Northside Elementary

August 1, 2024

Dear Northside Families and Students,

The summer was like all of the ones that I remember, it simply flies! I hope the past two months have allowed your family to slow down and enjoy all that summer offers. At the end of every school year and while busy preparing for the next, I am finding myself incredibly thankful to be a part of Monroe and, more specifically, Northside. Whether you are new to the building or have received our back-to-school information more times than you can count, I hope that you see this amazing school community that we have collectively created. I continue to be in awe of our students each year and the all that the staff does for all students. The teachers and staff bring a level of compassion, expertise, and fun that is unmatched.

This year marks my 20th year working in the district and 17th as Northside's Principal. My goal every year is to be "THE SCHOOL" where strong relationships are built and children enjoy learning. I want all students to feel connected to their teachers, staff, and peers; for students to feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes; and for students to feel safe and supported (physically and emotionally). The spring 2024 family survey data indicated that 94% of our families are satisfied/very satisfied with Northside. Other survey data shows that we have many strengths to build upon.

97%--Northside has adults that really care for my child and their success in school.

91%--I feel connected to the teachers and staff at Northside.

94%–The school promotes academic success for ALL students.

93%--The school enforces the rules and expectations.

97%--My child has at least one trusted adult at school.

Continuous improvement is our goal every year. We push our students to exceed academically and practice civility. We want students to learn in a safe, nurturing environment and empower them to reach their greatest potential. This is our mission and I truly believe that every year we do our best to be better and do better.

I cannot wait to welcome you on August 28th and please know that my door is always open throughout the school year if you ever have any questions or concerns.

On behalf of the entire staff, welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

• Registration must be completed online for all K-5 students (new & returning).
• Use the Skyward Family Access "Online Registration" button above to get started.
• For detailed instructions to complete online registration, click the "Online Registration" directions.
• If you have forgotten your password, please use the "Forgot Password" option on the Skyward login page to change your password or contact your student's school for assistance.
• Computers are available for use in the Monroe Public Library and registration assistance is available at the District Administrative Center.
• Registration must be completed to view your student's homeroom teacher.
• **IMPORTANT** Income requirements have changed for Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch. Use the link below to see if you qualify. If you are unsure if your family meets the requirements, we encourage you to fill out the application for consideration. It is highly encouraged to fill out the application as soon as possible to avoid a negative food service balance. Link to Free and Reduced Guide

• Online Registration Instructions

• School bus transportation services will be provided to eligible students who qualify. Bus forms will be completed online during registration this year. These forms need to be completed by August 16th in order to ensure busing is available for your student on the first day of school. Please do not delay completing your online registration!
  

🚩Online Skyward Registration opens Monday, August 5th🚩

Registration assistance for multilingual families is available from our ELL Department on August 12th, 10am-2pm, and August 13th-14th, 12pm-5pm, at the Monroe High School M-Room (park in the lower parking lot and enter through the doors with the "M" logo over them).

School Fees

• The Northside office will be open on Monday, August 19th from 8:00-4:00.

• We strongly encourage all fees to be paid online if possible or to have your checks made out and ready to be dropped off in the office.

• Student fees are due no later than October 1. These fees cover the cost of consumable materials and book rental/ apps for the year. Fees not collected by October 1, will be forwarded to our district office to begin a collection process.

Meals

Breakfast $1.70 (If qualify for reduced lunches, free for breakfast)

Hot Lunch $2.90 (If qualify for reduced lunches, $.40 for hot lunch)

Milk $0.50 (although milk is included in meals, students that bring a sack lunch may purchase milk)

*Students can bring cash or charge their lunch accounts when purchasing milk*

Fees

1st Semester Snack Milk Fee $42.50

2nd Semester Snack Milk Fee $45.00

Book Rental/ Apps & Classroom Materials Fee $36.00

Total Fee for 1 Students - $123.50

Milk will be served during snack break. This is an additional optional purchase with payment in full at the beginning of the school year or as two payments made in September and January. If your child is NOT going to take milk at milk break, please complete the opt out form with your child’s teacher at “Meet Your Teacher” on August 28th. If your child qualifies for the traditional Free/Reduced Lunch program, he/she will receive milk at no cost.

Please note that you may have a credit on your account from previous years. Unpaid fees also rollover from year to year. Please contact the Northside office if you have questions regarding your school fees.

(If you have more than one student, you may combine all fees and students on one check. We do ask that lunch payments be on a separate check. All checks should be made out to the elementary school your child attends). You may also make payments online in Family Access!

• Monthly breakfast and lunch menus are available on the district website.

• Breakfast is open to all students beginning at 7:30 a.m. each school day.

• If your child brings a cold lunch, please include healthy, nutritious options.

• Each grade level determines the best snack/milk break time.

• Students may participate in the optional milk program for snack break. This fee should be paid at the beginning of the school year. If you believe you may qualify for free or reduced lunch, (which would include free milk) then please complete the free and reduced lunch application and waiver forms. Students that participate in the milk program have the choice of either white or chocolate milk.

