Principal's Message...
As you know, children attending school regularly and on-time is extremely important. Sometimes, it feels like missing a day here or there isn't a big deal, but those absences over time add up, and result in lost instructional time for your child. Each day in school builds upon previously taught and practiced skills, to help our students move forward and progress academically, socially, and behaviorally. We appreciate you making EVERY effort to have your child at school EVERY day.
In general, you should keep your child home from school when they have any of the following symptoms or illnesses:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Certain illnesses and rashes like chickenpox, or hand/foot/mouth disease
If you ever have questions, please feel free to contact our office and we will direct you to the school nurse.
Have a great weekend,
Reagan Phillips
Smart Watch/Wearable Device Policy
We’ve seen an uptick in the amount of smart watches being worn at school. Wearable devices should be treated the same as mobile phones at school, i.e. not used to call, text, play games on, or take photos during school hours. Being that it is too difficult to monitor how they are being used, similarly to cell phones, they need to be placed in backpacks if brought to school or kept at home. Parents, we’d appreciate your help in relaying this message to your children.
Upcoming Dates
- Feb. 13: Spring After School Enrichment Registration Begins
- Feb. 14: Valentine's Day
- Feb. 15: School Board Meeting
- Feb. 16: Random Act of Kindness Day Observed
Feb. 17 - NO SCHOOL; Lincoln's Birthday
- Feb. 20 - NO SCHOOL; President's Day
- Feb. 24 - Dragon-TASTIC Assemblies
- Feb. 24 - TEAM Sierra BINGO & Chili Cook-off night!
- Mar. 2 - Dr. Seuss's Birthday - Read Across America Day
- May 18: Open House, 5:30pm – 7pm
Library News
Hello Dragons!
This week we heard the Author Minh Le^ talk about his book “Drawn Together” that was illustrated by Dan Santat. This book won the California Young Reader
Medal award in 2022 and had the most votes for our whole school. This book was about a grandfather and grandson who spoke different languages. They loved each other greatly but couldn’t communicate due to the language barrier. In the middle of the story, you see the grandson start drawing with his markers and then grandfather grabs his paint brushes and ink to create with his grandson. Through their art, they were able to communicate and break the barrier. Such a wonderful story of finding other ways to express ourselves. Next week we start introducing the first clue and book #1 in our five nominated books for CYRM 2023. Remember, good things happen when you read!
Miss Dora
(530) 622-0814 x7636
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
(530) 622-0814 x7512
Hammer Headlines
With the start of February comes a new skill. Since it is February we will be doing jump rope for the heart. Grades TK to 2nd will be doing jump rope and grades 3rd to 5th will be doing jump rope and basketball. We will be on the black top this week.
Primary students will be doing relays and activities with jump ropes. Students will learn how to jump over a rope while swinging it themselves and also different levels of Mr. Snake ( the jump rope) moving around for them to jump over. They will also be playing fishy fishy and red light green light. We will continue to do warm ups and stretch head to toe.
Third to fifth grade students will be doing relays with jump ropes and basketball skills. Students will be doing jump rope relays and Chinese jump rope. They will also do a set of basketball skills and rules each week. Students will also do relays, warm-ups and stretch head to toe.
Any Questions Please Email or Call,
Coach Hammer
622-6244 ext. 6511 or rhammer@pusdk8.us
Parent Club News
Sparky Gear available for purchase through our online store.
Once the weather warms up, we will continue sales at the shed.
Our online store is the easiest and quickest way to purchase our cool new shirts and hoodies!
Online Store: https://sierraschoolsparky.square.site/
IMPORTANT DATES:
Next Team Sierra Meeting: March 2, 6 pm @ Round Table on Missouri Flat
Chili Cook-Off: February 24 @ 5:30 pm
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/
