As the year winds down, December is a wonderful time to reflect, connect, and celebrate. Let’s remember the importance of kindness, gratitude, and togetherness, both at school and at home. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind this season:
Attendance Matters – Every day counts! While we understand the excitement of the holidays, let’s finish the year strong with consistent attendance.
Stay Engaged – Encourage your child to enjoy learning while balancing the holiday fun. Reading books, engaging in creative activities, and practicing skills at home are great ways to keep their minds active.
Holiday Spirit – This is a season of giving and caring. Let’s model empathy and generosity by participating in school or community service opportunities.
Self-Care – Amid the busyness, don’t forget to take time for family moments, rest, and reflection.
Thank you for your partnership and support in making Leitch Elementary a place where every child thrives. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year!
Warm regards,
Principal Rancap-Perez
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Movie Night Make Up
December 5
School Site Council Meeting
December 17 @ 3pm in Room 4
ELAC Meeting
December 19 (Virtual)
Minimum Day
December 20
Winter Break
December 23-January 3
School Resumes
January 6
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observance
January 20
Lunch
We eat lunch outdoors daily unless it is raining. Please make sure your students have layered clothing as it can get cold during the winter months.
Fun Extras for Families
Festive Activities to Enjoy Together
Keep the holiday spirit with these fun and simple ideas:
Craft Corner: Create paper snowflakes, holiday cards, or a gratitude chain where everyone writes something they’re thankful for.
Winter Reads: Cozy up with a good book. Check out these family-friendly titles: Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner or We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen.
Holiday Recipe: Make a simple treat together, like hot chocolate with marshmallows or sugar cookies for decorating.
Community Cheer: Take a walk or drive to look at neighborhood lights, or leave kind notes for neighbors to spread joy.
School Breakfast/Lunches
ALL Leitch students will have access to free meals here at school regardless of their family's economic need. Students will be asked every morning if they are going to get a school lunch so we can order the correct amount of food.
Please communicate with your child if you would like them to get a school meal and if they need meat or vegetarian. TK/K students are welcome to come through the lunch line and grab a lunch but there is no lunch supervision for TK/K students they will need to eat with a parent/guardian off campus.
Breakfast will be served daily in the MUR for any interested students. Breakfast serving will start at 7:45. Students should arrive early so that they have time to eat. Students will be supervised while they eat and will be either released to recess when finished or if they are TK/K they will be walked to class. For menus and more information please use this link.
Drop Off and Pick Up
James Leitch Elementary and the Fremont Police Dept. are teaming up to make the school area safer. If you're dropping off or picking up your child, please follow these rules:
- The Valet Lane is closed during the school day, so it's not available for TK/K parents dropping off or picking up students.
- Enter the Valet Lane on Fernald St. and pull all the way forward.
- Have your child ready to get out on the passenger side. Make sure their backpack is ready and they’re wearing their shoes.
- A volunteer or staff member will help your child get in and out of the car. Your child should not exit the car without this help.
- After dropping off or picking up, drive slowly out of the valet lane and turn right on Warren. Turning left slows traffic and is unsafe.
- On Warren, go all the way to the stop sign to make a U-turn. Don’t turn left or make a U-turn before the stop sign.
This system is meant to improve traffic flow and prevent accidents. You can still park and walk your child if you prefer. Please follow these rules to help keep everyone safe.
Crosswalks and Sidewalks
Crosswalks
Please cross at marked crosswalks to stay safe. Crossing Fernald Street anywhere else, especially between parked cars, is very dangerous.
Sidewalks
Always use the sidewalks around the school. Walking through the staff parking lot behind parked cars is risky for both students and parents.
Parking at School
School parking lots are for employees only and are marked as “Staff Only.” It is also very important that you DO NOT park in the lots across the street or in the housing lot next to the school on the south side. These belong to the residents and they will contact the police to tow your vehicle. You may only park in designated areas on the street or in the parking lot located at the corner of Fernald St. and Warren Ave. We strongly urge you to use our valet system for dropping off and picking up your child that is available at 8:05 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.
