Newsletters

Welcome to Mrs. McIff's 3rd-grade class!

One of my biggest goals this year is to create a classroom where everyone feels connected, valued, and supported. Research shows that strong connections help students thrive academically, improve their emotional well-being, and create a sense of belonging. When students feel safe and connected to their classmates and teacher, they are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to take on new challenges. These positive relationships also help reduce absenteeism and bullying while teaching important life skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Building connections doesn't stop in the classroom—I also look forward to getting to know your family. I believe that when teachers and families work together as partners, we create the best possible learning environment for children. Open communication and a strong home-school partnership help students feel supported, encouraged, and successful throughout the year.

Thank you for sharing your child with me. I am honored to be part of their learning journey, and I can't wait for a wonderful year of learning, growing, and making meaningful connections together.

Warmly,

Kristen McIff

Third Grade Teacher

Early Light Academy

Newsletter Friday, August 22, 2025

We had a great first week! It has been so fun watching our students come together and build a “Classroom Family”. We participated in many different activities to get to know each other. Already, kids have made new friends. It is so amazing seeing them being so kind to one another. 

We had to cover a lot of procedures, expectations, and routines this week. We used the RISE framework to discuss how correct behaviors look and sound like in different situations. Part of this we talked about KYHFOOTY- Keep Your Hands, Feet, and Other Objects To Yourself. So now I can just say KYHFOOTY and they can quickly change what they are doing.

This year we are focusing on growth. Not just in academics or stature- these 3rd graders are going to have a growth spurt this year. But we talked about the Power of the Yeti. Each student picked something that they want to get better at this year. Some chose a school subject while others chose something physical. We discussed some difficult things that they can’t do “yeti” and what we can do when things get hard. I shared that they can do hard things. I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. It was a really difficult time in my life. I had multiple surgeries, chemotherapy (including losing all my hair), and radiation.  I was able to fight during the hard times and now I am doing really well. We talked a lot about perseverance and to keep trying. Ask your student what they want to work on this year and how they can use the Power of the Yeti.

We had many of the Student Code of Conduct sheets returned to me but I am still missing a few. If you haven’t sat down with your student and discussed these things with them, please do so over the weekend and have them initial the form and return it to me on Monday. Those that turned it in by today will receive PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports) points. I have linked the Student Code of Conduct forms on my website on the helpful links page.

Title 1 School- We are a Targeted Assistance School 

Please fill out this form! We will receive federal funds to help our students and help teachers have things for their classrooms.

Click here- Steps for creating an account in ASPIRE and filling out a Free/Reduced meal application

Just an update about the road work near the school, they will have to shut down a small portion of the road again next week to do some manhole/sewer work. 

Here are the essentials for families:

• Full road closure: Vadania Dr. from 11800 S to Digory Dr.

• Detour: Traffic will be routed to Grandville Ave. Detour signs will be in place.

• Sidewalks: East sidewalk closed to pedestrians; west sidewalk remains open.

• Timing: Work hours are daytime; the closure will remain in place all week for safety.

After Back To School Night, someone left a teal laundry basket in my room. If it is yours, please let me know and we can arrange how to get it back to you.

The vocabulary words from this week include: manipulatives, cooperation, unique, empathy, perseverance, transitions, initials, technology, peers, and path.

Warmly,
Kristen McIff
Third Grade Teacher
Early Light Academy

Newsletter Wednesday, August 20th

Hello Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for the exciting year ahead. My name is Kristen McIff, and I am thrilled to be joining Early Light Academy as a third-grade teacher.

Growing up with an educator as a mother, I developed a deep respect for the teaching profession at an early age. That influence shaped my path and instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning—something I now strive to inspire in my students every day. My goal is to empower students to become curious, confident, and lifelong learners.

As an educator, I am committed to continually growing in my practice. Whether through graduate coursework or informal learning opportunities, I am always seeking ways to improve my teaching and enhance student outcomes. Literacy holds a special place in my heart—I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. As a child, I eagerly joined reading marathons and book challenges, and I’m currently making my way through the 100 Must-Read American Novels.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m a proud parent of three children and a grandparent to two wonderful grandchildren. I’m also a Disney enthusiast and love gardening, hiking, and traveling. So far, I’ve explored 30 U.S. states and eight countries—and I’m excited to see where my next adventure takes me.

Communication

I believe that strong communication between home and school is essential. I will send out a weekly newsletter with reminders, upcoming events, and classroom updates. You will also find newsletters, a two-week look ahead, our year-long plan, homework, and important dates posted on our class website (linked at the end of this email and on the school website under my name).

If you’d like to meet during the year, my office hours are Monday–Thursday, 3:30–4:00 pm. The best way to reach me is by email, though you may also call through the school. I will respond within 48 hours. Please also feel free to share anything about your child’s interests, needs, or strengths that will help me better support their success this year.

Important Dates

• Back-to-School Night: Monday, August 18th, 5:00–7:00 pm
  This is a great opportunity to drop off supplies, meet me, ask questions, and receive information on classroom expectations and school policies.
  
  

• First Day of School: Wednesday, August 20th
  Please ensure your child is in dress code and ready for an 8:20 am start. Make sure they have their lunch, backpack, supplies, and water bottle. School dismisses at 3:10 pm. If your child rides with a sibling, please arrange a meeting spot outside.
  
  

Classroom Expectations

To help foster a positive environment, please do not send toys to school. During the first week, we will focus on learning procedures, expectations, and creating our own class rules together. We will also discuss the importance of respecting one another and each other’s belongings.

I am excited to partner with you in making this year a positive, engaging, and successful experience for your child. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at Back-to-School Night on August 18th!

Warmly,
Kristen McIff
Third Grade Teacher
Early Light Academy