PLA@103 Friday Family News

Read on for information including the PLA@103 Gear Store, preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences (PIT Day), information about Habitat for Humanity, the uniform policy, important health information from our school nurse, and a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club as an after school resource.

The PLA@103 Gear Shop is open until October 30. Order now!

1) Scan the QR code below or go to https://sportsplusincstore.itemorder.com/shop/

2) Enter code FQT8H

3) Choose the items you want to order and add them to your cart

4) Include the scholar's name on the order (so we know who to send it home with)

5) Pay for your order securely with your credit card

6) Items will be delivered to the school before Christmas and sent home with your scholar

Please plan to pick up your car rider at 11:20am on October 2, 2024.

Wednesday, October 9 is our Parent Teacher Conference (PIT - Parents In Touch) Day. It is imperative you attend your scheduled conference with your child's teacher. Information has been sent home to schedule your time that day. Please plan to arrive ON TIME for your conference. If you are too early or too late, the teacher may not be able to fit you into their full schedule.

Plan ahead for your conference-

Great questions to ask the teacher during your conference

• How is my child progressing academically? Is he/she meeting grade-level expectations?

• What are my child's strengths at school?

• Are there any specific areas where my child could improve?

• What can I do at home to support my child's learning? Are there any specific activities or resources you recommend?

• How is my child's behavior in class? Does he/she follow the rules and get along with classmates?

• Is my child completing classwork and participating as expected?

• Are there any upcoming projects or tests that my child needs to prepare for?

• What's the best way to keep in touch with you about my child's progress? Can I email you or is a note or phone call better?

• Is there anything you need in the classroom that I can help with?

Things NOT to ask your child's teacher

• Questions that are personal in nature, such as asking about the teacher's relationships or activities outside of school

• Questions that are accusatory or confrontational, such as blaming the teacher for your child's academic struggles

• Questions that are designed to compare your child to other students

• Questions that require the teacher to divulge confidential information about other students

• Questions that show disrespect or a lack of trust towards the teacher

It's important to be mindful of the questions you ask during a parent-teacher conference to keep the conversation productive and respectful. Focus on asking constructive questions that will help you better understand your child's academic progress and how you can support their learning.
If you disagree with the teacher, explain why in an objective way without making it personal.

Other tips for attending a parent-teacher conference

Schedule Your Meeting:
Don't just show up at school and expect the teacher to meet with you. Also, ask if you should bring your child to the meeting or not. Some teachers prefer to have the student there too.
Arrive on Time:
Be respectful of the teacher's time and of other parents who may have a conference scheduled right after yours.
Listen and Ask Questions:
Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say. Ask questions to clarify anything you don't understand. Avoid interrupting the teacher, and try to stay focused on the topic at hand.
Be Open-Minded:
Keep an open mind during the conference. Try to see things from the teacher's perspective and be willing to consider their suggestions for improving your child's academic performance.
Follow Up:
After the conference, talk to your child about what was discussed. If the teacher made suggestions to help your child at home, do your best to implement them. If you have further questions or concerns, reach out to the teacher to schedule a follow-up meeting or phone call.
Even if you don't love your child's teacher, keep in mind that you are both there to help your child. Try to work as a team towards your common goal.

All cars should pull up to the circle. NO CARS can be in the bus lane by the sidewalks until all 6 buses have been loaded and have departed.

*Please note, we have more buses this year. The front sidewalk/curb IS NOT available, and is not the designated drop off area due to safety concerns. Cars may not be in the bus lane until all six buses have been loaded and have departed.*

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 IS NOT available as the pick-up line. Cars may not be in the bus lane until all six buses have been loaded and have departed.*

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 ON THE CIRCLE.

* 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.

* 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.

Phalen Leadership Academy Parents

Imagine a place where your family can grow, thrive, and create lasting memories. With Habitat for Humanity, first-time homeownership is within reach! Habitat for Humanity is now taking applicants for 2025 homebuyers. Here's how our program can make a difference for you and your loved ones:

Why Habitat for Humanity?

• Affordable Homes: Tired of paying rent? Habitat offers low-interest mortgages to make homeownership attainable.
• Stable Living: Enjoy the security and stability of owning your own home, free from the uncertainties of renting while building equity.
• Empowerment: Benefit from homebuyer education and support that helps you be prepared to be successful in your new home.

How to Get Started:

1. Apply: Visit indyhabitat.org/own-a-home to learn about eligibility.
2. Join Us: Follow Indy Habitat on social media to learn about events and see recently completed homes. indyhabitat.org/contact

Explore more and take your first step toward homeownership at indyhabitat.org!

* Tuesday, October 1 - PICTURE DAY

* Wednesday, October 2 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

* Wednesday, October 9 - PIT (Parents in Touch; Parent Teacher Conferences) AT HOME Learning for Scholars - No Scholars in the Building - Plan to visit our BOOK FAIR on this day as well!

* October 10 - ELL Night 4-5:30

* October 14-18 - FALL BREAK - No School

* October 29 - Fall Festival & Open House

* Tuesday, November 5 - ELLECTION DAY - AT HOME Learning - No Scholars in the Building

* Wednesday, November 13 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

* Thursday, November 14 - IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

* Tuesday, November 26 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

* November 27-29 - THANKSGIVING BREAK - No School

The Boys & Girls Club at 38th and Post Road is available as an after school resource. There is no transporation provided, but please see the Open Enrollment form below. Applications can be found in English HERE and Spanish HERE.

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.

Please see important health information from Nurse Sara below (click the images to enlarge).

* Lots of learning around the school!

* Spin the Wheel - our reward event to encourage growth and achievement on our weekly assessment

FIND MORE PICTURES ON OUR INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK!

Mission: Our mission is to ensure that each of our scholars meet high academic and social standards, and thrive as leaders at home, in their communities, and in the world.

Vision: Our ultimate goal is that our scholars master key academic skills, and demonstrate strong character as exhibited by: honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures.