Issue #16: December 4, 2025
Issue #16: December 4, 2025
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Ms. Michelle Alzamora
Dear ES Families,
Two weeks ago, we shared how building independence helps children grow as confident learners. Another important part of this growth is developing strong executive function skills. Examples of executive function skills include planning, organization, time management, self-control, flexibility, and emotional regulation. These are mental processes that help children manage themselves and their resources to get things done, such as prioritizing tasks, focusing attention, and shifting between activities smoothly. This week, we want to share how we support these skills at school and how you can encourage them at home.
Executive function skills develop slowly over time. In our classrooms, teachers build these skills by using clear goals, modeling how to plan the steps in a task, and giving students chances to practice strategies when they feel stuck. Students also learn how to pause, reflect, and choose a thoughtful next step that will help them move forward in their learning.
You can support these skills at home by talking through your child’s plan before they begin something new, asking questions that encourage reflection, supporting their thinking as they plan for the next day at school, or helping them break a larger task into smaller, manageable parts. Giving your child time and space to think also strengthens their ability to self-regulate and make calm, thoughtful decisions.
Thank you for your continued support at home. Please reach out if you have any questions. We appreciate your partnership.
Warmly,
The ES Admin Team
Snow Day Process
Snow Day Process
As we move into colder weather, we wanted to remind you of our Snow Day process. If we are notified “last-minute,” there will be no learning expectations set for your children that day. If we have advanced notice and/or if the snow day extends to multiple days, then Middle and High School students could expect the following:
Online learning day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., following the regular rotation schedule.
Teachers will post assignments and instructions on Google Classroom by 10:00 a.m., designed for students to work independently at their own pace or synchronously with the teacher present via Google Meet.
During their assigned teaching blocks, teachers will be available online to provide one-on-one support through email, Google Meet, or chat.
Elementary parents will receive an email from their child’s homeroom teacher with directions for the day.
We recognize that not all families may be able to participate fully in online learning due to potential outages. Please prioritize your child’s well-being, and know that our counselors are available via email for support if needed.
Healthy Classroom Parties and Celebrations
Healthy Classroom Parties and Celebrations
Reminder: Parents and staff may bring in home-baked or store-bought treats to share in classes and at community events. Food brought to school to be shared must be nut-free. It is preferred that food is low in sugar and fat, but if a sugary food is shared, a healthy alternative, such as fresh fruit or vegetables should also be available.
Food brought into classrooms for celebrations should be in individual serving sizes.
Students Artwork Available at the PTG's Helping for the Holidays
Students Artwork Available at the PTG's Helping for the Holidays
From the ES Learning Commons
From the ES Learning Commons
We were delighted to welcome author Aleen Jweinat to our LC! She read her book My Green Swing, shared insights into her writing process, and answered our students’ thoughtful questions. What an inspiring visit!
To order her book, visit @sip.of.serenity on Instagram and send the author a message.
🎉 Estimation Challenge Winners! 🎉
Congratulations to KGJ for coming closest with their prediction of 5,833 books—the actual number borrowed was 5,856! 📚✨ Amazing estimating, KG!
👏 Honorable mention to Grade 5C for earning second place with another impressive guess of 5,900. Great job, readers! 📖
Exciting news! Our first book swap of the school year is coming up!
Have some gently used books you think are ready to go to a new home? Bring them into the LC before December 11th, and on the 11th, you can browse from the books brought in to find a new-to-you book.
ES Article of the Month
ES Article of the Month
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
December 5 - PTG Helping for the Holidays
December 9 - CCT - Late Start Day
December 11 - ES Book Swap in the LC
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