Lyseth School Family Newsletter 

The Lyseth staff was so happy to welcome our students back to school! Classrooms were full of energy, smiles, and excitement as everyone settled back into learning routines. 

Our kindergartners wasted no time returning to their reading units, where they are exploring weather patterns and daily temperatures while continuing to build early literacy skills. They are joyfully reading books, blending sounds, and growing as confident readers. First grade mathematicians are hard at work adding and subtracting within 20, with a strong focus on solving one- and even two-step word problems. Third graders are combining reading literacy with financial literacy, making meaningful connections between texts and real-life money concepts.

Across all grades, students continue to build their social-emotional toolboxes through our Purposeful People curriculum. This month, students will be thinking deeply about empathy as they learn how to better understand and care for others.

First graders also had a special treat as they enjoyed a special visit from children’s book author Kyle Lukoff, writer of I’m Sorry You Got Mad. Students loved hearing the story come to life as Mr. Lukoff talked about characters and feelings. The visit sparked thoughtful conversations about emotions and storytelling.

---

Mark you Calendars! Lyseth World Cup is February 13th!

Students have been hard at work practicing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills over the past few weeks. Among other topics, they have been learning about rules, positions, team strategies, and sportsmanship. ALL students grades 3-5 have been invited to participate in this event to culminate their skills. Those who do not wish to play will be spectating and cheering on their friends and classmates. At the end of each session students will have the opportunity to play against the Lyseth Staff Team. Please join us in experiencing the joy and passion that this community brings to the game of soccer!

Date: Friday, February 13th, 2026

Times:
5th Grade (9:30-10:15)
4th Grade (10:20-11:05)
3rd Grade (11:10-11:55)

Location: Lyseth Gym

Who: ALL students Grades 3-5 will either be playing or spectating. Families/friends are welcome to join in spectating! Upon arrival check in with the front office to sign in and then head down to the gym. 

---

Lyseth Needs Your Used Winter Gear!

We are looking for winter gear donations for students, especially snow pants and gloves. We will collect any donated items in the front office. And as always, please feel free to come peek in our lost and found for missing items. 

---

Home Energy Assistance Program Online Application Resources

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include assistance with fuel costs and emergency fuel delivery. You can also qualify for energy-related repairs and utility payments if you are eligible for HEAP.

Click here to fill out the online HEAP application.

https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/home-energy-assistance-program-online-application-resources

https://www.waysidemaine.org/

---

Looking Ahead — Calendar Highlights

Here are some important upcoming dates and events at Lyseth Elementary:

• January 19 - No School - Martin Luther King Day

• January 20 - Trimester 2 Clubs Begin

• February 13 - Lyseth World Cup 9:30-12

PTA CORNER and Upcoming Events

2/1 Lyseth Day at the Maine Celtics 1pm, Portland Expo Center Click here to register for childcare or translation, or to ask a question Time to get your tickets!  2/1 Lyseth Day at the Maine Celtics, 1pm Join Lyseth Elementary PTA for an exciting afternoon of basketball! The Maine Celtics are excited to host Lyseth PTA on Sunday, February 1 at 1 PM as they take on the Westchester Knicks at the Portland Expo! A portion of every ticket purchased will be donated back to Lyseth PTA. All tickets purchased through this special ticket offer will include a FREE Maine Celtics Hat! Visit https://www.gofevo.com/event/LES26/offer to purchase your tickets now. (Don’t wait too long, these events usually sell out.) Successful 1st Lyseth Day at the Maine Mariners on 1/4!  We raised $480 for the PTA and enjoyed post-game skating on the rink with the team. Thanks to everyone who came out, and keep an eye out for next year’s event!! 5/22 - Lyseth Day at the Sea Dogs - Coordinator Needed! Do you love baseball? And helping the PTA? We’re looking for someone to coordinate the outreach and communication about our game day! This is an easy volunteer job that requires only a bit of your attention (1-3 hours total over several weeks) to tend to email and ensure the word is getting out. If you are organized and a good written communicator, we can help you learn the rest! Email fundraising@lysethpta.org to find out more.   For more on the PTA, find us:  On the web: lysethpta.org On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LysethElementaryMEPTA/

---