News from the

Eagle's Nest

Note from Mrs. Schacht

Vaughn Families,

As we move into March, we are looking forward to connecting with you during Parent-Teacher Conferences, March 17th - 20th. Our goal is 100% participation because these meetings are a great opportunity to collaborate with your child’s teacher, celebrate successes, discuss progress, and make a plan for the rest of the year. Your partnership is key to supporting your child’s growth, and we appreciate the time you take to meet with us!

February brought winter weather challenges, and we missed several days due to inclement weather. Bentonville Schools uses an instructional minute model to develop the calendar, which includes seven additional days built in for inclement weather. We have now used six of those days, meaning no additional instructional days or minutes will be added to the student calendar at this time.

Also, please note that students will not have school March 24th - 28th due to Spring Break. We hope your family enjoys a restful and refreshing break!

Thank you for your continued support in making Vaughn Elementary a place where every learner is supported every day!

Best,
Kendra Schacht
Principal

Important Dates

You can view events for the year on this master calendar. Please check back frequently for updates as we add events throughout the year.

Has a staff member gone above and beyond for your child or family? If so, please let us know by completing the Staff Shout Out form.

Bentonville Schools also accepts nominations for the district's Extra Mile Award. This award is presented to a current staff member who has provided outstanding service. You can nominate someone by submitted this form. Extra Mile Nomination

A Note from Nurse Brittany

Hello Parents!

Spring is on its way and with that comes seasonal allergies. If your student struggles with their allergy symptoms, please make sure they are taking their daily allergy medications to help manage those symptoms. Please make sure that your student has their water bottles packed every day to encourage hydration and that they have a set of clothes in their backpacks for spills and accidents. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at bclupny@bentonvillek12.org.

PTO Posts

Thank you to those who participated in our Dave and Buster’s spirit night. With your fundraiser support our PTO was able to donate 6 new wagons and collapsible coolers for the teams and teachers. We appreciate you!

Our next Spirit Night is scheduled for 3/20 at Slim Chickens. You don’t have to worry about dinner and you can support our school at the same time. Win win!!

Thank you to those who were able to join us for Bingo Night, it was great to see so many VES families in attendance!

We hope March brings warmer weather and outside time for you and your families!

VES PTO

Updates from Activity Classes

Tales from the Library

Our Eagles will be studying exciting reading concepts during library time! Each grade level is exploring important skills that help them become stronger readers and thinkers.

Kindergarten is discovering the world of non-fiction books, learning how they teach us real facts about the world around us. First grade is exploring problem and solution in stories, identifying challenges characters face and how they solve them. Second grade is practicing finding information in a text, using clues like headings, captions, and keywords to locate important details. Third grade is learning about author’s purpose, understanding why writers create books—whether to inform, entertain, or persuade. Fourth grade is diving into theme, uncovering the big ideas and lessons hidden in their favorite stories.

Encourage your child to share what they’re learning and ask them about their favorite books. Happy reading!

Art

Hey everyone! Hope everyone had an awesome snow week! In art class we are all getting organized and prepared for the art show coming up later on in the year. We are getting back all of our artwork and finishing anything that needs finishing. The next art time they are picking their favorite for the art show! I can't wait to see all of their artworks together and hope you have a great day!

P.E.

Hello, Vaughn Families!

In March, we will be finishing up some jump rope activities in PE, and using our critical thinking skills in some of our favorite teamwork activities!

Also, please SAVE THE DATE for the 15th Annual Bentonville Schools Foundation Gold Rush 5K and Fun Run!

- Friday, May 2nd

- 5K and 1 mile Fun Run (times to be announced)

- Old Tiger Stadium Track (Bella Vista Rd. & Tiger Blvd.)

We would love to have lots of Vaughn Eagles participate! Be looking for more information regarding this event and our Vaughn Running Club.

- Mrs. Mackey, Coach LaValle, and Coach McFadden

Music Notes

Kindergarten: We will finish up our study on tempo and begin long and short sounds in music. This includes playing non-pitched instruments and Boom Whackers. You can reinforce these concepts through clapping along to your favorite songs and identifying long and short items in your child's natural environment.

First Grade: We will be putting finishing touches on our study about dynamics. Talking about volume and changes in sounds can help tie these lessons to everyday events. First grade is also putting finishing touches on their musical, EIEI-Oops!. Performance dates to be determined.

Second Grade: Second grade students will begin a study about the instruments of the orchestra.

Third Grade: We are learning all about form and will be using technology to create our own musical forms. Recorder Karate will continue.

Fourth Grade: We will be using music to help enhance and tell stories. Try to notice how music moves stories (soundtracks, catchy tunes, etc). Recorder Karate will continue.

Global Connections

Hello parents!

We are currently immersed in an exciting exploration of various Asian countries! Our journey has taken us through the vibrant rhythms of bhangra dancing and recreating Singapore's iconic Merlion. So far, we have made our way through the rich cultures of India, Singapore, and China, and we are now gearing up to wrap up our adventure with Japan and the Philippines before heading to Africa. We have lots of engaging activities planned from rhythmic drumming sessions to exploring the ancient pyramids. I'm sure the students will enjoy it! I can't wait to see how our students embrace these activities and share their experiences with us. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this cultural adventure!

Digital Literacy

In our Digital Literacy class this month, we will be learning about setting good screen time limits to ensure a balanced approach to technology use. Additionally, we will enhance our keyboarding skills to improve efficiency and confidence in digital communication.

As always, we will emphasize the importance of staying safe online.

Across the Grade Levels

Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, we've been busy working on fractions and starting decimals in math, and we’re starting our next CKLA unit all about the Revolutionary War—lots of exciting history ahead! In science, we’re continuing to explore energy through circuits and how it moves and changes with hands-on activities. We’re also gearing up for our ATLAS assessments, so we’re practicing key skills and test-taking strategies. We are also super excited about our upcoming field trips!

3rd Grade

Third Grade students had fun participating in the STEM Challenge "Helping Ralph Escape the Trash Can". They are really enjoying reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle!"

2nd Grade

Second graders wrapped up a unit on insects by participating in several bug-related activities, including insect painting. Students used cochineal bugs to create pigment. They experimented with different additives, such as water, lemon juice, and vinegar to observe how the color changed. Students were also treated to a visit from entomologists from the U of A. They presented interesting bug facts and answered students’ questions. We all had a lot of fun learning about insects!

1st Grade

It's all about place value in first grade. Students have been using math pictures, centimeter cubes, base ten rods, and money to represent and compare two digit numbers using tens and ones. Students enjoyed helping each other extend their math thinking and had fun playing partner games to practice their place value skills!

Kindergarten

Kindergarten wrapped up their Kings & Queens unit with a Royal Valentine Tea Party. We loved getting to share all of the excitement with our Vaughn families. Mrs. Rhea and Mrs. Perella's classes have enjoyed learning more about Mindfulness breathing with Mrs. Snow. Mindfulness breathing strategies help students calm their minds and bodies, reducing stress and anxiety. By practicing deep breathing, students improve their focus and emotional regulation, leading to better concentration and a more positive classroom environment. These techniques foster self-awareness and resilience, supporting overall well-being and enhancing their learning experience.