December 19, 2025

Message from the Principal

As we wrap up the first half of our school year (almost it's technically Jan 9th), I want to thank our students, staff, and families for an incredible few months of learning, growth, and community. Our school has been filled with hard work, kindness, and so many moments that make me proud to be part of this team.

Winter break is a special time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We hope the next two weeks bring your family moments of joy, laughter, and connection—whether that means quiet days at home, festive traditions, or fun adventures together.

School will be closed for winter break beginning 12/22/25, and we look forward to welcoming students back on 1/5/26. Until then, please stay safe, take care of one another, and enjoy this well-deserved break.

On behalf of all of us at Sister Lakes Elementary, thank you for your continued support. We can’t wait to see everyone in the new year, refreshed and ready for learning!

Important Message from the School Nurse

We are seeing an increased number of cases of head lice in our buildings as well as across the Southwest Michigan area. With the number of cases increasing, please check your child’s hair frequently for nits and live bugs. If your child is found to have head lice, please begin treatment immediately. Head lice treatment is very time consuming and can be expensive, but if the head lice and all of the nits are not removed from the hair as well as anything that comes in contact with the hair the cycle will start over in your home.

There are resources for head lice treatment in the main office if you need assistance. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 269-782-4420 ext. 1218 or sdorman@dowagiacschools.org.

Suzanne Dorman RN, MSN

District School Nurse

Schedule of Events

December 22-January 2: NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

January 5: School Resumes

January 9: 1/2 day of School, Records Day

January 16: No School, Staff PD

Building Highlights

Student of the Month

Our student of the month from Sister Lakes is a young man that sets his goals to accomplish and learn as much as he can throughout each day. He tries his best, and if his work needs fixing, he seeks out better and more thorough answers. This young man is Lorenzo DiStefano. His amazing family includes his mom and dad, Amelia and Daren DiStefano, and older brothers, David and Leo who attend Dowagiac Middle School. Lorenzo enjoys spending time with his family on their farm and going on adventures with them. He is looking forward to building his new house. He also enjoys playing in his barn with his dad on the trampoline. Another favorite activity is playing with his pet pig named Pigsqueak. Lorenzo would like to be a vet someday so his mom can be his farrier.

Lions Club Food Drive

Thank you to all the families who donated to the Lion's Club food drive we greatly appreciate it! Congratulations to Mrs. Quinn's class who collect 165 non-perishable food items. They will be receiving a cupcake party!

ATTENDANCE:

It is very important that students are in school everyday, but the school realizes that there are some reasons for excused absences. Please make sure to call the office and let us know when your student is going to be absent or the school will be calling you. When a student returns to school after any period of absence, please send a note stating the reason for the absences.

*If your student(s) is running late, please bring them to the office and sign them in.

*If you need to pick up your child early for any reason please call the office 269-782-4468.

Printable 2025-26 Calendar

Given the increase in illnesses, this serves as a friendly reminder about the importance of proper handwashing.