Simis Scoop
January 16th 2024
Principal's Letter
A Note from Mrs. Murray
Hi Simis Families,
Welcome back to school!
We are so excited to have our students back for the spring semester. Be try to have your student at school and ready to learn by 7:45am each morning. This semester will be filled with fun events and activities! We have student-led conferences in grades 2-4, our Fun Run, Love of Reading Week, International Mindedness Day, our 4th grade Exhibition, and many more exciting events for our students and families.
Conference sign-ups were sent out this week. In grades 2-4 students conduct conferences for their parents, sharing highlights from class and reflecting on their learning experiences. In grades K and 1 adults are invited to attend conferences if they have a concern or topic they would like to discuss with the teacher. Conferences will be held January 31st-February 2nd.
On February 9th, we will have our annual fundraiser with PATS: The Fun Run! This fundraiser supports many programs and initiatives at our school such as our reading aides, noon duty aides, teacher enrichment grants, staff appreciation, DIGSS, and so much more! Please be on the look-out for more information to come.
The Madison School District Governing Board has set a standard activity fee for all Madison schools. The fee is $50.00 per student. This is the same non-refundable amount deemed by the Governing Board in previous years. This fee will be placed in the general tax credit fund for our school. If you would like to take advantage of the entire tax credit available, you may add additional funds to the fee. A married couple filing jointly can claim up to a $400 donation per year on taxes and a single head of household can claim up to a $200 donation per year on taxes.
Your $50 student activity fee will be used to pay for assemblies, extracurricular supplies, field trips, author visits, buses and more. If you have not yet paid your activity fee, please make sure to do so for your child to be able to attend any upcoming field trips this spring semester. Contact simisoffice@madisoned.org for activity fee scholarship information.
We are excited for the fun learning experiences we will share this semester at Simis!
In partnership,
Mrs. Murray
What's Happening in Classrooms?
Revisiting Expectations
Library Visits
Critical Thinking
This semester we will be focusing on increasing the opportunities for our students to engage in critical thinking routines. Students will be asked to explain their thinking, justify responses, make connections between content areas and outside of school, provide peer feedback, and reflect on learning. When students think deeply about their learning they are more likely to be curious about the world around them and excited to learn more!
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Notes from Mrs. Powers
Updates from the Health Office
Notes from Nurse Megan
- Health Office reminder
Your student must stay home for a full 24 hours after fever, vomiting or diarrhea. For example, if your student is sent home with a fever on Monday, they will automatically be excused from school on Tuesday. We will welcome that back to school on Wednesday if they are symptom free without the use of medication. Thank you for being considerate of our school community and keeping your child home when sick.
Please do not send medication to school in your student's backpack. Administer medications before or after school. If your student requires medication administration during the school day, please contact the health office for assistance.
Please return any clothing (washed) that your student has borrowed from the health office. We rely heavily on these items and don't want to have to send students home when they need clothes.
Contact Nurse Megan at 602-664-7322 or mbefort@madisoned.org with any questions/concerns. Thank you!
Student Wellness
Establishing Routines for the New Semester
When we start a new semester, to emphasize the importance of re-establishing routines and structures for your child's academic success. Consistent routines provide a sense of security and predictability, creating a stable foundation for learning. By establishing clear daily schedules, bedtime routines, and designated study times, children develop a sense of responsibility and time management skills. These routines help foster a positive learning environment, allowing your child to focus better on their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Additionally, routines promote a healthy balance between academic and recreational activities, contributing to overall well-being.
To assist you in creating effective home routines, we've compiled a list of helpful resources:
As we navigate the challenges of a new semester, let's work together to create a supportive and structured environment that sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling academic journey for your child.
Important Dates
TCT 1pm Early Release
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024, 01:00 PM
Spring Conferences Start
Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024, 10:00 AM
Spring Conferences- Half Day Dismissal
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024, 11:00 AM
Spring Conferences- Half Day Dismissal
Friday, Feb 2, 2024, 11:00 AM
Fun Run (times vary by grade)
Friday, Feb 9, 2024, 07:45 AM
Feed My Starving Children Schoolwide Volunteer Event
Simis will be hosting another schoolwide volunteer event this spring! We will be volunteering as a community at Feed My Starving Children to help pack rice packs. The rice packs will be shipped around the world to feed malnourished children. We have 200 spots reserved for our group (anyone 5 and older can participate). Click here to sign up
Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, 02:00 PM
1345 S Alma School Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA
Library Information
Did you know?
Families can browse through all the selections in the electronic library by browsing in the Destiny Discover website.
Hello Simis Families,
Please help your student return all their overdue books before their Library day next week. Students will not be able to check out any new books for winter break if they have not returned their old books. As a reminder, the maximum number of books they can have checked out at a time is:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade: 1 book
2nd-4th Grade: 2 books
If a book is lost, you can either pay the replacement cost or provide a replacement copy of the same book (used and in good condition is fine). Please contact me if you have any questions: kcrum@madisoned.org
Thank you for your help!
Mrs. Crum
Simis Site Council Updates
General Announcements
Parent/Guardian Opportunities
THRIVE Parent Information Series
Madison School District just placed 4 new modules in our THRIVE section of the Madison website. These short and informative videos with experts in the field provide families with resources to approach and support their child in ways that align with the students of the Alpha and iGeneration.
School Lunch Visitor Registration Form
Sign up for a lunch visit here! Please read the details on the sign up form for more information.
As a reminder, we ask that all parents sit with their child at the visitor's table in the cafeteria and say goodbye as students head out to recess.