Camp Pioneer Trail
October 2018 Parent Newsletter
Principal's View
It is hard to believe that we are already well on our way in the month of October! It seems like we literally just held Open House! We have been working extremely hard at school to create a predictable and safe learning environment for your child to come to school and learn each day. We focus on developing many routines and procedures so that children know exactly what to expect and do.
Structures and routines can work well at home too. I found some helpful tips for parents in an article from healthychildren.org. To make the household function well in the morning, everyone needs to know what has to be done to get ready for the day. Try the following:
- Put as many things in order as possible the night before.
- Keep wake-up routines cheerful and positive.
- Be sure your child eats breakfast, even if he or she is not hungry in the morning.
- Finally, round out each morning by saying goodbye to your young child. A simple hug and a wave as he or she heads out the front door or slides out of the car are extremely important. They will give your child a positive feeling with which to begin the day's activities.
In the evening, dinner should be an important time for your family. As often as possible, all family members should eat together at the dinner table, without the distraction of TV or technology. During dinner the family can share the day's activities and participate in enjoyable conversation. Everyone should be encouraged to take part, and negative comments and criticism should be discouraged.
On school nights, children need a regular time to go to sleep. Lights can go out a different times for different children in the family, depending on how much sleep each child needs. Nighttime rituals can help ease a child to sleep. These rituals can include storytelling, reading aloud, conversations, and songs. Try to avoid exciting play and activities before bedtime.
Life happens and sometimes it is really hard to be consistent with follow through, but it is very important to try to maintain as much as possible. Thank you for continually working with us to make your child's learning experience the best it can be. Together we can create the optimal learning experience!
Character Plus
RESPONSIBILITY is our character trait for October. Please discuss with your child the importance of being willing to answer for your thoughts, words, actions, and belongings.
P.T.'s New Faces
Kayler Meyerpeter
My name is Kayler Meyerpeter. This school year will be my first year teaching, however, I did do my student teaching at Pioneer Trail last year in third grade. I am so excited to get to stay with my Pioneer Trail family!
A little more about me, I recently graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia. While at Mizzou, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Currently, I am in the graduate program at the University of Missouri Columbia where I am taking courses to earn my Masters in Curriculum Instruction and Leadership.
In my free time I love spending time with my friends and family, going on runs, and shopping at Target (I am addicted)! Family is so important to me, and I really value spending quality time with the people I love.
I feel that open communication is crucial in order to form solid relationships with both parents and students. I'm looking forward to an amazing year!!
Upcoming Events:
October 8 - Professional Development Day - No School! :)
October 8 - Board of Education Meeting 6:00
October 11 - Fall Picture Day
October 11 - PTO Skate Night 6:00-8:00
October 15-19 - Red Ribbon Week (See Details Below)
October 17 - End of First Quarter
October 19 - First Quarter Incentive Celebration
October 19 - Spirit Assembly
October 23 - Student Flu Shots
October 24, 25 - Parent Teacher Conferences
October 26 - No School :)
October 30 - Second Grade Concert 6:00-7:00
October 31 - Fall Parties 2:00-3:00
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week was started in 1988. It was established in honor of DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who lost his life battling the fight against drug trafficking. Since then, Red Ribbon Week has continued every year during the month of October. Honoring the celebration of Red Ribbon Week is an excellent way to teach the importance of being drug free and helps spread the word about the effects of drugs.
Red Ribbon Week Spirit Days
To celebrate dress as follows:
Monday, October 15th:
“Jasper the Jay Bird says drug free is the way to be!”
Wear RED or Jay Wear Clothes
Tuesday, October 16th:
“I’m too BRIGHT for Drugs!”
Wear your “shades” a.k.a. Sunglasses and/or bright color clothes
Wednesday, October 17th:
“Too Smart to Start”
Wear your best Nerd Clothes
Thursday, October 18th:
“Team Up Against Drugs”
Wear your favorite Sports Team Clothes
Friday, October 19th:
“Gray Wolves stay away from Drugs”
Wear Pioneer Trail Spirit Clothes
Helpful Hints from the Office
- To ensure the safety of our students, we will always follow the set routine for your child to go home from Pioneer Trail unless we have a note or phone call from you. Please call no later than 2:30 pm.
- If your child will be absent, please notify the office as soon as possible at 632-3400.
- When dropping your child off in the morning, please remain in your vehicle. If you need to exit your vehicle, please pull into a parking space so that the flow of traffic is not disrupted.
- If you are dropping your child off after 8:15, please walk them inside and sign them in.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!
Pioneer Trail Mission Statement
Pioneer Trail Vision Statement
Pioneer Trail Elementary will foster a community of students, parents, and staff dedicated to the development of every individual’s ability to learn. Staff and parents will expect each student to achieve at his or her maximum potential, both academically and behaviorally. As a community, we promote a safe, supportive environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, and a life-long passion for learning.
We Believe that learning is a continuous process that builds from year to year with a rigorous curriculum that focuses on state standards.
We Believe that students should be engaged in the learning process and be accountable for their learning.
We Believe that character traits should be an important focus and help support a cheerful, productive, and safe school environment.
We Believe that collaboration among all stakeholders is vital to helping students achieve success.