Cheetah Chatter! January 9, 2026

Posted Date: 01/09/26 (03:07 PM)

Happy New Year!

Dear Cheetah Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a restful and joyful Winter Break.

There is something truly special about being in education—we are lucky enough to celebrate the New Year twice! While the calendar turned on January 1st, returning to school feels like a second fresh start for our community.

As we settle back into our routines, we are filled with anticipation for the months ahead. We look forward to all the learning, laughter, and growth that will take place in our classrooms before the school year concludes. Every day is an opportunity for a new discovery, and we are genuinely excited to see what this year brings for each of our students!

Thank you for your continued partnership and for sharing your children with us. Let’s make the rest of this school year wonderful.

Warmly,

Mrs. Moore

Clarification for 6th-12th Grades Early Release Next Week

We want to provide a quick clarification regarding next week's schedule. Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 16, are early release days for students in grades 6-12 only.

Secondary students will be dismissed early to complete their end-of-semester activities and finals. Grades K-5 will remain on their normal full-day schedule those days.

You may find the updated 2025-26 calendar and school year calendars for 2026-27 & 2027-29 on our website: https://www.kunaschools.org/calendar

Keeping Our Community Healthy: A Partnership

Dear Cheetah Families,

As we return to school following Winter Break, we know that many different viruses are continuing to circulate, and we are asking for your help to keep our students and staff healthy and in school. The health and well-being of our entire community is our top priority!

A key to maintaining a healthy environment is a strong partnership between home and school. Please help us by encouraging your child(ren) to practice these simple yet effective health habits:

Hand Washing: Please encourage them to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Hydration: Ensure they are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Cover Coughs: Remind them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
Rest: Emphasize the importance of getting plenty of rest each night.

When to Stay Home

We know it's hard for students to miss school, but it is critical that if your child is not feeling well, they must stay home. Students and staff who come to school sick spread germs to others, causing widespread illness and making it harder for those who are sick to recover quickly.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone!

AVID Return-to-School Activities

As students return from winter break, you can use these AVID-inspired activities to help them transition back into a school mindset while reflecting on their time off. These ideas focus on organization, writing, and inquiry:

1. Organization & Goal Setting

Backpack & Binder Refresh: Have students spend time reorganizing their school binders and backpacks. This "refresh" helps them start the new year with a clean slate and better time-management habits.
Post-Break Planner Update: Encourage students to update their family events calendar and create a new "to-do" list for the upcoming week to build responsibility.

2. Writing & Reflection

Gratitude Letters: Ask students to write thank-you notes or emails to people they spent time with over the break. This practices clear, warm communication.
Holiday Reflections: Use a journal prompt where students write about a challenge they overcame during the break or something they are proud of from the past year.

3. Inquiry & Curiosity

"Ask 5" Challenge: Have students generate five curiosity-driven questions about things they saw or did over the break.
Mini Research: Let students pick one winter tradition or scientific topic (like how snowflakes are formed) to research for 10 minutes and present to a partner.

Winter Weather Dress

Time to Bundle Up! Recess Reminders

The cold weather is officially here! We believe that getting outside for fresh air and movement is essential for our students, even in the winter. Therefore, we plan to hold recess outdoors as long as the temperature is 18 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

To ensure your child stays warm, dry, and healthy during outdoor time, please make sure they come to school each day prepared with the following:

Warm Coat: A heavy coat suitable for cold weather.
Hat and Gloves/Mittens: These are essential for keeping heads and hands warm!
Scarf or Neck Gaiter: To protect the neck and chest.
Warm Pants: Snow pants are encouraged on snowy or very cold days.
Boots: Necessary for keeping feet dry in snow or slush.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please write your child's name clearly on ALL belongings! With so many winter items coming off and going on for recess, things often get lost and misplaced. Labeling coats, hats, mittens, boots, and backpacks is the best way to ensure that lost items make it back home to your student quickly.

If your family needs assistance with obtaining any necessary winter clothing, please contact the school office, and we will be happy to help connect you with resources.

Picking Up Students Early

Just a friendly reminder....

If you need to pick up your child early, please call the office by 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and by 12:30 PM on Wednesdays.

This allows us enough time to locate your child, as schedules often change throughout the day and students may be in specials, recess, or other activities. Calling ahead ensures your child is ready and waiting when you arrive.

Thank you for your cooperation and helping us keep dismissal smooth and safe for all students!

Food Service Information

If you are in need of assistance with school breakfast/lunch, please contact Heather Martinez in Food Service. Her email address is Hmmartinez@kunaschools.org.

You can also apply through the online application .

Food Service and Food Allergies Information

Our Child Nutrition Program (CNP) is sharing this reminder about procedures regarding student food allergies and account information:

Allergy Accommodations

A current medical statement must be on file in order to accommodate any meal-related allergies.
Without this documentation, we cannot provide allergy accommodations.

Following Medical Statements

When a medical statement is on file, we must follow it exactly as written.
Any changes or deviations require updated documentation from the parent or guardian."

The CNP website is listed below. The form is called Meal Accommodation Form. It is available in English and Spanish.

https://www.kunaschools.org/nutrition

Important Dates

January 14: Spot Drawing

January 15: Popcorn sales

January 19: No School

January 22: School Store

January 23: PTO Bingo Night

Overhead view of a school parking lot with directional arrows for drop-off and pickup.

Pick Up, Drop Off, and Parking Lot Safety

Safety of your child(ren) is our priority. Please pick up and drop off your child in the designated areas.
NO drop-off/pick-up in the bus lane.
No traffic or parking allowed in the bus lane.
Please pull forward as far as you can. Students will use the sidewalks to get to the building/playground at the beginning of the day and again to get to you car at the end of the day.
If you plan to walk up to pick up your students, please park in a parking spot in the parking lot and use crosswalks.
Drop off may begin no earlier than 8:30 AM.
Use designated cross walks to access the parking lot or playgrounds.
Be patient, especially as we start the school year and the pick up/drop off routine are new to many families.
Call the office by 2:00 PM if there will be a change in the way your child will normally go home so the teacher can be made aware of the change in plans.