Penguin Press
Late July 2017
New 3rd Grade Language Arts Curriculum - Information for Parents
A Note from Principal Bame...
The first few weeks of school for Tracks 1, 2 and 3 have gone very smoothly! We are pleased with the dedicated learning and teaching we have observed in the classrooms these past few weeks. At the beginning of the year, we focus on building strong relationships with students, as well as developing student citizenship. Please consider discussing what it means to be a good school citizen with your child(ren) at the dinner table, in the car, or in the evening before bedtime. Books that emphasize community building and taking responsibility help to enforce our efforts at school. We value our working relationships with our family community!
Just a few quick updates...
- Track 4 will have their first day of school on Monday, July 31st. For all carpool students, please review your new carpool numbers prior to the start of school.
- Please remember - all excuse notes need to be turned into the main office within two school days after returning from an absence.
- Please ensure that you are communicating changes in transportation in writing, sent to school in your child's folder. When we have substitute teachers, this process allows them to be aware of changes.
- EMERGENCY changes should be called in to our front office for delivery.
- Exciting news, our AIG teachers have won the John Deere Lego grant for the 2017-2018 school year. We are excited to be bringing robotics into our enrichment classes.
- Please see the Warm Weather Guidelines attached to the School Messenger letter. We want to make sure that our students stay safe during hot days. We will employ indoor recess on these days!
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Raleigh G. Bame
Principal
Information for Track 4 Curriculum Night:
Plan to bring in consumable items such as pencils, folders, notebooks, glue, highlighters, markers and crayons on the first day of school.
*** Please bring items such as tissue, sanitizing wipes, ink, copy paper or other large wish list items to your child's Curriculum and Supply Drop Off event noted below:
Track 4:
Thursday, August 10th
5:00 - 5:30 pm - Session 1
5:30 - 5:45 pm - Break for parking lot turnover
5:45 - 6:15 pm - Session 2 (a repeat of session 1)
WONDERFUL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
- Are you looking for a way to get involved in your child’s classroom, but are concerned about the time commitment? If so, the Laurel Park Character Education program might be a perfect match for you! Character Education volunteers visit their assigned classroom approximately once a month for 30 minutes (or every other month if the classroom has two readers) where they read a pre-selected story and then ask a short list of pre-written questions for discussion. Each volunteer personally schedules their time with the individual teachers allowing for increased flexibility. The preparation is quick and easy, but the benefits are exceptional!
- There are only two openings per class with many classes still having availability for at least one volunteer. Currently we are seeking volunteers for all grade levels and all tracks. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the program coordinator, Jenny Ross at jennyross9981@yahoo.com. Class openings will be filled in the order in which emails are received.
Are you READY for our new Penguin Pledge?
As a Laurel Park Penguin, I will be:
Respectful of myself, others, and school property,
Engaged in all activities,
Accountable for my actions,
Determined to do my best all
Year-long.
Bells, Bells, Bells - Our start and end times are the SAME as last year: 9:15 AM - 3:45 PM.
2017-2018 Arrival Reminders & Updates:
- We are pushing the idea of having morning greetings and welcome meetings in our classroom prior to our instruction beginning this school year. Students who purchase school breakfast will bring their food to the classrooms this year, rather than eating in the cafeteria. We hope this will enhance our classroom engagement from the very beginning of the school day.
Arriving at school FAQs:
If I am late coming to school can’t I just walk in?
- We need all parents to come inside with their student and sign them in at the front office on the computer. If arriving after 12:30 PM you will be counted as absent for the entire day.
Can I walk my child to class?
- Parents are encouraged to instill independent learners in their child. Please let your child learn to be an independent student and walk to class everyday on their own.
However, our bells will be adjusted to reflect the following:
- 8:40 - Bell will ring to signal opening of doors to all students
- 9:00 - Bell will ring to signal that announcements will be made (featuring a "Wow" fact of the day, daily thought, Penguin Pledge, and the Pledge of Allegiance"
- 9:15 - Tardy Bell will ring (as always) and instruction begins
**** Please try and have students at school as early as possible :)
2017-2018 Dismissal Reminders & Updates:
What do I do if I need to check my child out early for a medical appointment?
- Come into the main office and bring your government issued ID and ask for your child. Office personnel will call for your child via an intercom classroom phone. Please arrive before 3:15 PM to ensure we are able to get your child in a timely manner. If you sign your child out after 12:30 they will be counted as present on a regular school day. On early release days they must be in school until 11:30 to be counted as present and on Saturday school they have to be in school until 11:15.
- Walkers and Carpool riders are dismissed beginning at 3:40 PM. Carpool riders wait in the cafeteria to be called to the front of the school. Bus/Daycare/Van riders wait in the classroom until 3:45 PM and they watch the television for their bus name/number to be displayed on the screen and it is also announced over the intercom.
What is the procedure for changing the way my child will go home?
- If you find that you will need to change your child’s method of travel to reach home, please write a note to the teacher. A verbal message to office personnel cannot be accepted as it presents a safety issue. Email communication is not a reliable method of reaching your child’s teacher during the school day as they are teaching students and may not receive it before dismissal.
What if I have an emergency change?
- Please email the teacher if it is before 12:00 PM. After 12:00 PM, please contact the front office. This process is only for emergencies!
What if my child misses the bus or van?
- The office will contact the parent concerning transportation home. It is important that contact information is complete and current.
Can my child go home with a friend on the bus?
- WCPSS Transportation policy requires that every student be registered to a bus and bus stop in order to receive bus transportation service.
Every Student with a Bus Route Assignment will be TAGGED!
Fidget Spinners/ Toys
Please Label Personal Items
NO BALLOONS at School!
Volunteer Clearance Hours
Monday through Friday:
AM - 8:40 AM - 9:30 AM
PM - 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Additional Opportunities in our Penguin Community
Laurel Park Elementary School
Website: www.wcpss.net/laurelparkes
Location: 2450 Laura Court, Duncan, SC, United States
Phone: 919.290.2333
Twitter: @LaurelParkElem