SAW is Approaching

So many amazing things are awaiting you for Staff Appreciation Week! The items below are just a sneak peek of what’s to come. This glimpse doesn’t even begin to cover everything we have planned for you—there’s even more we can’t wait to surprise you with!

Make sure to sign up using the four links below. All orders must be submitted by Wednesday, April 29 at 12:00 PM (no exceptions).

 

Sweet Winnings🍩 

"Donut” bet against our teachers. Choose two donuts for a delicious treat from the leadership team—click HERE.

High Stakes Gift 🃏 

The leadership team is dealing out the winnings, so you get to select one lanyard you’d like to be dealt—click HERE to claim your prize.

Roll Out to the Parking Lot 🎲 

Get ready to cash in on a sizzling experience because we’re turning up the heat with a Hibachi food truck from our School Board. Place your order HERE.

Café Royale ♠️♦️

It’s time to ante up and treat yourself to Tom’s Coffee Truck. Whether you’re looking to go all in with something bold or keep it smooth with a sweet pick-me-up, you can place your order HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: When ordering from Tom’s Coffee Truck, you’ll place your order and proceed to check out. Then you’ll be prompted to select a pick-up time—please make sure to choose carefully, as your drink will be ready at that exact time. After adding your drink and/or waffle to the cart, you can customize it by selecting “Add Extras/Flavors” beneath each item. To choose your options, simply tap the orange circle next to each flavor or customization you’d like, and it will be applied to your drink.

Chime In Survey

We know how much you all look forward to this opportunity, so as always, if you send your dean a screenshot of your completed employee engagement survey (see image below) and we hit 100% participation by noon on Tuesday, April 28, staff will earn a full week of dress down May 11–15!

P.S. I know it’s no longer Glint, but I don’t have an updated image for Chime In, but you know what I’m looking for. 😊

ABCDE Goals-Attendance

Congratulations to Mrs. Jeng’s class for spelling the word, PRESENT and Mrs. Baker’s class for spelling the word, ATTENDANCE. 

Affirmations

 

Ellen and Andria for taking the time and initiative to create a calm, welcoming, and productive learning environment for students. It makes a real difference when students walk into a space that is ready for them to focus, learn, and feel cared for. Your teamwork and attention to detail are truly appreciated.

Stacey Ramirez for the creativity, time, and care you put into designing all of the SAW graphics and flyers. Your work brings the entire weeklong event to life and helps build excitement across the school. The visuals you create don’t just communicate information—they set the tone, highlight the energy of the event, and make everything feel intentional and engaging. I also truly appreciate your support in helping me with this process along the way.

Stephanie and Ja’Rayl for taking the time to attend the school photography meeting and for your commitment to improving the experience for our families. Your willingness to be involved and provide input helps ensure that we are creating a smoother, more positive process for parents and students alike.

Tameka, Robyn, Sally, and Stacey Reed for your thoughtful planning and creativity in planning an amazing Front Office Appreciation Week. Because of your effort and coordination, we were able to surprise Stephanie and Stacey twice each day with meaningful touches that matched our theme and made the week feel special. I also truly appreciate you giving your time on Friday after school to decorate the front office—your willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed and made a big impact on creating a warm and celebratory week for them.

Yasmeen for your initiative and willingness to step in and help on Friday when you saw the leadership team decorating the front office. Your offer to assist—especially hanging umbrellas—made a real difference. Because of you, we were able to complete everything quicker than anticipated.

Stephanie for taking the time to come into my office and make it a safer space for me. You stepped in to do something that wasn’t part of your job description, but you did it because you cared and saw a need.

Andria and Ellen for recognizing the need beyond your small group and stepping in to support the entire class with whole group instruction. Your ability to assess the bigger picture and respond accordingly shows strong instructional awareness and a deep commitment to student success. Because of your flexibility and proactive approach, more students are receiving the academic support they need.

Stacey Reed, Robyn, Tameka, and Sally for facilitating ½ day PD. Thank you for the amount of time that you put into planning professional development based on the feedback from our staff.

Jen D and Amanda for sharing out at our last staff meeting. Your contributions make our team better.

This Week

Tuesday, April 28:

     ·       Free Book Fair (April 28-30)

     ·       Team PLC Meetings

Friday, May 1:

     ·       Middle School Dance 6 PM

     ·       MTSS/IAT Meetings

     ·       Dress Down & Hat $1.00 each

     ·       Payday Breakfast-Specials

Important Dates

 

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6: Perfect Attendance Awards

May 7: 3^rd-5^th Grade Silent Dance Party

May 7: Purple Club

May 7: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Asian Pacific Month-What and Why?)-Reaume 

May 10: Amanda’s Birthday

May 10: Mackenzie’s Birthday

May 10: Theresa’s Birthday

May 11: NJHS Induction Ceremony

May 12: Staff Meeting

May 12: Staff Meeting Snacks-3^rd Grade

May 14: 8^th Grade Wax Museum

May 14: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Memorial Day)-Layton

May 15: Social Media Post Due to Jorvonna-8^th Grade

May 15: Payday Breakfast-6^th Grade

May 19: Band Concert @ Bethany Church 6:30 PM

May 19: 8^th Grade Science Fair

May 20: NHA’s Reginal 3^rd & 4^th Grade Spelling Bee

May 21: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Mental Health Awareness)-F. Higgins  

