Sand Lake Elementary Newsletter- April 2025

 

From the Principal: Mr. Meyers

Sand Lake Families:

Thank you for all that you continue to do to support your children and our Sand Lake Community. We have made it to the fourth quarter of our school year, which comes with tremendous excitement! This year’s school calendar is unique to accommodate various construction projects in the District, and as such, the school year draws to a close on May 30th. With a later than usual Spring Break, we know you’ll feel the same as us, that the end of the school year will be a blur!

We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the upcoming events that will take place to aid in your planning. Please know that we will send more specific information about each of these events your way, but we wanted you to have the dates in advance.

• April 16th: Earth Day Celebration for students at Sand Lake

• April 24th: Sand Lake PTG Bingo

• May 5th-May 9th: Staff Appreciation Week!

• May 22nd: Sand Lake Field Day

• May 23rd: Sand Lake All-School Picnic

    Inside the school with our normal academic activities, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are in the midst of or have completed their Forward testing. This provides us valuable information about our students achievement and how we can continuously improve our instructional practices.

    Finally, as we embark upon the final quarter of the school year, we want to highlight our 5th grade students! Our 5th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the 5th grade bash, take a bike trip, and have a final farewell breakfast. We are excited to celebrate the final leg of their journeys at Sand Lake and wish them well in the future. To our 5th grade families, we appreciate you all more than you know. We are here to assist in the transition to middle school and are working hard with our partners at HMS to ensure success for everyone. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or our 5th grade team!

 In Partnership,

 Matt Meyers

Keep up with all of our happenings by following us on Facebook!

Like us @ Sand Lake Elementary

From the School Counselor: Mrs. Lamprecht

During the month of April, all students will participate in a classroom counseling lesson focused on keeping themselves safe. The graphic below shows some key discussion points in our lesson. I know we will have great discussions about it! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.

Thank you!

Mrs. Lamprecht

From the Health Office: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

Change to Vaccine Requirement for Students
Entering 6th grade in 2025-2026

Tdap

The Wisconsin Student Immunization Law now requires students to receive the Tdap vaccine before beginning 7th grade. This is a change from previous years. Prior to March 2023, it was required before entering 6th grade. This change will allow it to line up with the recommendation for students to receive the vaccine at age 11. For 7th grade, parents will be required to have their children vaccinated or claim a waiver.

Tdap is the adolescent combination vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Only one dose is required. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html

Recommended but not required vaccines:
Meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine

This vaccine is available for students over 11 years of age. Two doses are recommended, with the second dose administered at 16 years of age. This is not a required vaccination at this time, but may be in the future. More information can be obtained from the health office, your clinic, or the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

This vaccine is now available for both male and female students starting at age 11. It was recently changed from a three-dose vaccine to a two-dose vaccine. The second dose is needed 6 to 12 months after the initial vaccine. At this time, it is not a required vaccination. For more information, contact the health office, your clinic, or follow this link: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html

Your primary care provider can provide these immunizations, or you can get them from the La Crosse County Public Health Department (608-785-9723). Please feel free to call your school’s health office with any questions. Please inform the health office when immunizations are received so that records can be updated.

From the Sand Lake PTG:

We are excited to announce our BIG BINGO BLITZ this month – two days devoted to BINGO events to help us build more community!

First, Wed. April 23, the Beer by Bike Brigade is allowing us to cohost one of their BINGO events at the Omni Center in Onalaska. We need around 10 adult volunteers for a couple of different shifts – for more information and to sign up to help, visit: https://forms.gle/vyizE9k2t6AhaMUo9

Then, Thur. April 24, we are hosting our own BINGO night! From 5:30-6:30pm, stop by the Sand Lake Cafeteria, play a round of BINGO, win some prizes (all youth go home with something!), and get dinner from our favorite Food Trucks!

Of course, we also need to thank everyone who provided tasty desserts for the teachers during conferences last month. Your help goes a long way in keeping us all connected.

Have questions or thoughts? Check us out on Facebook: Sand Lake Elementary PTG, or email: sandlakeptg@gmail.com

What's for lunch at Sand Lake? 

Find our April menu here! 

Our menus can always be found on the Holmen School District website 

by first clicking the Menus icon in the top bar of the home page, 

then clicking Sand Lake Elementary.

6th Grade Orientation...Save the Date!

Sand Lake Elementary Newsletter- March 2025

From the Principal: Mr. Meyers

Sand Lake Families,

As we make it through our final snowstorm (maybe?), we are anxious to see the spring weather and the many exciting things happening at our schools. March brings many opportunities for our students to showcase their progress and talents with each of you. We are excited to have you here at Sand Lake for our upcoming conferences and concerts.

During the conferences, teachers will discuss student progress, strengths, daily work habits, assessment results, interaction with classmates and areas for improvement. Time will also be provided for parents to ask questions. It would be beneficial to discuss with your child how they feel their school experience is going prior to attending the conference. This information can be communicated to your child’s teacher about what is going well, as well as what type of assistance your child might need. We have great students here at Sand Lake and this can be an opportunity for you and your family to celebrate your child’s progress!

Please also know that our students are preparing for their Forward exams this month if they are in third, fourth, and fifth grade. While this is just one measure of a student’s progress, it does provide important indicators for students and our school. We encourage you to follow communication from your child’s teacher about their testing schedule and ensure that students are filled with positive affirmations, plenty of sleep, and nutritious snacks in advance of testing days!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing each of you next week as well.

In Partnership,


Matt Meyers

From the School Counselor: Mrs. Lamprecht

We are welcoming Coulee Council to Sand Lake during March and April! Coulee Council will be teaching lessons in all Kindergarten through 4th grade classrooms on topics such as responsibility, refusal skills for healthy drug-free living, and interpersonal skills to resist peer pressure through the Too Good For Drugs Program. You are encouraged to ask your child about what he or she has learned throughout March and April. This program is part of the school counseling and health curriculum.

From the Music Teacher: Mrs. Heerts

Hello Sand Lake Families....

Our Upcoming Concert Dates are:

• March 6: 1st grade concert, Meow, @ 6p.m. and 5th grade A Journey Through Time @ 7 p.m.

• March: 18: Kindergarten Amazing Animals @ 6pm and 3rd grade Education Rocks @ 7p.m.

All concerts will be located in the Sand Lake Cafeteria. Sand Lake Families are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their concert start time. We can't wait to perform for you!

Mrs. Heerts

You can also shop the online book fair through October 18th here:

 https://literati.com/store/?school=sand-lake-elementary-school-holmen-wi

From the Health Office: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

National Sleep Awareness Week starts March 9, 2025

Sleep is a vital need, essential to a child’s health and growth. Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness. That is why it is important for parents to start early and help their children develop good sleep habits. Each child is different and has different sleep needs, but the chart presents the recommended hours of sleep by child’s age, including naps for children up to five years of age.

How much sleep should my child get?

Age		Hours Of Sleep
0 - 3 months		14 - 17
4 - 12 months		12 - 16
1 - 2 years		11 - 14
3 - 5 years		10 - 13
6 - 12 years		9 - 11
	Teens                        8 - 10
	Adults                        7 or more

The promotion of regular sleep is known as sleep hygiene. Here are some simple sleep hygiene tips:

• The #1 tip for good sleeping habits in children is to follow a nightly routine. A bedtime ritual makes it easier for your child to relax, fall asleep, and sleep through the night.
• Go to bed at the same time each night, and rise at the same time each morning.
• Sleep in a quiet, dark, and relaxing environment, which is neither too hot nor too cold.
• Make your bed comfortable and use it only for sleeping and not for other activities, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to music.
• Remove all TVs, computers, and other electronics from the bedroom.
• Avoid physical activity within a few hours of bedtime.
• Avoid large meals before bedtime.

Courtesy of https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html

From the Sand Lake PTG:

Parent-Teacher Conferences are approaching!

Help us show some appreciation and show off your tasty talents! 

On March 11th & 13th, we will need desserts to help replenish staff energy! If you'd like to provide a treat for Parent-Teacher conferences, you can find a sign up link here. The Sand Lake PTG is also working with Midway Deli to offer the staff dinner during the March 11th conference night. Thank you Midway Deli for being an affordable option of healthy food for our teachers and staff!

We are also having another Toppers restaurant fundraiser on March 18, to spare you having to make dinner on a concert night! The details are listed below. 

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for quick invites and updates to various activities and opportunities: Sand Lake Elementary PTG. You can also reach out to us at any time at sandlakeptg@gmail.com if you have questions.

What's for lunch at Sand Lake? 

Find our March menu here! 

Our menus can always be found on the Holmen School District website 

by first clicking the Menus icon in the top bar of the home page, 

then clicking Sand Lake Elementary.

Keep up with all of our happenings by following us on Facebook!

Like us @ Sand Lake Elementary

Sand Lake Elementary Newsletter- February 2025

 

From the Principal: Mr. Meyers

Sand Lake Families:

We’ve made it through the month of January! Hopefully, the coldest of the winter season is behind us as we begin February!

As we shared last month, new ACT 20 requirements are in effect and this month, we shared reading plans with some students. If your child has a reading plan, and you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher or myself. For many students, nothing changes, but we are increasing our documentation of what is provided during our WIN time. This is a time where we specifically intervene to get students what they need.

February is a busy month with special activities for our students! I like to take time in February to highlight some of these events:

• February 5th: Global School Play Day!

• The goal of GSPD is to let children explore their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions in an unstructured and spontaneous environment.
• Our teachers will be facilitating environments where students will have an opportunity to let their talents shine!

• February 5th: 100th Day of School!

• Different classrooms may mark this occasion with celebrations and events Congratulations to all of our students for making it to this point in the school year!
• Thanks to our students, families, and staff, you have learned so much!

• February 12th: Early Release Day

• February 28th: No School for Staff and Students

On top of the traditional learning experiences that our staff will provide, we’ll also be working towards exciting March and April events like Read Across America Week and our Earth Day celebration. It’s sure going to be a busy couple of months!

With these and other special events taking place throughout the rest of the school year, I hope that you have an opportunity to be at our school celebrating alongside your child. We value your partnership in your child’s education. If you are ever interested in volunteering, please pursue approval through our Volunteer Application Process.

If you ever have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to email (meymat@holmen.k12.wi.us) or call 608.781.0974 ext. 3110.

In Partnership,

Matt Meyers
Principal

From the Music Teacher: Mrs. Heerts

Hello Sand Lake Families....

Our Upcoming Concert Dates are:

• March 6: 1st grade concert, Meow, @ 6p.m. and 5th grade A Journey Through Time @ 7 p.m.

• March: 18: Kindergarten Amazing Animals @ 6pm and 3rd grade Education Rocks @ 7p.m.

All concerts will be located in the Sand Lake Cafeteria. Sand Lake Families are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their concert start time. We can't wait to perform for you!

Mrs. Heerts

From the Health Office: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

Head Lice

With hat season upon us, I would like to bring to your attention the possible spreading of head lice. Good head hygiene habits are essential. If your child complains of an itchy scalp, we encourage you to check your children’s heads for the presence of any lice or nits. Head-to-head contact is the most common form of transmission. Lice do not jump or fly from head to head, but crawl. Articles such as combs, brushes, helmets, towels, pillowcases, hats, hair accessories, or other head coverings also aid in the spread of head lice. Please discourage your child from sharing these personal items.

When checking for nits, if it removes easily from the hair, it is not a nit. Nits are attached by a strong glue to the hair shaft, about one to two inches from the scalp. Lice can live 1-2 days on a surface without a human host. They live about a month on the scalp, and the female louse can lay 6-10 eggs (nits) a day.

If you believe your child has head lice, please contact the health office for assistance with treatment and eradication. We are here to guide you and your student through the process.

For more information please refer to the CDC website: Head Lice

From the Sand Lake PTG:

We've had such great support for the PTG this school year - once again, thank you for all the donations and fundraising efforts. With those funds, we were able to lift the spirits of Sand Lake Elementary in ways that deeply showed our support and teamwork. 

Next month, we have another Toppers restaurant fundraiser on March 18, to spare you those dinner plans on a concert night. Additionally, we plan to host a BINGO night this spring! Join us in planning all our fun events - our next meeting is Monday, February 3, 2025, at 6pm, at the Elementary School. See you there!

What's for lunch at Sand Lake? 

Find our February menu here! 

Our menus can always be found on the Holmen School District website 

by first clicking the Menus icon in the top bar of the home page, 

then clicking Sand Lake Elementary.

Keep up with all of our happenings by following us on Facebook!

Like us @ Sand Lake Elementary

Sand Lake Elementary Newsletter- January 2025

 

From the Principal: Mr. Meyers

Sand Lake Families:

Thank you for all you have done to make the first semester a success for your child! With the end of the first semester coming this Thursday, January 16th, we want to reiterate our thanks for your partnership.

As we approach the remainder of January, we can’t wait to see many of you at Breakfast Buddies, hosted by the Sand Lake PTG. We are excited for the opportunity to get together here at Sand Lake and know that many students look forward to this! If you have a last-minute order, please make sure to fill out the Google Order Form, which helps our kitchen prepare.

Academically, our classroom teachers have completed Winter benchmarking assessments, reviewed data, and are putting together student plans. We are pleased to see such growth with our students since the Fall, a true indicator of the excellent work of students, staff, and families! Wisconsin ACT 20 guidelines also indicate certain types of assessments and emphasize student growth. While our school and District have always had intervention plans, new requirements place an additional formality on them. These written plans will be shared with you by our teaching staff on January 21st.

Finally, thank you all for your continued support of our staff as we navigate the loss of a close friend and colleague, Allison Boelter. We appreciate the many ways you have shown your support for the Sand Lake Community, which is truly special.

In Partnership,


Matt Meyers

From the Health Office: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

It's that time of the year when illnesses are on the rise! Please remember to keep your student home if: they are so sick that it would impede their learning, or have a fever- may return 24 hours fever free without the use of fever reducing medication, vomiting, or diarrhea. Students do not need to stay home with pink eye unless they are very uncomfortable or unable to not touch their eye. Students with strep throat or impetigo are required to be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.

Here is a link to the district's illness guidelines for this school year.

https://www.holmen.k12.wi.us/families/2023-2024-health-guidelines.cfm

From the Sand Lake PTG:

Please join us for the PTG-sponsored Breakfast Buddies on Tuesday, January 14th, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM in the Sand Lake cafeteria.

Enjoy a full breakfast and special time with your student(s) before school begins. Any adult is welcome to attend with them!

Please use this link to submit breakfast choices so our kitchen staff can prepare for your visit. Two adult meals will be covered by the PTG. Student meals and any additional adult meals ($2.50 per adult) will be charged to the family account.

We hope you can join us!

Donations will be accepted, but not expected.

What's for lunch at Sand Lake? 

Find our January menu here! 

Our menus can always be found on the Holmen School District website 

by first clicking the Menus icon in the top bar of the home page, 

then clicking Sand Lake Elementary.

Keep up with all of our happenings by following us on Facebook!

Like us @ Sand Lake Elementary