IRE Families,
This last week of September, brings us to a close with our emphasis on being Open-Minded by trying new things. Next month, we move into our Meridian Mindset of being Courageous, by solving problems. A key emphasis will be showing our courageousness when overcoming mistakes, changing our thoughts in how we approach challenges.
Continue the conversation at home with the question for your child’s grade band:
  • PK–1st: What can you do after a mistake?
  • Grades 2nd–3rd: Which helpful thought or practice strategy can keep you going?
  • Grades 4th–5th: Which habit will help you make progress toward your goal?
Lastly, our kids did an excellent job in practicing our evacuation drill. Feel free to ask:
  • What happened during the evacuation drill, and where did your class go?
  • What did you do to help your class stay safe?
  • How did you feel during the drill, and is there anything you’d like to ask your teacher about it?
Your friendly neighborhood school leadership team,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Assistant Principal
Holly Li, Assistant Principal

When to Stay Home
Families, we want students at school whenever they are well enough to participate. A child who feels a little under the weather can attend if they can take part in normal activities.
Please keep your child home if they have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, tested positive for flu or COVID-19, have vomited in the past 24 hours, have diarrhea with increased stool frequency, or cannot participate in normal activities. Keep them home for an unexplained rash until a healthcare provider says it is okay to return.
If your child has a fever for more than two days, vomiting or diarrhea for more than two days, or symptoms that are not improving, please contact a healthcare provider. Thank you for helping us keep students healthy and learning! Below is our statewide guidance from OSPI.
ospi guidance

IRE Individual Picture Days
Wednesday, October 7
Thursday, October 8
Watch upcoming newsletters for the schedules.
Picture Day - October 7th & 8th

Calling all Parents of Tweens!
The internet is part of everyday life for kids — and so are the risks that come with it. Online predators, exploitation, and harmful content are realities that families in our community aren’t immune to. That’s why we’re bringing this conversation directly to parents.
Brigid Collins Family Support Center presents “Screens & Tweens” — a free prevention training on October 1, featuring Agent Miller from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. You’ll gain real insight into the digital world your child is growing up in and leave with tools to help keep them safer. Join us at our Garden St. Office from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is free and refreshments will be provided!
Screens & Teens, October 1, 10am-12pm Brigid Collins Family Support Center

New K-2 School Counselor
Hi IRE families! My name is Shanda Morales and I am the new K-2 School Counselor! As a School Counselor, one of my roles is to advocate for and support all students. Part of that is recognizing important awareness dates and creating opportunities for our students to learn and celebrate. Each month, our school will have a bulletin board highlighting a different awareness date or month.
Our first board celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15–October 15! This is a time to learn about and celebrate the people, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
On this board, students can explore different people, books, foods, dances, and more as we celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage!
All about bats, WCLS - multiple dates and locations
Winter Coat Distribution. Multiple dates and locations
Spanish - Winter Coat Distribution. Multiple dates and locations

Showing Up Matters: Show Up for Success

As Attendance Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to thank families for partnering with us to support student success. Regular attendance helps students stay engaged in learning and reach their goals. We know that illnesses and unexpected events happen, and we appreciate your efforts to prioritize attendance whenever possible. Together, we can help every student build habits that lead to success in school and beyond. Thank you for helping us show that every day matters. If there is anything we can do to support your child’s regular attendance, contact us.

National Bullying Prevention Month – October

At Irene Reither Elementary School, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Our Meridian Mindsets guide our expectations for students to be caring, courageous, trustworthy and open-minded.
In coordination with National Bullying Prevention Month in October, our school counselors will lead classroom lessons focused on helping make our school a safe and respectful place where everyone can learn.
These age-appropriate lessons are part of the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit. Through this unit, your child will learn specific skills to recognize, prevent and respond to bullying.
Students will learn how to:
  • Recognize when bullying is happening, report it to a trusted adult, and refuse to participate in or support bullying behavior
  • Be an upstander who helps stop bullying
  • Support someone who is being bullied by standing up for them and practicing kindness and inclusion
  • Recognize, report, and refuse cyberbullying when they see it happening or become aware of it
Our staff receive annual training on how to recognize and respond to bullying, support students who have been bullied, address bullying behavior, and use strategies that promote a positive school climate.
If you have any questions about the Bullying Prevention Unit or the Second Step program, please contact your school counselor, Laura Lupo (3-5) or Shanda Morales (K-2).
For more information on our school’s anti-bullying policy and specific procedures, visit our website or contact the school office.
Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn.