Sand Lake  School’s  December  Newsletter

 

  

 

From the Principal’s Desk

 

The season of giving is upon us and it is a great opportunity to reflect on the wonderful things that we have accomplished this past year. As a Sand Lake staff, we want to thank you for partnering with us to provide the best educational experience for our students. The time, attention, and thoughtfulness you give to your child and our school during this season and always is ever appreciated!

 

As Principal, I never take for granted the opportunity to observe classrooms all across the building, in every different grade level. It’s wonderful to see students working in large groups, working with each other and working closely with our teachers and educational assistants. In each different scenario, our students and staff are living our mission of being Dedicated to Excellence!

 

We also want to take time to thank those of you that were able to attend our Breakfast Buddies program, recent concerts with our 2^nd and 4^th graders, or a specific classroom event. Partnering with our families, and developing our sense of the Sand Lake community is paramount to our student’s success! Thank you!

 

We hope that you each have the time you need to enjoy the season with your family. On behalf of the office staff at Sand Lake, we send you warm holiday wishes!

In Partnership,

Matt Meyers

Art Room News from Mrs. Staige

The elementary art show at the Pump House Regional Art Center is November 16^th – January 6.  The artists’ reception open house will be on Wednesday, December 13^th from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.  The show will be featuring student’s artwork from Sand Lake, Viking, Evergreen and Prairie View.  Congratulations to all of the following artists that were selected for the art show!

Kindergarten:  Jamie Burge

First Grade:  Stella Towne and Atli Damrow

Second Grade:  Brekkin Wood, Scarlett Stanton, Ashlyn Myers, Ellie Tippetts, Chloe Aspenson, Charlotte Ikert, Christian Ekern, Aideen McNeil and Bretlynn Hoffman

Third Grade:  Grace Wiemerslage, Ella Miller, Lou Fischer, Mila Witt, Brienna Maland and Peyton Dworshak

Fourth Grade:  Serenity Westerman, Caiden Ikert, Mina Lambert, Madelyn Buchheit, Brielle Rupert and Fiona Bliss

Fifth Grade:  Clara Faron, Tayte Gnewikow, Ivan Tierney, Amelia Houdek, Grady Tauscher, Gio Lethlean, Jed Waters, Adelynn Otto, Lauren Griffith and Henry Berg

 

Early Release Reminder

As a friendly reminder, there will be an early release day on Wednesday, December 13 in order to provide professional development opportunities for staff.  School will be dismissed at 1:40 p.m.

 

Educational Assistants EXTRA

Each month our Educational Assistants will be sharing useful information and tips.

v  The earliest drop off time in the morning is 8:10 a.m., unless you are enrolled in the Surround Care program       through the YMCA.

v  We ask that you do not leave your car running while unattended, especially if you are coming into the building.

v  Parents-please make sure Kindergarten and 1st Grade students are prepared to dress themselves. This includes zipping and tying articles of clothing.

v  Extra gloves/mittens are a great idea.

Farm2School

The La Crosse County Farm2School program is a collaboration between public school districts in La Crosse County and the La Crosse County Health Department. The Farm2School program provides student opportunities for health and nutrition education. Each month, one locally-grown produce item is selected as the Farm2School "Harvest of the Month". December’s “Harvest of the Month” is winter squash.

Health Office News

Nurse: Emily Hanes RN, BSN

Health Aide: Annette Hundt

From the Health Office:

Nurse: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

 

When to Keep Your Child Home:

1.  Any temperature of 100 degrees or higher requires exclusion from school.  If your child is requiring Tylenol  or Ibuprofen to keep the fever down, they should stay home.  They should be fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication to maintain a normal temperature.

2.  Cold symptoms, serious enough to interfere with the child’s ability to learn. 

3.  If your child has diarrhea and/or vomiting, keep them home until their bodies have had time to recover.  Sometimes, children return too early and end up having a relapse or infecting more students. 

