Newsletter 1/29/20
Felida Elementary School
Our staff has committed to teaching students important habits, so that students can be successful not only in their school environment, but in life. In the fall, we introduced the internal habits of Being Proactive, Beginning with the End in Mind, and Putting First Things First. As we move into our winter months, we will be focused on habits that impact our relationships with others. This month, we introduce Think Win-Win. This means that when we take time to think about what we want, we also consider how that impacts other people. It means that we say and do things that make other people feel good, and we look for solutions that benefit all involved. In addition to the classroom lessons and activities in which students will be participating, we encourage you to talk about these habits, to reinforce their meaning at home.
This month has ended on a high note, with some amazing opportunities for our kids to think about others, and to demonstrate cooperation and leadership.
Our PTA sponsored an OMSI visit on Tuesday. All students got to engage in hands-on activities and brain teaser exhibits in our gym. This was such an exciting way to promote our annual STEM Night, on Tuesday evening. With stations led by Felida teachers, outside guests, and middle school volunteers, our Falcon families read about science, played math games with legos, built gum drop structures, used microscopes, created slime, experienced VR (the shark--wow!), drove Spheros, and so many more! Thank you to our families in attendance! Many thanks to parent Bill Niemeyer for his coordination of this annual event. What a blast for all ages!
We got to spotlight our students' skills in a new way this week with our first-ever Talent Tuesday. Hosted during the lunch hours, students signed up to perform in front of their grade level peers during their lunch hour. We could not be more proud of our courageous kids! Students from second, third, and fourth grade performed songs and skits, while their peers watched in amazement. We're hoping to make this a monthly event, and we already have students submitting applications for next month! Special thanks to Emma and Addie, fourth graders, who inspired this event.
Finally, we hosted our second-annual Choose Kind event. This year, due to our weather-related school delay, our event took place over two separate days. Last week, we conducted our service projects in grades 1-5. Students created 73 blankets for Project Linus; wrote kind notes that will be delivered to VPS students; created beautiful illustrated tiles for our new wing; assembled health kits for those in need; and created treats for birds and nests. On Friday of this week, we will host an assembly to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his efforts to promote service. We have invited some middle school friends from Discovery to partner with our kindergartners in creating inspirational cards. We're proud of our students and their dedication to helping those here at school and in our community.
Falcons Soar!
Kris Janati
Fundraiser for Australia's Animals
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
Important Upcoming Dates
Every Monday is a 40-minute early release
1/31: School Spirit Day, Wear School Colors!
1/31: Choose Kind Day Assembly
2/1: Kids Heart Challenge Kickoff
2/10: PTA Dining Night at Chipotle
2/17: Presidents’ Day, No School
2/28: Book Character School Spirit Day
2/28: BINGO Night, 6:00
3/13: PTA Kids Night Out at Kids Club
Calling all 5th Grade Boys & Girls
Supplemental levy on the ballot this February
Changes in state funding for education have contributed to a multimillion-dollar shortage in Vancouver Public Schools’ budget. To address the shortage, the district is asking voters to consider approving a levy on Feb. 11, 2020.
Supplemental education and operations levy facts
- If approved by voters, the supplemental levy for education and operations would maintain current levels of programs and services in VPS.
- The new levy would supplement the educations and operations levy passed in 2019.
- The levy would pay for locally funded teacher positions that maintain smaller class sizes.
- All schools in the district would benefit from the levy.
- The levy would help schools continue to improve student achievement and graduation rates.
- Without revenue provided by a supplemental levy, the district would face shortfalls that require budget cuts and layoffs.
- Supplemental levy collection would begin in 2021.
- The estimated rates per thousand are: 43 cents in 2021, 41 cents in 2022 & 40 cents in 2023
- If voters approve the supplemental levy, the 2021 rate combined with the current education and operations levy would be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
- The supplemental levy will appear on the ballot in the special election on Feb. 11, 2020.
Learn more at vansd.org/levy.
Children’s Dental Health Day- FREE Event
Saturday February 1, 2020
Appointments scheduled from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Children 4-17 years old
Procedures available:
- Cleanings
- X-Rays
- Sealants
- Fluoride
- Doctor’s exam
- Select emergency treatments
Clark College
Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Clinic
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA 98663
(Building address for navigation: 2232 E Reserve Street)
Call to schedule your appointment (360)992-2158
Event sponsored by the Clark County Dental Society and the Student American Dental Hygiene Club of Clark College