• In most grade levels, students will need to bring in a snack. Healthy snacks that do not include a lot of sugar are encouraged; cookies or candies are not allowed. Examples of appropriate snacks include dried fruit, fruit, pretzels, crackers, cheese, or vegetables.

Monroe students and families in need of school supplies can visit Parkside Elementary or Northside Elementary on the dates listed below. Families from Parkside, Northside, Abe Lincoln, St. Vics can visit either site at the time(s) that work best for them!

Northside Dates/Times:

• Tuesday, August 6th from 8am-12pm

• Tuesday, August 13th from 9am-3pm

• August 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd (Monday-Thursday) from 9am-3pm

Parkside Dates/Times:

• Thursday August 8th 8am- 3pm

• Monday August 12th 4pm- 6pm

• Thursday August 15th 8am- 3pm

• August 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd (Monday-Thursday) from 9am-3pm

Remaining supplies will be available at each elementary school during Meet Your Teacher night.

• The first day of school is Tuesday, September 3rd.
• 7:50: All students enter the building through their designated grade level doors on non-inclement weather days (students use front entry doors on inclement weather mornings).
• 7:55: The school day begins.
• Students are marked tardy when they arrive later than 7:55.
• If your child is sick or will be absent from school, please notify the office by 9:00 a.m. each day. If our office does not receive a message in the morning, one of the secretaries will reach out regarding the absence. If you choose to communicate absences using Class Dojo, please make sure you are calling the Northside office as well.
• At times, the office staff may call families for additional information when a child is sick.
• The District Administrator shall require, from the parent of each student who has been absent for any reason either a written or oral notification stating the reason for the absence and the time period covered by the absence. The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each: absence of more than five (5) days duration; repeated unexplained absence and tardiness.

If you have children at multiple buildings, please see the other buildings' start/end times:

• Abe Lincoln - 8:05-3:20

• Parkside - 7:50-3:05

• MMS -8:00-3:28

• MHS - 8:00- 3:30

• The theme for the school year is Ready, Set, Glow! Our PBIS Team (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is working hard to hone in on the essential self-management behaviors that will lead to success inside and outside of the classroom. (Read the Progressive Discipline plan for more details on all of the supports in place as well as the “leveled plan” for inappropriate behaviors.)

• Reading/Writing Curriculum: We are in the third year of implementation with the CKLA curriculum. We are ecstatic to see such positive results since this implementation and are even more excited to see what year three will bring.

• Math Curriculum: Bridges has been identified as the new elementary math curriculum and this will begin in grades K-3 only for this school year. Implementation will begin in 2025-2026 for grades 4 and 5.

Note that there will no longer be a crossing guard on 13th Street (on 30th Avenue). This position was limited due to budget reductions.

• Dany (Ortiz) Reid, Special Education Teacher

• Courtney Breault, Educational Assistant

• Sue Langmeier, Educational Assistant

• Health Assistant is in process

• Gloria Sherer, Cafeteria (began last year)

*On the first few days of school, parents/guardians are allowed on the playground before school.

OPTION #1–The Drop-off Zone (NEW LAST YEAR)

• Who should use the drop-off zone?

• Children who are independently able to exit the vehicle (don’t need adult assistance).

• Children can exit on the passenger side only.

• The MORNING (only) drop-off zone goes through the parking lot on the east side of the building.

• The entrance will be the driveway on 32nd Avenue. (I recommend using 6th to 6 ½ Street to 32nd Avenue to avoid congestion.) (see map)

• Drive slowly and watch your surroundings, paying special attention to staff/children arriving and walking across the parking lot.

• Stay in the right lane, along the curb and sidewalk. (Staff will use the left lanes.)

• Follow the cones, signage, and pull all of the way forward before letting children out of the vehicle.

• A good rule of thumb is to let your child or children exit when you are in the front three vehicles.

• Students should be ready (backpack ready, kisses/hugs given, coat zipped, etc.) and exit the vehicle CURBSIDE independently in order to keep the line of cars moving.

• Adults and siblings not attending Northside must stay in the vehicle in the Drop-off Zone.

• Even during inclement weather, it is important to follow the drop-off zone procedure and move all the way forward.

OPTION #2–Park and Drop

• If families want to help their child or children out of the vehicle, please park west of the crosswalk/west of 30th Avenue. No vehicles are allowed in the green-marked BUS Drop-off Zone on 8 ½ Street in front of the building. (see map)

• Two crosswalks along with crossing guards are available for the safety of students. Please do not allow your children to cross the street without using a crosswalk.

• Students are not allowed to be dropped off in the parking lot in front of the building; only guardians that have special permission from the building principal are allowed to use the front parking lot for drop-off and/or pick-up.

OPTION #3–Bus Drop-off

• The bus drop-off zone is on 8 ½ Street marked in green (previously the family drop-off zone) (see map)

• If students eat breakfast, students will enter through the front doors.

