Stonegate Elementary Newsletter
April 13, 2024
Dear SGE Families,
Welcome back! We hope you and your family enjoyed spring break and the solar eclipse! What an amazing thing to witness right in our backyard!
This week was a great start to the month of April! The NEW book fair opened and students toured with their classes! Our 3rd and 4th grade students prepared for ILEARN by taking the practice tests. Please avoid tardies or absences for the next two weeks if at all possible! 2nd grade had Market Day and showed their understanding of the economy! It was a fun-filled week!
For all incoming Kindy families, please read below about the Special Projects Division. This has details regarding Before After Care (BAC), Bridge Care (Kindy only), Universal Preschool, and Eagle Rec classes (Early Start Spanish, chess, tennis, etc . . . ).
This information was asked for during our Kindy Round-Up Parent Meetings.
Looking ahead to the upcoming weeks:
- Report Cards- Report cards were posted in PowerSchool on March 26th.
- Book Fair- We are trying a new book fair vender--Literati! The book fair is open! See details below for community hours. They are open this morning!
- ILEARN Testing- All 3rd and 4th grade students will take the state required ILEARN assessment this week and next.
We hope you enjoy your weekend!
Mrs. Connie Largent, Principal
Mrs. Kathy Drake, Assistant Principal
Important Dates and Events
Important Dates & Events
April
13 - PTO Book Fair from 10:00am-12:00pm (enter through door 10)
19 - PTO Dessert Dive
25 - PTO Dine for Dollars at Papa John's
26 - PTO Spirit Day: Crazy Socks
May
1 - PTO Meeting at 2:45pm in Room 220
6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
8 - 4th Grade Music Concert at 6:00pm
9 - 2nd Grade (Bourff and Smith) Field Trip to Eagle Creek Park
13 - 2nd Grade (Charboneau and Delp) Field Trip to Eagle Creek Park
16 - Stonegate Singers Concert at 6:30pm
17 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Zionsville Walking Tour
17 - Kindergarten to Holliday Park
23 - 2nd Grade Insect Expo
23 - PTO Dine for Dollars at Papa John's
24 - Field Day
24 - PTO Spirit Day: Hat Day
27 - No School: Memorial Day
31 - Last Student Day & 4th Grade Graduation
Special Projects Division
The mission of the Office of Special Projects is to provide value-added, enriching, fee-based services for families of Zionsville Community Schools and to also provide important links between our schools and the greater community. On this site you can find additional information about Eagle Rec classes, childcare, universal preschool, and much more!
Stonegate Highlights and Information
Spectacular Specialists of 3rd Grade
Third graders shared their expertise at the Specialty Animal Fair. Each student had studied an animal all year and they shared their knowledge with peers, parents, and teachers. The students worked hard and were very proud to talk about what they have learned. Some of the animals they studied were the peregrine falcon, Arctic hare, kangaroo, and capybara. They made a variety of projects to show at the fair including dioramas, masks, books, speeches, and PowerPoints.
Second Grade Market Day
Congratulations to our second-grade students and teachers on another successful Market Day! Aside from the fun shopping experience, the students learned all about the critical aspects of running a business, such as the name and slogan. They also learned about components of an economy, such as goods and services!
PTO's VIP and Me Event
A very special thanks to our PTO for setting up such a magical evening for our VIP and Me Event and to our families for attending and supporting this event! There was dancing, cupcakes, bookmark making, the book fair, and most importantly . . . special memories were made! A big shout-out to Nick Kotterman and Chris Morris! They played great songs and made sure there was plenty of dancing and laughter!
4th Grade Music Program
This spring, the 4th grade class will be performing a "4th Grade Farewell Program" to showcase their musical talent before they graduate on to middle school! The students are hard at work preparing a night of singing, movement, and fun. Friends and families are invited to join the 4th graders in the SGE gym on Wednesday, May 8th at 6pm for this spectacular program!
Music and Movement
Over the past 3 weeks, students have collaborated during music and wellness for a "Music and Movement" unit. This unit was a great opportunity for students to experience the connection of physical activity and various musical concepts like beat/rhythm/musicality. During this collaboration, students were able to work together to create various body percussion patterns, move and groove using our buckets and drums for “drum fit”, as well as learn various line dances including the traditional Philippine folk dance-Tinikling.
