The Mary B. Buzz
- Attendance Matters: The state-wide twenty-day count will start on September 3rd and will continue through October 3rd. Please make sure students are on time every day. Also, we ask that you limit early dismissals during this time as well. Students excel when in school daily.
- Expectations: We are continuing to implement high expectations for academics and behavior for our students that are based on our "Roots Motto". We want to make sure that students represent the "Root's Motto" in everything they do every day. Students must "Dress for Success" in the appropriate uniform attire Monday through Thursday. Students may wear any color Spirit Shirt every Friday purchased through PTA or a school-sponsored event. Also, students will be held to high expectations to complete all classroom and homework assignments daily. We want to ensure that every student has access to their appropriate education every day at Austin. If you have questions about your child's progress, please email the teacher and set up a conference.
- Uniforms and Handbook: Please make sure that your child is abiding by our uniform policy. This year's policy can be found below. Socks must be solid white, black or navy. Shoes must meet the following: Solid or Combination of the following colors: White, Black, Navy, Gray, or Red Tennis Shoes or OXFORD Style (Black/White or Navy/White) No other combinations are allowed. Velcro or laces are accepted. If your child continuously receives Uniform Violation letters, it will result in a Discipline Referral. Also, as stated in our MBA Handbook, students are encouraged to bring a labeled water bottle (metal water bottles are not allowed due to the distraction of the learning environment).
- Dismissal Reminders: Please make sure your carpool tag is displayed daily. This is to ensure the safety of all students. If your carpool number is not displayed, you will be directed to park, come into the office and show ID. In addition, if your child does not come out timely, you will be moved to the fence and a teacher will bring your child to you. This allows our carpool to run smoothly. When leaving our carpool line, make sure to turn left onto The Cedars. Also, it is imperative that the way your child gets home is consistent. If your child alternates between carpool, walker, bus or EDC, please make sure the teacher is aware of the schedule or that a change is made in a timely manner.
- School Bus Reminders: If your child rides the bus to school in the mornings, please make sure they are at the bus stop on time. Cell phones, food and drinks are not allowed out on the bus. For your child's safety, they are to remain in their assigned seats while the bus is moving.
- Progress Reports: Students' quarterly progress will be available on Monday, September 9th in Schoology.
- Snacks: Gatorades are sold Monday-Friday for $1.00 during PE and popsicles are sold on Fridays only for $1.00.
- Title 1 & PTA Open House: Please join us for the Title One Meeting on September 17th in the cafeteria from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Following the meeting, we invite parents to attend the PTA Open House at 6:00 p.m. in the classrooms to explore the wonderful activities and learning that have occurred so far. We hope to see everyone there!
MCPSS Cell Phone Policy
Beginning September 3rd, students bringing a cell phone to school will be required to lock up their phones as per MCPSS policy. As part of their morning routine, students will place their cell phones into the provided lock boxes within their classroom. Prior to dismissal, cell phones will be returned to students. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.
Hi MBA Families!
It is hard to believe we've been back to school for a whole month! It is a joy and honor to be a part of the Mary B. Austin family as your school counselor. I am here to support your students in the areas of academic development, social-emotional skills, and career exploration. I hope to be a resource for you and your family as you navigate these wonderful, sometimes challenging years of childhood growth and development.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me! To learn more about Mary B. Austin’s school counseling program, click here.
Best,
Stephanie Bradford, M.Ed., NCC
School Counselor
September Tips for Parents & Families
As we continue to settle into routines, you can support your student's success at school by being mindful of the following:
- SLEEP - School-age children need 9-12 hours of sleep a night. When children are rested and refreshed, they are better able to focus, retain information, and do their best at school. To learn more about kids and sleep, click here.
- STRUCTURE - Children thrive when structure and routines are in place, both at school and at home. A simple, predictable weekday morning and weekday evening routine can help kids feel healthy, confident, and energized for the school day ahead. To learn more about setting a routine for success at school, click here.
- SCREENS - While screens can be fun and educational for kids, there are a number of reasons to keep a close eye on your child's use of smart phones, tablets, social media, TV and gaming systems. Too much screen time has been linked to obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance, violence and less time for play. To learn more about children and screen time, click here.
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Mary B. Austin Elementary
Email: jrabb@mcpss.com
Website: marybaustinelementary.com
Location: 150 Provident Lane, Mobile, AL, USA
Phone: 251-221-1015
Twitter: @MaryBAustin