Leverett: School to Home Connection

Happy, October, Leverett Families!

October is packed with exciting events at Leverett Elementary School! We are thrilled to celebrate Cultural Month, and we have many other activities planned throughout the month. Here’s a rundown of the events happening at Leverett this month:

• October 11th (7:30-8:30 AM): Join us for our first Coffee with Cremo and Fitz in the Leverett Library! Come enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with our administrative team. It’s a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build community.

• October 17th (5:30-7:00 PM): We are excited to host our Cultural Night as part of Cultural Month! Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate the rich diversity of cultures represented at Leverett Elementary.

• October 21st: Mark your calendars for Fall Picture Day! Make sure your child is ready to smile for the camera.

• October 21st-25th: The Leverett Book Fair will be open throughout the week, offering a wonderful selection of books for students and families. Be sure to stop by with your student during Parent/ Teacher Conferences!

• October 24th-25th: We will be holding Parent/Teacher Conferences. This is a valuable time to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss their progress. We look forward to connecting with you.

• October 28th-November 1st: In recognition of National Bully Prevention Month, Leverett will host a Bully Prevention Spirit Week. We’ll have special activities to raise awareness and promote kindness and inclusivity across the school.

• October 31st (2:00-3:00 PM): To wrap up the month, we’ll celebrate with fun fall parties in each classroom. Get ready for some seasonal festivities!

We are looking forward to an amazing October filled with learning, celebration, and community building! Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you at these events.

#HEARourROAR

Here are events that will take place at Leverett:

Oct. 2: Custodian Appreciation Day

Oct. 7: Instructional Coach Appreciation Day (Thank you, Mrs. Moretz)

Oct. 10: Appleseed's Produce sent home with Students in Grades 1 & 2

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

Oct. 15: K-4 Math District Checkpoint

Oct 17.: Quarter 2 Begins

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

Oct. 21: Fall Picture Day (flyer will be sent home)

Oct. 21: Report Cards Set Home

Oct. 23: K-4 ELA (Reading) District Checkpoint

Oct. 24: Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30-6:30 PM)

Oct. 25: Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School for Students)

Oct. 28-Nov. 1: Bully Prevention Spirit Week

Oct. 29: K-4 Science District Checkpoint

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

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

Oct. 31: Appleseed's Produce sent home with Students in PK & K

Nov. 8: Razorback's Women's Basketball Game (Grades 3 & 4) See info below

Nov. 12: Grades 3 & 4 ATLAS Math Interim

Nov. 13: STEAM Night @Leverett (5:30-7:00 PM)

Nov. 14: Grades 3 & 4 ATLAS Science Interim

Nov. 18: Grades K-2 ATLAS Literacy Interim

Nov. 19: Grades 3 & 4 ATLAS ELA (Reading) Interim

Nov. 20: Grades K-2 ATLAS Math Interim

Nov. 21: Grades 3 & 4 Musical @6:00 PM

Nov. 22: Popcorn Day!

Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

At Leverett Elementary School our culture is rich with diversity! Celebrating cultural diversity helps all students feel confident, accepted, and special. Every week during Cultural Month, our lions will learn fun facts and explore artifacts from all 7 continents! 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.

Live Morning Announcements: Every morning, Leverett students present live daily announcements. During cultural month, 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! Is your child interested in sharing about their culture on the morning announcements? Please let your child's teacher know.

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!

• 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. 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. If a student loses their bus ID and needs a new one, the cost is $5.00.

• 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

• 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!

We are excited to begin our Student Leadership Team for the 24-25 school year. Student Leadership Team Applications were sent home on Monday, September 30th. If your child is interested in being on the Student Leadership Team, please complete the application and return it to school by Monday, October 14th. Student Leadership Team will hold meetings after school on Mondays twice a month beginning on Monday, October 21st. It is not mandatory for students to attend the after school meetings to be on the leadership team. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Hartman or Ms. Cremo!

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.

Our Leverett Lions shine so bright! Each month, our students focus on a different character trait. Our September Character Trait was Empathy. In October our students will focus on Self Direction! Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as their grade level's student of the month!

Kindergarten: Ke'Terius Youngblood

First Grade: Livia Hottinger

Second Grade: Emma Miller

Third Grade: Noah Henry

Fourth Grade: Hannah Wilson

At Leverett Elementary, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. As part of Bully Prevention Month, we have several exciting activities planned to promote kindness, unity, and acceptance. Throughout the month, students will engage in special bully prevention lessons during morning meetings, where they will learn strategies to stand up to bullying and practice inclusion.

Students can also look forward to a Bully Prevention Spirit Week from October 28th to November 1st, featuring fun dress-up days and activities that promote school unity and respect for all.

Additionally, we will have activities that encourage acceptance and build a stronger community by including everyone. As always, we want to remind our students of the Leverett Bully Prevention Expectations:

• We will not bully others.
• We will try to help students who are bullied.
• We will try to include students who are left out.
• If we know that someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Together, we can make Leverett Elementary a place where everyone feels safe, accepted, and included! Let’s all do our part to create a positive and supportive environment this October and every day!

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.

We look forward to seeing you at our Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 24th from 3:30-6:30 PM and October 25th from 8:00-11:00 AM. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

Teachers will be sending out conference times on October 7th in the student newsletter, so please be on the lookout for more information.

In addition, our Leverett Book Fair will be open during conference hours! Be sure to stop by and pick up some great books for your child.

We look forward to connecting with you and working together to support your child's success!

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

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: Open to students in grades K-4. Meets on Mondays

Start date: Sept. 9th

Hip-Hop Dance Club: Open to students in grades 3 & 4. Meets on Thursdays.

Start date: Sept. 5th

*Session 2 begins on Oct. 22nd

Just Play Club: Open to students in grades K-4. Meets on Wednesdays.

Start date: Sept. 18th

*Session 2 begins on Nov. 6th

Lego Club: Open to students in grades K-4. Meets on Thursdays.

Start date: Oct. 3rd

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.

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. 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!

Students in Grades 3 & 4: September 12th

Students in Grades 1 & 2: October 10th

Students in Grades PK & K: October 31st

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