Cheetah Chatter! February 13, 2026

Posted Date: 02/13/26 (03:57 PM)

Celebrating Kindness Week!

Monday, February 16 – Friday, February 20

At Reed Elementary, we believe that "Kindness is a superpower!" During Kindness Week, our Cheetahs will be focusing on how small, intentional acts of care can make a big difference in our school and community.

Throughout the week, we will be highlighting "Random Acts of Cheetah Kindness." Teachers and staff will be on the lookout for students who go out of their way to help a friend, include someone new at recess, or offer an encouraging word.

AVID, Thank you for supporting at home!

It’s fantastic that we have so many families reinforcing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies at home! These "hidden curriculum" skills—like organization, critical thinking, and reflection—are what bridge the gap between "doing school" and truly learning.

🎓 AVID: Small Habits, Big Results!

At Reed Elementary, we aren't just teaching subjects; we are teaching students how to learn. Through AVID, our Cheetahs are mastering skills that will carry them through high school and into their future careers.

You don't have to wait for the school bell to ring to practice these habits!

Here are three simple ways to bring AVID into your home this week:

1. The "Two-Sentence" Learning Log

After school or before bed, ask your child: "What is one thing you learned today?" * The AVID Twist: Have them write a quick, two-sentence summary in a notebook. This forces the brain to move from "memorizing" to "summarizing," which is a massive boost for long-term memory.

2. Gratitude & Reflection

A key part of AVID is the "Growth Mindset." Help your student stay positive and reflective by keeping a Gratitude Journal.

The Habit: Once a week, have them write a short note about someone they are thankful for or a challenge they overcame.

3. Cornell Notes (For our 4th & 5th Graders)

When your child is reading for fun or studying, encourage them to use the "three-section" paper method:

The Notes: Main details and facts.
Key Words: The "Big Ideas" or questions about the topic.
The Summary: The "Bottom Line"—if they had to explain this to a friend in 10 seconds, what would they say?

Why it matters: These tools help students process information more deeply, turning them into active thinkers rather than passive listeners.

Big Al's Birthday Party Package Fundraiser

Enter to win a Big Al's Birthday Party Package worth $480!

Every raffle ticket sold will benefit teachers and students in the Kuna School District

When you purchase tickets, select the elementary school you would like to support. Each school will receive 50% of the sales of their tickets!

https://bit.ly/kef-big-als

The Talent Show is coming!

If your 4th or 5th grader is auditioning for this year's talent show, please encourage them to practice! Auditions are coming up on February 18 and 19. We can’t wait to see our Cheetahs talents shine!

Dual Language Program Information Night

Dual Language Program Information Night

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Reed Elementary Cafeteria

Program Details & Applications

Target Audience: Families with children entering Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year.
How to Apply: You can find more details and access the application via the school's Dual Language Program webpage.

4th Annual KSD College and Career Fair

Join us for the 4th Annual KSD College & Career Fair, designed for students in grades 5–12 and their families! Explore 100+ colleges, universities, trade schools, military branches, and local employers—all in one place.

February 25, 2026

Kuna High School Gymnasium

637 E. Deer Flat Rd., Kuna, ID 83634

Event Schedule:

5:00–6:30 PM: Grades 5–8

6:30–8:00 PM: Grades 9–12

Raffle prizes just for participating!

Food Trucks: Off the Grid Pizza & Rusty Dog Corn Dog

Questions?

Laura Turner – lturner@kunaschools.org

Kim Riggs – kriggs@kunaschools.org

Lots of prizes, food, and fun—don’t miss it!

Ready for Kindergarten Parent Workshop

Is your little one preparing to start school? Join us for an informative Ready for Kindergarten Parent Workshop designed to help families navigate this exciting milestone! This session will provide valuable tools and insights to ensure a smooth transition for our future students.

Event Details:

Location: Reed Elementary School
Focus: Preparing children and parents for the kindergarten experience.

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, meet other families, and learn how to support your child's early academic journey. We look forward to seeing our future Cheetah families there!

Cell Phone and SMART Devices

Reed is a learning zone. We want to have uninterrupted instruction time and we want kids to be able to play with each other.

For that reason, we have any student with a cell phones or a smart device turn them off and leave them in their backpacks during the school day (except for documented medical uses).

Smart watches can be used as watches or tools (example: the calculator function), but not as a cell phone (example: texting).

If a student is using their phone or smart watch while on campus, we have them bring it to the office for the rest of the day. If they do it a second time, we have them bring it to the office and keep it there for a parent to pick up.

Please help us protect instruction and social interaction time.

Keeping Our Community Healthy

Dear Cheetah Families,

There is a lot of sickness going around. Just a friendly reminder that your child needs to be fever free and improving symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.

Picking Up Students Early

Just a friendly reminder....

If you need to pick up your child early, please call the office by 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and by 12:30 PM on Wednesdays.

This allows us enough time to locate your child, as schedules often change throughout the day and students may be in specials, recess, or other activities. Calling ahead ensures your child is ready and waiting when you arrive.

Thank you for your cooperation and helping us keep dismissal smooth and safe for all students!

Food Service and Food Allergies Information

Our Child Nutrition Program (CNP) is sharing this reminder about procedures regarding student food allergies and account information:

Allergy Accommodations

A current medical statement must be on file in order to accommodate any meal-related allergies.
Without this documentation, we cannot provide allergy accommodations.

Following Medical Statements

When a medical statement is on file, we must follow it exactly as written.
Any changes or deviations require updated documentation from the parent or guardian."

The CNP website is listed below. The form is called Meal Accommodation Form. It is available in English and Spanish.

https://www.kunaschools.org/nutrition

Important Dates

February 15: National SRO Appreciation Day

February 16: No School (President's Day)

February 16-20: Kindness Week

February 18: SPOT Drawings

February 19: Popcorn Sale Before School

February 19: KMS/FMS Music Tour (5th grade only)

February 19: Reed Panda Express Fundraiser

February 27: End of Trimester 2

Overhead view of a school parking lot with directional arrows for drop-off and pickup.

Pick Up, Drop Off, and Parking Lot Safety

Safety of your child(ren) is our priority. Please pick up and drop off your child in the designated areas.
NO drop-off/pick-up in the bus lane.
No traffic or parking allowed in the bus lane.
Please pull forward as far as you can. Students will use the sidewalks to get to the building/playground at the beginning of the day and again to get to you car at the end of the day.
If you plan to walk up to pick up your students, please park in a parking spot in the parking lot and use crosswalks.
Drop off may begin no earlier than 8:30 AM.
Use designated cross walks to access the parking lot or playgrounds.
Be patient, especially as we start the school year and the pick up/drop off routine are new to many families.
Call the office by 2:00 PM if there will be a change in the way your child will normally go home so the teacher can be made aware of the change in plans.