The final project of the unit is one we are most proud of-The creation of an official SGE SCHOOL SONG/DANCE! Students were given the opportunity to create the words/lyrics for the song. Thanks to a generous grant from our PTO, we were able to hire a professional to put the lyrics to music. This song and dance will forever be a special part of Stonegate Elementary and this year's students created it! Please enjoy the attached video links and pictures of a few of our activities.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jFT0ID0L3eE&feature=shared-School Song Practice
https://youtu.be/NDj3UIvviD4 Drumfit 2nd Grade
https://youtu.be/mJfpZO0R5CY Tinikling 4th Grade
https://youtu.be/GyB3CkFDJS4?feature=shared Body Percussion demonstration
ZEF Announces Spring Grants
The Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) awarded ZCS educators more than $60,000 in grants for projects that will directly impact student learning in all nine schools. The $31,412 in Classroom Grants and $29,598 in Imagine Professional Development Grants made it a record-breaking cycle. Special thanks to the Barth Family Fund, Lilly Lebanon Manufacturing, Lilly Lebanon Project, including Eli Lilly and Company and Fluor, and our community of individual donors for supporting this grant cycle.
Please join us in congratulating ZEF grant recipients and Stonegate teachers Terri Brown, Sidney Warnke, Leslie Frobig, Nikki Hartsock, and Deb Torrance! Learn more about their exciting projects and see a complete list of grants awarded by clicking here.
Electronic Devices & Other Restricted Items
The following items are restricted on school grounds: toys, trading cards, valuables, and electronic devices not academically necessary including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, and smart watches. These items may NOT be used by students in the building or on school-sponsored transportation, unless the student has permission by the supervising adult. Electronic devices are to be used for educational purposes only. When not in use for educational purposes they need to be off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack during the school day. A reminder that communication for a student’s dismissal change should not be made through a student’s electronic device but always needs to be made directly to the teacher or school office. The school accepts no responsibility if these items are lost, stolen or damaged and is not responsible for investigating the loss or damage of these items. The student and parents/guardians accept full responsibility for these items.
Page 20, ZCS Elementary Handbook
Spring Family Survey
As we plan for the year ahead, we welcome your input! Please provide feedback about your child's school experience this year.
We also welcome valuable information about your child's personality, learning style, and areas of strength and growth. These important details, along with the teacher's anecdotes about your child's classroom performance, assessment data, and social/emotional needs, provide us with crucial information that we consider when making the best teacher match.
Finally, if you have any new neighbors who move in during the summer, please encourage them to register as soon as possible. Any time a new student is added, class lists need to be reevaluated. This form will remain open until May 24th.
Preparing for the 2024-2025 School Year
- Registration links will be sent out in the beginning of May. Every child attending ZCS will need to be registered by June 1st.
- If you need Before and/or After School Care, or you want your incoming kindergartner to be a part of our Bridge program, you can find information at https://www.zcs.k12.in.us/apps/pages/grow_childcare_services
- If you have an incoming kindergartener and would like them to be a part of the Early Start Spanish program, that information can be found at earlystartspanish.com
- If you plan on joining your child's class on a field trip, volunteer in the classroom, or just be a special visitor, please be sure to complete a full background check. https://zcs.edlioschool.com/apps/pages/volunteers
Stock the Lounge & SGE Team Wishlist
Our office team has created an Amazon Wish List. We would love your support in two important ways.
First, our staff works so hard every day. To show our appreciation, help us “stock the lounge” with their favorite snacks all year long! Next, we have also added in items that would be helpful to our team and used in a variety of ways. As always, we thank you for your partnership!
Miss Wetzel's Counselor Corner
Second Step-Steps to Problem Solving
Most of our students are beginning to learn about problem solving during their Steps to Strong in Every Way time! Students will learn the STEPs to solving a problem.
· S: Say the problem
· T: Think of solutions
· E: Explore consequences
· P: Pick the best solution
As you can see, the first letter of each step spells the word ”step.” Remembering “step” helps students solve problems with each other in safe and respectful ways.
Second Step lessons specifically teach students to use each step and reinforce the message that solutions need to be safe and respectful. Below are the grade level home links about the steps that describe why solving problems is important and including fun activities to do with your child to help him or her learn and practice the steps. We hope the steps will be helpful for you and your child when there are problems at home!
