The Blackhawk Flyer

Primary Families,

Welcome Back! We are so excited for the 2023-2024 school year. It has been wonderful seeing all of the smiling faces this week. Our teachers have worked hard this week to have lots of fun activities planned to get the year off to a great start. Keep an eye out for the Blackhawk Flyer each month. This is a great way to stay informed on what is happening at the Primary.

Reminders:

• It's hot outside so please send a water bottle each day.
• We will send an order form home with students on Monday, August 21st to order school t-shirts. We will wear these on the first Friday of each month at our Blackhawk Bash Assemblies.
• Don't forget to let us know about transportation changes in the office by 2:30.
• Here is the link for free/reduced meal applications.
• Please remember to stay in your cars during car dismissal and that walker pick up is only for true walkers.

Sincerely,

Darah Bennett

Did you know that kindergarten and 1st grade classes often have absenteeism rates as high as those in high school? Many of these absences are excused, but they still add up to lost time in the classroom.

• 1 in 10 kids in kindergarten and 1st grade are chronically absent. (missing 18 or more days in one year)

Why Does it Matter?

• 64% of kids with good attendance in K and 1st can read on grade level after 3rd grade.
• 17% of kids chronically absent in K and 1st (missed more than 18 days in a year) are reading on grade level after 3rd grade.

Pea Ridge Absences

• A student arriving before 9:10am will be counted as tardy
• A student arriving after 9:00 am but before 11:30 am will be counted as a half day absence.
• A student leaving after 11:30 am will be counted as a half day absence.
• A student leaving after 2:10 will be counted as an early exit.
• Attendance letters will be sent home after 4 absences

Hello Primary Families!

My name is Kelsey Brodie and I'm your child's School Counselor. :) I'm so excited for this new school year! I will be in the classrooms monthly for counselor lessons, leading friendship and other social-emotional learning groups, and providing individual counseling. We are also super fortunate to have Laura Young, Mental Health Specialist, who can provide counseling support as well. Each month I will be using this newsletter to provide updates on what we're learning, tips of the month, and activities to do at home!

I know the beginning of the year can be challenging, so if you have any questions or concerns, please email me or call anytime! I am looking forward to working with you to make sure your child has the best school year!

Kelsey Brodie

(479) 451-8183

kelsey.brodie@pearidgek12.com

There is nothing more exhilarating than the beginning of a new school year! Excitement

fills the air, and the possibilities are endless! We would love for you to share in our

excitement this year by volunteering during our various events and activities. Please be

on the lookout in the coming months for opportunities to be involved because our

calendar is jam packed with FUN!

Hello, my name is Rhonda Baker and I am the new nurse at the Pea Ridge Primary. Although not new to the area, I was raised here, both my girls graduated from Pea Ridge and I have grand babies in the district now as well. There is something special about Pea Ridge & I love being a part of this community.

This is my seventh year as a Registered Nurse, fourth year as a School Nurse, but my first year getting to work with and help care for the littles. They are absolutely precious and full of excitement and I am loving it.

A friendly reminder – If you have not turned in your child’s Immunization record and/or Kindergarten Physical, please do so by Sept 1st.

If your child has a health concern, please let me know so I can let the teachers know and we can get the documentation needed.

Some of the needs for the Nurse’s office are gently used Boys 7/8 and size 10 Girls clothes – Sizes 6,7/8 as well as underwear. We have accidents and would like to prevent parents from having to bring a change of clothes if their child has an accident at school. If possible, please send a change of clothes with your Kindergartener.

It has been a great start to the 2023-2024 school year, the students have been pretty healthy, but Flu season is right around the corner. Please stress the importance of good hand washing, eating healthy food, staying hydrated & getting plenty of rest.

I look forward to a fabulous year at Pea Ridge Primary!

Nurse Rhonda