Creekside Elementary
November 2019----------------------HOME OF THE COYOTES
Principal's Note
Greetings Creekside Families,
HAPPY FALL! Here we go knocking down the door to the end of the 1st quarter. I hope your family is feeling in-the-routine of school. It usually takes a couple months to feel like you have a great flow. It’s always shocking how quickly the time flies by. As a staff, we are looking forward to seeing families at conferences on Nov. 14th & 15th. We can’t wait to show off what your children have been learning these first few months.
One of the dominant goals that our staff is working toward this year is finding ways to jumpstart our literacy achievement. Research tells us that students who are reading on grade level by 3rd grade can be a strong indicator of future academic success. We’ve implemented a new phonics program for K-2th and new word study in 3rd-5th. We are also studying both the reading standards and levels so that we know how to coach into where our students are at and what they need.
In order for students to grow as readers, they need to spend a significant amount of time reading, which includes reading at home every night. We want all of our students to spend some time reading at their “just right” level, which is the leveled book(s) the teacher is having students bring home each night. Beyond reading their leveled readers, students can also spend time being read to by an adult, reading to/with a sibling or exploring choice books that are not necessarily at their independent level, but of high interest. My personal family likes to do our family reading time right before bed. Other families prefer to do this right before/after dinner or even right when the kids get home from school. Whichever routine works for you, just make sure you are getting in reading time everyday! It truly will make a difference for your children’s academic development.
Minutes Students Should Spend Reading At Home:
Kindergarten = 10-20 minutes
1st & 2nd Grades = 20 minutes
3rd, 4th & 5th Grades = 30 minutes
Thank you for all of your ongoing support as we build amazing coyote readers! It truly 'takes a village' and we greatly appreciate your daily partnership.
Cheers,
Mrs. Jillian Block - Principal
Mrs. Jacquie Goulthorp - Associate Principal
Veterans Day Assembly
Time: 7:45am-8:30am
Where: During Coyote Connection in the cafeteria
All families are welcome to join us as we honor our school's Veterans from 8:00-8:30am.
Click here if you would like to sign up to be one of our recognized veterans for the morning assembly.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 15th- 7:30am-11:30am
Please contact your students teacher with questions and schedules.
November Digital Citizenship Resources
“From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to shows, games, and information. Parents and caregivers love that kids can learn on the go (and stay busy when dinner's cooking). But it's easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Families can keep media and tech use in check by following a few simple practices.” Check out the tips sheet and activities below for how to create media balance in your family.
Media Balance and Well Being Family Tip Sheet
Parent Reminders
Morning Drop Off
No student should be dropped off any earlier than 7:45am unless enrolled in the YMCA before school program. There is no adult supervision before this time and the YMCA/Cafeteria is only for those who are enrolled in their program. If we have students arrive earlier than 7:45am we will be calling a parent/guardian to pick them up.
End of day pick up changes
Please refrain from contacting the school any time after 2pm unless it’s an emergency for a change of transportation/pick-up. The office is a very busy place at the end of the day. We would hate for your end of the day message not to arrive timely to your student(s). Please communicate your plans to your student in the morning before leaving home. Sending a Dojo message to a teacher for any changes is your best bet unless it’s an emergency. Thank you for your consideration.
Updating emergency contacts
It is very important to have current phone numbers and additional adult contacts in your students Infinite Campus account, to prepare for emergencies or a sick student. Go to your parent portal account to make these changes.
Reminders From Kobussen Bus Company
Waiting for the Bus
As cold and snowy weather is upon us, we would like to remind families of a few safety issues when students are waiting for the bus in the morning. Students should:
be waiting at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.
be dressed appropriately for waiting in cold weather. This includes jackets, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves.
stay out of the road and other’s yards when waiting for the bus. Wait on the sidewalk or as close to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.
wait on their side of the road and wait to cross until the driver signals.
wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching to board.
Eating On The Bus
Please remember that there is absolutely no eating allowed on district buses. Students may have life-threatening food allergies that could be affected by others eating on the bus. If your child does not get a chance to eat breakfast at home before school please make sure he/she knows to wait until they arrive at school before eating to ensure the safety of everyone. If your child is given a snack or treat at the end of the day we also ask that they eat it at school or wait until they get home.
If you have any questions or concerns about this information, or school bus safety, please contact Kobussen at 825-8700, ext 5509.
Lost-N-Found
Labeling your child's outer wear is a big help in finding their way back to them when lost!
Visiting our schools & keeping everyone safe
Visiting the School
We have a NEW System as of the end of the year last year for visitors
visting our schools.…
Please remember to bring a photo ID (Drivers license or Passport) every time you visit/volunteer in the school. Our responsibility is to keep our students and staff as safe as possible. Knowing who is visiting our schools will help us do that.
Background Checks
If you plan on volunteering at Creekside, in the district or going on a school field trip, you will need to have an updated background check on file.
Here is the link for your convenience: Background Form
Volunteering at School or Fieldtrips…
Background Check Needed Every 3 Years The Sun Prairie Area School District recognizes that volunteers make valuable contributions to the district’s schools and welcomes volunteers into the schools or attend student field trips. District policy requires that a criminal background check be completed prior to volunteering. Prior to attending a child's field trip, becoming a Watchdog or working in a classroom, please make sure you have a criminal background check completed and on file. Students safety is our #1 priority. If you are unsure if you have one on file or have any questions, please contact the school at 608-834-7702 for assistance.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
Up Coming Music Concert
When: December 11th
Who: 2nd & 3rd Grade Music Concert
Where: Creekside Cafeteria
Time: 2pm.
