Coyote Howler
December 2023
Happy December Coyotes!
The second quarter is coming to an end and the next three weeks will be challenging to keep your student on task. The minds of young children tend to wander to all that the holiday season has to offer. Be sure to check the event calendar, keep in touch with your child’s teacher as we finish off the second quarter.
As this year comes to a close, I want to say thank you for your enormous support and encouragement. If you have not heard by now, I have made the decision to retire from Mesa Public Schools and as principal of Las Sendas Elementary School. I will finish off the school year, and I am excited for new endeavors. I also wanted to assure you that I am committed to the future of Las Sendas. I am sincerely honored to have served as principal at Las Sendas for the past 12 years.
I feel so fortunate to be part of a community that works together to provide enrichment and support to all of our children. Together everyone does achieve more! I am looking forward to our continued partnership in making Las Sendas Elementary a place where all children meet with success. I would like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season and a Bright New Year!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I will make the time to talk to you. My direct phone line is 480-472-8725.
Mr Kaczmarek– Principal
News from our Counselor
At Las Sendas Elementary, all classes have learned and practiced the Zones of Regulation during our monthly School Counseling Lessons. Students are able to identify their own feelings and practice how to cope with any feelings that take us out of our "Green zone" - (the zone in which we feel safe, happy, focused and ready to learn.) All feelings and all of these zones are normal and we have the power within us to get back into the calm green zone by using our calming strategies. The purpose of this program is for students to be aware of their emotions and how to self-regulate their own emotions through the use of calming techniques. We also take a proactive approach to learn about these strategies when we are calm, this way we know what to do when we are having tough emotions.
Here are some strategies that your child has practiced in school:
1) Stop (Give yourself a stop signal when you know you need to calm yourself down)
2) Name Your Feeling (Saying, “I am feeling ____ right now, I need to use a calming down strategy)
3) Calm Down- I can calm down using breathing, counting, positive self talk, etc… These will help me to get back to the Calm “Green Zone”
Scholastic Book Fair - December 11th -15th
Jingle Jog
Our Annual Jingle Jog is scheduled for Tuesday December 19th
6th grade - 7:50-8:10
5th grade - 8:20-8:40
Kindergarten - 8:50-9:10
3rd grade - 9:20-9:40
4th grade - 9:55-10:10
1st grade - 12:45-1:05
2nd grade - 1:15-1:35
Now that the weather is getting cooler, especially in the mornings, a jacket might be necessary when students come in to school. To save you from missing items and the lost and found becoming over loaded, we encourage you to label the jackets with your child's name so we can find its home when lost. You are welcome to come look at the lost and found bin in your child has lost something. Our inventory is growing daily. Sometimes a parents eye can find them easier.
As you prepare for your holiday season, keep in mind that we are on our winter break from December 22nd -January 8th. We will resume school on January 9th. Please note that Teacher Conferences for our 2nd Quarter of school are the week we return. We will have early release days on Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th, and Friday 12th - school will release at 12:00pm those days.
Would your child benefit from Tutoring?
You may be aware that the ADE Superintendent of Public Instruction has implemented a statewide tutoring program where 1st through 8th grade students who are struggling academically in math, reading, and writing can receive services if appropriately qualified teaching staff are available to tutor. If you are interested in learning for about this program, please fill out the survey below. The survey will open on December 11, 2023 and close on January 12, 2024.
Health Office News
Reduce your risk of Influenza~ Be healthy
¨ Eat Nutritious meals; drink plenty of water; stay physically active.
¨ Avoid habits that put your hands near (or in) your mouth like nail biting or licking fingers to turn the page.
¨ Cough or sneeze into a tissue or napkin (and throw away), or cough into your upper arm or elbow.
¨ Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly: use soap and water; scrub for 20 seconds (sing the ABC song)
¨ If you are ill- stay home! Do not go to work or school. Do not send sick children to school or day care.
PTO News
Decades Dash 5k
Run through the decades in style with the return of the Las Sendas Community Association 5K!
Join us for a fun-filled 5k and fun run through the decades. Dress up in your favorite decade's attire and run with us!
January 20, 2024 at Boulder Mountain Parke
Student Council News
Spirit Days
December 19th - Kona Ice Day
December 20th - Ugly Sweater Day
December 21st - Christmas PJ's Day