As the weather turns into more fall-like weather, I am prompted to stop and reflect on the ways that I am so grateful for the Rise community and how we continue to evolve - focusing on inclusion and celebrating the myriad of gifts that Rise scholars bring to the schoolhouse on a daily basis. It is certainly the big things that reflect this type of community; the incredible turnout we had at STEM Night and all of the organizations that have worked with our team to bring rich and relevant field trip experiences. It is also the small things. The moments that I have the privilege to witness on a daily basis. Older scholars holding the hand of a younger scholar who needed guidance, the excitement of starting a new day and seeing scholars greet their teacher and friends, and the ways that our scholars continue to show up, just as who they are, confident, brave, and curious. As we stumble into the fall, let's remember all of the ways that we can see and embrace the beauty of our Rise community.

We are excited to welcome families and community members to campus on October 20th for the first Presentation of Learning. This is an opportunity for our scholars to present their learning from their first quarter Project-Based Learning (PBL). Look for a schedule for each grade level after Fall Break!

A big shoutout to Mrs. Spore, Ms. Hoskins, and Dr. Witt for all of the field trips and activities this past month. We had scholars visit nature centers and have had mentors from the field of meteorology, engineering, and horticulture talk with and lead our scholars.

District Common Assessments:

Math - 3rd & 4th 10/18/22 8:15-9:15

Science - 4th 10/18/22 9:30-10:30

CogAT/IOWA - 3rd Grade - Window is 10/10/22 - 10/28/22

Oct 14th- Foam Party: We achieved our top fundraising goal! Please send in a towel, shorts, and a t-shirt you don't mind getting dirty from Oct 10- 13 and mark it Foam Party. Additional items you may want to send: water shoes, a shower cap, and a bag for wet clothes. Thank you Rise Families for your participation in our fundraiser. Your support will help fund our PTA initiatives this year.

Oct 17- 22 Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to Rise with a more considerable sized fair (lots more books). We will be open on Thursday night for families to shop. Also be on the lookout for information on the fair, e-wallets, and a special event to bring your best reading buddy to the fair! Learn more and set up your e-wallet at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/risestemacademy

Oct 21-22-Rise Closet Uniform and Snack Drive. We will be collecting new and gently used uniform and spirit wear items. Also, we will be collecting snacks for our classrooms.

Oct 31st- Fall Classroom Party & Boo Bags: Scholars will have a fun Fall Class Party. Your class will get a sign-up genius closer to the event so you can sign up to send in snacks for the party or a small treat for the boo bags.

Please join us, we are trying to reach our 100 Members goal. You can join online at https://risestempta.memberhub.com/store/items/131706

Digital Citizenship Week is October 17-21. During this week's Enrichment Friday, we will begin lessons on personal safety and online behavior. Throughout the year, we will also learn about cyberbullying and social networking. Our scholars are growing up with technology all around them. We hope you will partner with us in teaching our scholars about the importance of being a leader in digital citizenship. Visit commonsensemedia.org for more information and assistance.

-The Special Area Team

October is Farm to School Month! Scholars will be participating in lessons related to Kentucky Agriculture as well as sampling foods from local farms thanks to Black Soil KY!

We are also honored to be selected for the second year in a row in the Planting With the Principal event for Tree Week. Scholars will be learning about the benefits of the trees currently on our property, as well as Horticulture and Botony.

We will be forming a Wellness Committee at Rise and we need parents committee members. The commitment will require monthly after-school meetings. If you are interested in being part of the Wellness Committee, please reach out to jennifer.spore@fayette.kyschools.us

Sustainability and Wellness Coordinators,

Dr. Witt and Mrs. Spore

We have been learning about manipulative skills while using balls, hoops, and bean bags. We are learning about personal and general space. We made Hula hoop huts and played Back to Back Rock, Paper, Scissors. We practiced gymnastics. All classes are learning a warm up routine to the song "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood and Ludacris. We are always moving and the music is usually playing.

Hola familias! We have been having such a blast in Spanish/Arts and Humanities. As it is Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th-October15th and Día De Los Muertos follows closely after, we have been learning about cultures and forms of art from Spanish speaking countries around the world. We will continue to add new vocabulary, learn about geography, participate in the creation of art, and expose ourselves to customs from around the world!

Book fair is coming up and so are some fun crafts! Over the break, please help your scholar brainstorm their favorite book character. They will need to have an idea of what that character looks like for a project we will start after fall break!

Parents, please keep an eye out for Dojo messages as I may be looking for volunteers for some fun upcoming events! In order to volunteer, you must fill out the volunteer form located on the FCPS website, and as this can take time it might be a good idea to fill out the form soon. Gracias!

Each scholar will be receiving a charm bracelet with their first Rise charm to represent being a Rise scholar. Scholars will earn new charms by completing a PBL (Project Based Learning). The presentation of Learning for our first quarter PBL will take place on October 20. 4th grade scholars in our Flex Friday in-school clubs are hard at work designing and 3D printing new charms! Other charms that can be earned are for things such as becoming a VEX robot expert, Minecraft Maker, and more! We want this bracelet to be a story of what each scholar has accomplished at Rise. It will be something to work towards and to show off when they accomplish something new. Big thanks to PTA parents for putting the first charm on each bracelet. From here on, scholars and families will be in charge of taking out links to be sure the bracelet fits properly, adding charms when received, and keeping up with their own bracelet. New charms can be printed, but we do not have extra bracelets if lost. We are so excited about these bracelets and hope our scholars are too!!

-Dr. Witt and Mrs. Spore