Lowell School founded in 1913 – Principal Nick Smith

Dear Lowell Community,

It has been a wonderful start to the school year and it is hard to believe that we are just a few short weeks

away from the end of our First Quarter and Parent-Teacher Conferences. While there have been many

highlights, one of the greatest has been seeing the excitement our students have demonstrated for

returning to school and their eagerness to learn. During the first month we have focused on getting to

know your children, identifying where they are academically and providing instruction to meet their

needs. As we move into the fall, our staff will continue this to help each child find success.

With Parent-Teacher Conferences just around the corner, we are going to try something new this year for

scheduling and signing up for your child’s conference. In an attempt to streamline the Parent-Teacher

Conference process and to allow you more control over when your child’s conference is scheduled, we

are utilizing a new online tool called Sign Up Genius. Our hope is that you will be able to pick the time

slot that is convenient for you and your schedule. If you need time slots back to back for multiple

children, you will want to go into the website and sign up for your preferred date and time as soon as

possible. An email will be sent out with additional information and instructions on how to sign-up. We

hope that you will find this an easy, more effective way in which to schedule Parent-Teacher

Conferences.

In looking forward to the month of October, it is going to be a busy month! Please take a moment to

review the key dates and events listed in this newsletter and mark them on your calendar. I look forward

to seeing all of you at our Fall Carnival and during Parent-Teacher Conferences!

Your Principal,

Nick Smith

Principal’s Den

October 2015

PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2015

Lowell Fall Carnival!!!

The Annual Lowell Fall Carnival, which is sponsored by our Lowell PTSA, is scheduled for Friday, October 16th from

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. If you have an extra hour to volunteer, please contact our PTSA President, Kersten Wingate-

Smith, at kwingatesmith@cableone.net. The only way we are able to pull off a great

carnival for our kids is through the awesome help from our parents. Ticket pre-sale will run

Wednesday the 14th and Thursday the 15th before and after school in the courtyard and on

Friday the 16th before school only. Ticket prices are 5 tickets for $1 during presale and 4 for

$1 at the carnival. We will also be having a cake walk at the carnival. If you are able to

send either a baked item, a grocery store baked item or a sweet treat on Friday before school,

it would be greatly appreciated. The class with the most baked goods will win extra tickets

for their class! Bring baked goods to the conference room closest to the office, and please

remember that they need to be wrapped and labeled with your teacher’s name.

Oct. 1st Teacher In-Service Day—No School

Oct. 2nd Teacher In-Service Day—No School

Oct. 7th Class Pictures

Oct. 8th Parent Teacher Student Association Meeting (PTSA)—4:00 PM in the Library

Oct. 16th Fall Carnival—5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Lowell Playground

Oct. 22nd Parent Education Night—The Toolbox Project— 6:30 to 7:30 in the Lowell Gym

Oct. 23rd End of First Quarter—Early Release at 1:45 PM

Oct. 26th - 29th Lowell Library Book Fair

Oct. 28th Parent Teacher Conferences—Kindergarten No School

Oct. 29th Parent Teacher Conferences—No School K through 6

Oct. 30th No School

Lowell Elementary Important Dates and Events

Lowell Elementary Community unites to ‘Save the Moon

Tree’

By Pattie Hennequi, Lowell Elementary Parent

This article was originally published in the Summer 2015 Edition of the North End News which is pub-

lished by the North End Neighborhood Association (NENA). The North End Neighborhood Association

has also supported and contributed to the restoration of the Lowell Moon Tree, the Lowell Garden and the

Lowell Music Park.

Nearly 45 years ago, the Apollo 14 moon mission launched into space, carrying with it 400 tiny seeds. The

tree seeds orbited the moon 34 times and upon their return to Earth were tucked into soil and carefully

germinated. The resulting tree saplings were spread across the country and the world.

Two of the trees found their homes in Idaho. A sycamore was planted at the University of Idaho but has since

died. The second, a loblolly pine, was planted on the grounds of

Lowell Elementary at 1507 N. 28th St. That historic tree is now

struggling, and the school community has rallied to nurture it back

to health.

Earlier this year, I read the story of the Moon Tree on Lowell’s

webpage. After reading the story, I was excited to learn that

Lowell has one of the few living Moon Trees left in our nation.

When I visited the tree, I was saddened to discover that this

national treasure suffers from dehydration, an overly compacted

soil bed, and an infestation of pesky insects.

This was when the school focused its efforts to save the Moon

Tree! Arborists at Idaho Tree Preservation generously offered to

donate their time, expertise, and equipment to help save the Moon

Tree. In addition, students at Lowell Elementary are being

organized to assist in the effort. Students will learn, participate,

and observe in the process through hands-on work. It’s grown into

so much more than just saving a tree.

The Lowell Moon Tree has received growing support from the community. Our loblolly pine is in need of an

estimated 275 gallons of water each week. A FINE grant from NENA will assist the school with these costs.

