Elementary Newsletter - September 2010

by Linda Fussman

CALENDAR

Tues., Sept. 7	First Day of School
Mon, Sept. 13	PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Title classroom
Tues., Sept. 14	Camp Fundraiser Presentation
Wed., Sept. 15	Student Picture Day
Fri., Sept. 17	Return forms packet to school
	Constitution Day
Wed., Sept. 29	Official Pupil Count Day

SCHOOL FORMS

We have sent home a separate packet which includes all the forms we need to have for each student. The packet includes the following forms:

Student Registration Form/Ethnic Characteristic Information Form - This form is two-sided. The front side is the Registration Form and the back side is the Ethnic Characteristic Information Form. BOTH SIDES NEED TO BE COMPLETED. The Student Registration Form asks for basic information and we need to have a separate form for each child in the family. Please make sure to include names and phone numbers of people who may pick up your child (other than parents). It is very important to have additional emergency contacts, in case parents cannot be reached. The back side is the Ethnic Characteristic Information Form, which is a new form. The information requested is a new requirement handed down by the federal government. Please make sure to complete Part A and Part B. Both sides of the form need to be signed by a parent.
Field Trip Permission Slip - We have parents complete this one permission slip that will cover students for any and all field trips taken throughout the school year. This eliminates the need for individual teachers to send permission slips every time they schedule a field trip.
Student Insurance - The district needs this form for liability purposes.
Student-Parent-Teacher Compact - Please read over the form with your child. The form needs to be signed by parent and child, and returned to school. The teacher will then sign it and return a copy to you.
Internet Consent and Waiver Form - In order for your child to use the school computers, we must have this form signed and returned.
Photograph or Video Release - Many times throughout the school year photographs and videos are taken during special days, assemblies, and class parties. These photos may be used on the web site or in the Aggie Express. We must have this release form on file in order to use your child's picture.
Citywatch Form - Citywatch is a marvelous system which is used if we have any emergencies at school or release school early due to bad weather. This system will contact all parents in our school system in a matter of minutes instead of hours like in years past. Please make sure you supply the most up-to-date and accurate information as possible.

Please return all forms to school by Friday, September 17.

PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK

Each student received a copy of this year's handbook on the first day of school. We thank you for reviewing the handbook with your child, helping to refresh their memories of the school rules and expectations. The last page of the handbook (Handbook Acknowledgement) should be removed, signed and returned to school. When we receive this form we will know that you reviewed the handbook together.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Please pay special attention to the Attendance Policy Section of the handbook (page 19 & 20). The state requires us to be as accurate as possible when recording student's attendance. We must be able to verify excused and unexcused absences. Parents may excuse their child's absence in several ways; a signed note from the parent, verified doctor's note, phone call to the office or a signature on the Sign-In/Sign-Out sheet. Keep in mind that if your child regularly misses school whether excused or not excused we are obligated to report his/her poor attendance to our truancy officer. He will contact you and make a decision on whether to involve the prosecutor's office. CONSISTENT ATTENDANCE IS IMPERATIVE FOR ALL STUDENTS!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We always need volunteers at school in many different areas. We have attached a Volunteer Sign Up Form to the newsletter. Please take a few minutes to look it over and mark any areas that interest you. We could not operate without volunteers. Your help is greatly appreciated.

BUS PASSES

Just like last year, we have an overcrowding issue on our school busses. We are asking parents to try to make sure their children get picked up and dropped off at the same location every day. We know that things happen and changes need to be made, but keeping changes to a minimum will be helpful. If you must make a change, please try to do it far enough in advance so it can be approved by Mr. Graham, our transportation supervisor. He is the one responsible for knowing if busses have room for additional students. We will need a completed bus pass for any changes at least three days in advance. If you have any questions, please call Mr. Graham at 644-3901.

EXTRA NEWSLETTERS, REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS

If your family has a situation where parents are living in separate households we would like to make sure both Mom and Dad receive things like newsletter, report cards, progress reports and various other important information. Please contact Mrs. Fussman (Linda) in the elementary office at 644-2740 and she will help you arrange for that to happen.

MEDICATIONS

Some students are required to take medicine at school. Please refer to the Medication Policy in the handbook (pages 14 and 15) for instructions on how to handle this situation. Medication permission forms are available in the elementary office.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Popcorn Fridays - You can plan on popcorn being sold to elementary students every Friday that school is in session. The cost is 50 cents per bag. Teachers and the elementary office take turns being responsible for selling it. Volunteers are always needed.
Lunch Money - Please send your child's lunch money to school in an envelope with your child's name, teacher's name, account number and amount of money enclosed written on the outside. Cafeteria workers go to classes each day to pick up the money and the lunch count.
Report Cards - We are doing things a little different with report cards this year. The first report card will be sent home with parents at conferences on November 11. The second and third report cards will be sent home with K - 3 students and mailed to the parents of 4th - 6th graders. The final report card of the year will be mailed.
School Hours - School hours are 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. The cafeteria opens for breakfast at 7:35 a.m. and our parapros are on the playground at that time also. Students eat lunch from 11:00 a.m.to 11:45 a.m. daily.