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Florence January Newsletter

Posted Date: 01/05/26 (05:24 PM)
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Florence Elementary Newsletter

January 2026

Two snowmen stand side-by-side in the snow, wearing knitted hats and scarves.

Dear Florence Elementary School Community,

Happy New Year! As we step into January, it's the perfect time to reset and set new goals for ourselves and our students. This month, we have some exciting events lined up that promise to enrich our students' experiences and foster a sense of community.
 

Upcoming Events

1/14: 4th Grade Trip to Austin

Our 4th graders will embark on an educational adventure to the capital, where they will learn about government and history firsthand. This trip is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with their civic education. There will be a 4th-grade parent meeting on Tuesday, 1/6/2026, at 5pm.
The Texas State Capitol building stands majestically under a clear blue sky.
Martin Luther King Jr. speaks to a large crowd during a historic march.

1/19: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

We will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day off on January 19th. This holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of equality, justice, and service to our community. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to practice acts of kindness. Here are some suggestions for how your family can celebrate this day:

  • Volunteer Together: Spend time helping at a local shelter or community organization.
  • Random Acts of Kindness: Encourage your child to do something kind for a neighbor or friend, such as writing a note or helping with chores.
  • Discuss Kindness: Talk about the importance of kindness and how small actions can make a big difference in someone’s day.

1/20: Little Panthers Reading Event at Florence

Join us for the Little Panthers Reading Event on January 20! This free, early-literacy program, in partnership with the Mesquite ISD Library Services Department, is designed for families with children ages birth to five. Enjoy stories, songs, and hands-on activities that promote early learning in a fun, engaging environment.
No registration is required, so bring your little ones and help us foster a love for reading together! Check the calendar for details on location and time. We can’t wait to see you there!
A crowd of silhouetted people raise American flags against a sunset sky.

1/27: 3rd Grade Patriotic Program

Join us on January 27th for the 3rd Grade Patriotic Program, where our students will showcase their talents and express their love for our country through songs and performances. It’s a wonderful chance for families to come together and celebrate our shared values. More information to come.
 

Support from Home

The I-READY logo above a diverse group of cartoon children and fantastical creatures.

How can You Help from Home?

iReady: As we begin this new year, we encourage all students to complete their iReady lessons at home. These lessons are designed to reinforce what they learn in class and help them reach their academic goals. Our goal for students is to complete 2 Math and 2 Reading lessons per week.

We also invite parents to touch base with teachers to ensure that students are actively participating in class and to find out how they can support their learning at home. This support can include:

  • Academic Supplies: Ensure your child has the necessary materials to complete their assignments effectively.
  • Behavioral Support: Encourage a positive learning environment at home, where students can focus and thrive.
 

Attendance Matters

Did you know?
• Too many absences in preschool and elementary school can cause children to struggle socially and academically.
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
• Missing 10% of school (2 days each month) can make it harder to learn to read and do basic math.
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school — and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool and through elementary school so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day, is important.

What you can do
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.
• Monitor your child’s absences.
• Try to schedule nonurgent medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school nurse or health-care provider for advice. Ask the teacher for ideas to support missed learning time. Chronic absence is missing 2+ days every month over the course of a school year.

Chronic absence is missing 2+ days every month over the course of a school year.

Engagement and volunteer opportunities

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Contact information

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:


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