PLA@103 Friday Family News

It's almost time for BACK-TO-SCHOOL! Read on for information regarding the return to school. See below and make note of our Ice Cream Social, generic school supply list, first day of school, arrival and dismissal procedures, and our updated cell phone/device policy.

On Monday, August 12, 2024, we will have an ice cream social

back-to-school event from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

Scholars and parents are encouraged to attend to see their classroom,

gather important information for the school year, and enjoy an ice cream treat.

Families are welcome to drop in any time between 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

* Doors open at 7:30am

* Do not drop your scholar(s) off before 7:30am as this is a safety concern

* Be sure your scholar and the teacher know how your child is getting home (for example, if you bring them to school in the morning but want them to ride the bus home, please communicate that to your child, the teacher, and be sure they are actually assigned to a bus.)

* Every scholar, especially Kindergarten, First, and Second graders, should have information in their backpack with their name, a parent name, and a phone number in case we need to contact you. Parents of younger scholars, be sure your child can tell staff their first and last name.

* Grades 1-6 scholars will enter the building on their own on the first day.

* Dismissal is at 2:15pm.

Please send in the items you’re able to. We understand that you may not be able to send in every item. You may want to wait until you hear from your scholar’s teacher about specific grade-level supplies needed.

* All Kindergarten, First, and Second graders should have a piece of paper in their backpack with their name, a parent name, and a phone number. Please practice with your child so they can tell staff their first and last name.

Suggested supplies:

1 box of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes or Spray ( any cleaning supply)

2 boxes of Kleenex

Hand sanitizer 8oz or larger

Backpack

1 set of earbuds

2pks of #2 pencils

2pks copy paper

1 pink eraser or pk pencil top erasers

*Please note, we have more buses this year. The front sidewalk/curb likely won't be available, and is not the designated drop off area due to safety concerns.*

MORNING DROP OFF

*Doors open at 7:30am

* Do not drop scholars off before 7:30am. due to safety concerns.

* Do not drop scholars off anywhere but the circle drive.

* Pull as far forward as possible; do not drop scholars off until you've

pulled up to where staff are directing you to go

* Encourage your scholar to exit the vehicle quickly

* Stay in line. Dropping children off in the middle of the

circle drive is an extreme safety hazard that puts your child(ren) and others at risk.

* If you arrive after 8:15am, you must walk your child to the door and buzz to be let in.

Your child will be marked tardy.

* If you arrive at 10:30am or later, your scholar will not be admitted unless you

provide a written excuse from a medical professional. This will be an unexcused absence.

*Please note, we have more buses this year. The front sidewalk/curb may not be available for the pick-up line.*

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL/PICK-UP

* If your child is walking home, they will not be dismissed until the busses have left.

* If your child is a car rider, you must be in the car rider line.

* There will be a staff member at the entrance to the circle drive.

You must stop and speak to them to give them your car rider number.

* Your child will not be dismissed from class until you've given your car rider number.

* DO NOT cut line. Your number will be skipped, and you'll end up waiting longer.

* DO NOT park and walk up to the building. STAY IN LINE.

* We know the line looks long, but it moves fast when everyone

cooperates and follows the procedures. (The first few days will require extra patience.)

* Stay in line. Do not encourage your child to walk into the parking lot.

This is an extreme safety issue.

* Encourage your child to enter the vehicle quickly so the line can move efficiently.

* Talk to your child about exiting the building quickly.

They are not to stop by other classrooms or hang around in the halls talking to friends.

* Honking adds unnecessary noise and stress to the procedure. Please don't honk.

* Do not encourage your child to come to your vehicle if you are far back in line.

If you are changing the way your scholar gets home (permanently or temporarily) please call the office before 1:30pm (317-226-4103).

Scholars will not be dismissed early unless you arrive before 1:30pm. Please plan accordingly.
The office phones will not be answered after 1:30pm so that we may carry out safe and organized end-of-day and dismissal routines.

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES TO KEEP OUR SCHOLARS SAFE.

In response to the statewide Senate Bill (SB 185) passing and going into effect as state law in 2024, PLA@103 will operate within the following guidelines and procedures regarding all personal student devices (including cell phones and smart watches) during the school day (7:30am-2:30pm):

• Scholars are encouraged to keep all electronic devices (including cell phones and smart watches) home during the school day.

• Scholars who chose to bring their personal devices (including cell phones and smart watches) to school will be required to keep the device(s) in their backpack or a protected collection container within the classroom based on the teacher’s discretion.

• If the device is out during the school day, the scholar will be asked to give it to the teacher until the end of the school day.

• If the scholar refuses to turn in their device, the teacher will refer them to the Dean through an official write-up.

• Progressive discipline will be instituted in ordinance with SB 185.

• 1st offense - give phone to teacher; warning; teacher documents and informs parent

• Official write up to Dean if scholar refuses to turn in phone; teacher documents and informs parent

• 2nd offense - write up to Dean; Dean contacts parent; phone stays with Dean until parent can retrieve

• 3rd offense - write up to Dean; Dean contacts parent; ISS; phone stays with Dean until parent can retrieve and meet with Dean or administrator

• 4th offense - write up to Dean; Dean contacts parent; 2 days ISS; phone stays with Dean until parent can retrieve and meet with Dean or administrator

• 5th offense - write up to Dean; Dean contacts parent; wireless device suspension (scholar’s device will remain with Dean during the school day for 1-2 weeks depending on severity of the insubordination)

• 6th offense and beyond - write up to Dean; Dean contacts parent; wireless device suspension (scholar’s device will remain with Dean during the school day for 1-2 weeks depending on severity of the insubordination); parents, Dean, administrators meet to discuss next steps in regards to OSS or expulsion.

* Watch this space for pictures throughout the year!

FIND MORE PICTURES ON OUR INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!