Francone Elementary

A Note From the Principal

Falcon Families,

We've sure missed you! We can't wait to see you at our Falcon Express Meet the Teacher event Saturday, August 17th from 9 AM-11 AM. In addition to receiving your child's teacher assignment and seeing the classroom, you'll have an opportunity to get a car rider number, find out bus information or details for walkers, purchase school supplies, and learn about volunteer events. Please take advantage of this opportunity to see the classroom, as we cannot allow students to be walked to class on the first day of school. In addition, we will be closed to visitors for the first three weeks of school while students learn routines and procedures. Beginning September 9th, parents are welcome to visit for lunch if desired, following the lunch visit procedures included in this newsletter.

As we look ahead to the first day of school, we know clear communication about transportation is essential for a great first day! We have outlined key points regarding the various methods of transportation within this newsletter and will be available for additional questions at Falcon Express.

Take a look at the rest of our newsletter to read about our other upcoming events. Be sure to stay informed about the great things happening on our campus by following us on Twitter (@FranconeElem) or "liking" us on Facebook. We appreciate your partnership!

Melissa Martin

Principal

Your one stop to "KNOW IT ALL!" The link below will take you to our parent guide for the year. This is a great resource to reference for questions about arrival, dismissal, lunch procedures, dress code, etc. A hard copy of this document will be sent home at the start of the year, as well.

All permanent car riders must have a car rider number (please practice this number with your child throughout the first week of school). We kindly ask that only permanent car riders utilize the car rider line on the first days of school. It is helpful if students go home their normal way on the first day, so that they can begin learning their routine and to help our line run smoothly.

If you are a “walker” please ensure that you live within walking distance. If you are driving over from beyond walking distance, we highly recommend using our car rider line for the safety of those students who are truly walking home each day. Additionally, the number of cars waiting to collect “walkers” can cause congestion that limits vehicles from safely traveling down the street. It is imperative that we minimize cars parking on both sides of the street to ensure the roadway remains passable with maximum visibility.

We would like to reiterate that students in grades 1-5 who are walkers are to be released at dismissal, as they have been designated to walk home. By having your child listed as a walker, you are clearing them to be released in this manner, just as if they were being released from the school bus (whether or not a parent is present). “Walker” students will not be held at school unless they are in Pre-K or Kinder (the same practice as is done on the school bus). In the event you want to ensure that your child is released only to an adult, the appropriate method of transportation to do so is “car rider.”

**Morning Walkers- Our crossing guard will be on duty from 7:35 AM-7:50 AM. The gate leading from Autumn Harvest to the school will be opened at 7:50 to allow walkers in the building, with the gate closing securely behind them, so that students can be safely escorted into the building.

All Pre-K/Kinder students, as well as students who utilize special transportation, must have an adult awaiting them at the bus stop. If students have to be brought back to school, it causes the buses to be late to their next campus, causing all of those students to arrive home later than expected.

There are new guidelines in place this year to determine bus eligibility. Your child will only be let on the bus in the afternoon with a bus badge that clears them to ride. Without it, drivers will not allow them to board and parents/guardians will be called for pick up. Badges are provided at no cost at the start of the year. Replacement badges are $3.

Please download the MyRide application for updates on your child's boarding/disembarkation from the bus each day. On the first day(s) of school, it is very likely that buses will be running (up to an hour) late in the afternoon as drivers learn new routes. We will update you as specific bus numbers depart campus via a post on our campus Facebook page (Francone Elementary).

Questions regarding bus service, routes, or eligibility? Please call 713-MYCFBUS or use the online information system, Let's Chat.

Did you know Francone is CEP campus? That means ALL of our students receive FREE breakfast and lunch! This is made possible by your participation in our annual income surveys. Please be sure to fill out your income survey at the start of the school year, so that we can continue to receive the funding that makes this program possible.

Lists are linked HERE. If choosing to purchase a pre-packaged supply set, limited supplies are available through SchoolCash. Directions for registering for SchoolCash are below. If you need assistance with school supplies, please see the image below for a school supply give-away. In addition, you are welcome to reach out to our campus counselors (Britney.Conner@cfisd.net or Brittany.Thompson2@cfisd.net). We have limited supplies available to supplement thanks to the generosity of Premium Alloys and Westlake Chemical. We are grateful for our community partners!

We are excited to welcome Nurse Rojas to our staff this year! To ensure a safe and successful year, please note the following:

• All medication must be turned into the clinic by an adult. Medication must be in its original packaging. Over-the-counter medication must be brought in in an unopened bottle/package.
• Students cannot transport medication on their person, unless a doctor's note indicates that need and the note is on file in the clinic. If your child has a life-saving medication that they are required to carry on them, please provide that doctor's note as soon as possible.
• Students who are sent home with a fever must remain home for a minimum period of 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Nurse Rojas will be at Falcon Express and can accept medication at that time. Questions? Feel free to email Aveshendalynn.rojas@cfisd.net.

We show off our Falcon Pride with a spirit shirt every Friday! Spirit shirts can be ordered HERE between August 5th and August 30th. We have cotton tees, dri-fit tees, and sweatshirt options available. Be sure to look for the "youth" sizing option, if needed.

Website: https://francone.cfisd.net/en/
Location: 11250 Perry Road, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 281-897-4512
Twitter: @FranconeElem