Issue #26: February 26, 2026
Issue #26: February 26, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Ms. Michelle Alzamora
Dear Families,
In our ongoing series exploring the standards that guide our curriculum, this week we are stepping into the gym to highlight Physical Education (PE). At ACS, we are excited to share that we are aligning our instruction with the newly released 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. These updated standards represent a shift toward a more holistic, inclusive, and student-centered approach to movement.
What is New?
What is New?
The 2024 standards have been streamlined from five pillars down to four. The focus has shifted from meeting "fixed" fitness targets to supporting each student’s unique Physical Literacy Journey: a lifelong path of developing the confidence and desire to be physically active.
The Four New Standards
The Four New Standards
Our PE curriculum now focuses on these four essential areas:
Develops a Variety of Motor Skills: Students build the foundational building blocks of movement, from fundamental skills like skipping and jumping to complex techniques used in sports and lifelong activities.
Applies Knowledge Related to Movement and Fitness: It is not just about doing, but understanding. Students learn the concepts, tactics, and "why" behind movement and exercise to help them make informed decisions.
Develops Social Skills Through Movement: The gym is a unique classroom for practicing empathy, respect, and cooperation. Students learn how to foster and maintain positive relationships through physical activity.
Develops Personal Skills and Benefits: We concentrate heavily on engagement and personal growth. This includes learning how to manage behaviors and emotions during challenges, finding personal meaning in movement, and choosing to stay active for life.
Supporting the Journey at Home
Supporting the Journey at Home
Physical literacy is a continuous journey that happens both in and out of school. Here are a few ways you can support your child’s development:
Celebrate the "Process," not just the "Win": Focus on the new social and personal skills your child is developing, such as how they worked with a teammate or how they felt after a long walk.
Explore "Meaningful" Movement: Help your child find activities that they personally enjoy. Whether it is a family dance party, a bike ride, or a trip to the local park, the goal is to find joy in being active.
Talk About the "Why": Ask your child how their body feels after exercise. Helping them connect movement to feeling energized or focused is a key part of Standard 4.
Model an Active Lifestyle: When children see their families valuing and enjoying physical activity, they are more likely to view it as a natural and positive part of their own lives.
By embracing these new national standards, we are ensuring that every student at ACS is equipped with the skills and confidence they need for a healthy, active future.
Warmly,
The ES Admin Team
Safety Preparedness: A Quick Reminder
Safety Preparedness: A Quick Reminder
A few weeks ago, we shared guidance on discussing regional safety measures with your children. As we continue to prioritize a secure and calm environment, here is a brief "refresher" on how to support your child at home:
Keep the Conversation Proactive
Keep the Conversation Proactive
Frame it like a Fire Drill: Explain that sirens are a tool adults use to keep people safe, not a reason to panic.
Normalize the Sound: If your child is sensitive to noise, consider playing the clip of the siren sound in a safe, relaxed environment so they know what to expect.
Address Rumors: Encourage your child to bring "scary rumors" or questions directly to you or a teacher rather than discussing them with peers.
Our On-Campus Protocol
If sirens sound during school hours, our team is trained to:
Stay Calm: Teachers will acknowledge the sound and maintain a normal classroom routine.
Move Indoors: Students outside will be ushered to their grade-level classrooms immediately.
Provide Support: Counselors and Admin are on standby to assist any student feeling distressed.
Questions? If you have specific concerns about your child’s well-being, please reach out to our ES Counseling team.
Save the Date: Meet Our New Elementary School Principal!
Save the Date: Meet Our New Elementary School Principal!
We are thrilled to announce that our incoming ES Principal, Ruth Poulsen, will be visiting our campus this spring. Building strong connections between leadership and families is a priority for us, so we invite you to a morning meeting to welcome her to our community.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share our school’s spirit with Ruth and hear about her vision of leadership.
When: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
Where: Room 104
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences
EWe invite you to participate in the Spring 2026 Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 19. There are no classes for students on this date.
** Please understand that the PowerSchool sign-up process applies only to Elementary Homeroom teachers, Learning Support teachers, and Counselors.MENTARY SCHOMIDDLE/HIGH S
ES Information
ES Information
Our Spring Conferences are student-led conferences. Families will spend an extended time in the classroom looking at student growth and learning. Each family will have time to meet with the classroom teacher during the scheduled time.
ES Students are expected to attend conferences with their parents, as they are student-led conferences. Students will be sharing their learning with you and you will have the opportunity to speak with teachers.
For Conference Manager support please contact Ms. Farhan
For PowerSchool support please contact Ms. Khuloud
Conferences with elementary classroom teachers, elementary counselors, and elementary Learning Support teachers are by appointment only; parents/guardians must book through the Conference Manager which opens for sign-ups on Saturday, February 28th at 12:00 pm and closes on Sunday, March 15th at 12:00 pm. Click here for instructions.
The Arabic teachers look forward to meeting with you. They will be available to speak with children and their parents in their classrooms for walk-in conferences.
Ms. Lindsey Cayer (Music for EYP, K and G4), Ms. Rita Madi (Music for G1, G2, G3 and G5) and Ms. Dana Kayyali (Art for EYP, K, G1, G3 and G5) look forward to meeting with you. They will be available to speak with children and their parents in their classrooms for walk-in conferences.
Ms. Heba Khoury (Art for G2 and G4) will be available to meet with you in The Sting Zone for walk-in conferences.
The PE teachers will be available to meet with you in the Tennis Courts (Upper Gym) for walk-in conferences.
Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech/Language (SLT) specialists from Al-Masar will be available for open walk-in meetings in Room 103A from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm for all students and families currently receiving direct services.
All teachers have scheduled breaks. The specialist teachers’ breaks are when classroom teachers are meeting with families. To help you plan your time effectively, please note the following break times:
Morning Break:
Arabic and PE Teachers 10:15 - 10:30
LS Teachers and Counselors 10:20 - 10:40
Art and Music Teachers 10:00 - 10:15
Lunch Break:
Arabic and PE Teachers 1:15 - 2:00
HR Teachers 12:30 - 1:15
LS Teachers and Counselors 1:20 - 2:00
Art and Music Teachers 12:45 - 1:30
Book Talks
Book Talks
The Learning Commons invites you to watch the following Book Talk.
From the ES Learning Commons
From the ES Learning Commons
Ready, set, READ! This month, we’re Marching into Reading with a colorful twist. Pick up a book, color in the genre on your sheet, and trade it in for a charm!
How many can you collect? Let’s get reading!
Looking for a new series to start with your child? Check out these series from the LC for grades EYP-G1
Small voices, big ideas!
Our Grade 3 students have been diving deep into the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From ending hunger to protecting our oceans, these young writers are using their opinion pieces to advocate for a better world.
ES Podcasts of the Month
ES Podcasts of the Month
Common Sense Carpool Conversations - A podcast series that invites adults and kids to talk about the issues that matter most in kids' digital lives. You don't have to be a tech expert to give your kid life lessons about digital well-being. The purpose of the podcast is to start discussions in fun, authentic ways and to encourage sharing (including for the adults). The questions might lead to deeper discussions—or not! Either way, the goal is to nurture empathy, lead with curiosity, and have ongoing conversations that acknowledge we're all in this together.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
February 28 - PTC Conference Manager opens for parents to sign up
March 15 - PTC Conference Manager closes and is locked for parent sign ups
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