Dates of Note
November 4th - Facilities Committee
November 5th - Election Day - No School
November 7th - N&E Committee & Executive Committee
November 11th - Veteran’s Day - No School
November 14th - Finance Committee
November 15th - End of First Trimester
pssst… Don’t forget Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend.
AND We will return to full school days on November 4th.
Water Resources
On Campus:
Please send students with a filled water bottle if possible. They can refill with the bottled water, and it will be much easier to identify ‘our’ water if it is in everyone’s unique bottles. Pallets of bottled water are for student use on campus.
We also have (3) 275 gal tanks on campus that are being generously refilled by Ferguson’s Well and Pump and by Beloved Asheville. They are sending tested, potable water all over WNC. The tanks themselves were supplied by Beloved Asheville. Families can use these to refill containers to take home. there is one at the Elementary entryway, one at the Middle School entryway, and one by Picnic Island.
Thanks to our amazing Facilities Manager, Patrick, who has really been instrumental in getting the school back up and running, sourcing the water for us, and making the runs. We will keep these filled as long as our supply chain holds out!
Lower Lot:
There is a sophisticated water filtration device installed by the baseball field that is drawing from Haw Creek, treating, and dispensing potable water. Students who walk up from the lower lot can fill bottles there as well.
Lunch
If you have qualified for D-SNAP, please fill out our Free and Reduced Lunch Application. You will only need your D-SNAP case number.
Though our lunch caterer is not yet back in operation, we are still offering lunch.
We have kid favorites like Strawberry and Peanut Butter Uncrustables, Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches, String Cheese, Pretzels, Carrots with Ranch, Fruit and Milk!
No need to pre-order!
Food Resources
Friday is our last day for evening meal distribution through the school. Families can still access World Central Kitchen Meals at the main hub downtown at Ben’s Tune Up 12:00-4:00pm.
We hope having the food here this first week has made the transition back a little easier. We apologize for the less than smooth execution and applaud the folks doing this day in and day out for the last few weeks. World Central Kitchen has been an amazing resource and we hope we can give back when we are better positioned to do so!
Evergreen Family Fundraisers
Click the image to access an evolving list of links to Family GoFundMe Pages, Evergreen Families’ Business Fundraiser Pages, or some are just links to small business owners’ still functioning businesses that need our support as we move Onward Together.
If you would like to be added to the list, please email Jen with your details.
Community Needs
We have an ask from a family for the following items to restore some of what was lost:
-A Small Couch
-A Queen Bed
Due to allergies the family requests that the items be from a smoke-free and pet free home.
If you have items to give or would like to make a request, please contact our Student Services Manager, Kelly Stephenson.
Community Builders Gathering
Evergreen Gathering organized by the Community Builders. All invited (parents, children, and staff)!
Friday, Nov 8 @ 4pm, Highland Brewery
Look for the green tablecloth
Please sign up for Community Builder announcements, help requests, and resource share with Whatsapp!
Vote to protect Public School Funding and the Environment
GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 5TH - No School - Evergreen is a polling place
EARLY VOTING OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER 2nd!
Vote Informed! One of our board committees is the Legislative Committee. They have compiled a spreadsheet based on candidate websites that highlights their positions on education, the environment, and more.
You can find out more about voting locations, wait times, print sample ballots and more on Buncombe County’s Election Services Page.
Use these Candidate Cliff Notes to Vote Informed!
Taking Care of Business
Evergreen now uses My School Bucks as our payment system. Since the system is new we wanted to share/re-share some information and resources:
If you have not yet set up an account please do that immediately!
Need help adding a student? HERE is a how to
HERE is an FAQ for parents (note: page down to the bottom to find info on autopay and invoices
HERE is a video on autopay as well
If you need assistance with My School Bucks or want to pay fees by check or cash please stop by the office and ND Gravy or Beth Rankin can help you!
Beginning of year fees were due September 1, 2024, so if you have not paid those yet please do so at your earliest convenience.
Vision and Hearing Screenings - Action Required
We are pleased to let you know that Evergreen will be conducting hearing and vision screenings this fall. With parental permission, students will participate in one or both of the following screenings:
Vision Screening - intended to recognize vision concerns as early as possible
Hearing Screening - intended to identify potential hearing problems and determine the need for further evaluation
Talking to Kids about Grief
As the weeks continue to pass us by after Helene, grief may begin to surface or resurface for your kids.
Your kids may have concerns they cannot express clearly. Their reactions may vary, depending on age, but there are some common responses to stress. Signs to look for in children who may need help coping with the aftermath of recent hurricanes include:
Birth through Six years: Infants and very young children may be more irritable, crying more than usual, and need more comfort than before the disaster. Preschool and kindergarten children can feel helpless and frightened about separation from their parents. They may resume thumb sucking or bedwetting.
Seven through 10 years: Older children may become preoccupied with the disaster and want to talk about it continually. They may fear the disaster will happen again and may have strong angry or sad feelings. Children who act out may be expressing grief and trauma. A child may behave as if he or she has no feelings. This numbness can be an emotional shield that protects the child from experiencing pain.
Eleven through 18 years: Teenagers may react with risk-taking behaviors, such as reckless driving or alcohol and drug abuse. Teenagers can be overwhelmed by their intense emotions and be unable to talk about them.
Here are some tips to help children recover and cope with their situation:
Limit TV time: Intense media coverage of disasters can frighten young children and disturb teenagers as well.
Keep to a routine: Structure can make them feel more at ease or provide a sense of familiarity. Help them to return to normal activities including going back to class, sports and play groups.
Make time for them: Help your kids to understand that they are safe and secure by talking, playing and doing other family activities with them. To help younger children feel safe and calm, read a favorite book or play a relaxing family game.
If you feel that your child needs extra support, please reach out to Annie Mast (K-4) or Hunter Holland (5-8), so that we can help your child process whatever heavy weight they may be carrying after Helene.
From the Desk of:
Hunter Holland, LCMHCA
5-8 Counselor
(828) 298 2173 x1204
Rescheduled - AIG Info Session- December 10th
Come learn more about Evergreen’s Academically/Intellectually Gifted program: our philosophy, how students are identified and included, as well as the services available.
Meet Brittany, Cameron, and Michaela in the Multipurpose Room (behind middle school) on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00-6:00pm.
Shine On, Shine On!
Connect With Free Resources for Families
Buncombe County
Public Library
Buncombe County Library has such a rich calendar of free events for the community! Lego Clubs, Ukelele Lessons, Intro to Mindfulness, Book Clubs, Festivals, Watercolor Painting, Clothing Swaps, D&D!
Come find your community (and a good book) at the library!
Don’t forget to check out ZOOM Passes, your free ticket to local attractions.
Bounty & Soul
Bounty & Soul is a non-profit that believes in creating communities where everyone has the right and opportunity to eat well, be nourished, and thrive.
Check out the Market Calendar for Market Days as well as Free Wellness Events like Yoga and Zumba.
They also offer cooking workshops and nutrition information!
Ways to give the don’t involve cash!
(that you’re not already spending)