Sierra School Scoop
August 7 - August 11, 2023
Principal's Message...
Dear Sierra Families,
On behalf of our teachers and staff at Sierra School, we'd like to welcome you back to school! I hope that everyone had a nice summer, and I'm sure you are ready to get your kiddos back to school and into a routine. Our staff has been busy preparing the campus and classrooms for our students' return.
The first day of school is Thursday, August 10th. School starts at 8:50am, and students may be dropped off beginning at 8:20am. Attached is a letter with some additional information for the beginning of the year.
I can't wait to see everyone soon!
Take Care,
Reagan Phillips
Week At A Glance
Monday, August 7
- Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, August 8
- Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, August 9
- Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
- TK Meet & Greet - 10am
- Kindergarten Round Up - 12:00pm
Thursday, August 10
- First Day of School! - 8:50am
- Kinder Camp in MP - 8:50am
Friday, August 11
- Spirit Day - Wear Sparky Gear and/or Green Attire
- Kinder Camp in MP - 8:50am
- Morning All School Stretch - 8:50 am
- 1$ Otter Pop Sales by the garden, 3:00pm
- Kindergarten Articulation & Class Lists 5:00pm
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierra_elementary_school_/
Important Dates
- August 17: Back to School Night
- August 30: Parent Club Meeting - 6 pm, Round Table Pizza on Missouri Flat Road
- September 4: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
- November 10: Veteran's Day (Observed) - NO SCHOOL
- November 14-17: Conferences (Minimum Days)
- November 20-24: Thanksgiving Recess - NO SCHOOL
- December 20: Minimum Day
- December 21-January 5: Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL
- January 15: Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
- February 12: Lincoln's Birthday - NO SCHOOL
- February 19: President's Day - NO SCHOOL
- March 7-8: Conferences (Minimum Days)
- Mary 25-29: Spring Recess - NO SCHOOL
- May 24: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Minimum Day
- May 27: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
- MAY 29-31: No School, but possible make-up days (for emergency closure)
Please refer to our school calendar for additional important dates:
https://www.pusdk8.us/o/sierra/events?view=cal-month&start_date=2023-08-01&end_date=2023-08-31
MISS ALISSA’S COUNSELING CORNER
It’s the start of a new school year, welcome back Dragon families! Do you anticipate your little having a hard time saying goodbye at morning drop off? You are not alone! In fact, many children have trouble adapting to the daily structured school schedule after summer break. Fortunately, children thrive with regularity and schedules because it makes them feel safe and confident in their surroundings, but adapting to a daily school schedule can take time. If your child has difficulties, here are some helpful tips:
- Ensure healthy eating and sleeping habits, these are key! Tired or hungry littles have an EXTRA hard time separating from caregivers
- Practice bedtime, wake up and getting ready for school routines so they know what to expect each school morning
- Listen and empathize with their feelings and fears, then normalize it like this “Everyone feels nervous starting something new, show me what bravery looks like!”
- There is a great book called First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg that shows children that even TEACHERS can get nervous for school. Check out the YouTube link below.
- Problem-solve together; there might be a simple solution to their fear
- ALWAYS focus on the positives; ask 1 thing they are looking forward to at school today or remind them of something they have enjoyed in the past
- If possible, arrange to walk up the steps with a class buddy or identify an anchor in their classroom who makes them feel safe until they get more comfortable
- Model CONFIDENCE & COMFORT (even if you are feeling differently inside)
- Say goodbye JUST ONCE to them; long goodbyes give them a chance to have second thoughts. Typically once the caregiver leaves, the child does GREAT! We will let you know, if not❤
- Be cheerful but firm and let them know you will see them soon!
After this routine of consistency, positiveness, and quick goodbyes, this new routine should become easier for them and you. I am here for you!
♥️Miss Alissa
(530) 622-0814 x7512
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUT6lgo2Sus
Read on Epic: https://www.getepic.com/book/11139999/first-day-jitters
Order via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/First-Jitters-Hartwells-Classroom-Adventures/dp/158089061X
****TEAM Sierra News****
TEAM is thrilled to bring new ideas and events to Sierra school this year. If you are interested in learning more about what TEAM Sierra is and how we contribute to our school, please join us at our first meeting on August 30. We are always looking for input or new ideas and would love to see more parents at our meetings!
Stay tuned for information on our upcoming membership drive.
1st Parent Club Meeting: August 30, 6pm @ Round Table Pizza on Missouri Flat Road
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_sierra_/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamsierra
Email: TEAMSierra.Sparky@gmail.com
FROM THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Please follow this link and check out our Family Resource page. There's lots of great information and resources for all families.
www.pusdk8.us/page/family-resource-center
ARE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN A TEMPORARY LIVING ARRANGEMENT? – If you had to move out of your home and move in with others, a hotel or other temporary residence due to something urgent, please contact me for resources.
Kim Kahn
Family Resource Center/After School Enrichment Director
530-622-6244 ext. 6614
**CARE Solace**
Proudly Supporting TK-5th Grade Students
Email: rphillips@pusdk8.us
Website: https://www.pusdk8.us/o/sierra
Location: 1100 Thompson Way, Placerville, CA, USA
Phone: (530) 622-0814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlacervilleSierraSchool/