BEN ALEXANDER NEWS

Happy October! I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the crisp autumn days. With cooler days and the beauty of fall upon us, we’re excited to embark on a month full of activities and learning opportunities. This month brings many special events and celebrations for our students and families.

Top left to right

Gilberto Espindola, Penelope Rosales, Hudson Latham, Xxavian Moreno, Jose Sierra

Bottom left to right

Luis Aparicio, Coraline Garcia, Sebastian Rosendo, Dustie Sauceda

Ms. Marquez's class won the Golden Spatula Award for September. The Golden Spatula is awarded to BEN A students who demonstrate kind, courteous, respectful behavior in the cafeteria. Students are encouraged to practice skills such as walking safety, conversing at acceptable levels, leaving the cafeteria as they found it and using manners toward adults and peers. Congrats to Ms. Marquez's class.

* Sept. 30-Oct. 4 Homecoming WEEK

* Oct. 2 Early Release @ 1:45

*Oct. 3 Homecoming Parade @ 6 p.m.

* Oct. 7-11 Science Fair

* Oct. 12 Science Fair @ GANNS

* Oct. 7-11 Scholastic Book Fair

* Oct. 8 Parent/Families Welcome to Attend Book Fair

* Oct. 9 Early Release @ 1:45

* Oct. 11 Report Cards

* Oct.16 No School Student Led Conferences 11a.m.-6 p.m.

* Oct. 23 Early Release @ 1:45

* Oct. 25 Bring Non-Craved Decorated Pumpkins

* Oct. 28- Nov. 1 Pumpkin Decorating Contest

* Oct. 28- Nov. 1 Red Ribbon Week

* Oct. 30 Early Release @ 1:45

Parents and Families,

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Book Fair, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading, explore new books, and support our school. Whether you're looking for something fun and educational for your child or a great read for yourself, there's something for everyone!

Event Details for Students: 📅 Date: Oct. 7th - Oct. 11th

Event Details for Parents/Families: 📅 Date: Tuesday Oct. 8th
🕒 Time: 8:30-2:30
📍 Location: Ben Alexander Elementary Library

As a reminder, please bring a valid ID and be sure to check in at the front office upon arrival. This ensures the safety and security of our school while allowing everyone to enjoy the event smoothly.

Hope to see you then!

If your child is participating in the Science Fair, their Science Projects need to be at Ben Alexander on Monday October 7th.

Homecoming Parade will be on Thursday October 3rd at 6:00 PM. It will start at Wildcat Stadium, travel down Avenue D towards the Lea County Fairgrounds.

Dress-up Days

Monday, September 30, 2024 - Jammin' in our Jammies - Pajama Day

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Duet Day (Dress in Rhyme)

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - Favorite Musical Artist or Group

Thursday, October 3, 2024 - Eras Day -

• PK - 8 (Choose from Babies, Toddlers, Teens, Adults, Senior Citizens)
• LHS & NHHS 9th Grade - Babies, 10th Grade - Toddlers, 11th Grade - Adults, & 12th Grade - Senior Citizens

Friday, October 4, 2024 ROCK THE BLUE - Wear your Wildcat Blue!

Please be advised the LMS Student Dress Policy J-2361 Regulation has been approved by the LMS Board of Education to contain the following language:

The Lovington Municipal Schools recognize that parents are primarily responsible for students' dress and general appearance. However, student behavior and academic expectations are influenced by dress and grooming. Therefore, the following requirements for student dress District-wide (Pre-kindergarten through grade twelve [PK-12]) shall be based upon the following principles ...

The updated language has been added to the Student Handbook.

Fundraiser Purpose: With your help we will be raising funds for needs that may arise such as essential programs, supplies, field trips, class t-shirts, fun day, color run, ect....

Fundraiser Packet: Due on Tuesday Oct. 8th

Whether you contribute by donating, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, we truly appreciate everything you do for our Ben Alexander students. Your partnership is invaluable to us, and together we are making a difference in our students' education and future.

Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to welcome you to our Ben Alexander Fall Student-Led Conferences! This is a special opportunity for your child to take the lead in sharing their learning progress, achievements, and goals with you. These conferences empower students to reflect on their growth and demonstrate the skills they've developed throughout the year.

In October, we are focusing on COMMUNICATION, and this will tie in perfectly with the student-led conferences. Your child will have the opportunity to practice important communication skills by articulating their learning journey, discussing strengths and areas for improvement, and setting goals for the months ahead.

Teachers will be sending out conference times shortly, so please be on the lookout for that information.

We look forward to seeing you at our 1st Student-Led Conference on Wednesday October 16th!

Remember to stay updated on your child's academic journey through our Parent VUE Portal , BEN A Virtual S'more Newsletter and monthly Classroom Newsletter. We also encourage you to download the Parent Square App to stay informed on district and school happenings. If you need support, please check out the parent & guardians tab on our website or call us. Thank you for being a partner in education.

Reporting an Absence

Many parents ask, “When is my child sick enough to stay home from school?”

This is not always an easy question to answer! We hope that these tips can help!

A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to other children and staff. We suggest making a plan for childcare ahead of time so you will not be caught without a comforting place for your child to stay if he/she is ill.

Our school guidance states that you should not send your child to school if he/she has:

• Fever in the past 24 hours ***If your child has a fever, please DO NOT medicate your child and send them to school***
• Active vomiting (more than twice in a day) in the past 24 hours
• Diarrhea in the past 24 hours
• Chills
• Cough-A child with deep or uncontrollable coughing belongs at home even without a fever.
• Strep Throat (must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
• Bad cold, with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night
• Head lice – until your child has been treated according to the nurse or doctor’s instructions

If your child becomes ill at school and the teacher or school nurse feel the child is too sick to benefit from school or is contagious to other children, you will be called to come and take him/her home from school. It is essential that your child’s school has a phone number where you can be contacted during the day and an emergency number in the event you cannot be reached. Please be sure that arrangements can be made to transport your child home from school and that childcare is available in case of illness. If your daytime or emergency phone number changes during the year, please notify your child’s school immediately.

If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.

Thank you!