• If students arrive before 7:50 and do not take breakfast, they should proceed to the playground area.

• During the after-school pick-up, guardians are allowed to park on 8 ½ Street (the bus zone in the morning).

• No regular after-school pick-up is allowed in the parking lot unless there is special permission from the principal.

• Bus, walk and pick-up students will be dismissed at 3:10. Buses will load in the back parking lot. Please avoid this area at the end of the school day.

• Sibling/Neighbor pick-up should occur outside of grade level doors (students should not wait for other, younger students in multi-purpose areas).

• Students who need to pick up younger siblings in the building will use their grade-level exit door and walk around the building to the appropriate grade-level doors. In other words, students will not be allowed to walk through the building.

• We highly encourage families to find a consistent location that can be used for daily after-school dismissal.

• Please mark clothes, shoes, boots, lunch bags/boxes, and other personal property with your child's name.

• In such a case where an item is lost, your child should check the lost and found area located by the office. We will donate any lost clothing during winter, spring and summer breaks.

• Bringing toys from home is discouraged.

• Tennis shoes are required for physical education classes; students are encouraged to leave an extra pair of shoes at school.

• Any items such as roller blades, kick balls, baseball gloves, money, etc., brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner.

• No collectible items should be brought to school to trade with other students. (e.g., Pokemon cards)

• The school discourages students from bringing headsets, ipads, ipods, kindles, cell phones, etc.

• Cell phones must remain in the student’s backpack during all times of the school day.

• Smart watches are not allowed at school.

Families must keep the office updated with changes in phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, and emergency contacts throughout the school year.

• Dojo is our main tool of communication; make sure to accept the invitation from your child’s teacher from Class Dojo when it is sent.

• Families have the ability to communicate via Class Dojo with teachers (classroom, specialists, specials teachers, other personnel) and the office staff (secretaries and principal).

• Office staff will continue to use Dojo to communicate all school information, reminders, updates, celebrations with parents and guardians.

• Parents/Guardians that choose not to use Dojo will likely miss information about classroom events, pictures, and updates.
  

• Although Dojo is our main tool for school events and updates, please call the office directly if your child will be absent or there are any changes to after school pick up arrangements. This is helpful in the event of subs in the classroom and/or confusion at then end of the day.

Email

• Important building and district communication will be sent to parents and guardians via email using the district Skylert system.

• General school notes will be sent home with the students on Thursday in their student folders. It is important to review all of the home notes.

• District & School Website-Go to www.monroeschools.com to get information, such as the school announcements, monthly breakfast and lunch menus, special events, athletic/extracurricular activities, and other district information.

Miscellaneous

• Student Invitations/Private Parties: If a student is having a private birthday party, students are only allowed to hand out invitations at school if the entire class is invited.

• Bikes and scooters are not allowed on the playground during school hours. Any child riding a bike to school should park it in the back of the building where the racks are located. A strong emphasis should be placed on locking bikes. We suggest that scooters, roller blades, or skateboards not be brought to school; however, if they are, the school is not responsible for these items.

• No gum is allowed at school.

• We appreciate having visitors and volunteers!

• Please make sure to complete the background check form so that you can spend some valuable time in your child’s classroom this school year. (Or, we also love grandparents and other retired adults!)

• Background checks do need to be completed every school year prior to volunteering. Forms will be available at Meet Your Teacher.

• Our treasured PTO is always looking for involvement from families!! The Sock Hop and Basket Raffle are the two biggest events of the year, so please plan to volunteer.

• Sock Hop–Friday, January 31, 2025

• Basket Raffle & Open House–Thursday, April 24, 2025

• Each classroom will designate a parent/guardian that will help serve as the main communicator/organizer for that classroom only. If you are interested in this opportunity, please mention this to your child’s classroom teacher at the beginning of the school year.

• Our families are critical to the PTO and volunteer program--please keep an eye out for these opportunities once school begins.

• My husband Kurt and I just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.
• We have a spirited, sweet pup, Ivy, who is a 5-year-old mini golden doodle.
• I love being an aunt to many nieces and nephews.
• My hometown is the very small town of Benton, Wisconsin, home of the Zephyrs.
• Earned Bachelor's Degree from UW-La Crosse, Master's from UW-Whitewater, and administrative licenses from Edgewood College.
• Began my educational career as a School Psychologist in 2001 in Dodgeville.
• My personal favorites are...sunsets on my porch; reading; coffee; pizza; cheesecake; playing golf & pickleball; spending time with family & friends; watching my nieces and nephews grow up/attend their sporting events.
• My Northside favorites are...the Northside traditions, especially the first day ice cream floats and Sock Hops; watching students and staff celebrate achievements (big and small); and, the everyday "buzz" of an elementary building.

Principal

Email: amytimmerman@monroe.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.monroeschools.com/schools/northside/
Location: 3005 8 1/2 Street, Monroe, WI, USA
Phone: 608-328-7129
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonroeSchoolsWI