Galileo Gazette
October 2024
Important Dates
October
1-4-- Give Week(continued)
1-- Band/Orchestra Concert
3-- Elementary Fire Department Visits
9-10-- Parent Teacher Conferences
10-- No School (Conferences)
11-- No School--End of first quarter
18-- PTO meeting 9:15am
21-25-- Red Ribbon Week
October 1st Concerts
Orchestra - 6:00 pm in the cafeteria
Band - 7:00 pm in the gym
GIVE Week's Adventures!
No Motor Vehicles on Playground and Turf!
Please spread the word that there are no motor vehicles of any kind allowed on the playground and field. We have seen neighbor kids ride their golf carts, etc. all over our turf. We have seen tracks when the snow comes. This is unsafe and can ruin equipment. Thank you!
New Elementary Device Guidance
K-2 Devices: District-issued devices will remain at school and will be charged regularly in the classroom. K-2 students will not take their laptops, chargers, or cases home. Administrators may grant exceptions based on individual students’ learning needs.
3-5 Devices: District-issued devices may remain at school and be charged in the classroom, OR they may be sent home with the student at the discretion of the school and/or classroom teacher.
This information will be posted soon in the updated One-to-One Device Handbook.
Phone Policy
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
We're excited for the upcoming school year and wanted to share an important update about our cell phone and electronic device policy (Policy 502.80).
To keep classrooms focused and free from distractions, students won't be allowed to use cell phones and personal electronic devices during class unless the teacher gives permission. Here are the key points:
- No Devices in Class: Students must place their devices in a designated area (like lockers or baskets) before class starts.
- Devices Off: All devices should be powered off while in the designated classroom storage area.
- Smartwatches: These can stay with students but must be turned off during instructional time. Any use of or distractions created as a result of powered wearable devices will be subject to disciplinary action.
- Exceptions: Teachers may allow device use for specific educational purposes or in emergencies.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices - Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Starting with the 2024-25 school year, in line with Policy 503.20, all middle schools in the district will be implementing a consistent cell phone policy across all West Ada middle schools to enhance the learning environment. During the academic day, students will not be permitted to use cell phones. These devices must be stored in student lockers throughout the school day. This procedure aims to minimize distractions and support a focused and productive educational experience for all students.
Yearbook Questions for Students
For yearbook purposes the following questions will be asked of each grade level:
🌮Kindergarten-1st Grade: What is the most common favorite food in your class? What is the most common favorite sport in your class?
🏅2nd Grade- 3rd Grade: What are some rules in your sports? How do you follow rules in your sport?
💭4th- 5th Grade- What is your strongest characteristic? What is one challenge you had to overcome?
🏫Middle School 6-7th Grade: How do you study for test? How do you do good in school? How should you act in class?
🎓8th Grade: What is your biggest accomplishment in school? What is your biggest accomplishment you have ever had?
Falcon Student Newspaper
Galileo PTO -- What's Happening?
You are invited to the next PTO General Meeting
* Friday, October 18th @ 9:15 am
~Upcoming PTO Sponsored Events~
GIVE WEEK – Happening NOW!
Cotton Candy order deadline October 2nd * Order yours now! To be delivered on the LAST DAY of GIVE Week * October 4th.
Galileo PTO’s major fundraising event! Help us reach our community goal of 100% participation and Mr. Lamb will wear the Mr. Incredible costume one day during drop off...and possibly all day! Look here to see the many ways to participate! Donate here!
Our deepest gratitude to the whole Galileo community!
STAFF APPRECIATION
Wednesday, October 9th * Join us in spreading love and appreciation to our amazing staff! The Galileo PTO, with the support of parents and families, will be providing our staff’s favorite snacks/treats during parent/teacher conferences. Click Here to find out how you can get involved!
COMMUNITY EVENTS – Trunk or Treat
Watch for more information! We will need trunks decorated and candy donated! Can’t wait to haunt with you soon!
MEET THE MASTERS
Monthly opportunities October – April * The Galileo PTO-sponsored elementary art program All information & supplies are provided; no skills or experience necessary. Volunteers needed - join any time! More information available here. Please sign up here or email galileostempto@gmail.com.
CLUBS
Signups for Galileo clubs are now open and several have started meeting! Go to Galileo PTO.com to learn more and sign up!
Club highlight: Running and Walking Club * every Tuesday/Thursday at lunch recess
All students can join and run or walk laps. Remind your student to wear their running shoes! The students have already logged over 1000+ miles to date this year! To volunteer, signup here.
GALILEO SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Deadline Friday, October 11th * To receive this year’s directory, please follow the link to fill out the 2024-2025 Galileo Directory Request. Please follow this link to modify your student’s information in the directory: 2024-2025 Opt-Out of Student Directory Request.
NOVEMBER SNEAK PEEK: VETERANS DAY
Friday, November 8th * Request for picture submissions coming soon!
Visit our Galileo PTO website and sign up to be notified when new stories come out! For any general questions, email your PTO at galileostempto@gmail.com.
Go Falcons!
Devices, Digital Media & Development Event for all parents!
Parent Drop Off Procedures
Why do we only have a set number of cars unloading at morning drop off?
The answer to this question is due to the distance between the stop sign on Saguaro Drive and the crosswalk. If more cars are in the que than the distance allows, we have a back up which will put cars into the crosswalk and slows traffic flow. Thanks for your understanding and for following the guidance of our duties.
No Parking Zone
Closed Campus
No motor vehicles on playground and turf -- Please HELP spread the word!
Please spread the word that there are no motor vehicles of any kind allowed on the playground and field. We have seen neighbor kids ride their golf carts, etc. all over our turf. We have seen tracks when the snow comes. This is unsafe and can ruin equipment. Thank you!
Dogs
Closed Campus for Safety
Please Close Gate
In an effort to keep our students safe and our campus secure, we ask that you please close the gate behind you when you enter the school grounds using the walking path.
Thank you.
Lost and Found
Arrival and Dismissal Times
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.
(Students may arrive beginning at 8:45 am)
9:05 am – First bell
9:10 am – Tardy bell
3:55 pm – Dismissal bell
Wednesday
(Students may arrive beginning at 9:00 am)
9:20 am – First bell
9:25 am – Tardy bell
3:55 pm – Dismissal bell
Students are not to be dropped off prior to these times as there is no supervision for students until the times designated.
Reporting Student Absences
Attendance Line
(208) 350-4106
Please call the attendance line before 9:30am if your child will be absent for any reason, or will be late to school. Please state your child’s name, teacher and reason for absence. If you are planning a vacation and your student will be absent three or more days please fill out the notification of absence form found here. This form does not excuse the absences, but will help keep everyone informed.
ABOUT US
Secretary/Bookkeeper - Jennifer Damiano - damiano.jennifer@westada.org
Secretary/Registrar - Chandi VonLindern - vonlindern.chandi@westada.orgAssistant Secretary - Angela Meyers - meyers.angela@westada.org
Safe School Assistant - Melissa Dahlen - dahlen.melissa@westada.org
Nurse - Kara Jeppson - jeppson.kara@westada.org
Health Tech - Chrystalyn Coulter - coulter.chrystalyn@westada.org
Elementary Counselor - Megan Robinson - robinson.megan@westada.org
MS Counselor - Sam Kristensen - kristensen.samuel@westada.org
Website: https://www.westada.org/o/galileo
Location: 4735 West Saguaro Drive Eagle, Idaho 83616
Phone: 208-350-4105