Centennial Blue Jays
October News 2024
Message from Principal Hakala
We can't believe it's fall already! We've had a fantastic first month and we're excited to keep the momentum going into October. We are very excited to have Ms. Dean with us, and she's been a huge help reinforcing the expectations we have here a school for the classroom, cafeteria and playground.
As always, we have lots going on this month! Please consider joining our PTO (October meeting is Oct. 2 as 6 p.m. - light snacks and childcare are provided as always). Students will be receiving their Flock t-shirts this week, just in time to wear them on Friday during the Jog-a-Thon to show their school spirit. (See more Jog-a-Thon info below).
- Our School Store opened this month, with trinkets and school supplies available for sale in exchange for earned Blue Jay Bucks or cash. (Everything in the store is 50 cents.)
- School Safety Week is the week of October 7. We will be conducting a several different types of safety drills to help students understand what to do in case of an emergency.
- Walk & Roll to School Day is Oct. 9. Any student walking, rolling, biking OR busing to school is eligible for prizes.
- Picture Day is Oct. 10 (packets went home last week, or pre-order online).
- Later that day all are invited to our Open House., starting at 4:30.
- Remember that Friday, Oct. 11, is a No-School Day.
- On Oct. 15, all students will be treated to a very cool in-school Sky Dome presentation.
- Then, on the 25th, PTO is hosting our first Trunk or Treat. Please consider decorating a car! (PTO will provide the treats!)
- The last week in October will be a Spirit Week. See below for details!
This month we are starting our character trait focuses. This month is RESPECT. Please chat with your students and encourage them to be respectful to all adults (and other students!) and on their best behavior!
Don Hakala, Principal
Important Upcoming Dates
Sep. 27-Oct. 3: Collect Jog-A-Thon Pledges
Oct. 1: PTO Meeting, 6 p.m.
Oct. 2: 5th Grade Field Trip to Clean Water University
Oct 4: Jog-A-Thon
Oct. 5–7: Collect Jog-A-Thon Pledge Money
Oct. 8: Jog-A-Thon Pledges Due
Oct. 9: Walk & Roll to School Day
Oct. 10: Picture Day
Oct. 10: Open House, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: No School
Oct. 15: Sky Dome Presentation
Oct. 25: Early Release
Oct. 25: Trunk or Treat, 5–6:30, playground
Oct. 28–Nov. 1: Spirit Week
Oct. 31: Dress-Up Day
- Every student was able to run, whether or not they had any pledges.
- Every student received a participation sticker and a popsicle, and there will be prizes for students depending on laps run and pledges raised, as well as classroom awards.
- Many thanks to all the families who came out to watch, and thank you for your patience while checking in! It's all in the name of keeping your kiddos safe.
- Stay tuned for more photos!
Open House Oct. 10 4:30–5:30
We hope everyone will be able to come to our Open House on Thursday, Oct. 10! It is timed to allow families with students at Hamlin to be able to attend their event as well.
You'll be able to
- visit your child's classroom
- meet our new music teacher
- chat with Mr. Mac in the gym
- learn about English Language Development groups
- find out our reading groups and what it means to be a federal Title school
- visit the Family Resource Center
- look through our Lost & Found.
The PTO will also be there, as well as folks from the Springfield Public Library, Cub Scouts, and more! Spanish interpretation will be available.
Spirit Week Oct. 28-Nov. 1
This year, since every Friday is now a Flock Friday where students can wear their spirit gear or the color blue, we will have two Spirit Weeks – one at the end of October and one in the spring during the Read-A-Thon. Thursday, Oct. 31, will be a dress-up day. Families should keep in mind that any dress-up gear should allow the student to fully participate in all school activities, including PE and recess. (No masks, no weapons, no inflatables, please!)
We want to make sure all of our students are able to participate in all of our activities. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's teacher or the office.
Just a reminder that our doors open at 8 a.m., so please NOT drop off your kids before 8 a.m. We do not have supervision outside before 8!
When in line for drop-off or pickup in the lower lot, please pull your vehicle forward to the second crosswalk so that as many cars as possible can get off the street.
Students should exit the vehicle ONLY between the two crosswalks. When your child exits the vehicle, pull your car up immediately.
No vehicle should be left unattended in the line. If you want to get out and greet your child or conduct school business, please take a parking space. If you're parking on the street, be sure not to block our neighbors' driveways.
Most importantly, please, please be kind to your fellow Blue Jay families!
When to Stay Home
Here are some guidelines for managing specific symptoms:
We take school attendance very seriously. Please try to be sure your student arrives at school before 8:35, and preferably sooner if they are eating breakfast. We pack learning opportunities into every minute of the day, so students who arrive late will miss out on valuable learning time! Here are some great tips for getting to school on time.
Phones, SmartWatches, Etc. in Backpacks, Please!
Join Our Team - Consider a Part-Time Job or Subbing!
Families, do you know someone who should be working at our school? We have several open positions here to work with the Greatest Kids on Planet Earth – two 3.75 hr/day positions and two 6 hr/day positions.
We also want to encourage you all to consider signing up for subbing. We are often challenged to find substitutes when our aides have to be out or when there are open positions. As a classified EA substitute, you would be able to work only the days you want to work. And we are always willing to accommodate if you have to come in late or leave early.
Communicating with Centennial
There are all kinds of ways to get information about our school happenings! Our readerboard is always up-to-date. Our website is a solid place to look for information such as upcoming events or menus. Facebook will be your best bet for quick updates and photos. We also frequently send information via email, so be sure to check your email frequently. Many teachers use the SeeSaw app to communicate via phone. Your child's teacher will send you an invitation to join their classroom SeeSaw community, and it's a great way to communicate directly with the teacher. Can't access it? Ask the office for help!
Meet JayJay the Blue Jay mascot!
Our Amazing PTO
How to support our school:
- You can always get blue bags from the school office. This is an easy way to support the PTO through donations of bottles and cans. Just bring the bag to the Springfield Bottle Drop Redemption Center, scan the PTO bar code, and toss your bag.
- Watch for upcoming fundraisers, and in the meantime, volunteer!