4.  Coughing that causes difficulty breathing, moderate to severe chest pain and/or vomiting.

5.  Headache severe enough to interfere with learning.

6.  Abdominal pain accompanied by elevated temperature, vomiting, or diarrhea.

7.  Sore throat serious enough to interfere with swallowing or accompanied by a fever or rash. 

8.  Pink eye-if fever is present, behavior changes, or unable to avoid touching the eyes.

9.  Certain bacterial conditions which are prescribed an antibiotic, such as strep throat and impetigo, require a student to be on the antibiotic for 24 hours prior to returning to school.  

10. Unknown rash.

 

Hearing and Vision Screenings:  Almost all the hearing  screenings have been completed. We hope to have The Lion’s Club come in December to complete vision screenings for students in EC, 4K, K, 1st, 3rd, and 5th. No dates are currently set at this time. If there were any concerns with the screenings, a text message or a letter will be sent home to notify.  Feel free to contact the health office if you have any questions about your child’s vision and/or hearing.

Kidz  Klozet

A HUGE thank you to Jessica Stanton, for helping us again.  She reorganized and took inventory on our winter gear. We are STOCKED with winter gear, so please contact us or stop in for boots, jackets, mittens, hats, or snow pants!

 Any questions, please contact us at: 

kobamy@holmen.k12.wi.us            

yassar@holmen.k12.wi.us  

 

Musical Notes from Mrs. Heerts

This January in Music we will be focusing on the following musical elements:

Kindergarten: Tempo and melodic direction

First grade: Matching pitch and rhythm composition; beginning of program preparation

Second grade: Music terms, instruments of the orchestra:

Third Grade: Instruments of the orchestra and line and space names of the treble clef; beginning of program preparation

Fourth grade: Ukulele introduction and playing

Fifth grade: Ukulele continuation and rhythm composition; beginning of program preparation

All students will also be singing seasonal songs and movement activities.

 

No School December 25 – January 2  

School will not be in session from Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 1. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.  Enjoy the winter break!

Parent Teacher Group (PTG) News

Greetings from Sand Lake Parent Teacher Group! Thank you again for the continued support you have

shown to our PTG. Through SCRIP fundraising and donations, we have been able to support our students

and staff in many ways including: supplementing transportation costs for field trips, funding the birthday

book program, enhancing our playground equipment, providing needed winter supplies and more.

We are very happy to announce that we have recently filled the officer positions.

 

Here is what our newest members would like to share with you:

 

President – I’ve been a part of the Sand Lake school system since 2014 – almost 10 years now! Our

youngest is in 2nd grade and we also have an 8th grader at HMS and a freshman at HHS. I work at GHS

Hospice with a background in grief counseling and family systems. I’m hoping to support PTG and our

family and school relationships especially through volunteer development. – Beth Allen

 

Vice President – With a background in youth organizations, I’m here to lend my support to students,

families, school staff and teachers in whatever way I can. Currently I manage the county 4-H program

and our twins are in Kindergarten at Sand Lake. I’m looking forward to getting more involved in our

school community through PTG! – Em Crook

 

Secretary – We have two boys in 5th grade and 1st grade at Sand Lake. I work at River Architects in La

Crosse as their business manager, and in my free time I enjoy gardening, reading, and cheering on the

Minnesota Twins. I’m excited to be a part of PTG and support our learning community. – Emily Staed

 

Treasurer – I am a manager with JRMCPAs, and we currently have a 3rd grader at Sand Lake along with

two younger girls, ages 4 and 3.  I joined the PTG in an effort to become more involved with the school

and with hopes of enhancing the relationship between parents and school staff. – Betsy Jessie

 

Please mark your calendars and join us for our upcoming meetings on: Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 4, Apr. 1 and

May 6 (from 6-7:00 pm in the Sand Lake Conference Room). You can also find more information on the Sand