May 22: Spirit Day and Popcorn $1.00 each

May 25: No School-Memorial Day

May 26-29: 8^th Grade DC Trip

May 27-29: 6^th Grade Camp

May 28-29: 7^th Grade Mackinaw

May 29: Field Day

May 29: Payday Breakfast-4^TH Grade

May 29: Amy’s Birthday

May 29: Robyn’s Birthday

June 1: Tri 3 School Store

June 2: Tri 3 School Store Reward

June 2: Move Up Day

June 2: Staff Meeting 

June 2: Staff Meeting Snacks-Leadership Team

June 3: Perfect Attendance Rewards

June 3: 8^th Grade Picnic

June 3: All Grades Entered

June 4: Purple Club

June 4: 8^th Grade Promotion

June 5: ½ Day-Dismissal at 11:20 AM

June 5: End of Tri 3-Last Day of School

June 5: Kinder Promotion

June 5: Reports Sent Home

June 5: 8^th Grade Clap Out

June 9 Ja’Rayl’s Birthday

June 11: Danielle D’s Birthday

June 12: Ann’s Birthday

June 13: Sandy’s Birthday

June 14: Cayla’s Birthday

June 15: Alex’s Birthday

June 28: Gloria’s Birthday

 

*If you have an event to add or something has been forgotten, please let me know!  

ABCDE Goal-Behavior

During our recent staff meeting, I shared a new resource available to all staff members—Behavior Passes. These passes are being offered as a token of appreciation for all you have done this year to support and care for our students.

We understand that, despite the many strategies and supports in place, there are times when you simply need a break from managing student behavior, and we hope this resource can provide that relief when needed.

Each staff member may select one pass to use by May 29, 2026. We wanted to offer choice because we recognize that everyone’s needs are different, and we hope this allows you to select the option that will be most meaningful and helpful to you.

Please click HERE by Tuesday, April 21 to make your selection.

4.17.26 Half Day PD

The leadership team continues to uphold our promise to you. We are providing you with an hour and half additional planning time during our ½ day PD on Friday.

The first hour and half will be spent together dedicated to vertical alignment conversations between grade levels (above and below, when applicable) to calibrate expectations and strengthen consistency in instruction.

First, grade levels will be able to discuss any writing or grammar topics and/or expectations that you feel students may need additional support with or further development as they enter/exit your grade level.

Then, we will continue vertical alignment conversations, with a focus on the specific writing genre that you voted on—constructed response.

The second hour and a half you can prep/plan at your discretion. However, all salary staff must remain in the building until 3:30 PM, hourly staff do not attend. You can view the agenda by clicking HERE.

We hope the additional 6 hours of prep that our half days provide reaffirm that “you matter!” 

ABCDE Goal-Attendance

 

Congratulations to Ms. Good-Lang’s class for spelling the word, ATTENDANCE.

Affirmations

 

Ann for the best surprise! It was completely unexpected but truly appreciated. You brought a huge smile to my face.

Diane for covering an attendance meeting in the absence of a colleague. Thank you for sacrificing your time to support the leadership team.

Andria for being willing to cover a class so a dean could attend a meeting. You constantly amaze me with your “see a need, fill a need” mindset.

Steve and Stacey Reed for your acts of kindness that make my mornings brighter.

Monique, Cayla, Teri, and Kathleen for going above and beyond in the absence of a colleague. Not only do you provide a sense of relief and support to the leadership team, but your selflessness ensures that all students are provided with a high-quality education.

Sarah M. and Christina for knowing my love of chips and bringing me the extras.

Taylor for running an errand for me without hesitation. You lifted a burden off my shoulders.

This Week

 

Monday, April 20:

     ·       Front Office Appreciation Week (April 20-24)

Wednesday, April 22:

     ·       Earth Day Spirit Day—solid green or blue shirt with jeans $1.00

Thursday, April 23:

     ·       Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Asian Pacific American Heritage—Who and What?)-Walczak  

     ·       Pop (students) & Candy (staff) Dress Down Day

Friday, April 24:

     ·       Half Day—dismissal at 11:15 AM

·       Social Media Post Due to Jorvonna-7^th Grade

·       Progress Reports

Saturday, April 25:

·       School Carnival

Important Dates

 

April 28-30: Free Book Fair

April 28: PLC Meeting

April 28-30: Free Book Fair

May 1: Middle School Dance 6 PM

May 1: MTSS/IAT Meetings

May 1: Dress Down & Hat $1.00 each

May 1: Payday Breakfast-Specials

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6: Perfect Attendance Awards

May 7: 3^rd-5^th Grade Silent Dance Party

May 7: Purple Club

May 7: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Asian Pacific Month-What and Why?)-Reaume 

