The Bulldog Bark

Frank Vessels Elementary School



Issue 11: October 27 - October 31

A Great Place to Learn and Grow!


Go for the Gold!

Tomorrow, Monday, October 27, is an early release day for professional learning! TK/K dismissed at 1:20 p.m. and 1-6 gades dismissed at 1:25 p.m.

Red Ribbon Week - October 27 - October 31

Next week is a big one at Vessels—Red Ribbon Week, the Book Fair, and our Halloween Parade!


Book Fair (MPR)


- Open to all families before and after school.


- Browse an excellent selection for readers of every age!


Halloween Parade


Friday, October 31, at 9:00 a.m. on the Vessels blacktop (see map below).


Parade Day Costume Guidelines


- Dressing up is optional.


- Costumes must be kid-friendly and appropriate for elementary school.


- No bloody or gory costumes that might scare younger students.


- No masks or accessories (e.g., swords, canes, knives, prop weapons).


- Costumes should allow easy movement and be easy to remove after the parade.


- If a costume is deemed inappropriate for school, parents/guardians will be contacted to bring a change of clothes.


Halloween is a fun day, but it’s still a school day, and learning remains our priority. I appreciate your support!

Please see the Halloween Parade map!

Building Tomorrow's Leaders, Together!


At Vessels, we talk a lot about growing everyday leaders. The good news is that leadership starts at home with small, repeatable habits. Imagine your evening like a rhythm. After a snack, your child glances at a simple plan for the night, settles into a familiar study spot, and starts with one doable task. A short timer hums, a brief stretch break follows, and before long, the list is lighter and confidence is higher.


Responsibility blooms when kids see the purpose behind their work. “We reset our rooms, so tomorrow starts calm.” “We feed the dog because we care for family.” Naming the why turns chores into contributions. Keep directions concrete and visible. Show what “done” looks like with a quick photo of a tidy desk or a made bed. Younger children may need you beside them for a few tries. Older students often thrive when you shift to coaching questions: “What is first? What might get in the way? When will you start?”


Routines do the heavy lifting. A consistent homework start time, a predictable spot with supplies ready, and phones parked elsewhere remove friction. Natural consequences teach far better than nagging. If the jersey misses the wash, a backup plan appears. Lesson learned, and the relationship stays intact.


Most importantly, celebrate progress, not perfection. A five-minute “wins and tweaks” chat each week, with one thing that went well and one small change for next time, keeps the tone positive and growth-minded.


Together, we can make a huge difference at home and in our community! Thank you for your partnership!

Book Fair at Vessels!

Veterans Day Flag Ceremony


Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country at our annual Veterans Day Flag Ceremony. Our veterans, and the families who support them, are deeply respected and appreciated in our community.


Our ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 7, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.


If you plan to attend or would like to recognize a veteran (yourself or someone else), please complete this short form here!


Thank you for helping us celebrate and show our respect to those who have worn the uniform.

Friends of Vessels


At Vessels Elementary, we are fortunate to have both the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Friends of Vessels (FOV) 501(c)(3) nonprofit working together to support our students.

The PTA offers programs and opportunities that benefit all students, including field trips, assemblies, and school-wide events. Because the PTA’s mission is to serve every child, funds raised through membership dues and events are used to support experiences that reach the entire student body.

The Friends of Vessels (FOV), our school-based 501(c)(3) organization, helps “fill the gaps” by funding items and experiences that the PTA cannot cover. This includes grade-level or program-specific needs, such as classroom materials, enrichment opportunities, and special projects.

Because FOV is a nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible, and the group can also apply for grants and business partnerships to bring even more resources to Vessels.

Together, the PTA and Friends of Vessels make a powerful team: the PTA ensures all students benefit, while FOV provides flexibility to support grade-level and classroom-specific needs directly.



We are in the process of planning events and would appreciate your assistance in getting this worthy cause up and running. We already have a dedicated team at work, but we would like you to make it the best year ever! Please use the button below to sign up and be a part of something truly special!

Friends of Vessels Events

Save the Date

Join the Program and Help our Kids!


Please spread the word to friends, family, and co-workers!

2025/26 Academic Calendar

We Love Our Bulldogs!

Dates and Times



October is Initiative Month


October 27 - Early Release Day - Professional Learning


October 27 - 31 - Red Ribbon Week


October 31 - Halloween Carnival


October 31 - End of the First Trimester


November 7 - Doughnuts with my Guy and Veterans Day Flag Ceremony

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