SIERRA SCOOP
January 19, 2024
FROM FOERSTER'S DESK
Even though it was a short week, there was a lot of learning accomplished, and I was able to visit several classrooms (my favorite!). In art, 4th graders were using a checklist to guide themselves through the beginning phases of a zentangle project learning about patterns. During 1st grade writing, students were revising their folktales to make them "stronger" by bringing their characters to life through movements, talking, feelings, and physical attributes. Second grade writers were brainstorming things that make them unique in preparation for their personal essay writing. They are setting goals and self-assessing along the way. Preschoolers were having fun using eyedroppers to count how many drops of water it would take to fill different sizes of 2-D shapes (hearts, triangles, and circles). The kindergartners were having fun in music singing Hot Cross Buns and identifying different music patterns. Wow...talk about a ton of learning packed into three days!
Have a fun-filled weekend 😄
WEATHER DELAY
It's that time of year where the weather can impact driving conditions and bus schedules. Jeffco Schools has a 2-hour delay start. If this occurs, K-5th grade students at Sierra will start school at 9:45, with soft start beginning at 9:35 (doors opening). Please do not arrive before 9:35 as there is no adult supervision outside until this time and that is a safety concern. Full day preschool will start at 10:00, half day afternoon class will start at the normal time (noon), and half day morning preschool will be canceled. Dismissal times remain the same for all students, prek-5th grades. Buses will run (2 hours behind schedule), the Y will be open (2 hours later at 8:30), lunch will be served at regular time, and students will still have AMP on an abbreviated schedule.
January Gifted/Talented Family Learning Opportunity
This January, Jeffco's Department of Gifted & Talented will be offering 6 different learning opportunities for parents interested in learning more about Jeffco's GT programming, PLUS an open Q&A session on 1/24/24. The presentation format will be asynchronous as these topics will be pre-recorded and available starting on 1/19/24. Families can view the sessions they choose and follow up with any additional questions for our presenters on 1/24/24 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Please visit the event webpage HERE for specific topics and descriptions. The links on this webpage will go live starting on 1/19/24.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra
What is Anxiety?
We understand that as your child progresses through elementary school, you may encounter various challenges and changes in their behavior. One common aspect that may arise is anxiety. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty, and it's important to recognize the signs and support your child through this emotional journey.
Anxiety in elementary school children can manifest in various ways, such as excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, or physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. It's crucial to remember that anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it interferes with your child's daily activities or social interactions, it's essential to address it.
As parents, you play a key role in helping your child navigate and cope with anxiety. Open communication is vital—encourage your child to share their feelings and concerns with you. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment.
Establishing routines and providing a sense of predictability can also help alleviate anxiety. Consistent bedtime, mealtime, and homework routines can contribute to a feeling of stability and security for your child.
In the upcoming weeks in the Sierra Scoop, we will explore different strategies that can help manage anxiety or other strong emotions. Stay tuned...
OFFICE INFORMATION
Grub Club Food Drive (Click on upper right corner of picture to enlarge)
Box for donations will be set up outside the Sierra Library
February 2 - ROAR Day, Super Bowl Shuffle
February 7 - Accountability meeting 4:45 and PTA meeting 5:30 (more info to come)...FYI, the PTA meeting will probably start closer to 5:45 due to a lengthy Accountability agenda
February 8 - Science Fair Community Night 5:00
February 16 - No School, teacher work day
February 19 - No School, President's Day
February 20-23 - Used Book Fair
February 22 - Conferences 3:00 - 7:00
February 23 - End of 2nd Trimester
Februray 29 - Read Across America Day
DID YOU KNOW?
Jeffco Panorama Family Survey
Please read district communication and information regarding the Family Survey in the communication letter. You will/should have received the survey via email or the letter provides the link and a QR code. The survey close on 2/23/2024. I hope we hear from all of our families as this data and your feedback is important to help us continue to grow our systems. Thank you for taking the time to complete the Family Survey!
Preschool Hours 2024-2025
Full Day - 8:00 - 2:30
Half Day AM - 8:00 - 11:00
Half Day PM - 11:45 - 2:45
Outdoor Lab Fundraising Opportunity
When your child reaches sixth grade, they, along with their teachers and classmates, will participate in Outdoor Lab. There is a $300 tuition fee for attending Outdoor Lab. To offset (or eliminate) this cost, the Outdoor Lab Foundation has established the Lab Card Program in partnership with Safeway and King Soopers. Learn more about the opportunity here.
Neighborhood Safety
If you are driving and/or parking on a community street near Sierra, please be sure that you are following traffic laws and aware of all students. Many of our families choose to bypass hug-n-go or the parking lot and use a surrounding street for drop off and/or parking. Although the streets are not Sierra's jurisdiction, we still want to ensure all our students, families, and community members are safe.
Grades 3rd-5th Student Survey
Students throughout Jeffco in 3rd grade and above will be participating in the Panorama Student Survey. The survey will be open Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, February 23. All students in grades 3-12 are expected to take the Panorama Student Survey. The purpose of the survey is to collect data on student perceptions of the school climate and address student needs. Please read more about the survey in the Panorama Student Survey Family Letter.
Sierra is Hiring!
We are looking for an ISP (Independent Support Para) for a student in our SSN classroom. This is a 7-hour paid position that includes benefits. If you are interested, you can apply through the Jeffco Schools job board. Feel free to call Nicole in the office if you have any questions.
Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.
CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED
Our tiny Sierra crossing guard team is in need or more members. If you are interested and/or would like additional information, please email Nancy Hardy nancyhardy2005@gmail.com
or Becca Rehme becca.rehme@gmail.com.
PTA PARTICULARS
Lumberg Winter Clothing Drive - Thank you to our amazing Sierra Community for donating an enormous amount of winter clothing to our sister school Lumberg Elementary. Congratulations to the five classrooms that blacked out their Bingo Cards: Francis, Schafer, Guerrero, Fousel and McElroy!
The clothing will be donated to the Lumberg students and their families at their Winter Family Event on January 20th!
SIERRA ELEMENTRY
Email: tennille.foerster@jeffco.k12.co.us
Website: sierraelementary.net
Location: 7771 Oak Street, Arvada, CO, USA
Phone: (303)982-0821
Facebook: facebook.com/sierraelementary