Education & Community Services

ArtasticArt sewing offers children a wonderful opportunity to slow down, focus, and discover the joy of making something they can proudly say, "I made this!" Whether your child has never picked up a needle or simply loves creating, our Beginning Sewing After-School Program is designed to build confidence while teaching practical, lifelong skills that inspire creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. For more information about Artastic Art, visit ArtasticArt.com, co-owner is Leniese Gatto

Horseshoe Trails Elementary Choir 2026-2027 Fall Semester Welcome to the Horseshoe Trails Elementary Choir! I am so excited to welcome our 3rd-5th grade singers for a semester filled with music, friendship, and unforgettable performances. The HTES Choir is open to all students in 3rd through 5th grade, and no audition is required. Whether your child has been singing for years or is joining choir for the very first time, every student is welcome! Choir gives students the opportunity to strengthen the musical skills they learn in general music while developing healthy vocal technique, confidence, teamwork, and performance skills. Throughout the semester, students will explore rhythm, melody, harmony, expressive singing, and musicianship as we prepare for our Winter Concert. Rehearsal Information Who: 3rd-5th Grade Students When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:00-8:45 AM Student Arrival: Beginning at 7:55 AM First Rehearsal: Monday, August 24, 2026 Please Note: Students in 4th and 5th grade who wish to audition for a cast role in this year’s school musical must also be enrolled in the HTES Choir. Important Performance Dates Mandatory Dress Rehearsals Monday, December 7 8:00-8:45 AM Wednesday, December 9 8:00-8:45 AM Monday, December 14th 8:00-8:45 AM Winter Concert (Required Performance) Monday, December 14, 2026 6:00 PM Student Call Time: 4:45 PM Choir End of Semester Party Wednesday, December 16, 2026 Choir Party Choir Expectations Our choir is a team, and every singer plays an important role! To help our group be successful, students are expected to: •Attend rehearsals regularly. Since each rehearsal builds upon the previous one, consistent attendance is important. We ask that students miss no more than three rehearsals whenever possible. If your child will be absent, please notify Ms. Paul by email or written note. •Arrive on time and ready to sing. Students may begin arriving at 7:55 AM, and rehearsal begins promptly at 8:00 AM. •Participate with a positive attitude, do their best, and encourage their fellow choir members. •Follow all school and classroom expectations by showing kindness, respect, responsibility, and excellent sportsmanship during rehearsals and performances. •Practice music at home when needed using the digital resources that will be shared throughout the semester. •Attend all required dress rehearsals and performances, as these are an essential part of being a member of the choir. •Wear the required performance attire (choir shirt and black pants). Students will receive a choir shirt with sign up. •For the safety and focus of rehearsals, siblings who are not enrolled in choir may not attend rehearsals. My goal is for every child to feel welcomed, challenged, and excited to make music each week. Thank you for supporting your child’s musical journey! I can’t wait to see all that our choir accomplishes together this year.

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Musical 2026-2027 Fall Production Welcome to the HTES Musical! I am so excited to bring musical theatre to Horseshoe Trails this year! Whether your child has been on stage before or is trying theatre for the very first time, this is an amazing opportunity to build confidence, make new friends, and experience the excitement of putting on a full musical together. The HTES Musical is open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Every student who joins will be part of the cast! While not every student will receive a lead role, every performer plays an important part in making our production come to life. Throughout the semester, students will learn acting, singing, movement, stage presence, and teamwork while creating something they can be proud of. My hope is that every student leaves feeling more confident, more creative, and excited to perform. Please Note: Students who would like to be considered for a speaking or featured role must also be enrolled in the HTES Choir. Rehearsal Information Who: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students When: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 8:00-8:45 AM Student Arrival: Beginning at 7:45 AM First Rehearsal: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Important Dates Mandatory Dress Rehearsals Tuesday, December 8 8:00-8:45 AM AND after school, 3:30-5:00 PM Thursday, December 10 8:00-8:45 AM AND after school, 3:30-5:00 PM Performance Friday, December 11, 2026 Student Call Time: 4:00 PM Performance: 6:30 PM Additional information regarding costumes, performance attire, and arrival procedures will be shared throughout the semester. Musical Expectations Putting on a musical is truly a team effort! To help our cast have a successful and enjoyable experience, students are expected to: •Attend rehearsals consistently. Every rehearsal is important because we’re constantly learning new music, choreography, and scenes. If your child will be absent, please let me know as soon as possible. We ask that students miss no more than three rehearsals whenever possible. •Arrive on time and ready to participate. Students may begin arriving at 7:55 AM, and rehearsal begins promptly at 8:00 AM. •Come ready to learn, encourage others, try new things, and give their best effort every rehearsal. •Practice songs, lines, choreography, or other assigned material at home when needed. •Follow all school and classroom expectations while showing kindness and respect to fellow cast members, costumes, props, and our rehearsal space. •Attend all required dress rehearsals and the performance, as these are an important part of being in the production. •Wear any required costume pieces or attire that will be communicated later in the semester. •For the safety and focus of rehearsals, siblings who are not enrolled in the musical may not attend rehearsals. I truly believe every child has something special to bring to the stage, and I can’t wait to watch our students grow in confidence and creativity throughout this experience. Thank you for supporting your child and helping make this an unforgettable production. It’s going to be an incredible semester, and I’m so excited to see our Stallions shine on stage!

