When learning something new, it's normal to go through the dip. At first, things feel exciting and new. Then, as the material or skills get more challenging, we may feel stuck, confused or frustrated. That's the dip! The good news is, the dip is actually a sign of real learning! Our brains are stretching, making new connections and working hard to move knowledge from short to long term memory. Practice, Persistence, and Support moves us out of the dip!
A Note From the Principal
What a delightful start to the school year. The hallways are once a gain filled with the buzz of students and we are diving into new learning adventures. I've been impressed by the enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our teachers and the warm support from our families. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our students have the best possible start. Here's to a year full of growth, joy and success. Sincerely, Deanna Carpenter, Principal
Sept. 2025
Stewart News
The Learning Dip
You Do Make a Difference
Saturday, Sept. 27 2025 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fun for the whole family! $10 wristbands - all games, cake walk, pop toss, bounce houses $1 food and raffle tickets
Stewart Carnival
Student Helpers
Looking Ahead
Oct. 3 - Marathon ends Oct. 8 - End of Quarter 1 Oct. 9 - No School, Teacher Inservice Oct. 10 - No School, Teacher Inservice/Workday Oct. 13 - Quarter 2 begins Oct. 14 - Site Council & PTA Oct. 15 & 16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, Scholastic Book Fair Oct. 16 & 17 - No School, Oct. 29 Picture Retakes Oct. 30 - Gr. 2 Music Program Oct. 31 Halloween Parade/Parties
Belonging is the feeling that we’re part of a larger group that values, respects, and cares for us – and to which we feel we have something to contribute. We know our contributions are valued because others rely on us for work. Students at Stewart help with jobs in the classroom by sharpening pencils, being a line leader or helping charge the class chromebooks. Within the school we have helpers who set up lunchroom tables, tutor younger students and take down the flag daily. It is heartwarming to see students helping out and feeling that sense of belonging here!
Stewart PTA Meeting
President: Keshia Bean Vice President: Rachael Hlad PTA Email: grace.stewart.pta@gmail.com
News from the Lunchroom
PTA Meetings - "Parents and teachers coming together for their students." Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Who: You! Open to all parents and teachers What: Meet to discuss upcoming events and make decisions When: Second Tuesday of each month 7:00-8:00 p.m. Where: Stewart Elementary Library Why: To make a difference in our school!
I hope everybody had a great first few weeks of school! Here are some lunchroom reminders: Adult lunches are now $5.50. Milk is .75 We kindly ask that fast food or soda not be brought into the lunchroom. If you would like to bring fast food in for a special occasion, just let us know and we will be happy to arrange a space to eat elsewhere in the building. Angie McClain, Lunch Lead Grace E. Stewart Elementary School
Parent Responsibilities: Make sure your child understands that completing a marathon takes hard work and dedication. If your child is going to participate, they must be dropped off by 8:05. All students must be dropped off at the front of the building. Students may NOT be dropped off at the side parking lot. We will let students in through the front doors at 7:50 a.m. to make sure they are properly supervised. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately - running attire and tennis shoes.
Here’s what you need to know: The program will start August 25 and end October 3. All students are invited to participate. All adult family members are welcome to jog/walk with their child each morning. This activity will be held each morning from 7:50 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. No one will be allowed to start their jogging/walking after 8:05 a.m. We will have adult supervision around the track to ensure the safety of your child. Prizes will be awarded for each 5 miles completed. A modified marathon will be available for students with health or disability issues. Students who eat breakfast at school will walk/jog first and then get a grab-and-go breakfast to eat in the classroom.
