Lyseth School Family Newsletter 

Our fourth graders have been doubling up on math learning! To be sure students have plenty of time and opportunities to practice important fourth-grade geometry concepts, classes have been spending extra time exploring the properties of shapes, measuring and comparing angles, and strengthening their understanding of key geometry standards. This additional practice helps build confidence and deeper understanding as students apply their learning in different ways.

 

Meanwhile, our fifth graders have been engaged in thoughtful conversations about kindness and its impact on a school community. Students have been exploring the difference between holding beliefs and taking action, and discussing how everyday choices can contribute to a more inclusive, respectful environment. Kindness has been so evident here at Lyseth School these past couple of weeks—we have truly seen the power and love of our Lyseth community shine through!

 

 

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Access Testing at Lyseth

ACCESS testing is a statewide assessment used to measure the English language development of students who are learning English. It looks at students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and helps teachers understand how students are progressing and what supports they may need in the classroom. We will be administering ACCESS testing this week and next. During this time, some students may be pulled from class in small groups or individually to complete portions of the assessment. We appreciate your support in helping students come to school well rested and ready to do their best.

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Birthdays

Parents/guardians are welcome to send a healthy peanut-free snack such as pretzels, goldfish, or juice boxes for their child’s class in honor of a birthday. You must let your child’s teacher know of your plans in advance. Students may only hand out birthday party invitations at school only if all students in the class are being invited to the student’s personal celebration.

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Mark you Calendars! Lyseth World Cup is Next 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. 

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School Supplies Needed!

Lyseth is in need of the following items:

• Lysol wipes
• Tissues
• Sandwich baggies of all sizes

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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. 

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Portland Public Schools Spanish Immersion Interest Survey

Portland Public Schools is exploring the addition of a Spanish-English dual-language immersion program at one of our elementary schools. This innovative program will give students a unique opportunity to develop fluency in both English and Spanish, beginning in kindergarten. To help us in this exploratory phase, we would like to gather input, gauge interest and review feedback from families and caregivers. Your insights will play a vital role in shaping the direction of this potential new program. Please take a moment to complete this survey by clicking here:

Why choose dual language immersion?

Bilingual proficiency: Students become fluent in both English and Spanish, opening doors to global opportunities.

Cultural awareness: Exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures enhances students' worldviews and respect for diversity.

Academic success: Research shows dual language programs support academic growth, problem-solving and cognitive skills

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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/

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Looking Ahead — Calendar Highlights

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

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

• February 16-20 - School Closed for mid-winter break 

PTA CORNER and Upcoming Events

THIS SUNDAY: 2/1 Lyseth Day at the Maine Celtics 1pm, Portland Expo Center 2/12 Monthly PTA Meeting w/childcare 5:30-6:30pm, Lyseth Library Click here to register for childcare or translation, or to ask a question Thank you Lyseth Teachers!!! Our teachers and staff have been working extra hard lately! With help from a generous donation from Dunkin’ Donuts on Washington Ave, the PTA brought a coffee and munchkin cart around on Wed morning to show some extra appreciation. We love our teachers!!   Craft Night Tuesday February 10th  6:00pm - 7:00pm Lyseth Cafeteria   Join us for a fun filled evening of kids creating fun arts and crafts. for all Lyseth Families and Friends in the Lyseth Cafeteria! Want to help making craft night a success? This year we are looking for volunteers to help run tables with a PTA provided craft! We will provide an example of each craft and any necessary instructions that go with it. We also have space for any families who want to sponsor and run a craft table!  https://volunteersignup.org/9XH7H   The Lyseth PTA is excited to offer 2025-2026 Yearbooks for purchase to all Lyseth Students!  The Yearbook includes school photos of every grade, class candids, student artwork, photos from around the school, and a special section dedicated to our 5th Grade Students! Order yours today using the link below! **Attention 5th Grade Families!** Every 5th Grade Student will be gifted a memory book from the Lyseth PTA at the end of the year celebrations, but we do offer student dedications and love lines which can be purchased using the link below!  Memorybook Online Pay School Code: 971627M For more on the PTA, find us:  On the web: lysethpta.org On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LysethElementaryMEPTA/

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