Tiger Tales
Taft Elementary Newsletter - March 2024
A Note From the Principal
Happy March! I'm sorry we're getting this out a little late. We're just one day away from Spring Break, and I hope you all have something fun planned - even if it's just getting outside and enjoying the spring weather.
Many of you may have seen a recent Remind announcement regarding our challenges with parent pick-up after school. I am appealing to everyone that picks up their children to be a part of the solution. We have had a big increase in the number of students being picked up in front of the school. This has caused longer delays, more crowding and even some angry parents. As a result, we've seen parents swearing, making threats and inappropriate gestures toward each other. Naturally, this is not something that we want to see or hear on our campus. 😬
Obviously, we can't add parking spaces or change the traffic flow, so here are our best options. I would be VERY grateful if you would consider one of the following:
1) The best option would be to walk or ride a bike/scooter with your child to/from school. (Or send them with friends.) This is not only good for our parking issue, but it's good exercise and better for the environment.
2) If you must pick up your child, please consider meeting them in the back of the school on either Sunset Avenue, Woody Drive, or 38th Street. (If you choose this option, please be sure to let your child's teacher know of the new pick up location.)
3) Lastly, if you have no other option and must pick up your child in front, PLEASE be patient and respectful. Our children are almost always watching and listening. It's important to set a good example. 🤩
Lastly, just a reminder that Friday (tomorrow) is an early release day. All students will be released 1:15. Have a wonderful Spring Break!
Counselor's Corner
Heidi Gudmundsen, M.S., LPC
Counselor
heidi.gudmundsen@boiseschools.org
208-854-6189
Hello Taft Families -
Kindergarten - I will read the “Little Spot of Feelings” book. We will talk about how we can flip our feelings from big emotions back to small emotions. We will read the book “The Last Stop on Market Street”. We will have a discussion about appreciating the things we have.
First Grade - We will be talking about what friends do and don’t do. Students will do a sort activity to identify friendship traits. We will then jump into our safety lessons. We will watch “Eddie the Eagle; Gun Safety” and review the gun safety rules. We will also talk about good touch and bad touch. Students will know what to do if someone touches them in a way they don’t like.
Second Grade - Our first lesson in March we will talk about what we can do to take care of ourselves when we have big emotions. Next, we are doing a lesson on Self Control. We will be discussing what self control looks like, sounds like and feels like. Our final lesson in March will be reviewing the Zones of Regulation.
Third Grade - We will be finishing up on Sources of Strength lessons. We will also be discussing what Self Talk is. Students will learn the difference between positive self talk and negative self talk.
Fourth Grade - In fourth grade we are jumping into our safety lessons. Students will review what the safety rules are for the Internet and Social Media. We will also be reviewing the effects of drugs in our bodies.
5th Grade - We will be learning about Clinques. Students will know the difference between a positive friendship group and a negative friendship group. We are going to read the book “Secrets of the Peaceful Warrior”. We will discuss positive ways to handle conflict.
6th Grade - In 6th grade we are jumping into the safety lessons. We will discuss internet safety and gun safety. We will also be reviewing the effects of legal and illegal drugs on our bodies.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call or email me.
Heidi Gudmundsen, MS, LPC
W.H. Taft Elementary School Counselor
208-854-6189
heidi.gudmundsen@boiseschools.org
Boise School District
Pronouns: She, her, hers
www.boiseschools.org/everythingspossible
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Reading Rocks
Reading and Math Intervention Specialist
"Family Engagement: Building Bonds and Skills Through STEM"
We are excited to share the success of our recent family engagement activity in Mrs. Enrico and Mrs. Rose's class! With the support of our generous donors, Kount, we were able to purchase STEM remote control cars for each of our 4th and 5th-grade students. The activity was designed to not only foster family and community engagement but also to challenge our students' problem-solving, reasoning, and engineering skills.
Each student was paired with a family member or a community volunteer to work together on assembling a remote control car from scratch. The challenge was to complete the task within one hour, which tested the participants' abilities to work under pressure and collaborate effectively.
The event was a huge success, with students and their partners working closely together to troubleshoot and problem-solve. It was heartwarming to see the bonds forming between students and their family members or volunteers as they worked side by side, sharing ideas and strategies.
The activity also provided a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge in STEM fields. Many students discovered new interests and talents, while others honed their existing skills. We believe that this hands-on experience will serve as a foundation for future learning and exploration in STEM-related fields.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kount, for their generous donation, which made this activity possible. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting education and fostering a love for STEM in our students.
We also want to express our gratitude to all the family members and community volunteers who participated in this event. Your involvement and support are invaluable to our students' success, and we appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to this activity.
We look forward to more opportunities to engage families and the community in our students' education. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential.
Family Engagement: Building Bonds and Skills Through STEM
Teachers are Learners Too!
Nothing from our Learning Coach this month, but please check out the following infographic. It's amazing how absences and tardies can add up to BIG losses in learning!
Learning Coach
The Book Nook
March Books
March is here and luck is in the air!
Fiona's Luck by, Teresa Bateman Illustrated by, Kelly Murphy
Summary: The luck of the Irish has disappeared after the greedy Leprechaun King has taken all the good fortune in Ireland and locked it away. Now it's up to the clever and capable Fiona to divise a plan to take the good fortune back from the leprechauns to help the people of Ireland. Using her wits, Fiona outsmarts the powerful Leprechaun King to restore the luck of the Irish back to the Emerald Isle.
https://youtu.be/2E8S18Y4Ur0?si=PtfLEAHZjupAhpYA
How to Catch a Leprechaun by, Adam Wallace Illustrated by, Andy Elkerton
Summary: You've been planning night and day, and finally you've created the perfect trap with shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows galore! Now all you need to do is wait. Is this the year you'll finally catch the leprechaun? Start a St. Patrick's Day tradition with this fun and lively children's picture book and get inspired to build leprechaun traps of your own at home or in the classroom! Laugh along in this zany story for kids that blends STEAM concepts with hilarious rhymes and vibrant illustrations!
https://youtu.be/LdKTCtypLlw?si=FJ57cmndfnuy-d2T
How to Trap a Leprechaun by, Sue Fliess Illustrated by Emma Randall
Summary: Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll grant you a wish. But, be careful! Leprechauns are full of trickery. To catch one, you’ll need to be clever in crafting your trap. Grab some glitter and glue and get prepared for your wily holiday visitors!
On the night before St. Patrick’s Day, leprechauns show up to steal your treasures and then disappear as quickly as they came. However, if you’re careful you might be able to catch one and then he’ll grant you a wish. You’ll have to be sneaky and set just the right trap to trap a leprechaun.
Community Schools Update
Jenny Hirst
Community Schools Coordinator
Community Schools Update!
WIC (Women Infant Children) Clinic at Taft!
March 8th 8:30-3:00pm
Did you know that a family of 4 with an annual income of $55,500 may qualify for the WIC program? Recently, we learned that there are many families who may not know about this wonderful resource! This program is for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday. The WIC program provides funds for food and also formula for qualifying families. We’re excited to host a WIC mobile clinic on the 2nd Friday of every month during the school year. If you are interested in coming to the clinic, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/yXnTNE2pGuPpDGSv5
For more information on the WIC program please click here: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/food-assistance/apply-wic
Family Engagement
FEPA sponsored “Parents and New Americans in the Schools” training
More than 20 parents participated in a training last month, learning about the experience of new Americans and ways we can continue to become a welcoming community. Special thanks to GLocal Community Partners and Sara Skinner for providing such meaningful experiences and information.
Taft Student Employees of the Month
Rosie: Office Manager
“Rosie is always on time, responsible, and always willing to help out in any way. Thank you Rosie for all your hard work!”
Nominated by Mrs Enrico
Zahra: Cool Pack Creator
“Zahra has faithfully carried out her duties as creator of cool packs for the Health Office without fail. When there have been interruptions in the schedule, she has sought out alternate days to complete her work. She has found subs for when her partner hasn't been available or just worked alone to get the job done. She has truly been an asset to the Health Office!”
Nominated by: Nurse Sarah
Spotlight on Taft Community Partners!
The Relief Society provides vegetable oil for our Taft Family Food Pantry on a regular basis! We're so grateful for their generosity and for ensuring that our pantry can always offer this much needed staple. The Relief Society started in 1842 and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world! Special thanks to Taft's own Mrs. Kenyon for helping make this partnership happen!!
Taft's Community Partner: The Relief Society
Employees of the Month
Grade Level Highlights
3rd Grade
Mckenzie Johnson
3rd Grade is loving Science!
We are having such a fun time learning in third grade! Science has been one of our favorite subjects to learn about lately. Our last unit was all about weather and climate. We spent some time researching extreme weather such as droughts, tornados, and blizzards. Then, we turned our research into PowerPoint presentations and got to present to our classmates. Our classmates were able to share "Glows and Grows" about our presentations. We just started our heredity and genetics unit. We have been exploring how traits get passed down from parents to offspring in humans, plants, and animals. To top it all off, a few weeks ago, the Idaho Children's Museum came for a visit and we got to explore a variety of different STEM activities.
3rd Grade Scientists
Read Across America Week
QR Code to Taft's Foundation Account
We have been blessed with many donations this year which have allowed us to offer family events like the Taft Family Portrait Night and other special opportunities for kids and staff. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting Taft, please use the QR code below for an easy, tax-deductible donation.
Calendar of Events
- March 15 End of Third Quarter - Early Release K-6, No School Pre K
- March 18-22 Spring Break - No School Pre K-12
- April 19 No School Pre K-12
- May 16 Last Day of School for Seniors, Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Pre K
- May 17 Early Release K-6
- May 21, 22, 23 Secondary End of Semester Testing - Early Release *7-12
- May 23 Last Day of School - Early Release K-6
- June 4-28 Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (19 days)
- July 1-26 Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
- July 4th & 5th No Summer School
Stay Connected
Email: tim.lowe@boiseschools.org
Website: taft.boiseschools.org/
Location: 3722 West Anderson Street, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: (208) 854-6180
Twitter: @TaftElem