Parkside Newsletter

25-26 Enrollment

Annual placement of your child is important, and your input is valued!  Please complete the google survey link below by April 25th.

  25-26 Family Placement Input Form

Just a reminder to complete your In-District Transfer Form if you are requesting any other school other than Valley View next year for.  The completed form should be sent directly to admin.  

In District Transfer Form

Applications will be accepted through April 11th for current 3rd graders interested in applying for the 25-26 Outdoor Learning Program.  

Outdoor Education Application Link

NOTEWORTHY ITEMS

• We love seeing our students walk home—especially as the weather gets nicer! As students get older and more independent, some families choose to allow them to walk home on their own whenever they'd like. If this is the case for your child, please be sure to notify the office so we can update our records and ensure their safety.  If we haven’t received permission from you, our para staff will have your child follow their regular dismissal plan and ride the bus as usual. Your communication helps us keep all students safe and accounted for.
• Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating Spring Break! Take this time to relax, recharge, and refresh (and read!) 

autism awareness month

At Parkside, we believe in celebrating differences, building empathy, and fostering understanding. Below are some great books and videos you can share with your child this month to help promote awareness and kindness.

Book Recommendations

For Younger Readers (Ages 4-8):

• All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer
  A zebra with autism learns that all his "stripes" make him special.

• A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
  Henry is looking for a friend while navigating the classroom in his own unique way.

• My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete
  A story of love and understanding between siblings.

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
  The inspiring true story of scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin.

For Older Readers (Ages 8-12):

• Rules by Cynthia Lord
  A story about family, friendship, and understanding differences.

• Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin
  A young girl on the autism spectrum navigates change, family, and her love of homonyms.

• The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide by Siena Castellon
  A practical and empowering guide for girls on the autism spectrum.

Video Recommendations

Short & Sweet:

• Amazing Things Happen (YouTube – 5 min)
  A friendly, animated introduction to autism.

• Sesame Street’s Julia
  Meet Julia, a Muppet with autism, and learn about friendship and inclusion.

• Autism: See the Amazing in All Children (YouTube)
  A short video celebrating neurodiversity.

Full Episodes:

• Arthur – "When Carl Met George" (PBS Kids)
  George learns about autism when he becomes friends with Carl.

Important Dates

• April 3-11 - No School Spring Break         
• April 14 - Funds for Friends Fundraiser (Score)
• April 17 - Kindergarten Spring Concert
• April 18 - RPS Family Days Open Skate/Soccer       
• April 25 - Student Council Backwards Day     
• April 26 - Parkside Carnival                                                                         
• May 16 - Talent Show/Family Lunch/Field Day 
• See full list of PKS Events on the calendar link:  Parkside Calendar 

PTO Corner

PTO Updates & Announcements

Help Stock the Staff Lounge
Our PTO Staff Appreciation Committee is looking for a few more volunteers to help stock the staff lounge with treats and goodies. If you’d like to contribute, please sign up here:
Stock the Lounge Sign-Up

Spring Carnival Raffle Donations
We’re gathering donations for our Spring Carnival raffle! If you or your business would like to donate an item, please email us at miparksidepto@gmail.com.

Spring Carnival Volunteers Needed
We’re also looking for volunteers (adults and teens) to help at the Spring Carnival. If you’re interested, sign up here:
Carnival Volunteer Sign-Up

Mark Your Calendar
Join us for our last PTO meeting of the year on April 17 at 6:45 PM. We’d love to see you there.

Join Us at Cedar Rock Sports Complex
We’re teaming up with Valley View Elementary for a fun night at Cedar Rock Sports Complex on April 18. Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Mileage Club

Exciting news! Shoe Depot is generously donating a FREE pair of shoes to our top Mileage Club winner this year! Plus, other fun prizes will be awarded to top performers.

We need your help to make this a great experience for our students! Please sign up to assist with punch cards during afternoon recess (1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.). If you are not able to volunteer for the whole recess, 45-minute slots are available.  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DAAAA23A1F5CE9-55945355-recess

We also would appreciate any help on Monday mornings updating the leaderboards as students are eager to see their names moved up each week!

How it works:

• Teachers will hand out punch cards before students come outside.
• Students will check in with parent helpers to start.
• Each time a student completes a lap, parent helpers will punch a foot on their card and cheer them on! 
• Some days vary due to early release schedules.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Mileage Club a success!