Welcome Back Altara Families!
We are so excited to welcome you to another amazing school year! It’s been so exciting having our school filled with learning, laughter, and the energy that makes our school such a special place. Thank you for being part of our community—we can’t wait to see all the growth, achievements, and memories we’ll create together this year. Here’s to a fantastic start!
When families and schools work together, students build a strong foundation for academic success and personal growth. We are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the school office. Thank you for your support!
Please feel free to reach out to us if you need anything at all. Principal, Julie Fielding & Assistant Principal, Sara Caldwell
School Access
We wanted to make you aware of a new procedure this year for entering our building. A new state law requires every person entering the building to show a government-issued picture ID. As you enter the front doors, there is a computer desk on the right side where you can sign in. If you’re planning to volunteer, you must have already completed the background check. This background check is required to be filled out each year. Here is a link to access the online background check that is required for volunteering in the building and on field trips. The system will print you a sticker with your name to wear while on campus. Once you have the sticker, please come into the front office and show your ID.
For student programs held during school hours, you will also need a picture ID. Families attending those programs will enter on the west side directly into our gym. You will need to show your ID at the west door and get a badge. You will not need to sign in as you will be accessing only the gym and not the rest of the building.
If you are dropping off a forgotten jacket or lunch, you don’t need to show ID or get a badge. Just bring the item into the office, and we will deliver it to your student.
We recognize this is an extra step for our families, and we are hoping to make the procedure as easy as possible with the new requirements. Please don’t forget your ID when you come to volunteer or attend a program! Remind grandparents and family friends who might also be attending. This law does not
affect after-school events.
School Pick Up Color Zones
On the sidewalk at the east end of the building, we have created designated, color-coded waiting areas for students. These spaces will help reduce congestion and provide an easy meeting place for siblings and carpool groups. They will also improve visibility, making it easier for students and the adults picking them up to find one another.
The designated colors are blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and purple. Please help your student choose a meeting color to make afternoon pickup a breeze!
Building Stronger Math Thinkers with Amplify Desmos Math As we begin using Amplify Desmos Math curriculum, families may notice that math instruction looks and sounds a little different. Students will continue learning important math facts, skills, and procedures, but they will also spend more time understanding why mathematical strategies work and deciding how to approach different problems.
Rather than focusing only on finding the correct answer, students will be encouraged to:
· Explore multiple strategies
· Use models, drawings, and mathematical tools
· Explain and justify their thinking
· Learn from mistakes and revise their ideas
· Listen to and build upon the reasoning of others
· Apply their learning to meaningful, real-world problems
This approach helps students develop conceptual understanding, flexible problem-solving skills, and confidence as mathematicians. At times, your child may solve a problem differently than you learned to solve it—and that is okay! The goal is for students to understand the mathematics behind their strategy and communicate their reasoning clearly.
Families can support this learning at home by asking questions such as:
· “How did you figure that out?”
· “Can you show me another way?”
· “Why does that strategy work?”
· “What did you notice?”
· “Does your answer make sense? How do you know?”
Our goal is to help every student become a capable, curious, and confident mathematical thinker. We appreciate your partnership as students grow in their ability to understand concepts deeply, solve challenging problems, and explain their thinking.
School Website: https://altara.canyonsdistrict.org/
Instagram: altaraelementary
Calendar Items & Looking Ahead
Fridays- Don’t forget on Fridays school is dismissed at 1:25 pm
September 7: No School! Labor Day
September 9: Picture Day
September 21 & 23: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences
September 24: Early Dismissal Day @ 1:25 pm
September 25: No School! Compensation Day
September 28: No School! Teacher Professional Day