8.22.25 Staff Blog

Welcome Back!  I hope you have had an amazing summer. I look forward to seeing you again and getting back to our work together in support of students. 

A big shout out to our Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teachers, Melodee and Sheryl as well as Nicole, Micaela, Jennifer, and Jim for making Kindergarten Academy such a success. Welcome to these new Wolves!!!

As always, there is not another team I would rather be a part of as we engage in this complex and joyful work.  Grateful for you!

Quick Look: 

August 25-29	Certificated Opening Schedule Classified Opening Schedule
Thursday August 28th	Back to School Night 4:30-5:00- Students and families visit classrooms and drop off supplies. 5:00-5:30- Popsicles and socializing on the playground.
Wednesday September 3rd	First day of school for grades 1-8 (full day)
Wednesday September 3rd	Cascade Cafeteria (9:15-10:00): Coffee Tea and Company for caregivers of students in grades 1-8.
Monday September 8th	First day of school for Kindergarten students
Monday September 8th	Cascade Cafeteria (9:15-10:00): Coffee Tea and Company for caregivers of students in Kindergarten.
Wednesday September 10th	Early Release Wednesday
Thursday September 11th	8:05 Staff Meeting in the Library
Friday September 12th	(Tentative) Picture Day- This is a change from our originally scheduled picture day which falls during Rosh Hashanah. If 9/12 is no longer available, we will stick with 9/23 and utilize our picture make up day for anyone who stays home on 9/23.
Monday September 15th	Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
Wednesday September 17th	Early Release Wednesday
Thursday September 18th	Equity Team Meeting- 8:05 (Location TBD)
Thursday September 18th	Community Meeting- Cascade Cafeteria (7:00-8:30)
Monday September 22nd	Rosh Hashanah Begins
Wednesday September 24th	Early Release Wednesday
Thursday September 25th	MTSS Team Meeting- 8:05, Main Office Conference Room
Monday September 29th	Journey to Fall Camp
Tuesday September 30th	Grades K-5 to Fall Camp
Wednesday October 1st	All students return from Fall Camp Early Release Wednesday
Thursday October 2nd	No Meetings- Day after Fall Camp

*for more information, see below

STAFF MEETING SCHEDULE:HELPFUL

I have added all of our staff and team meetings to our shared CK-8 calendar.  In case it is helpful for you to have a list, I am linking it here.  Please note that this is a living document, so printing it out may lead to confusion (especially with snow closures or other delays).  I recommend either bookmarking it, or making it your practice to frequently check our Systems and Procedures document where it is linked under the heading “schedules”.  As a reminder, that Systems and procedures document is linked at the top of the blog each week. 

COMMUNITY MEETING SIGN UP: ACTION

Please consider signing up to present a mini lesson at a community meeting.  Families have given very positive feedback each time our staff is willing to share the amazing work we are doing with students. The presentation does not need to be long (10-15 minutes), and will be at the start of the agenda in case you need to leave afterwards. 

HICAP K SERVICES TIMELINE:HELPFUL

UPDATED LISTS of ELIGIBLE STUDENTS FOR 25-26 - AVAILABLE NOW!

To help you with your planning for next year, the Highly Capable Department has updated the master spreadsheet of eligible students for the 25-26 school year.  

• Below are spreadsheets of Highly Capable Students by School for the 2025-26 School Year

• Please make note of those students who have NO PARENTAL CONSENT in Column “L”. 

• Until the HiCap office receives parental consent, that student cannot receive hi-cap services.

• Consent forms can be found on the Highly Capable website

NOTE:

This spreadsheet is live and will reflect changes as students are identified during the summer testing session. Make sure to check your school spreadsheet at the end of August for updated lists of students eligible for services or class placements.

25-26 Eligible Students

Cascade

---

PTSA GRANTS:HELPFUL

Grants are back!!  Here is the information you will need:

Here is a grant link.  Cascade K-8 PTSA Grant Application - Google Forms

This year we have $5K in grants available for use in the 24/25 school year budget.  Any staff that has interest in applying can fill out the application form.  It will be reviewed by the Finance Committee and recommendations will be presented to and voted on during RepBod meetings.  All funds must be used before the end of the school year.

The purpose of this program is: To nurture creativity and enthusiasm by awarding grants to members of the Cascade K-8  community to benefit the students in unique ways that improve or enrich their learning experience,  when funds are not otherwise available.