCHOOL!
Preschool Hours 2024-2025
Full Day - 8:00 - 2:30
Half Day AM - 8:00 - 11:00
Half Day PM - 11:45 - 2:45
Outdoor Lab Fundraising Opportunity
When your child reaches sixth grade, they, along with their teachers and classmates, will participate in Outdoor Lab. There is a $300 tuition fee for attending Outdoor Lab. To offset (or eliminate) this cost, the Outdoor Lab Foundation has established the Lab Card Program in partnership with Safeway and King Soopers. Learn more about the opportunity here.
Neighborhood Safety
If you are driving and/or parking on a community street near Sierra, please be sure that you are following traffic laws and aware of all students. Many of our families choose to bypass hug-n-go or the parking lot and use a surrounding street for drop off and/or parking. Although the streets are not Sierra's jurisdiction, we still want to ensure all our students, families, and community members are safe.
Grades 3rd-5th Student Survey
Students throughout Jeffco in 3rd grade and above will be participating in the Panorama Student Survey. The survey will be open Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, February 23. All students in grades 3-12 are expected to take the Panorama Student Survey. The purpose of the survey is to collect data on student perceptions of the school climate and address student needs. Please read more about the survey in the Panorama Student Survey Family Letter.
Sierra is Hiring!
We are looking for an ISP (Independent Support Para) for a student in our SSN classroom. This is a 7-hour paid position that includes benefits. If you are interested, you can apply through the Jeffco Schools job board. Feel free to call Nicole in the office if you have any questions.
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED
Our tiny Sierra crossing guard team is in need or more members. If you are interested and/or would like additional information, please email Nancy Hardy nancyhardy2005@gmail.com
or Becca Rehme becca.rehme@gmail.com.
PTA PARTICULARS
Reflections Art Contest update!
Sierra is crushing it Art-style this year! Of the 7 artists we had advance to the county-level, FOUR of them won their division and are moving on to compete at the state level in early 2024! Congratulations to Harper DeArmond, Royce Whittemore, Samantha Steelman, and Ellie Ward-Bailey and good luck at state!
SIERRA ELEMENTRY
Email: tennille.foerster@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: sierraelementary.net
Location: 7771 Oak Street, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: (303)982-0821
Facebook: facebook.com/sierraelementary