Knights News
Unity Elementary School
February 2021
Newsletter Translation
A Message from Mr. Kilburn
In the coming weeks, we will be pushing our literacy and math skills very hard. By now my hope is that you have had a conversation with your child's teacher and understand how your child is progressing through their grade-level standards. Work with them at home, if only for a few minutes. Fact fluency in math and reading out loud are two skills that are absolutely critical to their success. Whether we are preparing them for middle school or first grade, it's important to partner with us on their education.
As always, we love to speak with you! Use Class Dojo to get ahold of your teacher, or call us at the main office any time!
Yours in Education,
Eric Kilburn
Literacy scores are in, and we are making progress!
Book Fair 2021
This year the book fair will look a little different. Options will be:
* Send cash/check/credit with your child and they will be able to shop in person in the library from March 1st to March 12th.
* Set up an e-Wallet and your child can still shop in person in the library (Instructions will be included in the packet being sent home)
* Shop online from February 24th thru March 9th at: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/unityelementaryschool7
* Shipping is FREE with $25 order
Unfortunately, parents/grandparents are not able to come to the book fair. (Covid ruined everything!)
Spring Picture Day!
Preschool Registration
TK and Kindergarten Registration
Will your child be 5 on or before September 15th? If so, it is time to enroll your child in Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year!
By blending a solid-core curriculum and caring staff, Unity provides students with excellent opportunities for learning and growth.
Are you still trying to decide whether to enroll your child in Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten? Does your child sit attentively when being read to? Is your child willing to share materials? Can your child approach new situations and environments without fear? If you answered NO to any of these questions, then your child may benefit from TK.
TK gives children another year to develop physically, socially, and academically; promotes self-confidence and independence in children; and serves as a bridge between preschool and Kindergarten.
Student Spotlight
News From Unity's Title Team
The Title Team is hosting a “Take a Book” event for 2nd grade students on Monday, March 1st at 12:00 pm. The Title Team will be in the hallway with a selection of used books, and will call for students from each 2nd grade room to come select a book and receive a book chain tag to take home!
Introducing the NEW SIOUXCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
The Sioux City Community School District launched a new website that provides timely information for parents. Everything you need to know is at your fingertips. Access tools, resources, and tips, all specifically designed to support you and your child.
From the Homepage You can Access:
· School Menus
· Infinite Campus
· Canvas
· Let’s Talk
· News
· Events
· Our Photo Gallery
· Students Spotlights
Dig a Little Further to Fin New Features Including:
· Parent Guide to Student Success
· Online High School Course Guide
· And so much more!
Explore the District Website on Desktop or Mobile
SCCSD Return-to-Learn and School Quality Survey is now open!
The Sioux City Community Schools are committed to providing students safe learning environments, high-quality educational programs, and the skills they need to achieve lifelong success on whatever paths they choose. To meet that commitment, we must listen to you about how we can best support your child. This year, your feedback is even more critical as we navigate the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19. Share your feedback on the Return-to-Learn Plan, school quality, and student support. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses are strictly confidential. The survey is open from March 1 – March 22. Check your email for a link to access the survey. If you do not see an email or if would prefer to complete a paper survey, please call 712-224-7471. Engaging in an ongoing, two-way dialogue is critical to providing our students with the best possible education. We look forward to your feedback and sharing the results with you soon. Thank you.
Lost and Found
There are still many items of clothing that are unclaimed, so we are extending the time period for items to be claimed. Items not picked up by the end of March will be donated.
Counselor's Corner with Kelly Nelson
Love & Logic Rules
* Adults set firm limits in loving ways without anger, lecture, or threats.
* When a child causes a problem the adult hands it back in loving way.
1. In a loving way, the adult holds the child accountable for solving his/her problems in a way that does not make a problem for others.
2. Children are offered choices with limits.
3. Adults use enforceable statements.
4. Adults provide delayed/extended consequences.
5. The adult’s empathy is “locked in” before consequences are delivered.
*The Love & Logic Institute
Counselor's Corner with June Mikkelson
On-Line Learning Tips for Parents
Check out this article with these online learning tips. https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/08/06/covid-19-tips-parents-successful-online-learning-virtual-classes-zoom/3303918001/
1. Reduce Distractions
2. Plan for Brain Breaks
3. Time Management
4. Positive Feedback
5. Be Flexible
6. Help Students Stay in Touch with their Friends
7. Stay in touch with the Teacher
8. Special Needs
Notes from the Nurse
February is Heart Disease Month!
Facts and Figures**
• About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
• Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing more than 385,000 people annually.
• Every year about 935,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 610,000 are a first heart attack. 325,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.
• Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
How Do I Know if My Heart is Healthy?
The American Heart Association calls the following things Life’s Simple 7.
* Get Active
* Eat Better
* Lose Weight
* Stop Smoking
* Control Cholesterol
* Manage Blood Pressure
* Reduce Blood Sugar
The American Heart Association has created a website called “My Life Check” (MyLifeCheck.org) that will help you understand all aspects of your heart health and give you and your family ideas to make the best choices.
February is also Dental Health Month!!
Kindergarten & 9th Grade Students:
According to Iowa law, all Iowa children enrolling for the first time in Kindergarten or 9th grade must have a dental screening on file. It’s required per Iowa law! According to this law: Screening must occur no earlier than 1 year before enrollment and no later than 4 months after enrollment. Dentists or dental hygienists can perform screenings.