Lake website (click on Parents, then Sand Lake PTG) or contact us with any questions at

sandlakeptg@gmail.com. Happy holidays! #SandLakeProudPTG ***

 

                 Emily Crook, Matt Meyers, Betsy Jessie, Beth Allen, Emily Stead

 

Physical Education:  Sneaker News from Mr. Fredrick

Wow, time is flying in PE!  In our shortened month of December, 4th-5th grade students will be completing their net/wall game unit where we will be ending with a paddle ball tournament.  We will be anxiously waiting to see what snow we will get in hopes to start our cross-country unit following our winter break.  2nd and 3rd graders will be learning about jump roping and the benefits of being physically active every day.  K-1 students will get a chance to learn how to choose the right jump rope and how to start turning and jumping with the rope safely.  Before the end of break, we also will have a day where all students get a PE day where we have many different winter stations to try.  Make sure to ask your student the last week before break what their favorite winter station was this year!

 

Winter Weather

Now that the winter weather is not too far away, the staff would like to remind you that students will be going outside when temperatures/conditions permit (see winter recess guidelines listed below).  Please make certain your children are dressed appropriately for the weather (i.e. scarves, hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots).  If they are not to go outside because of medical reasons, please send a note to their teachers.

*Parents sending notes may be requested to send a physician's statement after one day of indoor recess.

 

Winter Recess Guidelines (in effect every day)

Students will go outside when the temperature is 1 degree or above

Students will stay indoors when the temperature is O degrees or below or when the wind chill is o degrees or below

from all of us at Sand Lake Elementary!  Thank you for making 2023 a great year!  We look forward to working with you throughout 2024.  Enjoy the Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

There will be no school for students in the School District of Holmen on Friday, October 13.

                 Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Contest

 

22^nd Annual Food Drive 

It’s time once again for Sand Lake’s annual “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin” contest! 

From October 16 through October 27, students at Sand Lake will have the opportunity to guess the weight of our large pumpkin.  This pumpkin will be on display in the front entrance area.  

For every non-perishable food item or 25 cents students bring to school, they will be allowed to make one guess.  The student who guesses closest to the correct weight will win the pumpkin.  Mr. Meyers will deliver the pumpkin to your home on October 27.

 All non-perishable contributions and cash donations will be given to Holmen area food pantries.  

Your participation is greatly appreciated!

 

 

From the principal’s desk…

 

Hello Sand Lake Families! The 2023-2024 school year is underway and we are already a month into the school year. The days have been busy as we are building classroom communities, taking assessments and learning how to be Sand Lake Proud.

 Below are a few reminders for the coming weeks:

• Visitors - Visitors are still welcome to join us for lunch without an approved Volunteer Registration Form on file, but will not be allowed to go outside for recess or enter into other parts of the building other than the cafeteria.
• Parking - Please make sure you are following the rules of the road when picking up your child at the end of the day. We have observed cars parked illegally or utilizing the designated handicap spot. Also, we do not allow students to cross the road into the parking lot without an adult. Thank you in advance for helping us make sure all our students are safe!
• YMCA Surround Care – If you are a family who utilizes “YMCA Surround Care” this is a reminder that they will not be providing service during our Early Release on October 11.
• Early Release – We have an Early Release on October 11, 2023. Students will be released at 1:40 pm, please plan accordingly. Thank you.
• No School on October 13, 2023 – This is a no school day.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences – PT Conferences will on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 and Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Monday, October 30, 2023 is set aside for teachers needing additional time. More information will be shared with families as we get closer. 

Thank you. We look forward to your continued partnership this school year!

Matt Meyers

 

WATCH FOR A FLYER COMING HOME SOON REGARDING OUR 22^nd ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE.

 

 

Kidz Klozet

A HUGE thank you to Jessica Stanton for helping organize our Kidz Klozet. She has spent a number of hours helping keep everything neat and accessible.

We have plenty of clothing items, including winter gear. You can always contact us to stop in, but we will have the doors open during PT conferences (October 24 and 26 from 4:00-8:00pm). 

