Letter on School Safety

Dear Parents:
 
The recent events in Florida have been difficult for all involved in our school. I am particularly aware of the feelings that we share as parents when we see coverage of these tragedies. As a Principal, I recognize this, and I am more than willing to sit down with anyone to discuss what we are doing as a school to improve safety. While we recognize that we can do more, and are happy to accept feedback in order to improve, we also recognize the complexity of this challenge. To that end, we have developed a comprehensive safety plan. This plan is fluid and regularly reviewed and updated. The plan is reinforced through faculty discussions and practice drills. Over the last few years, our school has added a variety of safety measures to improve our efforts, and we will continue to do so.
 
As a school, we want to recognize the excellent working relationship we have with our County Sheriff.  Over the last few years, they have been in our school every single day. They come often; they come randomly, and they are often here multiple times throughout the day. They have participated in lock down drills with us, and most importantly, they know us and our students.
 
While physical security is always a priority, we have also placed a large focus on creating an emotionally safe learning environment. The inclusion of Play Works has allowed us to identify students in need of additional support and give them that support in a fun and nonthreatening environment. The program has drastically reduced the number of students who are struggling to find a place to belong at Midway. We continue to use school-wide procedures and classroom presentations as a means of teaching students to encourage kind behaviors and to cope with unkind behaviors that they may encounter. We have also added a variety of programs and services over the last few years to help students who are struggling with being kind or to help those who have had others be unkind to them.
 
While the recent events have been tragic, I still firmly believe that school is the safest place children can be. My number one priority as principal is working to ensure that safety. I recognize that our faculty cannot do it alone, and I appreciate the support our school receives from this community. Together we can continue to make Midway Elementary a positive and safe place for children. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I appreciate the partnership we enjoy between school and parent, and look forward to continuing to work with you to help your children learn and grow.
 
Sincerely,
Brian Thorne, Principal
brian.thorne@wasatch.edu 


School Library Fundraising Update
We are steadily working toward our goal of $50,000 for improvements to the school library! We received some new donations last week online and at recent literacy events at the school - thanks to those who have contributed so far! 

Donate to this important project that will enhance learning for all students at our school. Students and parents can also donate coins and cash to fundraising jars that will be in the main office. 

Below are some books donated by Deseret Book, coordinated by Andrea Frisby of the PTA. We're excited for new books in the library and can't wait to add more!

*Also, check out literacy tips on our website under Wrangler Literacy. 


Preschool Lottery Underway
Preschool lottery applications are being accepted through March 2. Click here to learn more and apply!


Carnival Volunteers Needed
The Carnival is in one week!! We still need more help for the Wrangler Reading Carnival on Feb. 26. We have all the supplies, games and prizes ready to go, so volunteers just need to be there and help run the games and activities. It's a really fun day for the kids and adults too! Sign up here.


Wrangler Reading, Week 4
We have one week left of Wrangler Reading! Encourage your kids to finish strong by completing their forms and turning them in this Friday so they can earn their final tickets for the carnival.

Also, the top two kids who read the most from each class (over the whole month) will win a prize.

Week 4 Forms (due Friday):
View and print Week 4's form in English and in Spanish. *The pages change every week and are different according to grade. 

Contribute to News from the School

Have any news or pictures to share with the school community? Please contact Sarah Severson by Friday if you would like something to be included in the following Sunday email: sarahseverson10@gmail.com.

Let us know if you have any comments, questions, suggestions, etc. about the weekly emails!