Loup City Elementary School
“Find Your Joy”
Principal’s Message to Parents & Guardians
October 16th, 2026
LCES Families,
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the weather turns colder and the excitement of fall fills our school community, we are reminded of the joy that comes from learning, growing, and making memories together. Our yearly theme, “Find Your Joy,” encourages us to celebrate the little things that make each day special, while our district motto, “Empowering Continual Success,” reminds us that every choice we make helps our students thrive.
Please take a moment to review the following important reminders and upcoming celebrations as we continue to build a safe, positive, and joyful school environment for everyone!
As temperatures begin to drop, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Students may need warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and other cold-weather gear to stay comfortable when traveling to and from school and during outdoor recess.
Bundle up! Please label your child's winter clothing and accessories with their name.
Be prepared! Check the weather forecast each morning and help your child dress in layers when needed.
Stay active and joyful! Fresh air and outdoor play can be wonderful ways for students to find their joy, even on chilly days, when weather conditions allow.
Our goal is to keep students safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. When families and school staff work together, we empower continual success by ensuring students can focus on learning, building friendships, and enjoying each school day.
Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for students to express their creativity, share laughter, and find joy in the spirit of the season! As we prepare for our Halloween festivities, we ask families to help us maintain a safe, inclusive, and school-appropriate environment.
Please keep the following costume guidelines in mind:
No masks: Students must keep their faces visible so staff can easily identify them and ensure everyone's safety.
No fake weapons: Toy weapons, pretend knives, swords, guns, or other weapon-like costume accessories are not permitted.
No inflatable costumes: Inflatable costumes can restrict movement, visibility, and safe navigation through classrooms and hallways.
Choose school-friendly costumes: Costumes should allow students to move comfortably, participate in classroom activities, and enjoy the day with their classmates.
We encourage students to choose costumes that reflect their unique personalities, interests, and creativity. Whether their joy comes from dressing as a favorite character, an animal, a storybook hero, or something entirely original, we want every student to feel included and celebrated.
By following these guidelines, we empower continual success through responsible choices, respect for others, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe. Thank you for partnering with us to make Halloween a fun and memorable experience for all!
Get ready to celebrate our school spirit, embrace creativity, and take a joyful trip through time! Our upcoming Spirit Week invites students and staff to explore different eras, express themselves, and celebrate the traditions that make our school community special.
Lastly, Loup City Public Schools will be offering a Flu Shot Clinic on Monday October 19th from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Flyers can be found in the main offices.
Thank you for helping your child participate in Spirit Week in a way that is comfortable, inclusive, and appropriate for school. Participation is about showing spirit, sharing joy, and celebrating together—not about having a brand-new or elaborate outfit. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our students. Whether we are preparing for colder days, celebrating Halloween safely, or showing our school spirit throughout Spirit Week, each experience offers an opportunity to build connections, create lasting memories, and help our students shine.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support. Together, we are making Loup City Elementary a place where students thrive, grow, and succeed every day! If you ever need to contact me, don’t hesitate to do so at paul.barker@lcpublic.org or through the main office at 308-745-0603.
Warm regards,
Mr. Paul Barker, M.Ed
Principal, Loup City Elementary School
“Find Your Joy”