4550 High Point Blvd. 

Eight Mile, Alabama 36613

Ph: (251) 221-1436 / Fax: (251) 221-1438

Mr. J. Branch, Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome to Cheetah Connect! This newsletter is designed to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with all the great things happening at our school.

Inside, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, celebrations of student and staff achievements, and helpful reminders to support our students’ success. Our goal is to strengthen communication between home and school and ensure you always feel informed and connected to our learning community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we make our school a wonderful place for students to learn, grow, and thrive. It’s a GREAT Day to be a Cheetah!

Warm regards,
Jameson Branch
Principal

Indian Springs Safety Patrol

We are excited to announce that Coach Thrash is sponsoring the Indian Springs Safety Patrol!

Our Safety Patrol students will serve as school leaders by helping promote a safe, respectful, and responsible environment throughout our campus. From assisting with morning routines to setting a positive example for others, these students will learn valuable leadership skills while making a difference at Indian Springs.

Thank you, Coach Thrash, for supporting student leadership and helping keep our Cheetahs safe! 

Reading at home helps build confident, independent readers. Encourage your child to read 15–20 minutes daily, try tricky words first, and talk briefly about what they read.

First grade families: students will begin completing reading assessments independently this quarter, so practicing independence at home is especially helpful.

Questions parents can ask children about their reading:

Before You Read

1. What do you think might happen in this story?

While You Read

2. What word do you think should come next?

3. What was that character’s name again?

4. Which words do you think best describe this character?

5. Does anything in this book seem familiar to you?

After you Read

6. How might this story be different if it was told from another character’s point of view?

7. Can you make up a different ending to this story?

February Counseling Class: Problem-Solvers in Action 🧠✨

During counseling classes, students are learning how to become strong problem-solvers using four important Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) steps. These lessons help students handle challenges at school, during play, and at home with confidence and teamwork.

Students are practicing how to:

Identify a Problem by naming what is happening and how they feel (e.g., sharing materials or feeling frustrated).

Brainstorm & Plan Solutions by thinking of safe, kind choices like taking turns or asking for help.

Create & Test their plan during class activities, group work, or games.

Reflect & Improve by talking about what worked and what they could try differently next time.

These skills encourage perseverance, flexibility, and positive decision-making. Class newsletters will continue to share what students are learning each week—please review them together when you can!

More Helpful Resources for Families:

Sesame Workshop SEL Activities: Sesame Workshop
Easy activities and videos for feelings and problem-solving.

PBS Kids – Social Skills & Feelings: https://pbskids.org
Games and shows that support emotional learning.

GoNoodle Mindfulness & Movement: https://www.gonoodle.com
Short videos to help kids calm their bodies and minds.

Club Day will begin in February at Indian Springs Elementary! Club Day is a special opportunity for students to participate in fun, engaging activities that build friendships, teamwork, creativity, and confidence.

During Club Day, students will rotate to a club experience based on interest and grade level. Clubs may include activities such as art, STEM challenges, games, fitness, leadership, reading enrichment, and more!

📌 Reminder: Students should come ready to participate and follow school expectations for safety, respect, and responsibility.

Thank you for supporting this exciting experience for our Cheetahs—It’s a GREAT Day to be a Cheetah!

Parents showed up and showed out to support each of our Q2 Awards Day honorees. Students were recognized for Academic, Attendance, and Citizenship during our 2nd quarter of school. Great job, Cheetahs, and special thanks to parents for your unwavering support!

Indian Spring Elementary School

4550 High Point Blvd. 

Eight Mile, Alabama 36613

Ph: (251) 221-1436

Fax: (251) 221-1438