Family Assistance Form
When basic needs are met, students are better able to focus on education and learning. Therefore, there is assistance available for our students and their families to help with various needs that may arise throughout the school year. If you are currently in need of assistance, please fill out this Family Assistance form. This information will be kept in strictest confidence.
Warmly,
Jessica Wetzel
School Counselor
PTO Information
Literati Book Fair
Discover your next favorite read at the Literati Book Fair! Visit our fair in person, or order exciting new books through our online fair. Our school will earn rewards with every purchase made. We can’t wait for our students to experience our upcoming book fair! Thank you for helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading. It truly means the world. Learn more at efairs.literati.com
DATES: April 11th-April 16th
PAYMENT: Please send in cash, check (made payable to Stonegate PTO) OR purchase a gift card at https://openbook.literati.com/resources/gift-cards/
COMMUNITY HOURS: The Book Fair will be open to the community on Friday April 12th from 6:30-8pm during the VIP & Me Girls Event and Saturday April 13th from 10am-noon. Please enter through Door 11 (back of the building). This is a wonderful chance for families to visit together and for families with preschool age children or incoming kindergarteners to come into the school. Help us spread the word!
ONLINE FAIR: Shop online at efairs.literati.com and create student wishlists to share with friends
and family. When you search for our school, double-check the city and state.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Please click the link for an opportunity to help at the Book Fair! Volunteers will receive 20% off of their book fair purchases!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4DACAE2DA1FF2-48545401-spring
Birthday Lunches
Would you like to bring a teacher or staff member lunch or a special treat for their birthday? Simply signup at the link below, then email the teacher or staff member to schedule a date/time to bring them lunch or a special treat. Thank you for showing your appreciation to our amazing teachers and staff!
Birthday Signup for April, May and summer birthdays: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4DACAE2DA1FF2-april2#/
Dessert Dive
Please help us treat our teachers and staff with some of your favorite yummy desserts! Please send all baked goods to the school on Friday, April 19th by 10:00 am. Thank you for your support!
Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4DACAE2DA1FF2-43417885-dessert#/
Additional Information from SGE and ZCS
Summer Construction Project
Stonegate Elementary will be having some updates made this summer to the interior of the building. During this time, the school will be closed, and the office team will be working from home. We will still be available by phone or email. Our hours will be as follows:
- June 4th–14th 8:00am-2:00pm
- June 17th–July 19th Closed
- July 22nd 8:00am-2:00pm
- July 29th - Resume normal office hours of 7:30am-3:30pm
We are hopeful that office construction will be complete by July 22nd. Please be sure to check ParentSquare updates throughout the summer. Thank you!
2024 After Prom Community Preview Party
This year parent volunteers will transform the high school into ZBlast from the Past, which will take you back to your favorite decades. While only ZCHS students and their guests can attend the After Prom, the entire community is invited to come preview the After Prom on April 20 from 6-8 p.m. The preview party offers fun for the entire family, including games, inflatables and more. All ages are welcome!
Irish Dancers Workshop
Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance is offering a Summer Introductory Workshop (3 class course) June 11, 12 & 13. To register CLICK HERE! For more information visit the Richens/Timm web site https://www.richenstimm.com/ Adult classes are also offered!
Mrs. Torrance's Monthly Wellness Challenge
Guest Teachers Needed!
We are in need of guest teachers! Guest teachers can pick which school(s) to be assigned to, as well as what days/dates work best. If you are available and interested, information can be found on our ZCS website (Guest Teacher Application - District Departments - Zionsville Community Schools (zcs.k12.in.us). Thank you!
Lunch Guests Sign Up!
SGE is now ready to welcome our K-4 Lunch Guests! Here's how it works:
- Due to limited space, we are happy to welcome one special visitor with each student for a total of four different guests per grade level.
- Sign-up to reserve your spot by clicking here.
We have "Visitor Tables" in the front foyer that you will sit at with your child during their lunch time.
Visitor and Volunteer Procedures
During the school day, all volunteers are expected to check in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must sign a Non-disclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check.. Necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteers/BRAVO link and should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view the state mandated confidentiality/bullying video, provided on the Volunteer/BRAVO website. The volunteer will pay the fee for the full background check which will expire after 5 years.
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign-in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times. Visitors other than parents/guardians must be prearranged and organized through the main office.