Here is a link to the dental form. http://www.siouxcityschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Certificate_of_Dental_Screening_9.13.12.pdf Please have this form filled out by your dental provider and turned in to your child’s school.
Good dental practices:
February is dental health month. To effectively prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, the following dental tips are recommended:
1. Proper brushing and flossing after each meal to remove harmful plaque from all tooth surfaces.
2. Avoid having foods that contain sugar as snacks between meals.
3. Visit a dentist one to two times a year to prevent and correct dental problems.
SCCSD Virtual Backpack
From camps to sports leagues to family services, the SCCSD Virtual Backpack serves as a link between non-profit community partners and our students and families.
Would you like to get weekly updates about events? Sign Up for the Virtual Backpack email list here.
Box Tops
Dear Families,
During this challenging time, our teachers and students need more help than ever.
No matter what school looks like, Box Tops for Education is a fast and easy way for
you to help out from home.
The Box Tops program has been around for over 20 years, and it really works. In fact,
Box Tops for Education has helped give almost a billion dollars to schools since 1996.
In 2019, the program evolved to become digital so that you can earn for your school
with just the touch of a button.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Buy participating products and use the Box Tops mobile
app to scan your store receipt. The app identifies eligible products and automatically
adds Box Tops to your school's earnings online. Even if you’re shopping online or
doing grocery pickup, you can still submit your e-receipts and earn Box Tops. Twice a
year, our school gets a check!
Your earnings may seem small, but they really do add up. The more people that participate,
the bigger the impact we can make. So let's give our teachers the support
they need and help give more kids the opportunity to dream. Little by little, we can
help make a big difference!
HyVee Receipts
All receipts must be from the Sioux City or South Sioux City HyVee's or the HyVee Mainstreet Store. Receipts must be dated August 1, 2020 - April 25, 2021. Please do not send receipts that are outside of the dates listed. No fuel, postal, money order, Western Union, lottery, Quest, Mid-American or gift card receipts will be accepted.
Planning for the Future: Boundary Considerations for SCCSD
As a partner in your child’s education, we remain committed to keeping you informed about the school boundary discussions that may affect current and future students. Last school year, boundary discussions began with initial changes agreed upon for some of our elementary boundaries. Now, our work continues as we consider changes to boundary areas for the middle and high schools.
Take a moment to view the video on our boundary planning progress, view the current boundary maps, and consider new boundary map options. Share your feedback now using our online portal, ThoughtExchange. Access the ThoughtExchange portal. Through this portal, you can provide feedback, see the feedback from fellow responders, and even weigh in on portal discussions with comments or ratings. Feedback can be submitted through ThoughtExchange until December 13. If you have questions or need assistance with this process, please call our school.
Planeando para el Futuro: Consideraciones de las Fronteras de las Zonas de Asistencia Escolar, SCCSD
Comparta sus Comentarios
Como socio en la educación de su hijo, quedamos comprometidos de mantenerlo informado sobre las discusiones sobre las fronteras de las zonas de asistencia que pueden afectar a los estudiantes actuales y futuros. El año escolar pasado, las discusiones sobre las fronteras comenzaron con los cambios iniciales, acordados para algunas de nuestras escuelas primarias. Ahora, nuestro trabajo continúa mientras consideramos cambios a las zonas de asistencia para nuestras escuelas medias y secundarias.
Tómese un momento para ver el video acerca del progreso de nuestro plan de las fronteras entre las zonas escolares, ver los mapas de las zonas actuales, y considerar las nuevas opciones de los mapas de las zonas de las escuelas. Comparta sus comentarios ahora utilizando nuestro portal en línea, ThoughtExchange (Intercambio de Pensamientos). Acceda al portal ThoughtExchange. Por medio de este portal, puede proveer sus comentarios, ver los comentarios de otros respondedores, e incluso participar en las discusiones de portal con comentarios o calificaciones. Se puede enviar los comentarios a través de ThoughtExchange hasta el 13 de diciembre. Si tiene preguntas, o quiere ayuda con este proceso, por favor llame a nuestra escuela.
Mandie Mayo | Director of Communications
Sioux City Community School District
Communications and Community Engagement
Ph: (712) 224-7471 | Cell: (712) 898-5627
Let's Talk
An engaged community makes our District stronger. That is why we have made it easy for you to connect with us whenever it is convenient for you. We encourage you to take advantage of Let’s Talk!, our 24/7 online submission site. Reach out with your ideas, questions, concerns, and praise. To make a submission, please visit http://www.siouxcityschools.org/lets-talk/.
Communication and Preparedness
Student and staff safety is of paramount importance in the Sioux City Community School District. For this reason, the District exercises a host of crisis prevention and planning tactics. Should an emergency occur, the school notifies you through our Blackboard phone system. In an emergency, the system calls every phone number associated with your child in order to reach you. The message will give you details about the emergency and provide directions on when/where to pick up your child if the normal school day is altered. Learn more about school safety.
Focus 2022 Strategic Plan
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW.
The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is an unfair or discriminatory practice for any educational institution to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
Inquiries or grievances, including Section 504 grievances and grievances under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, may be directed to Jen Gomez, Director of Student Services & Equity Education at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, gomezj2@live.siouxcityschools.com. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.
Unity Elementary School
Principal: Eric Kilburn
Website: https://www.siouxcityschools.org/unity/
Location: 1901 Unity Avenue, Sioux City, IA, USA
Phone: 712-279-6839
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnityKnightsk5/
Twitter: @UnityFuture