Horseshoe Trails Elementary Ukulele & Guitar Club 2026-2027 Fall Semester Welcome to the HTES Ukulele & Guitar Club! If your child has ever wanted to learn an instrument, this is the perfect place to start! Whether they’re picking up a ukulele or guitar for the very first time or already have some experience, this club is designed to help students build confidence while having fun making music together. The Ukulele & Guitar Club is open to all 3rd-5th grade students. Throughout our 10-week session, students will learn the fundamentals of both instruments, including proper playing technique, basic chords, rhythm, strumming patterns, and beginning music-reading skills. We’ll spend the first five sessions learning ukulele, followed by five sessions learning guitar, giving students the opportunity to experience both instruments and discover which one they enjoy most. Club Information Who: 3rd-5th Grade Students When: Fridays Time: 8:00-8:45 AM Student Arrival: Beginning at 7:55 AM Club Dates: Begins: Friday, September 11, 2026 Ends: Friday, November 20, 2026 No Club: Friday, October 9 (Fall Break) Club Expectations My goal is for this club to be a fun, encouraging place where students feel comfortable trying something new! To help everyone have a great experience, students are expected to: •Attend club meetings regularly, as each lesson builds on the previous one. •Arrive on time and ready to learn. Students may begin arriving at 7:55 AM, and club begins promptly at 8:00 AM. •Handle all instruments with care and respect. •Participate with a positive attitude, encourage fellow musicians, and give their best effort each week. •Follow all school and classroom expectations while creating a safe, respectful learning environment. •Practice at home when possible to continue building their skills between sessions. •For the safety and focus of the club, siblings who are not enrolled may not attend meetings. Instruments will be provided for all students during club meetings. Students are welcome to bring their own ukulele or guitar if they prefer, but it is not required. I can’t wait to introduce our Stallions to the joy of playing ukulele and guitar! Whether students discover a new hobby or a lifelong passion for music, I hope they leave each week feeling proud of what they’ve learned and excited to keep making music.

MORNING MILERS - FALL 2026! Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Start your Fridays with FUN, FRIENDS, and FITNESS! Morning Milers helps kids build stamina, speed, and healthy habits - all while having a blast. WHO CAN JOIN? HTES Students in Grades 1-5 WHEN & WHERE Friday's • 8:00–8:40 a.m. August 21 – December 11 A total of 15 high‑energy sessions to kick off the school day. Meet on the gym patio. Bring water and wear comfortable clothes and running shoes (no Crocs) Aug. 21, 28; Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4,11 COST ● $5 per session ● Optional Morning Milers T‑shirt: $10 ○ Same design as the 2025–2026 Morning Milers shirt WHY KIDS LOVE IT ● Make new friends ● Build endurance ● Increase speed ● Improve overall health ● Enjoy music, movement, and tons of positive energy ● Walk, jog, or run - every pace is welcome JOIN THE FUN! Registration details will be shared soon by Horseshoe Trails Elementary. Let’s make Fall 2026 our strongest, happiest, healthiest season yet! Please submit the completed form to Elaine Vallario at evallario@ccusd93.net.

HTES STALLION SPIKERS! Volleyball Season Is Here at Horseshoe Trails Elementary! Let’s Bump, Set, Spike! Calling all 3rd–5th grade Stallions - boys and girls it’s time to hit the court with the HTES Stallion Spikers, our co‑ed volleyball team! Whether you’re brand‑new to the sport or already love the game, this fun and supportive program is the perfect place to learn skills, build confidence, and be part of an awesome team. PRACTICE SCHEDULE Tuesdays & Thursdays • 8:00-8:40 a.m. Practice Dates: Sept. 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 Oct. 1, 13 SEASON FINALE - ROUND‑ROBIN TOURNAMENT Cactus Shadows High School Date: TBD • 4:00-5:30 p.m. Come cheer on our Stallions as they show off their teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit! Optional Team T‑shirt, order here. ○ Brand‑new design for the 2026 school year WHY JOIN STALLION SPIKERS? ● Learn volleyball fundamentals ● Build coordination and confidence ● Make new friends ● Be part of a positive, energetic team ● Have fun while staying active ● No experience needed - everyone is welcome LET’S GO, STALLIONS! Get ready to bump, set, and spike your way into a fantastic season. More details will be shared soon regarding the intramural tournament.

Join us this coming Fall for a brand-new experience in the YR Drawing Club at your school! Your child will explore creativity through fun and engaging lessons designed to build artistic skills and confidence. Students will learn about folk art and folk artists-artists who often have no formal training and create work inspired by their personal experiences. They will bring these ideas to life through imaginative drawings. Students will create imaginative drawings. In addition, they will develop a sequence of images that tells a story. Through these lessons, students will practice drawing facial expressions while strengthening their storytelling and composition skills. We look forward to another fun and creative season with your young artists-register now!