Doors will open at 1:45pm. Please use door #10 by the back parking lot/cafeteria or the front office doors.
Any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Petroff at
nmpetro@sunprairieschools.org
November 25-December 12- Food Drive
December 13- Pick up
Library (and lab) news
Book fair (Nov 14 from 4-8pm and Nov 15 from 8am-1pm)
We will be having a book fair during conferences in a couple of weeks. You are also welcome to simply stop by and check out the library - our older students should be able to give you a tour of all the collections.
Lab learning:
Each class has a 30min computer lab session with me each week. For K-1 we've been working largely in Starfall (online portal for reading and math fundamentals). We also do digital drawings, please check out the artwork on our online gallery: https://sites.google.com/a/sunprairieschools.org/creekside_gallery/home
The older students have been plugging away at keyboarding. We'll (largely) finish by winter break and move on to coding, some math, and other digital tools. You can check out some of our free and paid resources at the school Symbaloo page:
https://sites.google.com/sunprairieschools.org/creeksideresources/home
Hour of Code (Fri, Dec 20):
We will be hosting an "Hour of Code" event on Fri, Dec 20th. If you work in the tech field (particularly programming), please drop a line if you'd be interested in volunteering for part of the day.
Read, read, read:
Our school is looking to improve reading skills for all our scholars. In pursuit of that, please encourage your students to be reading regularly at home (perhaps a family read time) Yes, even older students can enjoy read-alouds/bedtime stories. If you want any suggestions, feel free to get in touch.
Student Services Opportunities
BOX OF BALLOONS-FREE BIRTHDAY PROGRAM
Receive all the fun supplies you need for a birthday party! Each birthday box includes decorations, balloons, a party game, party favors, cupcakes (12), plates, and napkins for 6 special guests, and a special gift for the birthday child. A two weeks’ notice is required to put the birthday box together.
If you are interested in the program for your child(ren) or have any questions please email me at kxsims@sunprairieschools.org or call me at 608-834-7707.
SPIRIT OF GIVING ⛄⛄
The Sun Prairie holiday gift assistance program called “Spirit of Giving” begins their online application Friday, November 1st, and closes Friday, Nov. 22.
El programa en Sun Prairie para asistencia con regalos (se llama “Spirit of Giving”) empieza con la aplicación por internet el viernes 1 de noviembre y concluye el viernes 22 de noviembre.
If you have questions on these programs, please feel free to call Kia Sims School Social Worker @ 608-834-7707 or email kxsims@sunprairieschools.org
Congratulations Creekside Artists!
On October 10th K-5 Elementary Art Team celebrated 72 artists across our 9 elementary schools. These young artists have artwork on display at the district office for the 2019-20 school year or have their artwork featured in the Sun Prairie Area School District calendar. Students, we are proud of you and your creative thinking/problem-solving skills that you are applying to art as you express that which is uniquely you! Art is best when it is shared with others. Thank you for sharing your art with our school district.
This years Creekside's artists are:
Amelia Meister
Alex Neary-York
Bailey Pierce (Missing from picture)
Morgan Pierce (Missing from picture)
Felicia Vue
Azyliah Walden
New Electronic Safety Tip Line
The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority for the district. We have been teaching our students to say something to a trusted adult when they see something unsafe. Sometimes, though, there are barriers to reporting safety issues in person. Tip lines are one common approach that schools use to promote school and student safety and well-being. Tip lines are designed to provide students or other members of the school community with a safe and confidential way to report a threat to safety or security.
To that end, we have created an Electronic Safety Tip Line available on the district website. The e-Tip Line allows students, parents, or community members to report weapons, threats of violence, bullying, sexual harassment, potential threat of suicide, drugs, and any other activity that could potentially endanger students, staff, and property. The tip line should not be used to report an immediate danger to someone’s life. Always use 911 to report those emergencies.
We are developing a communication plan to roll this out to students in upper elementary, middle school, and high school. The e-Tip Line is available on the district website from the “Families” menu and “Quicklinks” and can also be found on the district bullying and safety web pages.
The Electronic Safety Tip Line is just one way that students can report concerns about safety. For example, if a student wishes to file a bullying report, the Fillable Bullying Report Form is also available on the website under bullying and reporting.
Creekside November Calendar
November 8-Veterans Day Assembly, CAFE 7:45-8:30am
November 12-CAFE meeting 6:30pm
November 14- Parent/Teacher conferences 4-8pm
November 14- Book Fair 4pm-8pm
November 15-No School
November 15- Parent/Teacher Conferences 7:30-11:30am
November 15- Book Fair 8am-1pm
November 19- Creekside Night @ Firehouse Subs 5-8pm
November 21- Coffee Chat 7:45am-8:45am
November25- Food Pantry Food Drive starts today!
November 26- 2nd grade Expert Fair 1-2pm
November 27-29- No School Thanksgiving Break
November Community Events
November 2- Crazy about YO-YO's check this free Overture Center event out here
November 29- Fire Truck Parade and Tree Lighting 5-8pm (Sun Prairie, 115 E. Main Street)