September 2011
by Linda Fussman
CARL D. MAYES ELEMENTARY
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
2011 - 2012
| Tues., Sept. 6 | First day of school - full day for staff and students |
| Mon., Sept. 12 | PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m. in Mrs. Davis's classroom |
| Tues., Sept. 13 | Camp fundraiser kick-off, 12:30 p.m. for all elementary students |
| Tues., Sept. 27 | 4th grade field trip to the Capitol |
WELCOME BACK
Our Mayes Elementary staff is excited to get another school year started We will all work very hard to make the 2011 - 2012 school year one of your child's most positive experiences. How lucky we are to belong to such a supportive community. "We Are!! BC!!" Our awesome students, outstanding parents and excellent staff will continue to work together to make this year the BEST!
Along with this newsletter (among other things) your child will be bringing you a packet of information sheets to be completed and returned. Our goal is to have all forms returned to school by September 16. Please complete all forms as accurately as possible. Since we are starting to use a new Student Data System this year (Power School), we want to make sure all of the information we have is up-to-date. Throughout the school year if any of your child's information changes, please make sure you notify the elementary office. Your assistance is appreciated.
NEW TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION/EMERGENCY SHEET
Included in your first day packet is a NEW form, the "Transportation Information/Emergency Sheet". This form was created at the state level and is required by our transportation department. The information requested will aid our bus drivers by giving them accurate information on all students medical, behavioral and physical issues, along with any contact numbers for parents. It will also include a picture of each child for identification purposes. One of the school's main responsibilities to parents is to keep children safe while they are in our care. Any tool we can use to increase our efficiency is a welcome addition.
REMINDER - TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES
It is the policy of Beal City Public Schools not to allow students in grades Kindergarten through third grades to be dropped off at a bus stop unless there is a parent, older sibling or caregiver visible. This includes group stops such as the Weidman Methodist Church and the Jordan Road Trailer Park. Children under fourth grade must have a parent or an identified replacement (older sibling or caregiver) present at these bus drop offs. This policy is enforced for the protection of our young students. If there is not an acceptable person in view at the stop, the student will be returned to the school where he/she will need to be picked up before 4:15 p.m. Chronic violations of this policy may result in the loss of transportation privileges.
1st offense - written warning 2nd offense - one week loss of bus transportation 3rd offense - loss of bus transportation for the remainder of the year
Extreme emergencies may be excused. Documentation may be required.
Any questions concerning this procedure should be directed to our transportation supervisor, Mr. John Graham, at 644-3901.
STUDENT DROP OFF PROCEDURES
When you are dropping children off at Mayes Elementary School, please encourage them to use the crosswalk by the front entrance. It is difficult to see students when they are cutting through the parking lot and walking in between buses. We have had some close calls in the past and hope to avoid these situations in the future. Vehicles are also prohibited from parking in the yellow Bus Loading Zone in front of the building, for any amount of time. This, again, presents a hazard to children, but drivers and other vehicles. We do appreciate those of you who follow these safety procedures.
PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK
Parent-Student Handbooks are being sent home with the youngest child in each family. If you have not received your copy by Monday, Sept. 12, please contact the office and another copy will be sent. Please remember to sign the Handbook Acknowledgement (page 50)and return it to school after you have reviewed the handbook with your child(ren). Keep your handbook available to refer to throughout the school year when you have questions concerning school policy.
CAMP FUNDRAISER
All students, kindergarten through 6th grade, are invited to participate in this year's camp fundraiser. We are using a new company, "Great Lakes Promotions". They promote Michigan products and sell many items that are reasonably priced (what a great idea). Keep in mind that any profit students make from selling these products goes directly into their individual camp account to be used when it's time to go to camp in the 4th grade. It's always a welcome surprise to see how much money has accumulated in their account when the payment is due.
