

PLA@103 Friday Family News
The PLA@103 Phalen Falcons - United We SUCCEED
PLA@103 Friday Family News
January 27, 2025
PLA@103 Falcons - United We SUCCEED
Read on for information including FREE dental screenings, upcoming early dismissal dates and school breaks, SCHOLAR of the MONTH Nominees and WINNERS, our Falcon Families Read event will continue in March, cold weather and recess guidelines, safety information about drop off and pick up, important upcoming dates, a partnership with Boys and Girls Club for after school, our wireless device policy, our uniform policy, and information from our school nurse.
FREE Dental Screenings!
Free! Free! Free!
FREE dental clinic for ages 3-10 that includes dental screenings,
cleanings, and other preventive services plus activities, dental kits, and oral health books.
• Entry into the Children’s Museum is not required, and this event is FREE
• Families who present their Medicaid card at the registration desk will have
chance to receive an adult ticket and a select number of children’s tickets to
the museum
• Services and materials are provided on a first-come,
first-served basis
• Pre-registration is highly encouraged but not required
Next Early Dismissal - Feb. 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 5 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL
Please plan ahead for our next 11:20am Early Dismissal on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
Scholar of the Month NOMINATIONS
The following scholars were NOMINATED as Scholar of the Month for January:
KINDERGARTEN:
-Mr. Stock nominated Lux Berry and had this to say about the scholar, "Lux Berry is a remarkable student who embodies the qualities of a true scholar. Her test scores are soaring like a Falcon, reflecting her dedication and hard work in every subject. Lux is always willing to help her classmates, offering a kind hand and encouraging words whenever needed. Her honesty and loyalty set her apart as a trusted friend and role model for her peers. Additionally, Lux’s love of reading shines brightly, as she eagerly dives into books and inspires others to explore the joys of literature. For these reasons, Lux is an outstanding candidate for Scholar of the Month!"
-Ms. Singleton nominated Franyer Bompart and had this to say about the scholar, "Franyer comes to school excited to learn and ready to work hard every day! Franyer loves to make his friends and teachers laugh and brings a fun energy to our classroom. He is a good friend to all children in school. Franyer has grown so much in speaking and understanding English this year thanks to his can-do attitude!"
-Miss Adams nominated Raphaella Frael and had this to say about the scholar, "Raphaella goes above and beyond for her classmates and for the teacher. Raphaella has been very helpful with helping Miss Adams translate for other students who doesn't speak English. She has taken every new student under her wing and has shown them the ropes of our classroom and outside of our classroom. Raphaella is a very hard worker and always gives 110% in everything she does. She shows up to school ready to learn everyday."
FIRST GRADE:
-Mrs. Teroba nominated Daleyza Herrera and had this to say about the scholar, "Daleyza has had so much improvement in her work and attitude. She pays attention and tries really hard to do her work! I am very proud of you Daleyza!"
-Mrs. Reed nominated Joesley Oxane and had this to say about the scholar, "Joesley tries hard with every subject. He has raised three grades. He is polite and helpful in the classroom."
-Ms. Dalton nominated Jeffrey John and had this to say about the scholar, "I nominated Jeffrey for scholar of the month because I have seen a so much improvment from the beginning of the year, until now, he has turned his behavior around and continues to try his best to improve academically. He is much more outspoken now and is able to communicate his feelings, which has helped him immensely."
-Ms. Halsmer nominated Mifaela in Ms. Teroba's class and had this to say about the scholar, "Mifaela worked really hard during her WIDA test."
SECOND GRADE:
-Ms. Hesser nominated Elthan Gonzales Morales and had this to say about the scholar, "Elthan is always showing up to school on time and getting his work completed every day. He is kind to others and is always ready to help anyone who needs it. Elthan is a great leader and role model to those around him!"
-Ms. Ison nominated Dy'Anna Clemons and had this to say about the scholar, "Dy'Anna has really stepped it up this month! She has shown responsibility in caring for things in the classroom and ensuring that she is completing her classwork. She has also been a nice friend in the classroom and is willing to help out wherever she can. Room 218 is happy to have Dy'Anna!"
-Mr. M nominated Daniel Nieto and had this to say about the scholar, "Daniel exceeded his expecatations for both Math and Reading on NWEA! He also continues to get an A+ on all his Math and Vocabulary exams!"
-Mrs. Minnix nominated DeAndre Franklin in Ms. Hesser's class and had this to say about the scholar, "I nominate DeAndre Franklin for Student of the Month for making Benchmark in Reading the first semester. He has worked very hard in achieving this goal. Congrats DeAndre!"
-Mr. Jacobs nominated Sevyn Waites in Ms. Harris's class and had this to say about the scholar, "Sevyn has been the model citizen at lunch and a leader in his class."
-Ms. Evvie noninated Brandon Stewart in Mr. M.'s class and had this to say about the scholar, "He is very tenacious and very teachable."
FOURTH GRADE:
-Ms. Evans nominated Emely Martinez Castro and had this to say about the scholar, "Emely exemplifies respect in every interaction, treating teachers, classmates, and staff with kindness and consideration. Always willing to lend a helping hand, she goes above and beyond to support others, whether assisting classmates, volunteering for school activities. Emely is a great leader!"
-Ms. Friedly nominated Jokebed Francois and had this to say about the scholar, "Jokebed is a hard worker. She completes all of her assignments to the best of her ability. She asks for help when needed, and always offers a hand to others. Jokebed participates in class and continues to work hard on tests."
FIFTH GRADE:
-Mr. Dickey nominated Tavon Starks and had this to say about the scholar, "I have seen a lot of improvement with Tavon since day one. He has a good attitude and ready to learn everyday."
