Aloha Parents,

Academic Awards – Wednesday, October 22:
I am excited to celebrate our students’ hard work! The first quarter academic awards for students in grades 3 through 8 will be presented this Wednesday after chapel. Chapel begins at 8:00 a.m., and I hope you can join us to recognize the achievements of our students. I will send a message through ClassDojo to parents whose child is being recognized.

Quarter 1 Grades Reminder:
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to check your child’s first quarter grades on Sycamore and sign the Friday folder to confirm that you have reviewed them. I also encourage parents to log onto Sycamore weekly to stay up-to-date with your child’s progress.

Reading Reminder:
Reading at grade level by third grade is a key milestone for academic success. Studies show that children who are not reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to struggle with reading in later years. At school, we have been using the 5 Finger Rule to help students choose books at the right reading level. If your child struggles with more than five words on a page, the book may be too challenging.

As a parent, I encourage you to help your child pick a book that matches their reading level. Graphic novels are a wonderful way to encourage reading and build confidence, but it’s also important for students to explore other genres, including fiction and non-fiction, to develop comprehension and vocabulary. Towards the second week of November, we will begin reading our class novel, Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Before starting the novel, we are finishing up learning some other important reading skills. Please remind your child to read regularly and complete their reading logs each week.

Spelling:

This week’s spelling words might be tricky because they include several ways to spell the long a sound. Please review them at home. The long a sound can be made with:

• a – apron

• a_e – cake

• ai – rain

• ay – day

• ea – break

• ei – vein

• eigh – eight

• ey – they

Practicing by sorting the words into these patterns can help your child recognize which letter combinations make the long a sound.

Middle School McDonald’s Fundraiser – Wednesday, October 22:
Support our middle school students at McDonald’s on Wednesday, October 22. A portion of the proceeds will go toward middle school activities. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal while helping our students!

Fun Run Free Dress Day – Thursday, October 23:
Thank you to all students who participated in the Fun Run Fundraiser! Students who raised more than $75 have earned a free dress day on Thursday, October 23.  I will send a message on Class Dojo by Wednesday to those who raised more than $75.

Operation Christmas Child

We are excited to take part in Operation Christmas Child. On Friday, a paper was sent home explaining how to fill a shoebox with small gifts for a child in need. Please read the directions carefully when packing your box. Your child will be sent home with a box and label this week. All boxes are due no later than November 7. Thank you for helping share God’s love in a special way.

Blessings,

Mrs. von Dohlen

Volunteer Opportunities:

• SATURDAY YARDWORK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C45A9A62AA7FB6-56980117-yardwork#/

• Volleyball and Basketball Work Schedules - 2025/26