Bears Bodega Shopping Days for Scholars
Friday, November 6 & Friday, December 4
Scholars can spend their Bears Bucks at our school incentive store!
November Family Newsletter
Leah Kuruzar • November 4, 2026
A Message from Mr. Gavin
As we head into November, the month of gratitude, I want to share what our scholars will be learning during their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) block this month, along with a look back at the important lessons from Bullying Prevention Month.
Grades K–5: The Sadness Spot
This month, our K–5 scholars will read A Little SPOT of Sadness by Diane Alber. They will learn that sadness is a normal feeling that everyone has. Scholars will practice naming sadness when they feel it and finding healthy ways to help it feel smaller, like talking to someone they trust, taking deep breaths, or doing something kind for themselves. We want scholars to know it's okay to feel sad and that they never have to carry a big feeling alone.
At home, you might ask: "What does your sadness spot look like? What helps it feel smaller?"
Middle School: How Failure Can Help You Succeed
Our middle school scholars will look at how mistakes and setbacks help us learn and grow. Through discussions, real-life examples, and reflection, scholars will learn that failing at something doesn't mean they are a failure. Every successful person has struggled first. Our goal is for scholars to build resilience, take healthy risks, and keep going when things get hard.
At home, you might ask: "Tell me about a time you made a mistake and learned something from it." Sharing one of your own stories can help a lot too.
Looking Back: Bullying Prevention Month
In October, our Student Services team taught scholars what bullying is and how to respond to it.
What is bullying? Bullying is unkind or hurtful behavior that is done on purpose, happens again and again, and involves an imbalance of power, where one person has more power than the other because of size, popularity, or other reasons. A single argument or a one-time mean comment is hurtful, but it is usually a conflict, not bullying. Bullying is a pattern of behavior aimed at the same person over time.
Scholars learned about four types of bullying: verbal, social, physical, and cyber. They also learned that if they see or experience bullying, they should speak up, walk away, and tell a trusted adult right away.
How to report bullying:
- Scholars can log into Clever to make a report, or fill out a paper report form in their classroom.
- Caregivers can use the Bullying Report Form on our website.
Every report is taken seriously.
When we name our feelings, treat mistakes as chances to learn, and stand up for one another, we build a school community where everyone feels safe and valued. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our Student Services team: our counselor, Mrs. Hibschman, our social worker, Ms. Shayla, or our Director of Culture, Mr. Crowder.
Thank you for partnering with us to help our scholars grow, both academically and emotionally!
Onward,
Mr. Gavin
School Principal
Learn more +
Get ready to gobble! On Friday, November 20, families are invited to our Gobble Gathering, a special fall lunch with their scholars. Come share a meal, enjoy time together, and celebrate the season of gratitude with our school community.
- Who: Families
- When: Friday, November 20, during your scholar's lunch period
- Guests: Each scholar may bring two guests, so grab a grandparent, an aunt, or a family friend and join the fun!
- Little ones: Siblings age 2 and under do not count toward the two-guest limit. Meals are provided for two guests only.
- Before you come: Every guest must RSVP and complete a background check ahead of time.
We can't wait to gather with you!
Program
Body Safety Lessons
Teaching scholars to stay safe and speak up.
More Information for CaregiversLearn more +
We’re partnering with the Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide to teach body safety lessons in all K–8 classrooms. These age-appropriate lessons teach scholars what healthy, respectful relationships look like, how to spot situations and behaviors that could be dangerous or abusive, and how to get help from a trusted adult.
- Who: All K–8 scholars
- When: Thursday, November 12 or Friday, November 13, depending on the classroom
- Opting out: A letter and an opt-out form were sent home last week. If you do not want your scholar to take part, please return the opt-out form to our counselor, Mrs. Hibschman, before the lessons begin on November 12.
If you have questions about the lessons, please reach out to Mrs. Hibschman.
Program
Penguin Patch Holiday Shop
Scholars can holiday shop for their friends and families!
Learn more +
Our scholars will have the chance to shop for their family and friends at our Penguin Patch Holiday Shop! With over 100 unique gifts priced from just $0.25 up to $12, there’s something special for everyone on their list.