Marathon Information 2025
To give credit to where credit is needed, the title of this newsletter note came specifically from an article I recently read on healthychildren.org. The concept is simple. A healthy lifestyle is first learned at home and this 5-2-1-0 approach is a fantastic base to build healthy habits for a lifetime. The following are great goals to strive for in building the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. The article recommends the following: 5 fruits and Vegetables per day 2 hours or less of screentime each day 1 hour of physical activity per day 0 limit sugar-sweetened drinks As parents, we do have a responsibility to help set the standard for our children, so they can begin to understand at home what healthy choices look like. Let’s be good role models for our children and their friends. Let your child help you choose fruits and vegetables for meals when you are shopping together at the grocery store, or let them simply pick the fruit or vegetable to serve as you are preparing the evening meal. When kids have “buy in” they are more likely to eat what they have chosen. Be creative with how time is spent before and after school, encourage physical activity and personal responsibilities. Help your child set a time limit on a timer BEFORE they get on their devices. I encourage you to set the limit on a timer that is audible. Your child will learn to understand when the timer has gone off, it is time to move on to a different, more physical activity. Playing together, whether it be outside riding bikes or taking walks, inside playing a card game, coloring together or shooting “baskets” in the laundry basket with rolled up socks as you fold laundry together can all be fun ways to connect with our children. Water is the absolute best drink for all of us to consume. Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, and water is vital for our cells to function properly. Every organ, including our brain, needs water to do its job. Water helps regulate our body temperature, helps our joints stay lubricated, helps with digestion and helps us absorb nutrients that are vital to survive. Let’s cut back on the sugary drinks and drink more water for longevity! Amy Kahmeyer BSN, RN Stewart Elementary School Nurse amy.kahmeyer@usd305.com phone (785) 309-4456 fax (785) 309-4451
Healthy Active Living for Families: The 5-2-1-0 Approach
Did you know our school social workers can now assist families with Presumptive Eligibility (PE) enrollment? PE provides temporary Medicaid coverage for children and pregnant individuals who appear to be eligible, giving access to important health services while the full application is being processed. If your family is in need of health coverage or you're unsure where to start, our social workers are here to help guide you through the process. It's quick, confidential, and can make a big difference in ensuring your child stays healthy and supported. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact your school's social worker directly. We're here for you!
We strive to be the best place to learn. The only way we can improve is to know about concerns so we are able to address them. Here are some tips for communicating with your child’s school when concerns arise. The fastest way to a positive result is to start with the people closest to the situation in the school. Talk with the teacher or coach about your questions and concerns before going to the principal. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to teachers and school staff by: Calling the school’s phone number. Because they are teaching, you often will need to leave a message for your child’s teacher or coach. Emailing the teacher or coach directly. All teacher emails are available on our school website. We want to be responsive to parents’ questions and requests for information. Our staff will respond to your call or email as soon as possible, in most cases within two school days. If you have had a conversation with your child’s teacher and the principal and are still needing assistance, the director of elementary or secondary programs will be able to provide additional support. We are excited for this new school year and look forward to partnering with you to support a great school experience for your student.
Need Health Coverage? Our School Social Workers Can Help!
Steps to Success: Communicationg with Your Child's School
Screen Your Student for Symptoms of Illness
Greatness Grows When You're Here!
It is important to screen your student for illness every day before coming to school. Keep your student at home if sick with any illness. By making sure students are healthy when they come to school, we all can help prevent illnesses that disrupt learning. Thank you for your support!
Our district is launching a district wide attendance campaign to reinforce the importance of school attendance and to support families in helping every student achieve their personal best. Did you know that missing just 2 days a month for any reason, whether excused, unexcused, or due to suspension, can add up to a student being chronically absent? Chronic absence (missing 10% or more of the school year) can cause students to fall behind academically and feel disconnected from school. As partners in your child’s education, we encourage you to help build strong attendance habits by setting consistent routines. scheduling appointments outside of school hours when possible, and avoiding vacations or trips when school is in session. If your child will be absent, please communicate with the school, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our school counselor or social worker if you have any concerns. They are here to support you and your student. Together, we can help all students grow and succeed because greatness truly grows when you're here!
#305GrowsGreatness
Deanna Carpenter - Principal Erin McCorkle - Assistant Principal Teresa Nelson - Secretary Main Office Phone Number: 785-309-4450
Stewart Elementary
School Website
District Website
1 - Labor Day/No School 9 - Site Council 6:15 p.m. PTA 7:00 p.m. 19 - Individual & Class Photos 27 - Stewart Carnival
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#theStewartDifference
Contact Us
@USD305
Unified School District #305 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District #305 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, ADA, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Unified School District #305 Executive Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 797, Salina, Kansas 67402, 785-309-4726.