January is the perfect time for a fresh start. As routines return after the holidays, helping children ease back into schedules can make a big difference. Re-establish regular bedtimes, morning routines, and health habits to set a positive tone for the months ahead. A little encouragement and consistency now can help your child stay motivated, confident, and ready to learn all year long.
A Note From the Principal
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope your winter break was filled with rest, laughter, and maybe a little extra chocolate. January is all about new beginnings, setting goals, and jumping back into routines. Thank you for being supportive and amazing parents. Together, we'll make 2026 a year full of growth, kindness, and success. Stay warm! Sincerely, Deanna Carpenter, Principal
January 2026
Stewart News
Back to Routines
You Do Make a Difference
Students and staff will attend a birthday party on January 16! It will be held in our gym to celebrate our school's opening on January 18, 1960. We will have cupcakes for refreshments and students and staff should wear their Stewart shirts to show their Cougar Pride. Our school's history... Our school was scheduled to open on January 18, but due to a big snowstorm, it didn't open until January 19 for students. The first day 180 students in kindergarten through fifth grade attended Stewart. They were originally going to Heusner School. Sixth graders stayed at Heusner for the rest of the year. Stewart was on the edge of the country when it opened. South of our playground were farm fields and across the street at Roach and Wayne was a little pond. The street was made of dirt. When school started in September of 1960 there were 287 students. There were 340 students by May. That caused the wing where fourth grade is now to be built, along with a cottage. It was occupied in early 1961. In September of 1962 there were 548 students. Construction was started on the wing where we now have first and second grades. It was occupied in early 1963. The next phase of construction at Stewart happened the summer of 1992. That is when the rooms where the fifth grade is located were built. The completion of the new wing, which consisted of kindergarten (currently preschool), the multi-purpose room, music and art was 2002. The students now attend school in well-ventilated heated and air-conditioned classrooms. The latest update began in 2016 with the addition of the current kindergarten rooms, the Cougar Cave (storm shelter), secure entryways and renovations to the office and numerous classrooms. The highest enrollment was in 1964 when there were 660 students. Grace E. Stewart's current enrollment is 403. We hope you enjoyed this history of Stewart. A special thank you to PTA for providing the treats for our party.
Happy 66th Birthday! Grace E. Stewart School
The Stewart fourth and fifth Grade Choir recently performed with the Salina Symphony Youth Choir. This was our first year having a choir at Stewart! Our students sang beautifully showing teamwork, excitement and pride representing our school.
Stewart Choir
CREW - CURIOUS
A Look Ahead...
Feb. 4 - Parent/Teacher Conferences Feb. 5 - No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences Feb. 6 - No School Feb. 9 - No School Feb. 10 - Site Council 6:15 p.m. PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. Feb. 13 - Valentine Parties
Curiosity is at the heart of great learning. When students ask questions, explore new ideas, and wonder “why,” they deepen their understanding and build confidence as learners. By staying curious, we turn everyday lessons into opportunities for discovery and growth. Parents can support curiosity at home by encouraging questions, exploring answers together through books or conversations, and showing enthusiasm for learning something new alongside their child.
Keep Your Child Healthy and in School
Please review your student’s food service account balance regularly to keep your account current and prevent overdue payments. To view your current balance, log into Skyward Family Access and click the Food Service Tile. You may pay in person at your school, district office, or online in Skyward:https://skystu.usd305.com/StudentSTS
Daily attendance is essential to help your child stay on track and engaged in learning. Please send your child to school each day they are feeling well enough to participate in classroom activities. Many mild symptoms do not require students to stay home. Children can still attend school if they have: A mild cold (such as a runny nose or cough) Watery eyes without fever, eye pain, or redness of the eyelids A mild stomachache A mild rash with no other symptoms Have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication Unsure if your child should stay home? Additional illness guidelines are available on our website at www.usd305.com. As a reminder, please call your school office to notify them anytime your child will be absent. Greatness grows when you’re here!
Skyward Family Access
#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 - No School, Winter Recess 2 - No School Winter Recess 5 - No School, Teacher Inservice 6 - Classes Resume, 3rd Quarter Begins 13 - Site Council 6:15 p.m. PTA 7:00 p.m. 16 - Celebrate Stewart's Birthday 18 - Stewart's 66th Birthday 19 - No School 30 - PTA Bingo Night
January Calendar
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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.