- Who: All scholars
- Before the shop: On Wednesday, November 18, each scholar will bring home a letter about the shop and a budget envelope for their gift list. Scholars must bring the envelope back to school on their shopping day.
- Monday, November 30: Scholar Preview Day
- Tuesday, December 1: Grades K–3
- Wednesday, December 2: Grades 4–6
- Thursday, December 3: Grades 7–8, plus any shoppers who missed their assigned day
- Friday, December 4: Shop closed
Happy shopping!
Event
Winter Celebration Concert
Celebrate the season with music, cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from the big guy himself!
Learn more +
Celebrate the season with us at our Winter Celebration! Our 2nd grade, 4th grade, and middle school music scholars will take the stage alongside our 3rd grade performing arts classrooms for a festive musical performance. We'll also have a special guest appearance from Mr. Mason's K–2 Music Club!
After the show, stay for cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from the big guy himself! 🎅
- Who: All families are welcome!
- When: Thursday, December 10, 5:30–7:00 PM
- Where: Emma Donnan
- Performers: 2nd grade, 4th grade, and middle school music scholars, 3rd grade performing arts classrooms, and Mr. Mason's K–2 Music Club
- Two events, one day: Earlier that afternoon, from 3:00 to 3:40 PM, families are invited to our After-School Clubs Showcase. The Winter Celebration is a separate event that evening.
Bring the whole family and celebrate the winter season with us. We can't wait to see you there!
IMPORTANT DATES
Upcoming Events
Swipe or scroll sideways to see what’s coming up.
Scholar SEL Survey
Friday, November 13
Scholars will take our monthly SEL survey during the school day.
Quarter 2 Progress Reports
Wednesday, November 18
Progress reports go home today. They are yours to keep, so no need to sign or return them!
November Birthdays
Thursday, November 19
We’ll celebrate November birthdays with ice cream! Want to bring something special? Contact your scholar’s teacher first.
Thanksgiving Week Schedule
Monday, November 23 – Friday, November 27
Remote learning November 23–24, with packets due Monday, November 30. No school November 25–27.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
<Remote Learning Day - Synchronous> Election Day
4
6pm <Sports> MS Futsal Game AWAY
5
6pm <Sports> Elementary & MS Basketball Game AWAY
6
7
8
9
6pm <Sports> MS Futsal Game AWAY
10
11
12
6pm <Sports> Elementary & MS Basketball Game AWAY
13
14
15
16
7pm <Sports> MS Futsal Game AWAY
17
18
<Grades> Q2 Progress Reports
<Grades> Q2 Progress Reports
19
6pm <Sports> Elementary & MS Basketball Game AWAY
20
21
22
23
<Remote Learning Day - Synchronous>
<Remote Learning Day - Synchronous>
7pm <Sports> MS Futsal Game AWAY
Show all
24
<Remote Learning Day - Asynchronous>
6pm <Sports> MS Basketball Game AWAY (Elementary Canceled)
25
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
26
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
27
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
<No School> Thanksgiving Break
Show all
28
29
30
1
6pm <Sports> Elementary & MS Basketball Game AWAY
2
3
4
5
After-School Programs
After School & Athletics
Swipe or scroll sideways for the latest updates.
Coming Soon!
After-School Clubs Showcase
Mark your calendars for our After-School Clubs Showcase on Thursday, December 10, from 3:00 to 3:40 PM!
Coming Soon!
Girls Basketball & Spirit Squad (Season 2)
Sign-ups open the week of November 30, and tryouts for Girls Basketball and Spirit Squad Season 2 are the week of December 14.
GRADE LEVEL NEWS
What's Happening in K-2?
Updates from Mrs. Cowan, K-2 Assistant Principal
Power School
Families all of our school forms are digital through our Power School Parent App. When there are field trips we do not send home paper forms they must be signed digitally. If you do not have the app please consider downloading it. If you need assistance please contact the front office.
1st Grade Zoo Field Trip
We are so excited that are 1st graders will be visiting the zoo on November 10th. Please keep in mind they will be outside so please plan accordingly with the cooler weather. (possibly a long sleeve shirt under their uniform shirt, light jackets, tennis shoes).
Assessments and Attendance
Friday is a very important day for us as we assess in Fundations student progress towards the skill they are learning. We also progress monitor for DIBELS to see progress as we approach MOY testing (in December). This data is also used to plan intervention to ensure kids are getting what they need. Please be sure your scholar is in attendance everyday!
Celebrations
We are celebrating SMART choices. Every Friday scholars that are on Green/Blue the whole week are being shouted out in CREW, awarded Bears Bucks, and chose from Mrs. Cowan's treasure box. I am so exited to announce that our first week we celbrated 128 students out of 141 for SMART choices. We will continue to celebrate student successes along with being in uniform (shirts with Adelante or Emma Donnan, no sweat pants, no crocs), strong attendance, student responsibility (returning/completing homework, returning folder daily with OSOS tracker) and making academic growth. Thank you for support and being apart of the K-2 Crew.
What's Happening in 3-5?
Updates from Ms. Nigam, 3-5 Assistant Principal
Remote Learning Days
This quarter is flying by! We have remote learning days on 11/3, 11/23, and 11/24. Scholars will receive work that will be completed at home and returned following the break. More information will be provided by your scholar's homeroom teacher as we get closer.
Scholar Experiences
Some exciting things coming up, we have 3rd grade scholars in Mrs. Tate's class participating in their Kids Dance Outreach showcase on 12/10. 4th grade is headed to Franklin College for a field trip on November 11th.
What's Happening in 6-8?
Updates from Ms. Hills, 6-8 Assistant Principal
8th Grade: Onward to High School
Our 8th grade scholars have been working with our school counselor, Mrs. Hibschman, to explore their career interests and find high schools that would be a good fit for them. This Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30, we will host our High School Fair for 8th graders and their families. This is a great opportunity to connect with high schools across the city and learn which high school is best for your scholar. Our goal is to have every 8th grader enrolled in a high school by February.
8th Grade: 21st Century Scholars Program
On Thursday, November 19, 8th graders will meet with a representative from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to learn about the 21st Century Scholars Program and whether they are eligible for it. Be on the lookout for more information.
Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home on Wednesday, November 18. You do not need to sign and return them. They are for you and your scholar to keep so you can see their progress so far this quarter.
Remote Learning Days
Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24 will be remote learning days. Scholars will receive work to complete at home and return after the break. Your scholar’s homeroom teacher will share more information as we get closer.
Around Emma Donnan
Swipe or scroll sideways to see highlights from the past few weeks.
Our 8th grade scholars explore their interests and future careers at their High School Lunch and Learn sessions.
Our 3rd graders visited Marian University to learn about the college experience!
Teamwork makes the dream work! Two of our Video Game Club scholars team up for their next win.
5th grade teacher Mrs. Alex works with two of her scholars to help them reach their learning goals.
Hands-on learning at Conner Prairie! Our 2nd graders got up close with the animals, including this friendly goat.
Community Resources
Our vibrant community offers an abundance of resources and a diverse array of events designed to engage and enrich the lives of our members. From educational workshops and networking opportunities to recreational activities and cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.
Franciscan Health - Thanksgiving Assistance - Nov. 5
Franciscan Health is offering Thanksgiving help for families facing food insecurity in central and northwest Indiana.
Groceries will be distributed per family on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Attendees must present valid proof of Indiana residency.
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Franciscan Health Sierra Fresh Start Market Food Pantry, 1040 Sierra Drive in Greenwood.
November Food Events - Office of Public Health and Safety
Locations HereThe OPHS Division of Community Nutrition & Food Policy is hosting several food distribution events throughout November.
Mark your calendars and share with a neighbor who could benefit from free groceries!
The People's Food Program - Nov. 14th
RSVPThe People's Food Program
Providing turkey and sides for the whole family!
- November 14th
- 10AM - 4PM
- Church of the Living God, 7206 E 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46226
Center Township Community November Events
Upcoming EventsFrom family events and community programs to opportunities to connect with the Trustee's Office and your neighbors, there is something for everyone.
Check out the events happening in Center Township this month!
See what’s ahead this October at Adelante Schools, with details on Fall Fest, an important update for families, upcoming dates, and more.
September is packed with opportunities to connect at Adelante Schools, including Picture Day, the Book Fair, Literacy and Global Studies Night, and more.
May at Adelante Schools is filled with celebrations, end-of-year events, and moments that recognize the hard work and growth of our scholars this school year.
