Cougar Connection

Volume 2, Issue 5

Our teachers are fully engaged with their students throughout the school day, so they may not be able to respond to emails or phone calls immediately. We aim to reply to all non-emergency messages within 48 hours. If you have an urgent matter, please contact the school office directly, and we will ensure it receives prompt attention.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

While students are on school grounds, cell phones and smart watches must be in backpacks and powered off. Cell phones/smart watches should not, under any circumstances, be on or in use during the school day (Exception: classroom teacher or other Smith staff member provides permission and supervises the student). Items used for instructional support will be the responsibility of the student. The school cannot be responsible for lost, broken, or stolen cell phones or electronic equipment.

Additionally, electronics such as handheld games, should be left at home during the school day to avoid the possibility of items being lost or stolen. Under no circumstances should a student be taking pictures or videos with an electronic device (unless specific permission has been granted by school staff for a particular school project) of classmates, staff, etc.

Electronic devices out or in use during the school day (without adult permission) may be confiscated, turned into an administrator, and returned to a parent/guardian. If pictures and/or videos were taken, the school administrator will require that items are deleted prior to returning the device to the parent or legal guardian.

If you are seeking more information, please refer to our District's Board Policy regarding electronics.

Due to many children with food allergies, and to promote healthier eating and overall wellness, families may send in non-food treats to celebrate a birthday at school. Suggestions might be fun pencils, erasers, small trinkets, or stickers. Birthday goodie bags, without food, can be distributed to all classmates at the end of the school day.

Having flowers and balloons delivered to the school is disruptive to the learning environment, so please plan for those items to be delivered at home. We value our instructional time; therefore teachers will not be hosting birthday parties in their classrooms.

One unique way you can celebrate your child’s birthday at school is by having their name with a Happy Birthday greeting posted on the marquee on your child’s special day. We ask for a donation of $25 (payable to Smith PTA) and the proceeds from marquee messages will support Smith students. Another option would be to purchase a celebration book for our library in recognition of your child’s birthday. A sticker will be placed in the front of the book to honor your child’s birthday.

Refer to page 11 of the LVJUSD’s 2024-2025 Parent/Student Handbook for more information regarding nutritional guidelines.

Research has shown that traditional homework has a limited impact on achievement in the elementary grades (Hattie, 2023; Good and Brophy, 2003; Cooper et al, 2006). In light of this research, our district is implementing the guidance of 20 minutes of Reading and 20 minutes of Math each evening Monday to Thursday. This homework is intended to be meaningful and reinforce the lessons that have already been taught in the classroom.

We believe that Home Learning 20/20 will be beneficial for students and families and help to meet the needs of the ‘whole child’. With this change, there will be a healthy balance between homework and time for play and family. Our students will benefit from the predictable and manageable homework routine. Similarly, this common approach across grades within a school will help families with planning ahead knowing what to expect for volume of homework.

During Back to School Night, your child’s teacher should have explained what Home Learning 20/20 will look like for your child’s class. If you have any questions, please check our Home Learning 20/20 FAQs for Families. We are grateful for your partnership in supporting our students with their learning and long-term development.

Third through fifth grade students interested in joining Student Council are encouraged to attend the first meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 28th at 8:00 a.m. in the library. Student may enter campus through the office or parking lot/playground gate.

Click on the flyer for more detailed information about The Mileage Club.

Scan the QR code to register.

Breakfast will be served in the MPR from 8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. Supervision is provided. Students will enter campus through the parking lot gate and proceed directly to the MPR.

All students have the option to eat a school lunch complete with entree, fruit or vegetable, and a milk. Students may purchase additional meals if they choose. Visit the Child Nutrition Services page for more information.

Website: livermoreschools.org/smith
Location: 391 Ontario Drive, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.4750