The effort to save the Moon Tree would be lost without the support of NENA and the team at Idaho Tree

Preservation. Lowell is so grateful for your support.

Lowell’s Moon Tree was planted as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration in 1977. Lowell was chosen

because the son of Gov. John Evans was a student there at the time.

As the trees made their way to different locations, President Gerald Ford sent a telegram to Moon Tree

ceremonies across the country. These Moon Trees are “living symbols of our spectacular human and

scientific achievements. It is a fitting tribute to our national space program which has brought out the best of

American patriotism, dedication and determination to succeed. May this young tree renew our deep-rooted

faith in the ideals of our Founding Fathers, and may it inspire us to strive for the kind of growth that benefits

our own citizens and all mankind.”

If you have additional information about the Moon Tree at Lowell, would like to support its journey back to

health, or would like to volunteer your time and efforts in its support, please contact Lowell Elementary

parents Pattie Hennequin at pattiehennequin@gmail.com or Casey Badasci at cbadasci@gmail.com.

PAGE 3 OCTOBER 2015

PAGE 4 OCTOBER 2015

The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires schools who receive Title I funds to notify

parents of the Highly Qualified Status of our staff and to employ teachers who are considered “highly quali-

fied” as defined by the law. In Idaho, a teacher is considered “highly qualified” if the teacher has obtained full

State certification as a teacher or passed the State teacher licensing examination and holds a license to teach in

Idaho. At Lowell Elementary, all of the teachers that work with your children are “highly qualified” as

defined above.

If you have any questions regarding the qualifications of your child’s teacher, please feel free to contact Mr.

Smith. For additional information about the federal highly qualified teacher requirements, please visit the

Idaho State Department of Education website at https://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/teacher_certification/HQT/.

Lowell Elementary Teachers are Highly Qualified!

Join the Lowell Parent Teacher Student Association!!!

Please show your Lowell school spirit by joining our PTSA! The PTSA supports and has provided funding for the

following:

Music Park

Fall Carnival

Courtyard Remodel

Outside Reader Board

Special School Year Events

Fall Dinner

Yearbook

AR Reading Program

Teacher and Student Appreciation

Feel free to attend our monthly PTSA meetings which are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month in the school

library at 4:00 PM. It is only $10.00 to join and you will see a form attached to this Newsletter. You can also get it

from the Lowell website at Lowell.school.boiseschools.org, click on PTSA and PTSA Home.

For more information on Lowell’s PTSA, please contact Kersten Wingate-Smith, Lowell PTSA President

208-761-4097 / kwingatesmith@cableone.net.

Eight Habits of the Heart

Character Trait of the Month: Responsibility

Within the community, dependability is being there for

others through all the times of their lives, a steady

influence that makes tomorrow a welcome event.

— Clifton Taulbert

A Note From The Counselor

The 2015-2016 school-year is well under way! Classroom guidance lessons will focus on Strategies for School Success to assist students with getting back into the school routine. Topics vary by grade

and may include themes of goal-setting, conflict resolution, organizational skills, and time management. My objective is to provide students with tools and strategies necessary for them to

have a successful and rewarding school year.

As a school counselor, it is imperative that I help every student be the best student he or she can be; this includes working directly with students, as well as collaborating with families and staff.

Please contact me if there’s anything I can do to help your child feel more successful!

Dave Sica, School Counselor dave.sica@boiseschools.org

854.5487

Family/Community Resources:

Self-Rescue Manual City of Boise Parks & Recreation

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho Just for Kids

Boise Public Library YMCA Youth Programs

Boise School District Parent Education Idaho Kincare Resources

Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is getting to be that time of year when you and your family may be needing some extra help. For those that

qualify, there may be rental assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, help with connecting to community

resources, clothing/school supply assistance, and all around help with problem solving your needs at home.

Please feel free to contact Gia Trotter, the School Social Worker/Community Resource Worker, for

questions. My office hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 4:15pm. Call 208-900-7031 to

schedule an appointment.

Social Worker’s Welcome

PAGE 5 OCTOBER 2015

Thank You to the Assistance League of Boise

Operation School Supplies (OSS) is a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Boise (ALB). OSS

has been providing school supplies to the children of Ada County since 1996. This year we are able to

provide 94 elementary, middle, junior high, charter and alternative schools with approximately $82,000 worth

of school supplies. The 12,642 students selected by school counselors or teachers will receive supplies which

include crayons, erasers, pencils, pens, glue sticks, rulers, notebook paper, spiral notebooks, paints, felt

markers, and colored pencils and other items.

ALB is a member of the National Assistance League® and we are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization

that puts caring and commitment into action through philanthropic programs in Ada County. Other ALB

programs include: Operation School Bell®, Teen Retail, History in the Bown House, Cinderella’s Closet,

Project Hearing, Baby Bundles and Empowering Youth.

