Cougar Connection

September 13, 2024

Volume 2, Issue 7

September 16-27: Goal-Setting Conferences. Please note dismissal times above.

September 19: Virtual PTA Meeting

September 27: Fall Carnival 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.

October 4: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

October 10: Cougar Chase (more details to follow)

October 31: Halloween Parade at 8:45 (more details to follow)

November 1: Teacher Work Day. NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

As we approach our upcoming Parent-Teacher Goal Setting Conferences, I want to emphasize the critical role these meetings play in your child's academic and personal growth. These conferences provide a unique opportunity to build a strong partnership between parents and teachers, ensuring that we are aligned in supporting your child’s success throughout the school year.

Open and honest dialogue between parents and teachers is key to fostering a supportive learning environment. By attending, you have the opportunity to ask questions, share any concerns, and collaborate with the teacher on how to best support your child at home and in the classroom.

We understand that schedules can be busy, but we encourage every parent or guardian to make this time a priority. Your involvement is an essential part of your child’s success, and we look forward to working with you to help them achieve their goals.

Please be mindful of the time allotted for each conference, as our teachers have many families to meet with. Sticking to the scheduled time will help ensure that every family receives the attention and focus they deserve. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your child’s education.

For your convenience, please enter campus through a campus gate rather than the office. The pedestrian gate at the front of the school and Murdell gate will remain unlocked during conference hours.

We understand that from time to time, you may need to communicate with your child's teacher during the school day. However, please keep in mind that our teachers are fully engaged in teaching and supporting students throughout the day, and may not be able to check or respond to emails until the following day.

If you have an urgent or time-sensitive matter, we kindly ask that you contact the school office directly. Our staff will ensure that any important messages are relayed to the teacher promptly.

A school site council (SSC) is a committee of individuals who work together to develop and monitor a school's academic, safety, and social-emotional programs. The SSC's primary responsibility is to advise on the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) that outlines goals to increase student achievement. The SPSA is a strategic plan that aligns with the district's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

Committee members are elected by the school community and serve a two year term. If interested, please complete this short form by September 25th.

We understand that family vacations and time away from school can sometimes be unavoidable. While we recognize the value of these experiences, we also want to stress that independent study, though a helpful alternative, will never fully replace the in-depth learning, social interaction, and hands-on experiences that take place within the classroom.

Our teachers work hard to provide enriching activities and assignments for students who are unable to attend, but these cannot replicate the collaborative environment and daily engagement that are central to classroom learning. However, we are committed to supporting your child in staying connected to their academic progress during their time away and will provide the necessary resources to help bridge the gap.

We encourage you to schedule vacations during school breaks whenever possible and to consider how time away might impact your child’s learning.

In order to receive approval for an Independent Study Agreement (ISA) the following four criteria must be met:

1. The ISA is not during the first or last 10 days of instruction for the school year.
2. The ISA is for a time period no more than 15 days.
3. The ISA does not exceed 15 days of short term ISA study for the student for this school year.
4. The ISA was signed and submitted to the school office at least 10 instructional days before the requested start date.

Our first annual Grandparents Day was a success! Students had the opportunity to work on family trees, with the guidance and support of their grandparents, which created a meaningful connection across generations. For students whose grandparents were unable to attend, several of our wonderful guests stepped in as surrogates, ensuring that everyone felt included and supported. The smiles, stories, and laughter made it a truly special day for both students and grandparents. We look forward to continuing this new tradition in the years to come!

Thank you, PTA, for hosting a memorable event.

To avoid congestion during dismissal a new procedure has been put in place regarding middle school students who have younger siblings at Smith. With the exception of Wednesdays, the middle schoolers are dismissed earlier than our students. To ensure a smooth and efficient dismissal process, we kindly ask that middle school students meet their younger siblings at the designated exit gate for the younger students rather than using the parking lot gate to pass through to Murdell.

Even on Wednesdays, middle school students will have ample time to walk along the field to get to the Murdell gate to pick up their siblings, which helps streamline the dismissal process for everyone. Yard supervisors are stationed at the gate and will not leave any students unattended.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping to ensure a safe and organized environment for all our students. If this creates a hardship for your family, please let us know.

Third-fifth graders have two opportunities to participate in extra-curriculuar STEAM clubs! These clubs offer a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities and creative projects. Whether your child is interested in building robots, experimenting with art and technology, or solving engineering challenges, there’s something for everyone. Please read the attached flyers for more information.

Breakfast and lunch are free to all students!

Breakfast will be served in the MPR from 8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. Supervision is provided. Students will enter campus through the parking lot gate and proceed directly to the MPR.

All students have the option to eat a school lunch complete with entree, fruit or vegetable, and a milk. Students may purchase additional meals if they choose. Visit the Child Nutrition Services page for more information.

Website: livermoreschools.org/smith
Location: 391 Ontario Drive, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.4750