Any questions, please contact us at: 

kobamy@holmen.k12.wi.us            yassar@holmen.k12.wi.us  

School Bus Safety Week 

2023 National School Bus Safety Week:  October 16-20, 2023

 

The School District of Holmen Transportation Services share in the pride of providing a service that benefits the children of the communities that we serve. Safety is a year-round priority for school transportation. At this time of year, we are reviewing bus expectations and safety with our students.

Drivers will be conducting emergency evacuations of school buses. These drills are practiced once in the fall and again in the spring to help keep students familiar with the proper use of safety exits and how to respond safely in an emergency. Drills take place on morning routes as children proceed to school. Buses practice these safety procedures in parking lots and other designated areas. Students are generally interested in the drills and take the process seriously, but we encourage you to let us know if you or your student have any questions.

While at school, your students may also spend time learning about PBIS and safety on the bus. A bus and driver will be provided so students will be able to practice how to board safely, how to sit, and how to socialize quietly and safely with their friends. This is a great opportunity for your students to build their bus riding skills and ask questions!

Families may receive a phone call from a driver or EA if they have concerns about a student's behavior. We understand many students may need additional coaching or explanation than we are able to provide while en route, and we appreciate your support to help us clarify expectations. By doing so, you and your family are helping your students have a safe bus ride home.

Parents and community members also play a very important role in bus safety, as they comprise the driving public that shares the road with the yellow bus. Please be cautious when you see a bus and be ready to “ALWAYS STOP WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING.”

Please select transportation from one location to school and one location from school. The morning and afternoon locations may be different. Most importantly, we strive for the bus ride to be consistent each day so the students and families know where the student will be before and after school. In previous years, there has been more than one occasion where a young child has been confused as to which bus to ride home or which house to get off at. Frantic searches have taken place which included contacting the sheriff’s department to find missing children. Obviously, this has resulted in excessive worry by parents and transportation personnel, which we try to avoid. Additionally, we will not allow students to ride buses other than those to which they are assigned. This includes after school activities (i.e. having friends over, Scouts, or birthday parties). The safest ride occurs when the regular riders are the only ones on the bus. If you require a changing schedule, we suggest picking your child up at school or daycare on these days.  That keeps your child safe, which is our number one priority.   

 

National School Lunch Week October 9-13

National School Lunch Week shines the spotlight on the programs and nutritious food served up every day throughout the school year. This week focuses on healthy food choices, balanced diets, and portion sizes. As always, the Nutrition Services staff takes great pride in their work and strives to provide the best meals possible. A well- balanced lunch is essential to learning. When children do not have to worry about an empty stomach, they can focus on their studies and what they need to learn. Students will be more successful and grow stronger. Make sure your students join us for lunch this week, as there will be a fun surprise each day with their lunch!

 

Sand Lake’s Food Service Department will be celebrating National School Lunch Week with some fun activities.

•         Monday, October 9– Team Jersey Day
•          Tuesday, October 10– Wear something “Food Themed” (t-shirt, hat, etc…)
•          Wednesday, October 11– “Lucky Tray Day” at lunch
•          Thursday, October 12- wear something “red” for Apple Crunch Day!  

Fire Prevention Week October 9-13      

Fire prevention presentations by Holmen Fire Department are being held in each classroom at Sand Lake during Fire Prevention Week (October 9-13, 2023).  These presentations help educate everyone about important actions they can take to keep themselves safe.

 

Allow us to help you with some safety tips:

1.    Start a home fire escape plan.

2.    Practice it at least once a month.

3.    Install smoke detectors.                                                                                

4.    Change the battery in the smoke detectors twice a year.                                   

5.    Install fire extinguishers.

6.    Keep matches in a safe place.

7.    Cook safely.

8.    Never leave the stove unattended.

9.    Read and help us teach your children about fire safety!