Hello Red-tailed Hawk Families!
I can't believe it, but the end of the year is here! This year has been such a wonderful experience. The growth I've seen in all of the children, the inclusive and friendly nature of our classroom community, and the things that we have learned together have all added up to a remarkable year! Thank you so much for your involvement and support that you've shown the students and Keystone. This is a special community, and I am thankful to be a part of it! Ms. Beth has been a tremendous addition to our classroom and we are looking forward to another great year with our returning students during the 2025/26 school year.
The last month of school is always a busy one! We have several things coming up, so please be sure to mark things on your calendar to help your students prepare. Next week we will be doing our final reading assessment of the year with all of the students. That will be happening throughout the week. On Thursday, May 1st we will have a visiting children's author, Ms. Kathie McMahon (who also happens to be Ms. Laura's and my elementary music teacher!). Ms. McMahon has written several children's books, and will be reading from one of her fun children's books.
During the week of May 5th we will be welcoming our visiting kindergarten friends for a day, so they can have a chance to see what their days will look like next year. Our 3rd graders who are moving up to Upper elementary will also be visiting an Upper elementary class for a day sometime that week.
On Friday, May 9th, the elementary students will be holding another Elementary Mercado. This is a students-only market in which students may sell or buy products from other students. Students who wish to host a "stand" in the market will be bringing home a "business plan" that states the participants, product, and charity to which they wish to donate their earnings. This is an optional student-led activity, so you may, or may not have had your child talk to you about it.
May 9th is also our bag-check day for the camping trip. Please have your student bring their belongs (carried by them please) to the gym. We will have a designation location for the Hawks' items. Everything will stay in the gym over the weekend, so that we can load up first thing Monday morning. Please have your student pack their own bag (or at least assist you in the process) so that they are independent in knowing what they have, and where it is located in their luggage. Remember, absolutely no medication may be in your child's bag, and no tracking devices are allowed :-) This is for the safety and discretion of all of our students and staff.
Monday, May 12th is THE BIG DAY! We leave in the morning, so it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that your child arrive no later than 8:15 that day. It is a hectic thing to prepare a large number of students for transport, and late additions add to confusion and miscommunications. Any student who is not attending camp will be working in another classroom for Monday and Tuesday. Those days are official school days and there will be instruction and work going on, so please make sure your child is present and prompt on both of those days.
The final week of school is a lot of fun, but also very busy. Here is the schedule for that week:
Monday, May 19th - Cubby Cleanout (please send a bag in with your child to bring home their items that day)
Tuesday, May 20th - FUN DAY! (students may come in their pajamas, bring one pillow OR similarly-sized stuffed animal, and games they would like to share with friends)
Wednesday, May 21st - END OF YEAR DEEP CLEANING (wear your "grubbies" because we're gonna get dirty!)
Thursday, May 22nd - The last day of school! (This is a half-day with no extended care)
In conclusion, I want to again thank all of you for a tremendous year. It is my pleasure and privilege to work with your children, and I never take for granted the trust you place in me. This year has been full of joy, learning, fun and collaboration, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share each day with your child.
In peace and appreciation,
Mrs. Amie