May 10: Amanda’s Birthday

May 10: Mackenzie’s Birthday

May 10: Theresa’s Birthday

May 11: NJHS Induction Ceremony

May 12: Staff Meeting

May 12: Staff Meeting Snacks-3^rd Grade

May 14: 8^th Grade Wax Museum

May 14: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Memorial Day)-Layton

May 15: Social Media Post Due to Jorvonna-8^th Grade

May 15: Payday Breakfast-6^th Grade

May 19: Band Concert @ Bethany Church 6:30 PM

May 19: 8^th Grade Science Fair

May 20: NHA’s Reginal 3^rd & 4^th Grade Spelling Bee

May 21: Morning Assembly Presentation Due (Mental Health Awareness)-F. Higgins  

May 22: Spirit Day and Popcorn $1.00 each

May 25: No School-Memorial Day

May 26-29: 8^th Grade DC Trip

May 27-29: 6^th Grade Camp

May 28-29: 7^th Grade Mackinaw

May 29: Field Day

May 29: Payday Breakfast-4^TH Grade

May 29: Amy’s Birthday

May 29: Robyn’s Birthday

June 1: Tri 3 School Store

June 2: Tri 3 School Store Reward

June 2: Move Up Day

June 2: Staff Meeting  

June 2: Staff Meeting Snacks-Leadership Team

June 3: Perfect Attendance Rewards

June 3: 8^th Grade Picnic

June 3: All Grades Entered

June 4: Purple Club

June 4: 8^th Grade Promotion

June 5: ½ Day-Dismissal at 11:20 AM

June 5: End of Tri 3-Last Day of School

June 5: Kinder Promotion

June 5: Reports Sent Home

June 5: 8^th Grade Clap Out

June 9 Ja’Rayl’s Birthday

June 11: Danielle D’s Birthday

June 12: Ann’s Birthday

June 13: Sandy’s Birthday

June 14: Cayla’s Birthday

June 15: Alex’s Birthday

June 28: Gloria’s Birthday

 

*If you have an event to add or something has been forgotten, please let me know!  

Staff Meeting

Starting at 3:45 on Tuesday, please go to the staff lounge to sign in, pick up documents, and grab some snacks. Our staff meeting will begin promptly at 4:00 pm in the gym.

You may click HERE for the agenda.

Carnival Spirit Day

Every year for our School Carnival, we have a 2-Liter Spirit Day for the Soda Pop Ring Toss game. This year, to reduce leftover soda, the PTO is asking that only students bring a 2-liter.

For staff, they are trying something different. Staff are asked to bring a wrapped sweet treat for the Sugar Rush game (formerly the Cake Walk). There’s no expectation to spend more than the cost of a 2-liter soda—think Grandma’s cookies, checkout-line candy, or other small treats.

Dress down for both items is on April 23!

ABCDE Goal-Behavior

As we continue to monitor our behavior goal, I want to share an update on our progress. Overall, our total behavior incidents are down by 590, with Level 5 behaviors down by 92 and suspensions have decreased by 33 compared to last year. This is a significant improvement and a direct reflection of your consistency, relationships, and commitment to our students.

We are seeing the most growth in reducing higher-level behaviors, which shows that our interventions and classroom management practices are making a real impact. While this progress is something to be proud of, there are still areas to continue monitoring—particularly in certain grade levels and during key times of the year. The slight increase in behavior incidents over the past two months is not uncommon for this time of year and gives us an opportunity to refocus on consistency, routines, and proactive supports as we head into the final stretch.

As we move forward, let’s continue to focus on:

• Consistent expectations and routines
• Building strong relationships with students
• Proactive strategies and early interventions

Thank you for the patience and dedication you bring each day. Your efforts are making a difference for our students and our school community. Let’s keep the momentum going!

ABCDE Goal-Attendance

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Layton’s class for spelling the word, HERE.

Affirmations

 

Kim J for generously volunteering to sub in a classroom and supporting our students when we needed you most.

Stephanie for taking the lead on all communication for SAW and keeping everything organized with such care.

Sally for setting up Fast Money every day in the gym. I really appreciate you.

Steve for always helping with musical selections and for thoughtful gestures like breakfast that brighten the day.

Joelle for capturing the excitement of Family Feud and creating a video that allowed families to view their children’s experiences.

Tameka for the wonderful surprise of lunch—I truly enjoyed our time together.

Tracy for stopping by almost every day just to say hi. I know your time is valuable, and it means so much that you make the effort.

Jen R for nominating Keystone for a grant and taking the time to try and bring additional resources to our school community.  

Andria and Ellen for assisting the leadership team with the magnet distribution and helping bring excitement to our families.

Stacey Ramirez for taking the initiative to clean out the deep freezer—you truly have a “see a need, fill a need” mindset.

Teri, Nikki, Jessica S, Steve, Stefanie, Stacey, Tameka, Robyn, and Sally for dedicating an evening to share amazing things about Keystone with prospective families. Your presence made a difference.