

Sierra School Scoop
January 29 - February 2, 2024
Principal's Message...
Hi Sierra Families,
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized at our Dragon-TASTIC assemblies today. These children exemplify our behavior expectations, going above and beyond to be RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SAFE and KIND.
TK/Kindergarten: Richard H, Cora J, Kaidden M, Elisa F, Kennedy S, Levi H, Asher W, and Emilio M
1st Grade: Laveena M, Caiden E, Marshall L, Pearl R, Brooklynn H, and Reed P
2nd Grade: Karen L-G, Paxton P, Nash G, Evie L, Aldo P-Y, and Rose K
3rd Grade: Emma M, Victor G, Ada P, and Finnian H
4th Grade: Kendall H, Aleah O, Colton S, Emilee H, Alan H, and Genesis L
5th Grade: Maddy M, Lucas P, Mila R, Myekal R, and Riley H
Our 2 students selected to be Principal for the Day were: Mario M-H and Alondra L~CONGRATULATIONS!
Have a great weekend,
Reagan Phillips
Week At A Glance
Monday, January 29
- Early Release Monday; 1:50pm Dismissal
Tuesday, January 30
- After School Enrichment-Drama Club, 3:00pm
Wednesday, January 31
- After School Enrichment-Math Games, 3:00pM
Thursday, February 1
- After School Enrichment-All About Art, 3:00pm
- After School Enrichment-Learn to Play Guitar, 3:00pm
Friday, February 2
- Spirit Day - Wear Sparky Gear and/or Green Attire
- Morning All School Stretch - 8:50 am
- Kindergarten Right Start, 9:00am
- Sparky School Store!
Kindergarten & TK Registration for 2024-2025 begins on Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Oral Interpretation 2024 Information
2023-2024 Yearbook Cover Contest
Upcoming Student Council Events
♫ Notes from Mrs. Young ♫
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone’s Winter break was restful and full of joy and music. Getting into routine once
again has had its bumps, I don't know if it has felt that way for everyone else, but I am excited to move forward and continue learning and growing. Lower grades will now be transitioning into pitch focused activities more than rhythm focused, which is so fun because there are so many song games and music writing activities involved. Kindergarten has done an amazing job of learning to write rhythm symbols and doing an amazing job with their singing voices.
3rd grade will be performing some dances and singing activities in just a few weeks so that is
something to look out for! They have worked so hard on singing in 2 parts. 4th and 5th grade have
begun their Recorder Karate, so be sure to ask which ‘belt’ they are on or come by the music room to check it out yourself on the wall charts. The 5th grade beginning band group is learning so much as they progress through their method books. Continue to encourage weekly practice- that is the basis of improvement.
Finally the after school enrichment class this season is guitar, which started last week and they
are learning quickly! If your student is interested in an after school music class, there will also be
keyboard class in the spring. Sign ups begin February 5 and will fill fast from my past experience.
Stay warm and dry, and rock on ��
“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.”
― Maria von Trapp
Take care,
Mrs. Young
Miss Alissa’s Counseling Corner
Let’s talk about the impact of screen time and social media on our kids.
Did you know...children spend on average 4 hours and 44 minutes of screen time PER DAY while teens average 7 hours and 22 minutes PER DAY?
YOWZA! If you are like me, you are wondering how this is impacting their personal mental health and social skills.
Our children’s connection to the media is everywhere; TV, movies, video games, cell phones, computers, I-Pads, Tablets, watches, etc.
The media provides entertainment and convenience in education which is fantastic! But there are also dangers in media use that parents, guardians and educators are tasked to protect our children from.
It is good to remember that our children’s brains are not fully developed yet (specifically the prefrontal cortex) responsible for critical thinking, judgment, problem-solving and impulse control. Too much social media use can negatively affect kids and teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, exposing them to bullying, unrealistic views of individuals’ lives, peer pressure and inappropriate (aka adult) content too, causing increased anxiety and depression. Repeated exposure to the wrong kinds of media can even lead to an increase in aggression and a decrease in empathy. For more information please visit https://commonsensemedia.org.
Quick Tips for setting media guidelines:
Ensure their accounts default to private settings.
Limit the amount of screen time to 1-2 hours/day (or less if you notice it is negatively impacting your child).
Model screen-free time/activities, such as at dinner time or reading before bed instead of gaming or watching videos.
Keep children’s bedrooms free of screen devices at bedtime.
Preview media that your child is interested in.
Discuss content if you feel media is questionable to help them begin critical thinking about what media they are watching/playing, (especially if they are young and cannot determine fantasy from reality yet).
Stick to age rating recommendations and visit the website above for assistance.
Use your personal judgment. Your children are counting on YOU to set their limits.
💚Miss Alissa.
I am here for you!
(530) 622-0814 x7512
El Dorado Smiles Dental Van
The dental van is scheduled to be at Sierra on February 6, 7, and 8th. Below are tele-dentistry information sheets and brochures. If interested in signing up your child, please follow the attached links to complete the Dental Van Application. Hard copies are available in the office, if needed.