-Ms. Leslie nominated Camila Del Carmen and had this to say about the scholar, "I would like to nominate Camila Del Carmen for Scholar of the Month. She consistently brings a joyful and enthusiastic attitude to learning, making the classroom a more enjoyable place for everyone. She is a kind and helpful classmate, always willing to lend a hand or offer encouragement to others. Most importantly, Camila demonstrates a strong work ethic, striving to improve every single day. She is a true role model for the class."
-Mr. Forey nominated Francesca Simeon and had this to say about the scholar, "Francesca works hard every day at school! She works well with other scholars and is a great peer role model. Thanks for being awesome and working hard during the school day."
SIXTH GRADE:
-Ms. Tschudy nominated Aylin Nayeli Ramos Hernandez in Ms. Ledford's class and had this to say about the scholar, "Aylin has worked diligently to improve her writing this year. She has also done extra reading at home to improve her reading comprehension."
-Mrs. McKinney nominated Khe'Nyla Brown in Ms. Ledford's class and had this to say about the scholar, "Khe'Nyla is a school leader. She helps daily in cafe, helps her team on the court, is kind and cares about her education."
SCHOLARS of the MONTH for January
These scholars were chosen as Scholar of the Month for January:
Kindergarten:
Lux Berry
First Grade:
Joesley Oxane
Second Grade:
Brandon Stewart
Third Grade:
Joselyn Powell
Fourth Grade:
Emely Martinez Castro
Fifth Grade:
Camila Del Carmen
Sixth Grade:
Aylin Ramos Hernandez
Our Staff of the Month is:
Ms. Katie Harris, 2nd Grade
Stay Tuned for a *NEW* Falcon Families Read Challenge!
Falcon Families Read Winners!
Grand Prize -Cristel Ramirez
Cristel from Ms. Mundorf's third grade room won a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Winners
Final Results of Falcon Families Read:
62,543 mins./ 1,040 hrs. spent reading for 52 participants who turned in their logs or used the QR codes. That's A LOT of minutes spent reading! Way to go! Get ready for the next challenge in March!
Medal Recipients:
Gold
Sheerah Tolno K Miller
Hecniell Rivera Gonzalez 1st Maschino
Pavel Justillian 2nd Metzger (also most picture uploads in 2nd grade @ 19)
Cristel Martinez Hernandez 3rd Mundorf
Kechna Charles 4th Evans
Emely Martinez 4th Evans
Josiah Haskel 4th Evans
Aaron Lara Vasquez 4th Friedly
Ana Jean-Baptiste 5th Leslie
Jai’Honna Gaines 6th Hollowell
Silver
Riventz Ecceus Ment K Adams
Briana Flores Hernandez 1 Teroba
Yamicarly Michel Ylagard 2 Harris
Bradley Martinez 3 Mundorf
Marlia Veliz Jimenez 4 Friedly
Joseph Almendarez-Reyes 5th Forey (most picture uploads in 5th @ 32)
Antario Ofutt 6th Hollowell
Bronze
Lux Berry K Stock
Dana Docius Jeudy K Adams
Brysen Murry K Stock (Most K picture uploads @ 12)
Anthony Joseth Barahona K Stock
Dayren Ramirez-Marquez 1st Maschino
Kingsley Turner 2nd Metzger
Linda Lopez Fuentes 3rd Mundorf (most 3rd picture uploads @ 8)
Linsi Ramirez 4th Friedly
Jazzlyn Alvarado 4th Evans
Terrance Fields 4th Evans
Vanellope Perez-Teroba 5th Leslie
Nathaly Godinez 6th Hollowell
CLASSROOM WINNERS:
K ADAMS
1 MASCHINO
2 METZGER
3 MUNDORF
OVERALL MOST MINUTES READ SCHOOLWIDE EVANS IN 4TH GRADE
5 LESLIE
6 HOLLOWELL
Cold Weather Guidelines
Winter Weather and Recess
Parents/Families,
Please be sure your child is coming to school dressed appropriately for the weather. Recess will take place outdoors as the weather permits, and scholars should be dressed for that. Coats, hats, and gloves are a necessity. If your child is in need of a winter coat, hat, or gloves, please contact the school.
Ideally, recess should take place outdoors on school grounds as weather, space, and safety permit. Outdoor recess allows children to get fresh air, provides an opportunity for children to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity, and gives students more activity options than most indoor spaces. Outdoor recess is an important part of a child’s school day and schools are highly encouraged to provide students with the opportunity to play outside whenever possible. PLA@103 uses the following guidelines to determine whether recess is held indoors or outdoors each day:
DO NOT PULL INTO THE BUS LANES BY THE SIDEWALK
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.
Car Rider Procedures
Please Follow These Procedures to Keep Our Scholars Safe
*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.
IMPORTANT DATES
Mark Your Calendars
* February 5- 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL - Please plan ahead and be on time!
* February 17 - NO SCHOOL- Presidents Day
* February 26 - Spring PIT Day Conferences - Your scholar's teacher will be in touch if a conference is requested.
* March 3-14 - IREAD testing for grades 2nd and 3rd
* March 28 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL - Please plan ahead and be on time!
* March 31-April 4 - SPRING BREAK - No School!
* April 7 - Scholars return to school
* April 9 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL - Please plan ahead and be on time!
* April 14-May 9 - ILEARN testing for grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th
* May 26 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
* June 4 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL - Please plan ahead and be on time! LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Boys & Girls Club Afterschool Resource
WIRELESS DEVICE PROHIBITION
PLA@103 Updated Cellphone/Device Policy
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 choose 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.
UNIFORM POLICY
School Nurse Corner
Welcome to Nurse Sara's Corner!
Please see important health information from Nurse Sara below (click the images to enlarge).
PICTURES FROM AROUND THE SCHOOL
PLA@103 Mission & Vision
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.