Principal Message

IRE Families,

As we close another academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. The growth we’ve witnessed—both academically and personally—is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and families. Consider how you can reflect as a family:

  • What were the best moments of the year?

  • What accomplishment are you most proud of?

  • What major challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

  • What aspirations do you have for next year?

Academic Growth: Last week’s newsletter highlighted the terrific academic accomplishments of our students, and I want to underscore it again this week. We’ve seen the greatest reading growth in recent memory, a clear indicator of our commitment to excellence in education and the hard work of many. We are so excited to apply what we have learned to reimagining what our math instruction and learning looks like next year.

Personal Growth: But our achievements extend beyond academics. This year has been about building deep, lasting relationships and creating memories that will stay with us for years to come. We’ve embraced the productive struggle, learning to overcome challenges, surpass our limits, and engage in tough conversations. These experiences have not only strengthened our community but also prepared our students for the future.

Celebrating 5th Grade: This class has been exceptional. They’ve built strong connections, served as leaders for the younger students, supported younger students as reading mentors, and left a lasting impact on the kids at IRE. We will miss them dearly next year, and we are excited to hear about their next adventures at Meridian Middle School.

Looking Ahead: As we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions, along with information regarding school supplies, the school calendar, and summer office hours. We encourage you to reach out if you have any further questions. Please take a look at that information below.

Gratitude: I want to express my immense gratitude for the partnership, feedback, and countless hours of volunteering. Working together, we’ve supported the amazing children in our community, helping them grow into confident and capable individuals. Thank you families and friends of IRE – it’s been special.

Let’s celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved and look forward to the opportunities that await us. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and success!

Best,

Tyler Dockins, Principal

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Report Cards

Report cards will be sent home with students in an envelope, along with academic reports for both i-Ready and IRLA. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions. If you did not receive your report card, please stop in at the office during summer hours to pick it up. We will be shredding unclaimed report cards on October 1st. As always, you can access your child’s grades on Skyward.

Class Placements

While we start our process of class placement in May, changes may happen over the summer with enrollment and teachers assignments. For that reason, class rosters are typically released the few days before school starts.

Class Supplies

If you need support in getting school supplies, please reach out to our Family Resource CenterHere is the school supply list for Irene Reither Elementary.

First Day for Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten

The first day of school for our Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will be Wednesday September 4th. Prior to their first day of school, each family will have an entry conference to meet with their child’s teacher. You will receive communication early the week of August 26th to schedule a conference for your child on August 29th, August 30th, or September 3rd. We are so excited to welcome you to IRE!

Family Planning for 2024-2025 School Year (School Calendar)

Please preview the academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. We experienced a 10% jump in students attending 90% days or more because of strong planning and uplifting the importance of making every day count. Thank you for planning vacations and trips accordingly.

IRE Summer Office Hours
Tuesday, June 18 -Tuesday, June 25
9:00am – 3:00pm

Wednesday, June 26 – Monday, August 19
Closed for the Summer

Tuesday, August 20 – Wednesday, August 28
9:00am – 3:00pm

Thursday, August 29 – First day of school
8:00am – 4:00pm

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2024 Summer Technology Agreement

Device Care

Do:

  • I will ask permission from my grown ups before using my device.

  • I will keep my device in a safe spot.

  • I will keep track of my device and all device components (case, device, stylus, charger cord, mouse).

  • I will carry the device closed without anything plugged in, and close my device when not in use.

  • I will restart my device each time I use it to keep it updated and working smoothly.

  • I will use my device for educational purposes only.

  • I will keep my device clean by wiping surfaces lightly with a clean soft cloth or monitor wipes. I will not use home cleaning products.

Do Not:

  • I will not leave my device unattended in a public place.

  • I will not bring my device outside.

  • I will not damage or remove district identification barcodes.

  • I will not damage my device and I will not put anything into the device that doesn’t belong.

  • I will not eat or drink near my device.

  • I will not share my device with others except my grown ups.

Internet Safety

  • I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, grown ups’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school or agree to meet anyone without my grown ups’ permission.

  • I will tell my grown ups right away if I come across any information or pictures that make me feel uncomfortable.

  • I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will tell my grown ups right away so they can help.

  • I will never send or publish a picture of myself or others, or share anything without first checking with my grown ups.

  • I will talk with my grown ups so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate websites/pages for me to visit.

  • I will not give out my password to anyone other than my grown ups. I will login only with my Meridian account.

  • I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

Available Educational Tech Resources

Chromebooks

  • i-Ready Pathway (open through August 12th)

  • ARC Bookshelf

  • Learning Ally

  • Keyboarding Without Tears

  • Epic!

  • Code.org

  • musicplayonline.com (login as a student; access code p276188)

  • Starfall

iPads

  • i-Ready Pathway (open through August 12th)

  • ARC Bookshelf

  • ARC Adventures

  • Learning Ally

  • Handwriting Without Tears

  • Epic!

  • Scratch Jr.

  • Starfall

Required Student Annual Information Update Now Open in Skyward!

Families can now get a head start on submitting these forms before the new school year begins. Before the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 29, please sign into Skyward Family Access and fill out the annual required forms for your students. These forms are required to be completed annually by our families by the state and also gives you the opportunity to make sure the phone numbers, emergency contacts, etc., that we have on file for your student are correct.

Once you log into Skyward Family Access, look on the left of the page and click on 2024-25 Required Annual Student Information Update. At the bottom of the page there will be the list of your student(s). Review this information individually and fill out the annual forms. If you need help logging into your Skyward Family Access account, try the Forgot Password/Login link, or call our Student Information Coordinator Janine Randall at 360-318-2184.

School Supply List
2024-2025

The school supply list will be sent home in the report card envelopes.  It is also on our website.

Last day of School

Monday, June 17 – 1:15pm dismissal

Students will be dismissed at 1:15pm on Monday, June 17.

To help the end of the last day of school go smoothly and avoid any tears and frustration, please make sure to enter any end of the day routine changes in SDM before noon that day.

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Calling All Volunteers!

Join Our Task Force for Healthy Celebrations! 

Families,

We’re excited to invite you to participate in a special initiative aimed at creating healthier and meaningful celebrations for all Irene Reither students.

As we know, birthdays and milestones are important moments in a child’s life. They’re opportunities to make every individual feel valued and special. We also recognize the need to align these celebrations with our broader commitment to promoting health and wellness within our school.

That’s where YOU come in! We’re assembling a task force dedicated to exploring creative ways to celebrate birthdays and other milestones in a manner that is both meaningful and healthy for all. By joining this team, you’ll have the chance to contribute your ideas and expertise to shape our approach.

We plan to meet once or twice per the summer and would love to have parent involvement!

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today by emailing nurse Amber at aerdmann@meridian.wednet.edu. She will reach out sometime after the last day of school with meeting details.

Amber Erdmann, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN – District Nurse, Meridian School District