Funds for our programs come from community donations, private contributions, grants, and the operation of

ALB Thrift Shop at 5825 Glenwood Ave. The public is invited to visit our Thrift Shop, and to support our

programs by donating good quality used clothing and small household items.

Assistance League® of Boise

P.O. Box 140104, Boise, ID 83714

377-4327

PAGE 6 OCTOBER 2015

© 2014 Dovetail Learning, Inc. www.dovetaillearning.org

THE

TOOLBOX Building Resilience, Self-Mastery, & Empathy

Lowell Elementary Parent Education Night

Lowell Elementary will be holding a “Toolbox Parent Education Night” as listed below. At this event, you will receive more information about the Social-Emotional Learning curriculum being taught in some of the classrooms in your child’s school, the “Tools,” how they work, and tips on how to use them in parenting. The Tools are simple, but they are not easy. They require practice, practice, and more practice. We invite you to support your child in learning and practicing these Tools at home and talking with them about what they are learning about the Tools in school. You might also think about how you could use the Tools to make parenting easier. You are your child’s most important teacher. By learning together about the Toolbox Tools at home, you are helping your son/daughter, and us, create a happier, healthier school community together. Please join us for more information!

When: Thursday, October 22, 2015 Where: Lowell Elementary Gym

Time: 6:30- 7:30

Please address any questions or concerns to Mrs. Carson at (208) 866-5944 or becky.carsoneisenman@boiseschools.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lowell PTSA Membership Form 2015­2016 Thank you for your participation in the Lowell Parent Teacher Student Association! 

Please attend our Fall Carnival, Fall Dinner, and other PTSA sponsored events this year. 

Volunteer forms are available now! 

We would like to encourage at least one person per family to join the PTSA. Please fill out the following information and include a check payable to Lowell PTSA, cash, or money order for $10.00 per member: the dues include $2.25 National, $5.25 Idaho, and $2.50 Lowell. 

1) First and Last Name: __________________________________ Mailing Address w/zip code: _________________________________ Contact Phone Number: __________________ Adult ___ Student ___ Email Address: ________________________________________ 

2) First and Last Name: __________________________________ Contact Phone Number: __________________ Adult ___ Student ___ Email Address: ________________________________________ 

3) First and Last Name: __________________________________ 

Adult ___ Student ___ 

4) First and Last Name: __________________________________ Adult ___ Student ___ 

5) First and Last Name:___________________________________ Adult ___ Student____ 

Which teacher may we send your membership cards to go home to you? 

Teacher: ___________________ Student: ____________________ 

Please total the dollar amount you have included $______. cash ___ or check __ 

For more information about your membership, visit www.PTA.org or www.IdahoPTA.org or the PTA page at www.Lowell.School.BoiseSchools.org.  

Your PTSA membership lasts until October 31, 2016. Thank you! 

Please complete and return to a teacher or the front office with your dues. 

2015 – 2016 Arrow Rock Wrestling Club

Folkstyle, Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling For boys and girls, ages 5 years – 18 years. Wrestlers participating at the Junior High and High School levels may compete in dual meets and tournaments after school season has

ended. ***BIRTH CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR FIRST YEAR WRESTLERS***

Registration and First Practice and Dates, Times & Locations

Boise High School Oct. 19 6:00 – 7:30pm (Registration & First Practice) Timberline High School Oct. 20 6:00 – 7:30pm (Registration & First Practice) Registration will be held in the High School Wrestling Rooms. Practice will be held every Monday and Wednesday at Boise High and / or Tuesday and Thursday at Timberline High. You may attend as many practices as you like!

The Arrow Rock Wrestling Club is chartered by: USA Wrestling and NUWAY/IDAWAY.

The cost is $100 for the entire year! (Family Discounts Available)

This cost includes: Membership with the Arrow Rock Wrestling Club

IDAWAY & USA Wrestling Card ($100,000 insurance) Club Tee Shirt

Professional Coaching

Coaches: Carla Enrico (Director) (208) 965 – 7881 Manny Enrico (Boise) (208) 965 – 7882

Jim Nutt (Timberline) (208) 342 - 9061 (day time) For more information: info@arrowrockwrestling.com

Arrow Rock Wrestling Club was established in 1998.

This is our 17th year in Boise!

FOR GIRLS AGES 8 - 13

Self-Esteem

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH 201510:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

BORAH HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM & CHOIR ROOM

RSVP BEFORE OCT. 5TH ATSHIMMERSPARKLESHINEPROJECT@GMAIL.COM

OR 720-335-0232

Shimmer Sparkle Shine Project

Workshop

shimmersparkleshineproject.org

IRS Donation Receipt Guidelines - a donation less than $250 in value does not

require a receipt where it is impractical to get one. (for example, making a donation at

a charity's unattended drop site –a personal record of donation including location,

date and value of donation is acceptable.)

EVERY DONATION MAKES MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL

EVERY DONATION SUPPORTS THE IDAHO YOUTH RANCH

AND MAKES MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL

LOWELL ELEMENTARY