Meadows Family News

August was an incredible month at Meadows! We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and dedication that our staff and students have shown since the beginning of the academic year. As we embark on this second month of learning and growth, I want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the past month and share some exciting updates.

We have witnessed incredible efforts in academics thus far. Students have been tested in Reading and Math and teachers are planning to use this data to inform instruction and individualize instruction for the growth and success of all students.

Our students also embarked on a journey by kicking off Meadows’ Monarch Project with our partners at Grace Episcopal Church. Approximately 800 tiny caterpillars were delivered to classrooms for students to raise, observe, and document as they go through their life cycle. This month the students will learn from the Monarch Project how to tag the emerging monarch butterflies and release them at Bethany Gardens at 623 SW 9th Street. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and look forward to even greater achievements in the coming month.

You will continue receiving this monthly newsletter from me highlighting all upcoming dates and events. It will also include reminders and important information. Please make sure to read each newsletter so you stay informed!

Thank you for your continued support, here's to another month of growth and success!

If you have further questions after reading this, please do not hesitate to reach out!

"We can. We will. Watch Us!"

Kyna Croft, Assistant Principal

kcroft@tps501.org

(785) 235-7150

⭐ No School Monday, September 4- LABOR DAY

⭐ Monarch Tag/Release Training: September 5

⭐ Spirit Day- "Pirates & Princesses": September 8

⭐ Monarch Release at Bethany Gardens: September 13

⭐ Sk8 Away skating party: September 18, 6:00-800 pm

⭐ Individual Picture Day: September 19

⭐ Family Fun Fitness Night: September 20, 5:30-7:00 pm

• September 27, 2023: Family Fitness Fun Night Rain Date

⭐ PTO Meeting: September 25 at 6:00 pm

⭐ Meadows Fun Run and Carnival Games: September 30, 10:00 am

⭐ KONA ICE will be here during the FUN RUN!

Monday through Thursday- 8:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

• Arrival begins: 8:20 a.m.
• School starts: 8:40 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 8:40 a.m.)
• Dismissal begins: at 3:40 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. unless enrolled in after-school childcare)

Late Start Fridays (every Friday)- 9:30 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

• Arrival begins: 9:15 a.m.
• School starts: 9:30 a.m. (students will be considered tardy after 9:30 a.m.)
• Dismissal begins: at 3:40 p.m. (all students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. unless enrolled in after-school childcare)

Dear Parents,

Hearing, Vision, and BMI screenings will occur on 10/11 and 10/12 at Meadows. Please get in touch with the health clinic if you wish to opt your student out of screenings. If your student wears glasses, please make sure they have them at screening. Screening results will be available on the parent portal. Referral letters will be sent via the parent portal and/or mail.

PIP/IIC screenings are on 9/6.

September iREAD 20 calendars are out! Students are encouraged to read- books, magazines, articles, etc... for at least 20 minutes every night and then return the calendar at the end of the month for a free book. Students will need to write the minutes that they read each day on the calendar. Students do not necessarily have to have the entire calendar filled out. There is a place at the top for the student's name, the teacher's name, and a parent's signature. Post it on your fridge as an easy reminder and have fun reading! Miss Hodge

A photographer from Strawbridge Studios will be at our school on 9/19/2023 to photograph our Fall pictures.
Below is a link that will allow parents to sign up to receive updates via email regarding their child's school portraits. These updates include promotions, additional deals, and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.

THE ONLY ORDERING IS BEING DONE ONLINE THIS YEAR, NO PAPER OR CASH/CHECKS.

Thank you for your assistance in helping us deliver a smooth school picture experience! We look forward to seeing you soon.

https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/clients/meadows-elementary-school/fall-pictures-9-19-2023-2/optIn

Meadows' staff, students, and community will participate in our annual Fun Run on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The run/walk will begin at 10:00 am at the front entrance of the elementary school proceed 2 miles through the neighborhood and return to the front entrance. There will be Carnival Games to follow and KONA ICE will be on site!

There is no entry fee. Getting them involved in physical activities at a young age gets them on track for their futures.

We hope you join us in setting our kids on the right path for future fitness!

KEEP Provides $100 Per Eligible Student for Educational Goods & Services: The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) provides qualifying parents and guardians with $1,000 per eligible student to spend on approved educational goods and services.

KEEP funds can be used on enrichment and educational activities, including:

• Musical instruments, supplies, and lessons
  
• Curriculum and educational materials, including school supplies and certain allowed technological devices
• Tutoring
• Language classes
• Camps with academic-related curriculum such as music, arts, science, technology, agriculture, mathematics, and engineering
  

An application and more information can be found at www.keep.ks.gov.

The Baby Closet is located on the lower level of the Westside Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th Street. They have clothing sizes newborn-5T. Families in need of clothing or baby items-diapers, wipes, etc.. are encouraged to come. This is a FREE service for families.

Their hours are Mondays 9-11 am, Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm, and Thursdays 1:00-3:00 pm.

Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Linwood, houses the Kids' Closet. They have Elementary Age items. Their hours are the first Wednesday of each month 3:30-5:30 or by appointment. (785) 234-0469

Caroline Harvey is a clinical psychologist who provides individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and parents utilizing evidence-based approaches.

Please read this short article about self-talk written by her.

THE WAY WE SPEAK TO OUR CHILDREN

Do you have a question or need more information? Please do not hesitate to reach out so we can get your questions answered!

Email: kcroft@tps501.org
Website: https://meadows.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 201 Southwest Clay Street, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: 785-235-7150