Mrs. Beal's Classroom

Hello families — I hope you all have a restful, joyful winter break! Thank you so much for the birthday and Christmas gifts; they made me feel very appreciated and loved. I truly enjoy having your children in my classroom and will miss them while we’re away.

A few quick reminders as the new year approaches:

• Water only (spill‑proof containers): Students may bring water in spill‑proof containers only. Check the container by tipping it — if it doesn’t spill, it’s fine. Disposable bottles with screw lids will no longer be allowed because they’ve caused repeated problems.
• Cold mornings / arrival time: It’s cold this time of year. Students are not allowed inside the building before school starts unless the temperature feels below 20°F. Please encourage your child to dress warmly for outdoor wait time.
• Jackets & sweaters in class: Only jackets and sweaters that meet Quest approval and our dress code are allowed in the classroom. Please review the dress code for details.
• Encourage healthy boredom skills: At school, we’ve noticed students often become unsettled when there’s a short (1–2 minute) wait and they don’t have a next activity lined up. Please encourage your child to practice handling brief boredom by finding quiet, appropriate ways to explore or reflect during short waits — it helps build independence and focus.

I’m looking forward to a wonderful new year together. Thank you for being such positive role models for these children and for your continued support.

Warm wishes for the break — see you in the new year!

Mrs. Beal

Dear Grown-Ups,

I hope you and your students enjoyed the break! A quick heads-up: the Big 4-0 arrives for me on December 4th, when my hips start creaking with the barometer and my wrinkles apply for permanent residency. If you’re feeling generous, tissue donations to our classroom would be appreciated (for dramatic birthday sniffles, of course). 

I’ll be out of the classroom December 8–12 for an “early midlife crisis” (booked via Carnival Cruise Line), and Mrs. Blickfeldt will be here to keep things running smoothly. I’ll return rested, possibly sunburnt, and with a slightly bigger pant size.

Thanks for letting me love your kids!

Mrs. Beal

Great news! We’ve earned 10 class points — so tomorrow, November 20, is a blanket day! Bring a blanket to keep at your desk and stay cozy and warm. See you tomorrow!

Dear Grown-Ups,

We have completed our RISE training test. Tomorrow, we will begin the ELA benchmark test. This assessment will help us understand how much the students have retained from our two units and identify areas where we need to continue focusing.

Please ensure your student gets a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast to perform their best. We have also received last year’s ELA RISE scores, which will be sent home with your child tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mrs. Beal

Our class has earned a party! Students are invited to bring one cozy item—such as a blanket or pillow—to help build their forts, along with snacks to enjoy. Please ensure snacks are easy to eat and clean up (no boiled eggs, rotisserie chicken, etc.). Drinks will be limited to water only.

I hope everyone enjoyed Fall Break! Tomorrow, Oct 21st, we will begin familiarizing ourselves with the Rise system interface for benchmark and end-of-year testing.

Dear Grown-Ups,

Our 5th grade is currently experiencing issues with the Mastery Connect platform, so grades are temporarily showing as zero. We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve it. We expect the system to be up and running by the end of this week.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Also, please keep these important upcoming dates in mind:

• October 7: Picture Retake Day & Cookie Dough Fundraiser ends
• October 13 & 14: Parent-Teacher Conferences and Early Dismissal
• October 15–17: Fall Break

Mrs. Beal

Dear Grown-ups,

Please sign up for parent-teacher conferences on October 13th or 14th. Just a heads-up—these days are early dismissal for the kids.

It’s a great opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and address any concerns you may have. To pick a time that works best for you, please follow this LINK. Reach out if you have any questions. Thanks for your support! 

On Wednesday, September 17th, 5th grade will attend the STEM Fest at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy! Students will enjoy hands-on STEM activities and learn about STEM careers and education.

Important Details:

• Students may come into the classroom starting at 8:20 AM.
• Please be at school by 8:15 AM; buses depart promptly at 8:30 AM.
• We will return to school around 1:15 PM.
• Lunches will be eaten in the classroom after we return.
• Students may bring a small bag with personal items (water bottle, book, cards) for the bus ride—optional.
• No cell phones or electronic devices allowed unless previously approved by the office.
• Students should wear their Quest school uniforms and dress for the weather.
• If you are a chaperone, please note that bus space is limited. Unfortunately, siblings and additional guests cannot attend. We encourage carpooling or driving separately to help accommodate everyone.

Thank you for your support! We look forward to a fun and educational day!

Dear Families,

We’ve had a wonderful first two weeks of school! As we all look forward to enjoying a relaxing three-day weekend with our loved ones, I want to share some important upcoming dates to keep on your radar:

• September 1 – Labor Day (No School)
• September 3 – Picture Day
• September 4 – Early Dismissal
• September 5 – Teacher Workday (No School)
• September 11 – Half-Day Substitute (Mrs. Guinn)
• September 12 – Substitute Teacher (Mrs. Blickfeldt)
• September 17 – STEM Fest Field Trip (Permission Slip Here)

Also, students can now sign up to be Class President for a week and run our class store on Fridays. This is a great leadership opportunity. Please help your student choose a week that works best for them!

We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Beal