Lunchroom Eating time
Did you know your child has lots of time to eat in the lunchroom?
First, students are not allowed to leave the lunchroom for 15 minutes. We hope this procedure prevents students from taking a few bites and rushing out to the playground. Second, if a student isn’t finished eating in that time frame, there is an additional 15 minutes they are welcome to stay at their seat and finish. Even after 30 minutes, if the student needs more time, they move to an extra table to finish. We want to encourage students to eat their lunch in order to fuel their brains for learning!
Teacher of the Year Nominations open
The window to nominate a teacher from Altara for Teacher of the Year honors is Jan. 9th-Feb. 6th. Please click on the link below to nominate a teacher who has made a difference for your child. We have some awesome teachers here at Altara!
https://www.canyonsdistrict.org/teacher-of-the-year-nomination
Altara Yearbook 2025-2026
New this year!!! Altara will be offering yearbooks full of grade level/class pictures and all the other fun activities that we have here at Altara during the school year. If you’re interested in ordering a yearbook for your student go to https://purchaseyearbook.com/. The Yearbook Code is: AltaraESYB26. Pre-sale price is $22.00 and orders must be submitted by February 26, 2026. The regular price will be $25.00 and orders must be placed no later than March 25, 2026. After that date no orders will be accepted so make sure to order early!!
February Early Out Days
Parents, we have 2 early out days in February. This is slightly unusual since traditionally we only have them the week of Parent Teacher Conferences. Please plan accordingly for these TWO days in February:
-Thursday, February 12, 2026 school will dismiss at 1:25 pm
-Thursday, February 26, 2026 school will also dismiss at 1:25 pm (this is the traditional day we have had in the past during parent teacher conferences)
♥️ Choose Kindness ♥️
We have the KINDEST students!
We are on the lookout for extraordinary acts of kindness at Altara. Here are some examples of kindness happening at our school:
Cedar Bassett (kindergarten) Cedar is kind in helping to clean up areas he didn’t play in during oral language block! He is also awesome at taking turns and sharing toys!
William Phipps (4th grade) William shows kindness by being so willing to help other students understand their math and complete their assignments.
Jaxon Boyce (5th grade) Jaxon helped a younger student by walking him to the lunchroom – thanks, Jaxon!
Remie Carothers (2nd grade) Remie always has a positive attitude. She helps everyone in class. She is always going the extra mile!
Eloisa Gonzalez (2nd grade) Eloisa is a great friend. She is always willing to help others.
Joshua Chavez (2nd grade) Joshua is always kind and cheerful to others. He loves to share his knowledge of Fortnight with others! 🙂
Ezekiel Belford (kindergarten) Ezekiel loves to help the teacher clean up after stations. He is a great helper.
From the PTA
🕺PTA Nominations Now Open!
PTA positions and nominations are open for the 2026-27 school year, and we would love for you to be part of our amazing PTA team! From leadership roles like President-Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary to event-focused positions such as Teacher Appreciation, Book Fair, and Reflections, there are so many ways to get involved. You can serve as a Chair or join as a committee member—there’s something for every schedule and interest. Visit this link to view position descriptions and sign up here to help make this school year unforgettable for our students, teachers, and families. *Nominations for an elected position must be submitted by February 13th. Vote will be held March 3rd @ 10am in the Conference room @ Altara.
🐔 January Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A
January 26th from 6-8pm. Mark your calendars for our Mobile Order Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A at the South Towne Marketplace location. Mobile orders ONLY. Drive-thru, dine-in or pick up.
🎪Silent Auction Donations
We’re reaching out to our Altara community to get a head start on silent auction donations for our PTA fundraiser (this May!!) and would love your support!
Any local donations—such as goods, services, or gift cards— will be featured in our silent auction, with proceeds going directly toward programs and activities that enrich learning and bring our school together. Your generosity, big or small, helps us plan ahead and create meaningful experiences for our students. Thank you for considering supporting our school!
Please reach out to taelorsaxton8@gmail.com with any donation questions or contributions!!
🥨 Box Tops for Education
Currently at $1100 earned for our 25-26 school year! We’re well on our way to reach our $1500 goal! Keep up the scanning! Download the app and use referral code SMJ714KW to earn an instant $5 for our school.
Box Tops app for Android users
🙌 Come Join Us!
Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 3rd at 10:00 AM in the Altara Conference Room. Join us and see what PTA is all about!
The PTA helps fund and support many of the activities and events at Altara. Membership is just $10 — volunteering is optional!
Interested in helping when you can?
Add your name to the volunteer list here: Volunteer Sign-Up
Helpful Links:
PTA Instagram: @altarapta
Givebacks: Membership & Donations
Watch DOGS: Signup Calendar
School Website: https://altara.canyonsdistrict.org/
Instagram: @altaraelementary
Calendar Items & Looking Ahead
January 18: No School: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 22-23: Acadience mid-year reading assessments for all students
January 27: Report cards will be sent home
February 3: Monthly PTA Meeting
February 3: Parent orientation night at middle schools for 5th grade students and parents; 5:30-7:00 at Indian Hills and 5:00-6:30 at Eastmont.
February 6: SCC Meeting 2-3 pm
February 10: Watch D.O.G.S. event; Dads & Donuts; 6:30-7:30 pm
February 12: Early Dismissal Day/School is dismissed at 1:25 pm
February 13: Teacher Professional Day-no school for students
February 16: Presidents Day-No School
February 24 & 25: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences
February 26: Early Dismissal Day/School is dismissed at 1:25 pm
February 27: No School-Compensatory Day