English:
Spanish:
****TEAM SIERRA NEWS****
Upcoming Events:
2/7 - TEAM Meeting 6pm
2/21 - Placerville Public House "Night Out" 4-9pm
3/1 - Read-a-Thon Fundraiser (March 1st- April 4th)
Save the dates:
- Saturday, February 24th 6:30-8:30pm: Rollin’ with my homies- Boys bring your favorite lady (Mom, Grandma, Aunt, older sister, etc) for a GAME NIGHT and snacks.
- Saturday, March 16th 6:30-8:30pm: A Knight to Remember, Girls bring your favorite guy (Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, older brother, etc) for a night of dancing and desserts.
** Stay tuned for flyers and more information to come on these events **
~ Stop by the TEAM shed Friday mornings for Sparky Gear. We are fully stocked with cold weather gear.
Thank you,
TEAM Sierra
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team_sierra_/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/teamsierra
Email: TEAMSierra.Sparky@gmail.com
Sierra School Spirit Wear
Check out TEAM Sierra's online spirit wear store.
https://sierraschoolsparky.square.site/FROM THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is now open for applicants:
Please see the HEAP website to apply and for more information: www.edcgov.us/Government/HumanServices/Family%20Services/pages/home_energy_assistance_program.aspx
ARE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN A TEMPORARY LIVING ARRANGEMENT? – If you had to move out of your home and move in with others, a hotel or other temporary residence due to something urgent (such as not being able to pay rent), please contact me to see if your child qualifies for my program. I am here to help. I also provide resources for all families.
Kim Kahn
Family Resource Center/After School Enrichment Director
530-622-6244 ext. 6614
Family Resource page: www.pusdk8.us/page/family-resource-center
**CARE Solace**
Important Future Dates
February 7: TEAM Sierra Meeting, 6:00 pm
February 12: Lincoln's Birthday - NO SCHOOL
February 14: Valentine Attire for Valentine’s Day
February 16: SkyDome Assemblies
February 19: President's Day - NO SCHOOL
February 21: School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
February 23: 120th Day of School! (1st Grade 120 shirts)
February 23: Dragon-TASTIC Assemblies 2:00-2:20 (3rd thru 5th grade) 2:30–2:50 (TK-2nd Grade)
February 26: Sports/Jersey Spirit Day
March 1: Kindergarten Right Start, 9:00am
March 1: Sparky School Store
March 4: In observance of Dr. Seuss's Birthday - Red and White like Cat and the Hat Spirit Day
March 5: Talent Show Tryouts after school for K-2 (MP room)
March 6: Talent Show Tryouts after school for 3-5 (MP room)
March 7-8: Conferences (Minimum Days, 12:30 dismissal)
March 13: TEAM Sierra Meeting, 3:30pm
March 13: School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
March 14: Talent Show Dress Rehearsal after school in the MP room
March 15: Talent Show: 9:15 and 10:00
March 18: Observance of Saint Patrick’s Spirt Day - Wear Green!
March 22: Dragon-TASTIC Assemblies 2:00-2:20 (3rd thru 5th grade) 2:30–2:50 (TK-2nd Grade)
March 25-29: Spring Recess - NO SCHOOL
April 5: Kindergarten Right Start, 9:00am
April 10: TEAM Sierra Meeting, 6:00pm
April 12: Sparky School Store
April 12: 5th Grade Concert, 6:30-7:30pm
April 16: In Honor of National Librarian Day - Dress like your favorite book character
April 17: School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
April 17-19: 5th Grade CAASP Science Testing
April 18: Kindergarten Piggy Opera, 6:30pm
April 22-26: 3rd-5th grade CAASP ELA Testing
April 26: Dragon-TASTIC Assemblies 2:00-2:20 (3rd thru 5th grade) 2:30–2:50 (TK-2nd Grade)
April 29-May 3: 3rd-5th grade CAASP Math Testing
April 29: SuperHero Spirit Day
May 1: In honor of School Principals' Day Dress like a Principal Day
May 3: Kindergarten Right Start, 9:00am
May 3: Go Green BMX Show
May 6: Star Wars Spirit Day
May 8: TEAM Sierra Meeting, 3:30pm
May 10: Sparky School Store
May 13: Color Wars Spirit Day
May 15: School Board Meeting; 6:00pm
May 16: Open House & Art Showcase, 5:30-7:00pm
May 17: Dragon-TASTIC Assemblies 2:00-2:20 (3rd thru 5th grade) 2:30–2:50 (TK-2nd Grade)
May 20: Crazy Hair and Sock Day
May 21: Work-out Spirit Day
May 22: Dress Like a Tourist Spirit Day
May 23: Inside Out and Backwards Spirit Day
May 24: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Minimum Day, 12:30 dismissal
May 24: Aloha Spirit Day
May 27: Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
MAY 29-31: No School, but possible make-up days (for emergency closure)
Proudly Supporting TK-5th Grade Students
Email: rphillips@pusdk8.us
Website: https://www.pusdk8.us/o/sierra
Location: 1100 Thompson Way, Placerville, CA, USA
Phone: (530) 622-0814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlacervilleSierraSchool/