Soaring Eagle News
Stephen Decatur Elementary February 8, 2019
The Principal's Message
February has already been quite exciting with student celebrations, testing, ELearning information, and unpredictable weather. It is also Black History Month and the Month of Love.
The shortest month seems to have the most packed into it.
Our first ELearning day will be February 16th. This day will allow us to have President's Day off, as originally scheduled. Students are not to report to school on either the 16th or the 18th. Instead, 1st-2nd graders will bring home classwork to complete. 3rd-6th graders will have work assigned on their ipads. Teachers will be available to help your child from 10-2 on February 16th. Each of them will send you information on how to contact them. Other district level help is available too. Please visit http://www.decaturproud.org/academics/elearning, for more specific information.
We celebrated students this month by having Success Time during each lunch period. This worked out very well. We were able to showcase students on a more personal level and parents who were able to join, had lunch with their students. We are considering making this change permanent for next year. If you feel strongly either way, please let us know.
Key Information:
Please review this link for car rider procedures : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IuVPnPSZSvGqocoYR10WPkcNHHiPSOSm/view?usp=sharing
Valentine's Day celebrations will occur on February 14th. Each grade level team will let you know the specific times.
Yearbooks: Yearbooks are now on sale. Support the school by purchasing a keepsake for your child. Ordering information is below.
Teachers will be contacting you to update you on your child's progress. Please look for messages and/or flyers with grade level information.
Please continue to highlight our school's Core Values. Students should be responsible, safe, and respectful at school and on the bus. We want to make sure students practice our values so our learning environment is safe and inviting for all.
Here are a few of this month's highlights:
-Extended Day on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-4:30
-Clubs on Wednesdays from 2:45-4:30
-Fifth grade to Starbase the week of February 11th (Matthew's and Law's classes)
-February 19th: PTO meeting at 5:30, Family Night at 6:00
Here are this week's highlights:
*Monday: 5th grade to Starbase all week, 6th graders try out instruments for band participation in Middle School
*Tuesday: 6th graders try out instruments for band participation in Middle School, Extended Day,
*Wednesday: Clubs
*Thursday: Extended Day
*Friday: Firefighters have lunch with 1st and 2nd graders
Go Eagles!
Mrs. Jennifer Pearson
Exceptional Learners Staff
Mr. Opsahl, Special Education Teacher
29th year teaching/serving
10th year teaching at SD
29th year at MSD Decatur
Why is Mr. Opsahl #DecaturProud?
"I have always appreciated the love that parents have for their kids and how much they want them to learn!"
Mrs. Fergusen, Special Education Teacher
11th year teaching
9th year teaching at SD
11th year in MSD Decatur
Why is Mrs. Fergusen #DecaturProud?
"I am #DecaturProud because I have been a Decatur Hawk my entire life! I love living and working in a community that puts kids first. Our school has the most caring and supportive teachers. I love that I get to work with amazing families and students daily. I am proud to be a part of a team that works so hard to help students grow!"
Mrs. Beasley, Special Education Instructional Assistant
15th year teaching/serving
8th year at SD
15th year at MSD Decatur
Why is Mrs. Beasley #DecaturProud?
"I'm #DecaturProud because we have a caring and loving staff who put our students first. It's awesome to be a part of Stephen Decatur!"
Ms. Hueston, Special Education Instructional Assistant
3rd year teaching/serving
3rd year at Stephen Decatur
3rd year in MSD Decatur
Why is Ms. Hueston #DecaturProud?
"I live in the township, graduated from DCHS, and now work for Decatur Township. I am proud to work with a team that is dedicated to helping kids grow and to making a difference daily.
Mrs. Slayton, English Learner Instructional Assistant
16th year teaching/serving
1st year at Stephen Decatur
16th year with MSD Decatur
Why is Mrs. Slayton #DecaturProud?
"Certainly I am Decatur Proud! Being Decatur Proud allows me the opportunity to work hard, do my best work, stay humble, and help and care about my ELL students, their parents, and wonderful staff family."
Mrs. Callison, Psychologist
12th year teaching/serving
3rd year at Stephen Decatur
3rd year with MSD Decatur
"I really enjoy the community I have here with my coworkers, whether it be special education folks, other school psychologists, or the staff at my two schools. I also enjoy the children and helping work collaboratively to help them feel more successful at school."
Mrs. Jordan, Speech and Language
5th year teaching
5th year at Stephen Decatur
5th year with MSD Decatur
Why is Mrs. Jordan #DecaturProud?
"I am #DecaturProud because of the level of dedication I see throughout the district. The staff is supportive and truly cares, and the community is child-centered. I'm grateful for the relationships I have built with staff, students, and their families."
Inclement Weather Information
http://www.decaturproud.org/decatur-middle/news/1625204/inclement-weather-information
PTO
From the Nurse's Office
Resources
Popcorn Sales
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
To increase our volunteer base, a new incentive program has been established.
When a volunteer opportunity is posted on “Signup.com”, approved volunteers will receive an email with a link to sign up for the event.
Once you have signed up to help and then attend the event your child(ren) will receive $ 25.00 in Eagle Bucks.
Any parent who wants to volunteer and has not submitted a volunteer form, here is the link to complete a form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnBuNSgi1QDoHH8n7uOy2EqQ_DpseOf0RcPE7fkunIvL-V0g/viewform
Thanks for all you do for Stephen Decatur Elementary!
2019-2020 District Calendar
Stephen Decatur Events
AYS available during Spring Break
AYS spring break registration will be available online for all Decatur Township families starting on January 16. AYS will offer spring break camps at Liberty Early (pre-K-K only) and Valley Mills (grades 1-6) elementary schools from March 22-29. Details can be found on the AYS website, starting January 16 – www.ayskids.org/spring.
Spring break early bird pricing is $115/week or $35/day per child through March 11. After March 11, prices increase to $125/week and $40/day. Register early! Spaces are limited!
A non-refundable $25 deposit per week per child is due with registration. The deposit will be applied toward break tuition. No deposit required for families receiving CCDF or AYS financial assistance. Advance registration for break camp is required. Online registration will close Thursday, March 21.
February Menu
ILEARN State Assessment
Welcome to the Volunteer Page
In an effort to keep our schools safe, all volunteers (including staff) must complete a volunteer application form/criminal background check request and be approved as a volunteer prior to volunteering.
This form must be completed at least 5 business days prior to the event, in which the volunteer chooses to participate.
At the beginning of the school year the length of time to process volunteer forms could take up to 2 weeks. You will receive an email once the volunteer form has been processed.
Volunteer Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnBuNSgi1QDoHH8n7uOy2EqQ_DpseOf0RcPE7fkunIvL-V0g/viewform
MISSION
We are student invested, community connected. We prioritize student learning, safety, and customer service.
VISION
We are a model campus characterized by an environment that is: Calm, Safe, Positive, Purposeful, AND FUN! Students, families, and staff will be invested through respectful relationships and a thirst for learning.
Stephen Decatur Elementary
Assistant Principal: Jay Lovell
Lead Teacher: Cyndi Kaiser
Nurse: Brea Middleton-Keen
CIS Coordinators: Matt Ernst and Laverna Tracy
Email: jpearson@decaturproud.org
Website: http://www.decaturproud.org/stephen-decatur
Location: 3425 Foltz Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-241-0183
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenDecaturElementary/
Twitter: @SD_Eagles