Leverett: School to Home Connection

Welcome to September, Leverett Elementary families! We’re thrilled to report a successful start to the school year, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our students, staff, and families. As we move into September, we have an exciting month ahead filled with celebrations, events, and opportunities for our students to grow and connect.

We’re kicking off our Cultural Month Celebration on September 15th, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Day, where we’ll be exploring and celebrating the rich cultures that make our community so vibrant. Our after-school clubs will also begin this month, offering students a variety of fun and educational activities to enjoy after the school day ends.

Mark your calendars for Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 4th—an evening to connect with your child’s teachers and learn more about what’s in store for the year. We’re also looking forward to welcoming grandparents to join their grandchildren for lunch on Friday, September 6th, for Grandparents Day. And don’t forget, Popcorn Day will be on Friday, September 20th—a favorite treat for all our students!

We’re excited to share these special moments with you and look forward to a wonderful month together!

#HEARourROAR

Here are events that will take place at Leverett:

Sept. 2: No School (Labor Day)

Sept. 3: SKC begins for enrolled Kindergarten students

Sept. 4: Back to School Night (5:00-6:30 PM)

Sept. 5: Hip Hop Dance Club Begins (see information below)

Sept. 6: Grandparent's Day (during student's lunch time)

Sept. 9: Chess Club begins (see information below)

Sept. 12: Fresh Produce from Appleseed's sent home with students

Sept. 18: Just Play Club Begins (see information below)

Sept. 20: Popcorn Day

Sept. 24: PTO Meeting @6:00 PM in Leverett Library

Oct. 2: Custodian Appreciation Day

Oct. 10: Fresh Produce from Appleseed's sent home with students

Oct. 11: Coffee with Cremo and Fitz (7:30-8:30 AM) in Library

Oct. 17: Quarter 2 Begins

Oct. 17: Cultural Night at Leverett (5:30-7:00 PM)

Oct. 21: Fall Picture Day at Leverett (flyers will be sent home in October)

Oct. 21-25: Book Fair at Leverett

Oct. 24/25: Parent Teacher Conferences (more info to come)

Oct. 29: PTO Meeting @6:00 PM in Leverett Library

Oct. 31: Fall Celebrations (2:00-3:00 PM)

Oct. 31: Fresh Produce from Appleseed's sent home with students

We are excited to welcome you to Back to School Night at Leverett Elementary! Parents should enter through the gym/Upper Garland parking entrance. The evening will begin with a presentation by the Leverett administration in the library at 5:00 PM. Following the presentation, families will have the opportunity to visit their child's classroom teacher. There will be maps available to show families where each grade level team will be presenting.

There will be two classroom teacher rotations from 5:25-5:45 and 5:50-6:10 to accommodate families with children in multiple grades. During this time, you’ll learn more about classroom procedures, what your child will be learning this year, and how communication between school and home will take place.

ENCORE teachers will also be presenting information for families in the library from 5:50-6:10 and again at 6:15. Additionally, from 5:30-7:00 PM, information about Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be available in the cafeteria.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about the exciting year ahead!

• Student Arrival: 7:25-8:10 AM

• Student Dismissal: 3:10-3:25 PM

• Bus Transportation: Buses will drop off students at the school after 7:25 a.m. If you have any questions regarding your child’s bus information, contact Bus Barn at (479) 444-3095.

• Student ID Tags for Bus Riders: Students who ride a bus will receive an ID badge. These will be distributed during Open House. Students in K-12 must swipe their ID badge when they get on and off the bus. The card will tell parents/ guardians when the bus is near their stop. Only students with a bus ID tag will be allowed to use bus services. We understand that not all students will be registered for a bus before the first day of school. While we work on making sure all students have a bus tag, we will make sure that all students who need to ride a bus to school will have the information needed!

• Car Rider Transportation: Students can be dropped off and picked up in the Lower Garland Street parking lot through the car line. A Leverett staff member will be there to receive them.

• Drop-off begins at 7:25 a.m. and ends at 8:00 a.m.

• Pick-up begins at 3:10 p.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m.

• Please remain in your car at all times. A staff member will escort your child from the vehicle. Please do not let your child out of the car unless you see a staff member.

• If you arrive later than the times listed above, please go to the main office.

• Car Rider Tag: To pick up your child, the Leverett Car Rider Tag must be displayed. If the vehicle does not have a car rider tag, the driver’s license of the person picking up the student(s) must be verified through the Leverett office staff and the student’s emergency card. Thank you for helping our car rider system run safely and smoothly. Your child’s safety is our top priority.

• Walkers: Walkers will be dismissed at the playground gate on Cleveland Street. Please wait for a school staff member to bring your student to you. Make sure to have the walker tag to receive your child. Walkers can be picked up between 3:10 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. Please do not pick up your student as a walker if you are driving a car. Thank you!

• SKC: Students who are signed up for SKC will report to the cafeteria at the end of the school day. SKC will begin on the first day of school.

SKC

• The Boys and Girls Club provides after school care for students. If you are interested in signing your child up for SKC, please visit their website for more information.

Changes in Student Transportation: Please notify the main office of any student transportation changes before 1:00 PM. This will ensure that your child goes to the correct location after school. Thank you for your cooperation!

Communication Methods: The school will communicate with you regularly through Bloomz, Thrillshare, electronic newsletters, School Status, email, flyers, Facebook, and phone calls.

Communication from Leverett Administration: Leverett administration will communicate through Thrillshare, School Status and Bloomz to update you on important information. Please be sure to sign up for alerts.If you need assistance, please contact the main office or your child’s teacher.

School Newsletter: Leverett will publish a monthly electronic newsletter with school information at the beginning of each month. These newsletters will be shared on the school-wide Bloomz app, classroom teachers’ Bloomz app, Thrillshare, the Leverett website, and the Leverett Facebook page.

Communication from Teachers: All classroom teachers will share their classroom Bloomz code, school email address, and School Status number with their student’s families. Please be mindful that your child’s teacher cannot receive phone calls or respond to questions during instructional hours.

• Monday Newsletter: Teachers will share a weekly electronic newsletter with the families of their students every Monday through Bloomz.

• Monday Work Folder: Teachers will send home a large envelope on Mondays that contain student work from the previous week. Please sign the back of the envelope and return to school the following day.

• Quarterly Phone Calls: Teachers will call their student’s parents at least once per quarter of the school year to update them on their child’s performance at school.

• If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress at school, please reach out to their teacher.

Are you connected to our school and your child's classroom through the Bloomz app? Receive weekly classroom updates, photos of your student learning, school-wide information, and much more in a user friendly format! Bloomz also offers translation in over 90 different languages! Need to sign up? Read the information below. If you need assistance, please contact the Leverett Main Office!

School Bloomz: Receive notifications, updates, information on events, and monthly School Newsletters!

School Bloomz Code: QC7UR9

• Instructions to download Bloomz app:

• Download the Bloomz app.

• Click "Join Bloomz" followed by "Enter Code."

• Enter the code and create your account.

• To connect to your child’s class on Bloomz, click "Add Class/Group" and enter the classroom teacher’s code (provided by the teacher).

Are you interested in supporting Leverett Elementary School by volunteering to help at Razorback parking? We are looking for parents/ guardians who can assist with this event. There are six home football games this year. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up through the link below. Volunteers can park for free the day that they volunteer. We also still have 16 spots available if you are interested, please email parking@leverettpto.com.

For the month of September, our character word of the month is empathy! Throughout the month, students will learn about what empathy means and how to practice showing it at school by understanding and caring for others. At the end of the month, we will recognize one student per grade who has demonstrated empathy and served as a role model for their peers. We’re excited to see our students grow in kindness and understanding!

Leverett Nurse: Kristi Taunton kristi.taunton@fayar.net

Student Medications: If your child needs to take medication during school hours, contact our school nurse, Nurse Kristi (kristi.taunton@fayar.net). Parents must bring prescription or over-the-counter medications to the school nurse and complete the documentation. Students are not allowed to bring prescription or over-the-counter medications to school.

At Leverett Elementary School our culture is rich with diversity! Celebrating cultural diversity helps all students feel confident, accepted, and special. Beginning on September 15th, our school-wide cultural celebration will begin. If your child is interested in sharing information about their culture on the morning announcements, please ask them to let their teacher know. Students and their families can look forward to other events and activities that will take place during Cultural Month such as:

School Day Presentations: Each classroom will receive a presentation on a different culture. Are you interested in presenting information about your culture in your child's classroom? Please email Elizabeth Covington at edcovin@gmail.com.

Live Morning Announcements: Every morning, Leverett students present live daily announcements. Is your child interested in sharing about their culture on the morning announcements? Please let your child's teacher know. We will begin having students share information about their culture on the morning announcements on September 16th.

Students can share a special item from their culture, a fun fact, teach our school how to say good morning in a different language, and much more!

Cultural Night at Leverett: Thursday, October 17th (5:30-7:00 PM) Students and their families are welcome to join us in a fun filled evening learning about the different cultures of Leverett Elementary. We will have various booths filled with information, artifacts, and foods from different cultures. There will be performances from various cultural groups and clubs from the University of Arkansas and activities for families to participate in. We hope to see you there!

Leverett Cultural Museum: During the school day on October 18th, all Leverett Elementary classes will get to visit the Leverett Cultural Museum! This will be a fun school day event where students can continue their cultural learning journey!

Leverett Elementary students participate in ENCORE class for one hour each day on a 6 day cycle. Your child’s teacher will provide the ENCORE schedule for their class.

• Music/ Art Teacher: Mrs. Reed (shelley.reed@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: JY4E4V

• P.E. Teacher: Coach Newman (shae.newman@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: GKR9Z7

• Library Teacher/ Innovator’s Workshop Teacher: Mrs. Powers (elizabeth.powers@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: XBJA6G

• Students will participate in guidance lessons provided by the school counselor each month.

• School Counselor: Mrs. Clark (erin.clark@fayar.net)

• Breakfast: 7:25-8:10 AM (in cafeteria)

• Lunch: Students in kindergarten through fourth grade eat lunch in the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their student. Please check in at the main office. Parents cannot come to the classroom or recess without prior approval by the teacher and administration. Your child’s teacher will share your students lunch time.

• All students will have the option to purchase school breakfast and lunch. If you are interested in applying for free lunch, please complete the form. Students may purchase a lunch or bring their own lunch. Breakfast and lunch will be eaten in the cafeteria. Our staff cannot heat up breakfast or lunch for students.

• School Meal Links:

• Free and Reduced Lunch Application

• School Bucks (Add money to your student’s account)

• Leverett School Breakfast/ Lunch Menu

• Snack: Each grade level has a designated snack time. Please send your child to school with a healthy snack. Teachers greatly appreciate snack donations to share with students who do not have a snack.

• Water Bottles: Send your child to school with a sealable water bottle labeled with their name. All our water fountains have been replaced with bottle-filling stations.

Leverett is excited to welcome our grandparents (and honorary grandparents/ special grown ups) to have lunch with their lion on Friday, September 6th. Please RSVP by emailing our Office Assistant, Meredith Thomas, at meredith.thomas@fayar.net or by calling our main office (479) 444-3077 by Wednesday, September 4th. Please contact your child's teacher for lunch time information. Grandparents are welcome to bring a lunch for themselves and/or their lion or buy a lunch in the cafeteria. Adult lunches are $4.45. Exact change or check are accepted. The lunch menu for the day can be found the district dining website.

Student Chromebooks: Each student will have a Chromebook and a charger for school use. Students will keep their school-provided computer at school. Parents can chose to provide their student with headphones or use a school issued pair.

Personal Electronic Devices: There will be no access to personal electronics during the day. These items must be kept inside their backpack. This includes cell phones, smart watches, etc. Watch for more information from the district. FPS Personal Electronic Device Procedure for Elementary Schools

Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. Students are prohibited from wearing clothing that is offensive or disruptive to the learning environment. Students are prohibited from wearing hoods on their heads, hats (unless designated as a hat day), slippers, or clothing that does not cover their midriff or undergarments. Students are required to wear tennis shoes to participate in P.E. Your child’s teacher will share information concerning the cycle days that your child will attend P.E. Students are encouraged to wear clothing that allows them to be comfortable and able to be active at school. If you have any questions concerning the student dress code, please contact Leverett administration (see page 114 in the FPS Parent Information Handbook).

Our Leverett Lions are off to a ROARing good start!

Leverett Lions ROAR everyday in the classroom, in the hallway, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and on the bus! Do you know how to ROAR like a LION? ROAR stands for...

Ready to Learn

Outstanding Friend

Always Respectful

Responsible Citizen

Keep ROARing, Lions!

We are very excited to announce that we will begin After School Clubs in September! Please read the information below on the clubs that are currently being offered at Leverett.

Space for clubs is limited and will be first come, first serve. Signing up for a club does not guarantee a spot. Students who participate in after school clubs will need a permission slip completed by their parent/guardian and to have someone pick them up at 4:30 PM. Parents/ guardians must be on time for pick up and have their ID with them. An after school snack will be provided.

Current Clubs Offered at Leverett:

Chess Club: Click here to sign up! Open to students in grades K-4. Meets on Mondays

Start date: Sept. 9th

Hip-Hop Dance Club: Click here to sign up! Open to students in grades 3 & 4. Meets on Thursdays.

Start date: Sept. 5th

*Session 2 begins on Oct. 22nd

Just Play Club: Click here to sign up! Open to students in grades K-4. Meets on Wednesdays.

Start date: Sept. 18th

*Session 2 begins on Nov. 6th

Are you interested in starting an after school club? Please email Ms. Cremo at christie.cremo@fayar.net. All clubs are required to have a Leverett staff member sponsor and supervise for student safety. Thank you!

Your child's attendance is critical to their success at school. Parents and Guardians, please be sure to submit a note if your child needs to be absent. Notes can be sent to school by student or shared electronically through email Mrs. Thomas (meredith.thomas@fayar.net).

For an absence to be considered excused, you must:

-Provide the Child's Name

-The date(s) of the absence(s)

-Excuse for why they are absent (see list of possible excused absences below)

Notes must be submitted within 5 days of the absence

Possible reasons for absence to be considered excused:

-Note from parent that the child is sick (can be used for first 6 absences per semester)

-Doctor's (Medical/ Mental Health) or Dental note

-Death or illness in immediate family

-Observance of recognized holidays observed by the student's faith

-Student appointment at a government agency

-Participation in FFA, FHA, or 4-H sanctioned activity

Parent written excuses can only be accepted for the first 6 consecutive absences per semester. Once a student has reached 6 absences, parent-written notes can no longer be accepted per attendance policy.

Please review the following actions that will occur upon the following absences:

3 Unexcused Absences: Bloomz note, 3 Day Letter, and/or phone call reminder from school.

5 Unexcused Absences: Phone call, Attendance letter, and attendance plan & meeting (if notes are not received within 5 days)

10 Total absences: Phone call, 10 Day Attendance letter, and attendance plan & meeting. Possible DHS referral.

15+ Total absences: Review of attendance plan and meeting with School Administration and School Social Worker. Possible DHS and/or Truancy Court Referral.

Tardies/ Early Release: Having your child arrive at school on time and stay all day is critical to their learning. Our students learn from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Excessive tardies and early releases will affect your child's attendance record and may require an attendance plan if deemed necessary by the principal and/or attendance committee.

-If your child arrives after 9:00 AM it is considered a half-day absence.

-If your child leaves before 2:00 PM it is considered a half-day absence.

Your child's attendance is recorded daily in ESchool. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's attendance, please call the Leverett Main Office at (479) 444-3077. Thank you!

Although we understand that illness occurs, we encourage all students to be present at school as much as possible. Please reach out to administration at any time if you have attendance concerns for your student.

School Wide Attendance Goal: : Leverett Lions Strive for Five or less Absences for the school year!

Our Leverett Lions compete weekly to see which grade level will have the best overall student attendance.

Our goal is for all grades to have 95% or more of their students attend school daily. Each week, we announce the grade level who had the best attendance for the entire school. The grade level with the best attendance will have a blue ribbon by their grade on the attendance bulletin board outside of the courtyard. At the end of the month, the grade level that has the most blue ribbons will receive an incentive. In addition, any grade level who has 95% or higher attendance each week will receive an incentive at the end of the month regardless of the number of blue ribbons they earn.

Grade Level Attendance Winners:

At the end of each month, we will recognize the grade level with the best attendance for the month. This is tracked weekly on the attendance bulletin board across from the courtyard.

Class Attendance Recognition: At the end of each month, the class with the overall best student attendance will receive an attendance reward poster to hang outside of their door, and receive an incentive.

Individual Student Recognition each Quarter:

Students will receive incentives each quarter for maintaining 5 or less absences during the school year.

Leverett Elementary has a school-based counselor through Arisa Health. If you are interested in learning more about school-based counseling opportunities for your student, please contact the school counselor or Leverett Administration.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Appleseed's Program! Thanks to this amazing collaboration, Leverett Elementary students will have the opportunity to take home fresh produce on September 12th, October 10th, and October 31st. This is a wonderful way to bring healthy, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to your family. Be on the lookout for your child's produce bag on these dates, and enjoy some delicious, nutritious goodies straight from the farm!

Happy birthday to our students born in the month of September. A birthday certificate will be sent home with your student this month. We hope you enjoy your day!