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Weekly Newsletter

FOR THE Week OF: October 5, 2026

Mon - No School/ Prof. Learning/Tues - Day 1/Wed- Day 2/ Thurs Day 3/ Fri-Day 1/ 

This week:

  • Oct 5 - No School/ Prof. Learning
  • Oct 5 - Fall Conference Sign Up goes live at 8AM 

Times for Central 

  • Start Time: 7:50 AM
  • School doors open: 7:35 AM
  • Dismissal Time: 2:50 PM

Supply List for Central 2026-27.

Message from the Principal

At Central, we utilize the Leader in Me framework to teach and model character, leadership, and team-building skills. Leader in Me language is embedded throughout our school culture every day. We intentionally set aside time to teach these concepts during Morning Meeting, a daily time when classes gather to share, reflect, and learn together.

Below is a quick overview of the 7 Habits we focus on with our students and staff:

  • Habit 1: Be Proactive (I’m Responsible for Me)

  • Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind (Have a Plan)

  • Habit 3: Put First Things First (Work First, Then Play)

  • Habit 4: Think Win-Win (Everyone Can Win)

  • Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood (Listen Before You Talk)

  • Habit 6: Synergize (Together Is Better)

  • Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (Balance Feels Best)

Bringing the 7 Habits Home

To help reinforce this common language at home, here are a few questions you can ask your child:

  • Be Proactive: How were you proactive today?

  • Begin with the End in Mind: What is your "end in mind" for this project or task?

  • Put First Things First: How can you put first things first in this situation?

  • Think Win-Win: What would be a win-win solution for both of us?

  • Seek First to Understand: I want to hear your thoughts first, then I’ll share mine. How do you know when someone is truly listening to you?

  • Synergize: How can we work together on this?

  • Sharpen the Saw: How would you like to sharpen your saw today?

Check out these family activities for fun ways to connect these leadership habits at home!

Please take a moment to celebrate your child’s teacher by completing our quick Celebration Form. When you fill out this simple form, a personalized certificate will be created and shared directly with the teacher. You can even have your student fill out the form with you! 

Whitney Longtin- Principal

Fall Conferences

Fall Conferences will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, and Thursday, October 22nd, from 1:15 to 7:15 pm with an early dismissal of 12:50 PM on each of those days. Just a reminder for Preschool families that AM Preschool will attend from 7:50 -9:50 AM and PM Preschool will attend from 10:50-12:50 PM, on Tuesday, October 20th and Thursday, October 22nd. 

We will use MyConferenceTime to schedule our conferences. Conference times go live October 5, at 8 AM.  To schedule a Family Teacher conference time: Go to  https://www.myconferencetime.com/northpolk/

Again, we want to encourage all families who have multiple children, to not sign up for back to back times to ensure a maximum conference time with each teacher. 
To schedule your preferred time for a parent teacher conference please follow the instructions below:

Find the desired date/time for your conference by clicking on "Sign Up"
Submit the requested information. 


Once you click on the time, the site will prompt you to enter in your students name and your email address for the email notification and reminders.
If you have any questions please contact the office at 515-984-3400 x2300.

Picture Retake Day

Picture retake day is Thursday, October 15, at Central from 10-12:15PM.   If you need to get your picture taken because you were absent or wish to retake please bring back you package you ordered.

Service Learning Ideas?

We are so excited to be diving into some service learning projects as a school this year. If you have an organization or community project that is near and dear to your heart, please let us know! Please reach out to Alyssa Wendzel at alyssa.wendzel@northpolk.org with your suggestions to be considered for a potential project.

ABSENCE/DISMISSAL CHANGES

New this year: If your student will be late to school, absent for the day, or leaving school early, please notify the school by emailing ceattendance@northpolk.org or calling 515-984-3400, ext. 2300.

Please be sure to contact the school as soon as possible regarding any attendance or dismissal changes.

Yearbook Order 

Don't forget to order this year's yearbook!

Please note: all 3 elementary schools are in the same yearbook.
The order form link will say Central, but they are all together.
Your student's yearbook will go to their classroom in the spring.
Please remember to put their teacher to allow for easier distribution.
Click Here to Order This Year's Yearbook!
Not sure if you've ordered a yearbook? You can always check your order status here.

Central PTO Info

Next PTO meeting is October 13, Central Library at 6PM 

Here is the link for PTO membership information.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook @North Polk Central Elementary PTO

 North Polk Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts are hosting a DIY lava lamp night at the Polk City Community Library on Wednesday, October 21st. 

Launch her sense of wonder into real discoveries. At Girl Scouts, she'll experiment, collaborate, and learn to lead with confidence. Explore the power of friendship and teamwork with her!

Girls can create DIY lava lamps & learn about joining Girl Scouts at this free, hands-on event. All are welcome; grown-ups are required to attend with their girls. RSVPs required for supply inventory: https://www.girlscoutsiowa.org/en/get-involved/join/membership-event-rsvp.html 

Wednesday, October 21, 5 - 6 pm

Polk City Community Library

1500 W. Broadway, Polk City, IA 50226

Events & Activities 

Check every week for new sign-ups.  Here are  the latest North Polk events and activities! 

https://www.northpolk.org/our-district/community-events

Little Comet Cheer Clinic   https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260910072126208c8a04f41543b48/register

Looking Ahead...

  • Oct 13 - PTO Meeting at Central Library 6PM
  • Oct 15 -  Picture Retake Day/ Starts at 10 AM- 12PM
  • Oct 20 - Am Preschool 7:50 - 9:50AM/ PM Preschool 10:50-12:50PM
  • Oct 20 - 2Hr Early Out/12:50 Dismissal
  • Oct 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:15-7:15 PM
  • Oct 22 - Am Preschool 7:50 - 9:50AM/ PM Preschool 10:50-12:50PM
  • Oct 22 - 2Hr Early Out/12:50 Dismissal
  • Oct 22 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:15-7:15 PM
  • Oct 23 - No School / Prof. Learning
  • Oct 25 -  PTO Trunk or Treat HS parking Lot /3-4 PM
  • Oct 30 - Fall Parties
  • Nov 2 - No School/ Prof. Learning
  • Nov 25-27 - No School/ Thanksgiving Break

 

 

Upcoming Events: